Youth Urged To Turn To Farming

The Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Karabo Gare said in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Botswana is fighting two monsters; youth unemployment and a high import bill. Worsened by COVID-19, he said Botswana’s import bill stands at P9 billion annually. Speaking at the launch of the 'Support A Farmer, Feed The Nation' initiative on Friday, Gare said the closure of borders due to the pandemic, has highlighted the importance of self-reliance and food security. The 'Support A Farmer, Feed The Nation' is an initiative between African Agriculture, Business Botswana and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN).

However, he said agriculture with production can only be achieved through modern ways, which requires fresh minds and energy, and the use of modern technological equipment. He said the participation of youth, who are hard hit by unemployment, would ensure the creation of much-needed jobs. “Despite the ramifications brought by COVID-19, it has taught us the importance of self-reliance or food security. When we were hard hit and many borders were closed, we were forced to look within to feed the nation, but it was only a handful of farmers to meet the demand,” said Gare.