Maize and Wheat Millers Association (MWMA) Chairman Sir Wonder Masebola has called for greater cooperation among farmers, millers and policymakers to strengthen Botswana’s food security, as the association advocates grain procurement and import policies that support the entire food value chain.
MWMA is urging an approach that gives local farmers reliable access to buyers while allowing millers to import sufficient grain to cover domestic production shortfalls. The association argues that supporting agriculture, sustaining processing capacity and keeping staple foods affordable must be pursued together.
“Food security is not built in supermarkets. It is built through the combined efforts of farmers, transporters, millers, retailers and policymakers working together to ensure that every Motswana has access to essential food products,” Masebola said.
His comments underline the association’s concern that restrictions on grain supplies can affect more than milling businesses. Interruptions to production can place pressure on employment, operating costs and the availability of everyday food products.
Local milling facilities represent substantial investments in processing equipment, storage, logistics and quality assurance. Their ability to serve the country depends on consistent access to raw materials, alongside the skills required to operate and maintain sophisticated manufacturing systems.
“When people think about milling, they often think about machines and products. What they do not always see is the depth of citizen expertise behind these operations. Across our member companies, Batswana are acquiring specialised skills, managing sophisticated technologies and building careers in one of the country’s most important manufacturing sectors,” Masebola said.
A dependable market for local farmers
MWMA maintains that local millers can absorb domestically produced grain that meets agreed price and quality requirements, with imports covering the balance needed to satisfy national demand.
The association is also advocating direct purchasing arrangements between farmers and millers. It says participating millers can pay within a week of delivery, subject to agreed commercial terms, offering farmers an additional market and greater certainty over payment.
Against concerns about delayed payments through the Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB), MWMA argues that farmers should have greater choice over where they sell their crops. Direct agreements could help producers manage cash flow and prepare for the next planting season while securing local supplies for processors.
Masebola reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to strengthening domestic agriculture.
“Every tonne of grain produced locally matters. Our industry remains committed to supporting Botswana’s farmers because stronger agriculture translates into stronger food security, stronger rural economies and greater national resilience.”
The association’s position is that local purchasing and imports have complementary roles. Buying Botswana-grown grain supports agricultural development, while importing the shortfall helps keep local factories operating and households supplied.
Economist Dr Keith Jefferis also noted that climatic conditions mean Botswana will continue to face shortfalls in maize and wheat, even though sorghum self-sufficiency is possible in a good year. “Hence imports are critical for securing national food security, and it is therefore irrational to ban or restrict imports,” he said. He also recommended making sales to BAMB optional and allowing farmers to sell directly to millers.
Protecting investment, jobs and affordable food
For MWMA, grain policy must recognise milling as part of the national infrastructure that supports food security. Beyond producing staple foods, the sector sustains jobs, purchases local goods and services, and supports transport and distribution businesses.
Masebola’s comments draw attention to the long-term investment behind that contribution.
“The story of milling is ultimately the story of national resilience. These facilities represent decades of investment, innovation and commitment to Botswana. They are not simply factories; they are part of the infrastructure that feeds our nation, supports our economy and contributes to our long-term development,” he said.
MWMA is urging engagement among government, BAMB, farmers and millers on practical arrangements that prioritise local grain, enable prompt payment and allow timely imports where domestic supplies fall short.
The association believes this would strengthen the market for Botswana’s farmers while protecting the processing capacity needed to turn grain into reliable, affordable food.
