Funding Opportunity for Agriculture Clusters In Botswana'.

 

Announcement:

Hunter's Global Network PTY LTD and Farmer's Pride International Botswana are excited to announce the preparation of its Farming Clusters for funding in the first quoter of year 2025. 

This initiative is aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and fostering collaboration among farmers in Botswana.

Several funding institutions are coming onboard and hence we need to put our Farming Clusters in order. Conduct capacity building and make sure they are ready for this funding Opportunity.

Funding Eligibility Requirements:

1. Cluster Membership: Each cluster should consist of 10 to 20 members.

2. Registration: Clusters must be registered as a company, association, or cooperative and include Farmer's Pride International (FPI) as a shareholder holding 35% of the shares on that project for 5 years.

3. Agricultural Production: Clusters must have grown potatoes and maintained financial and operational records for FPI to assess.

4. Membership Fees: All members must be paid-up members of Farmer's Pride International Botswana, contributing 500 per member.

Benefits of membership fees: Getting funded for projects and having market access through FPI

5. Governance: Clusters must have a constitution, an MoU with FPI, and a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

6. Training: Clusters must have completed cluster development training.

Application Process:

Interested clusters aiming for funding in 2025 should ensure they meet all the above requirements. Please submit your letter of interest to:

- Email: info@farmerspride-int.org

- CC: laone@farmerspride-int.org and           ceo@farmerspride-int.org

Call Laone on: +71707820

This funding opportunity is a significant step towards building a robust agricultural sector through well-organized and supported farming clusters.

Read more here: https://fpi-i.blogspot.com/2024/10/breaking-news-success-and-future-plans.html

 Let's grow together! 🚀

Breaking News: B2B Agro-Industry Forum 2024 Debrief

Gaborone, Botswana—On October 10, a debriefing meeting was held following the successful B2B Agro-Industry Forum 2024, organized by Hunter’s Global Network in partnership with Farmer’s Pride International Botswana. The event, funded by Premier Clothing and the National Development Bank of Botswana (NDB), took place at the Botswana Chamber of Mines from 9 to 11 a.m.

Notable Attendees:

1. Elfas Mcloud Zadzagomo Shangwa (Hunter) Hunter's Global Network -HGN

2. . Banusi Mbaakanyi FPI Executive & Rame Equipment Supplies

3. Laone Mopipi Farmer's Pride international 

4. Joseph Ramotshabi- Chamber of Mines

5. Prof. Dixon Toromiro-BUAN

6. John Matlapeng-NDB

7. Morulaganyi Masalila-Chamber of mines

8. Joy- FPI Aspiring Farmer

9. Theetso CM

10. the other gentleman--CM

11. Dr. Martin Kebakile-NARDI

12. Dmytro Reznichenko- Ukraine Embassy 

13. Sheila (MFK)

14. Theetso Moetlo-Chamber of Mined

15. Mpho Matebesi- Chamber of Mines

The debrief, led by Organizing Chairperson Banusi Mbaakanyi, reviewed the forum's activities and outlined future plans. Participants agreed to establish an Agro-Processing Cluster, which will integrate Farming Clusters under Farmer's Pride International with Industrial Clusters to form Agriculture Based Clusters (ABCs). These clusters aim to enhance agriculture, farming, and value addition while promoting backward linkages with suppliers and forward linkages connecting producers to markets and consumers.

Ms Banusi Mbaakanyi with support from Hunter's Global Network PTY LTD Executive President Elfas Zadzagomo (Hunter) made a suggestion that Mr. Joseph Ramotshabi representing Chamber Of Mines agree to take up responsibility that Chamber of Mines hosts and lead the Agro-Industry Cluster. After highlighting the challenges on funding this important institution, with everyone a greeting that they will support Chamber of Mines he later agreed to take responsibility. 

The discussion highlighted the importance of organization, particularly after hearing from the Country Director of Farmer's Pride International Botswana about the successful development of Farming clusters currently growing and providing potatoes to the Nation in support of the Government of Botswana's ban on importation of Potatoes into Botswana' for 2 years, the gathering was happy to look at ways to support the Farming Clusters and to put in plans to train farmers on other additional high-value crops, including tomatoes, beans, Onions and maize.

The meeting concluded with Farmer's Pride International and Hunter's Global Network being given a task and committing to draft a concept note for the Botswana Agro-Processing (BOAP) initiative. The Chamber of Mines will lead the steering committee, with FPI Country Director Laone Mopipi at the helm of the initiative desk, given her organization's track record in farming clusters development. The initiative will be driven by the private sector.

