Tough times upon Batswana as drought deepens

Friday, July 29, 2016

A young farmer at Llara Dikgatlhong lands attends to his livestock PIC: KAGISO ONKATSWITSE

Uncertainty is what farmers wear on their countenance at the moment. The land is very dusty and dry, storages are bare, domestic animals are gaunt and pockets weigh less as the prolonged dry spell drags on.

While President Ian Khama officially launched the region’s appeal for P26bn in humanitarian aid in the wake of the devastating El Niño event on Tuesday, farmers looked to the gods for rain with anticipation. The southern African region is undergoing its worst drought in 35 years, pushing 40 million people into dire need, including 23 million requiring emergency intervention.

All Betty Ramathu, a 51-year-old farmer in Llara/Dikgatlhong lands near Ramotswa wishes could be availed in aid is water for both her crops and livestock.

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