Southern farmers resign to their fate
Friday, December 18, 2015
Coming up slowly: Sebolao at his maize field
Every year around March, travellers along the Gaborone-Molepolole road know to expect piles of melons, sweet reed and maize, as farmers in the region proudly sell their harvest.
For many here, the roadside sales are an invaluable source of income and for motorists, an annual treat to look forward to.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...