Dr. Martin Kebakile from NARDI informed attendees about a tomato processing plant in Selibe Phikwe that requires more tomatoes than local farmers currently supply. NARDI is also focused on seed production and is open to partnerships. J Matlapeng from NDB discussed the challenges of funding farmers and production sectors, emphasizing losses from unmet expectations. Hunter's Global Network proposed that funding should be allocated to registered clusters, overseen by FPI, rather than individual farmers.

D.T. Rimiro from BUAN shared their expertise in testing technology for farming communities and their commitment to rural development through agriculture. They expressed willingness to collaborate with other stakeholders.

B2B Agro-Industry 2024

The meeting on the 10th of October 2024 culminated from the B2B Agro Industry forum 2024, which  took place in Gaborone at Ava Marian from the 23rd to the 24th of September 2024 and lasted three days, attracted five members from Ukraine's AgroVin, an Agro-Processing Cluster of 60 major farming and industrial clusters in Ukraine, who provided valuable international insights. Despite challenges such as last-minute funding issues and the withdrawal of some sponsors, the forum was deemed a success.

The success of the forum is attributed to the leadership of Banusi Mbaakanyi, appointed Chairperson by the Executive President of Farmer's Pride International. Mbaakanyi, along with Laone Mopipi and Elfas Mcloud Zadzagomo from Hunter's Global Network, worked diligently to secure a venue and ensure the event's success.

The arrival of AgroVin marked the beginning of fruitful B2B meetings, leading to the formation of three new clusters: Farming, Manufacturing, and Petroleum. These groups are now preparing to meet the expectations of AGROVIN and other potential investors set to visit Botswana in the near future.

The forum concluded positively, setting the stage for continued collaboration and growth in Botswana's agro-processing sector.

Watch and listen more on the B2B Agro Industry Forum 2024 speaches here:  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/jnpgs5kshsZKoZWM/?mibextid=oFDknk

For Debrief meeting photos visit this page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/hSDcyVac8Si4oPyQ/?mibextid=oFDknk

Report on the 3-Day B2B Agro Processing Forum in Botswana

Date: September 21-23, 2024

Venue: AVE Maria, Gaborone, Botswana

Hosted by:Hunter's Global Network PTY LTD (HGN) and Farmer's Pride International (FPI)

Financial Support: National Development Bank (NDB), Premier Clothing Botswana.

The 3-day B2B Agro Processing Forum held at AVE Maria in Gaborone, Botswana, was a resounding success, bringing together key stakeholders in the agricultural sector to foster collaboration, innovation, and business development. Hosted by Hunter's Global Network PTY LTD (HGN) and Farmer's Pride International (FPI), the event aimed to promote agricultural development, value addition, and business-to-business relationships. This forum was part of the Rural and Urban Agriculture Innovative Production Program (RUAIPP), which seeks to bridge the gap between rural and urban agricultural practices through innovative solutions.

Participants and Dignitaries

The forum was graced by the presence of the Assistant Minister of Agriculture in Botswana, Honourable Molebatsi Shimane Molebatsi, who attended all three days, underscoring the government's commitment to agricultural advancement. We were also honored to have the First Secretary to the Ambassador of Ukraine, Ms. Kateryna Smagliy, in attendance, highlighting the international dimension of the event.

Key Participants

AGROVIN (Ukraine): AGROVIN, a leader in oenological products and machinery, showcased their innovative solutions for winemaking and other agricultural processes. Their delegation consisted of six officials: Serhiy Hutsol, Mykhailo Lysyany, Vitaly Petrenko, Oleksandr Kozachenko, Vitaly Shuberanskyi, and Ihor Semenyuk. AGROVIN's product range includes:


Agro-Processing Cluster: Production of agricultural products, fertilizers, seeds, organic pesticides
Processing of Agricultural Products: Production of oil, flour, feed for animals, AdBlue Production: For vehicles

Food Products: Mustard, ketchup, juice, beer
Technologies for Precision Agriculture: Navigation systems, agricultural equipment

Hunter's Global Network and Farmer's Pride International Officials: The event saw active participation from the executive teams of both HGN and FPI, who facilitated discussions and networking sessions.

Financial Supporters:

1. NDB, BWP 10,00.00
2. Premier Clothing Botswana, BWP, 29,000.00

Technical support: Chamber of Mines , Business Botswana and BITC


Objectives

1. Promote Agricultural Development: Enhance local agricultural practices through knowledge sharing and capacity building.
2. Value Addition: Encourage the processing of raw agricultural products to increase their market value.
3. Business-to-Business Relationships: Foster partnerships between local and international agro-industry clusters.
4. Sector-Specific Groups: Form groups to negotiate with Ukraine on the importation and exportation of agro products and petroleum products.

