Botswana’s new fodder strategy will not close the country’s feed deficit overnight, but it could mark the first serious step towards drought resilience, beef sector competitiveness and a stronger rural economy.
By DOUGLAS WASBASH
Botswana has embarked on what could become one of the most important agricultural transformations of the next decade. A newly launched National Fodder Production Strategy aims to add one million tonnes of fodder annually by 2030, laying the foundation for a more resilient livestock industry and a stronger rural economy.
The target is ambitious, but perhaps more importantly, it is realistic.
Feed Gap
Botswana’s livestock sector contributes more than 80 percent of agricultural GDP, yet domestic feed production currently meets only 10 to 12 percent of national requirements. Annual demand for feed is estimated at nearly 6.9 million tonnes and is expected to rise sharply in coming years. Against that backdrop, an additional one million tonnes represents a very good start.
Developed by the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the strategy calls for approximately P1.25 billion in investment and seeks to expand fodder cultivation by 120,000 hectares while promoting improved rangeland management and greater use of crop residues and agro-industrial by-products.
Fodder Pillar
The significance of the strategy was underscored this week at the Global Private Sector Forum on Sustainable Rangelands and Livestock Systems held in Gaborone under the GEF-7 Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Programme.
Welcoming delegates from SADC and beyond, Minister of Lands and Agriculture Dr Edwin Gorataone Dikoloti reaffirmed Botswana’s ambition to transform agriculture and increase its contribution to the economy from the current two percent to at least six percent.
“We have set ourselves an ambitious target. We want agriculture to contribute at least six percent of GDP and we aspire to grow our national herd to five million cattle. Achieving that vision will require sustainable rangeland management, climate-resilient livestock systems and stronger partnerships with farmers, the private sector and the international community,” Dr Dikoloti said.
He described the recently launched National Fodder Production Strategy as a key pillar of that transformation.
“The National Fodder Production Strategy will strengthen our resilience to drought and provide the reliable feed base required for sustainable livestock production and growth,” he said.
Regional Push
Speaking on behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization, Subregional Coordinator Patrice Talla praised Botswana for hosting the landmark forum and called for greater regional collaboration, stronger knowledge sharing and increased private sector investment to restore dryland ecosystems and build resilient livestock systems across Southern Africa.
Officially opening the forum, Minister of Environment and Tourism Wynter Boipuso Mmolotsi said Botswana’s rangelands, which cover approximately 57 percent of the country’s landmass, are fundamental to food security, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and rural livelihoods.
“Sustainable rangelands are not only an environmental issue. They are central to food security, economic growth, biodiversity conservation and the livelihoods of our people,” Minister Mmolotsi said.
He warned that climate change, recurrent droughts and land degradation posed growing threats to these ecosystems and highlighted ongoing restoration initiatives in Ngamiland, Kgalagadi, Bobirwa, Habu, Tutume-Mosetse and Chobe.
“Addressing land degradation requires strong partnerships among governments, communities, the private sector and development partners. Through evidence-based decision making, innovative financing and strategic partnerships, Botswana remains committed to advancing sustainable land management and contributing meaningfully to global efforts ahead of UNCCD COP17,” he said.
Restoration Tools
Botswana’s efforts are guided by Land Degradation Neutrality targets, the National Action Programme to Combat Desertification and the National Land Restoration Strategy 2024-2030. Investment in science and technology, including a Land Degradation Monitoring System and Geographic Information System laboratory developed with support from FAO and the UNCCD Global Mechanism, is helping provide the tools needed for evidence-based land management.
These interventions are timely. About 15.5 percent of Botswana’s land is already degraded, imposing annual economic losses estimated at P3.5 billion. Feed accounts for more than 70 percent of livestock production costs, making reliable fodder supplies fundamental to the competitiveness of the country’s beef industry.
First Bale
No one should imagine that one million tonnes will solve Botswana’s feed deficit. It will not.
But every transformation starts somewhere.
For decades, fodder was regarded largely as a response to drought emergencies. Today, Botswana is beginning to recognise it as a strategic industry and the foundation upon which future livestock growth will depend.
One million tonnes is not the destination.
It is the first bale on a much longer journey.