Botswana’s road to a diversified energy portfolio

Being off-grid was always a blessing in disguise for him, as he seized the opportunity to think differently. It allowed Joseph, who detests noise pollution from fuel-run generators, to take advantage of the sun. He bought photovoltaic (PV) solar panels as a greener option for powering his farm operations. The solar system has been pumping water from a 130-metre-deep borehole, with an additional two panels supplying electricity to the farmhouse for years now since production started at the farm.

This has had significant financial benefits to the smallholder farmer who supplies the grain to traditional cuisine vendors—known as bommaseapei in the vernacular. Throughout the years practicing rainfed cropping, yields have not been satisfactory, though there is a niche market given the high demand for millet – a staple food in the Central, North East, and North West districts in Botswana.