The Minister of Entrepreneurship, Karabo Socraat Gare, officially inaugurated the Maja-A-Ikgorosa Primary Livestock Relief Programme this week in Kang, underscoring the government’s steadfast commitment to bolstering small and medium-scale farmers throughout Botswana. This pioneering initiative aims to address enduring challenges faced by livestock producers and enhance their economic engagement through targeted interventions.
In his keynote address, Gare highlighted the government’s resolute dedication to uplifting the lives of Batswana, despite the setbacks inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed that the current administration remains committed to fulfilling its promises of inclusive development, particularly for rural farmers who have faced obstacles in accessing profitable markets.
“The Maja-A-Ikgorosa Programme aims to provide primary livestock producers with essential inputs such as feed and veterinary services, ensuring that their cattle are ready for higher-value markets, including the European Union (EU) market,” stated Gare. He emphasized the programme’s potential to unlock new opportunities within the livestock value chain by enhancing the quality of cattle sold to the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) and other buyers.
Introduced under the guidance of President Mokgweetsi Masisi, the scheme aligns with recent initiatives like “Temo Letlotlo” and “Thuo Letlotlo,” which strive to amplify agricultural production and value addition. It is meticulously designed to aid farmers in preparing their livestock for sale, thereby enabling them to attain better prices and improve their livelihoods.
Key stakeholders in the programme include the BMC, Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB), Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA), and Local Enterprise Authority (LEA). These entities will collaborate to provide infrastructure development, business advisory services, and market access to small and medium-scale farmers. Furthermore, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) will ensure that farmers comply with EU market eligibility criteria.
Gare expressed optimism about the programme’s potential to benefit farmers across Botswana. He noted that while the initial phase will concentrate on cattle zones eligible for EU export, there are plans to extend the initiative to non-EU markets, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This phased approach aims to ensure that farmers in disease-endemic zones can also participate in the programme in the near future.
Farmers are encouraged to apply for the scheme, which allows them to sell between 1-100 cattle per feeding cycle of three months. By participating in the Maja-A-Ikgorosa Programme, farmers stand to gain direct access to premium markets, improve price discovery, and secure better margins. Gare concluded the launch by declaring the programme officially open, marking the commencement of what is anticipated to be a transformative initiative for Botswana’s livestock industry.