Outcomes

Formation of Sector-Specific Groups: Dedicated groups were established to negotiate business deals with Ukrainian counterparts, focusing on agro products and petroleum.
Knowledge Exchange: Participants gained valuable insights into advanced agricultural technologies and practices.
Networking Opportunities: The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and explore new business opportunities.

Commitment to Sustainability: Discussions emphasized sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of environmental stewardship.

Conclusion

The B2B Agro Processing Forum was a landmark event that set the stage for future collaborations and advancements in Botswana's agricultural sector. The active participation of government officials, international delegates, and local stakeholders underscored the collective commitment to driving agricultural innovation and economic growth. The integration of the Rural and Urban Agriculture Innovative Production Program (RUAIPP) further highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between rural and urban agricultural practices through innovative solutions. All participating companies presented their products, covering all areas of agricultural production except self-propelled machines. The forum will conclude on Wednesday with B2B meetings to negotiate business, facilitated through the groups formed at the end of the two days at AVE Maria.

Written by:
Hunter Executive President and Founder, HGN and FPI

Integrate regenerative agriculture and soil science within an agroecological framework

At Farmer’s Pride International (FPI), we understand the importance of bringing together regenerative agriculture, soil science, and agroecology to create a sustainable future for farming. Here’s how we can achieve this integration:

1. Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration: We will actively foster collaboration between agronomists, soil scientists, ecologists, and farmers. By conducting interdisciplinary research, we can develop practices that enhance soil health while also improving agroecological outcomes and protein production. This collaboration will include joint projects, shared resources, and regular knowledge exchange forums.
2. Educational Programs and Workshops: We are committed to developing educational initiatives to teach farmers and stakeholders the principles of regenerative agriculture, soil science, and agroecology. Through workshops, we will emphasize their interconnectedness and the many benefits of sustainable practices. These programs will include hands-on training, field demonstrations, and access to educational materials.
3. Policy Advocacy: As FPI, we will work diligently with policymakers to promote legislation and funding that supports regenerative agriculture and soil health initiatives within agroecological frameworks. Our advocacy will focus on creating incentives for farmers to adopt practices that benefit both their lands and our ecosystems. We will also engage in policy dialogues and contribute to the development of national and regional agricultural policies.
4. Demonstration Projects: We plan to establish demonstration farms that showcase the successful integration of regenerative practices and soil science within agroecological systems. These sites will serve as learning hubs for both farmers and researchers. Demonstration projects will include trials of new techniques, monitoring of soil health indicators, and open days for community visits.
5. Knowledge Sharing Platforms: We aim to create online platforms or networks where practitioners can share best practices, research findings, and innovations related to regenerative agriculture and agroecology. Facilitating the exchange of ideas and resources is essential to our mission. These platforms will feature discussion forums, webinars, and a repository of case studies and research papers.
6. Funding and Support for Research: We will allocate resources for research that specifically explores the synergies between regenerative agriculture, soil science, and agroecology. Our focus will be on finding practices that maximize ecosystem health while improving agricultural productivity. We will seek partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and funding bodies to support these initiatives.
7. Community Engagement: Engaging local communities in regenerative practices that emphasize soil stewardship and ecological principles is a priority for us. We will involve stakeholders in discussions about the importance of healthy soils for food production and ecosystem services. Community engagement activities will include participatory workshops, local advisory groups, and outreach programs.
8. Ecosystem Services Valuation: At FPI, we will promote the concept of valuing ecosystem services that stem from healthy soils and agroecological practices. By highlighting these benefits, we hope to encourage wider adoption of regenerative practices among farmers. We will work on developing metrics and tools to quantify these services and communicate their value to policymakers and the public.

Through these strategies, we at Farmer’s Pride International aim to effectively integrate regenerative agriculture and soil science within an agroecological framework, promoting a holistic approach to sustainable farming that benefits all.

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Here are some useful references and websites related to regenerative agriculture, soil science, and agroecology:

1. Regenerative Agriculture:
• Regenerative Agriculture Initiative at California State University, Chico
• Regeneration International
2. Soil Science:
• Soil Science Society of America
• Global Soil Partnership by FAO
3. Agroecology:
• Agroecology Knowledge Hub by FAO
• The Agroecology Fund
4. Policy Advocacy:
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Policy Support
• International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
5. Educational Programs and Workshops:
• Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
• Rodale Institute
6. Community Engagement and Knowledge Sharing:
• Permaculture Research Institute
• The Land Institute