Drought-torn Borolong cries for help

Dingongorego Charles, 68, has been relying on farming to provide food for his family since he retired in 2005.  "It has been good all along. I used to plough three hectares, which was enough to sell and feed my family. This year I did not harvest anything at all due to lack of rainfall, " said Charles, a well-known farmer in the village. Last season he had a great yield from the three hectares of maize and sweet reed he planted.Part of the yield raised P5,000, through sales to primary schools in Borolong and Francistown.

"This season we did not harvest anything at all despite using Seedco seeds which do well in dry seasons. At first the seeds worked well but the sun was a little bit harsh. The crops were burnt. I do not know what I will give my family as we survive through farming," he said.