Report on the Two-Day Workshop on Moringa Farming, Value Addition, and Export Certification Processes

  

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Event Summary

• Event Title: Moringa Farming, Value Addition, and Export Certification Workshop
• Dates: 13th - 14th December 2024
• Venue: University of Botswana (UB)
• Facilitators:
• Hunter, Executive President of Farmer's Pride International and Hunter’s Global Network
• Carol Thokwane, Agroecology Expert and Co-Facilitator
• Participants: 14 attendees (7 men and 7 women) from the Southern District of Botswana

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Workshop Objectives

1. Equip participants with essential knowledge of Moringa farming and agro-processing.
2. Train farmers on adding value to Moringa products for profitability.
3. Provide a detailed understanding of export certification and market compliance.
4. Promote sustainable farming practices, including agroecology and regenerative agriculture.

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Workshop Overview and Key Topics

Day 1: Introduction to Moringa Farming

1. Understanding Moringa Farming

• Overview of Moringa species, with emphasis on Moringa oleifera.
• Its adaptability to Botswana’s climate and its global economic importance.

2. Agro-Ecological Conditions for Moringa Growth

• Ideal soil types, climate, and water requirements.
• Soil preparation, testing, and fertilization methods.

3. Planting Methods and Spacing

• Direct Seeding: Cost-effective for large-scale farming.
• Transplanting Seedlings: Ensures higher survival rates.
• Recommended Spacing:
• 1m x 1m: For leaf production.
• 3m x 3m: For seed and oil production.

4. Farm Management and Maintenance

• Regular weeding, pruning, and pest management.
• Watering schedules using drip irrigation systems.

5. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management

• Leaf and seed harvesting intervals.
• Drying, packaging, and storage methods for maintaining product quality.

6. Economic Value of Moringa in Botswana

• Local and international market demand.
• Opportunities in agro-processing and export markets.

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Day 2: Value Addition and Export Certification

1. Value Addition in Moringa Farming

• Processing Moringa into products such as:
• Leaf powder for supplements and teas.
• Ben Oil for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
• Soaps, capsules, and protein bars.

2. Packaging and Branding for Export

• Professional packaging standards to ensure product quality and longevity.
• Branding strategies for gaining market visibility.

3. Certification and Compliance for Export

• Key Certifications:
• Organic Certification
• Fair-Trade Certification
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Food Safety Standards (HACCP, ISO)

4. Global Market Integration

• Market opportunities in Europe, the USA, and Asia.
• Compliance with international trade agreements such as AfCFTA and EU regulations.

5. Business Development and Financial Planning

• Crafting a business plan and estimating production costs.
• Profitability projections and potential ROI.
• Accessing funding through grants, loans, and PPPs.

6. Success Stories and Lessons Learned

• Case studies from Botswana, Africa, and other international markets.

7. Interactive Session and Q&A

• Participants shared challenges, exchanged ideas, and discussed future farming plans.

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Workshop Outcomes

1. Knowledge Empowerment:
   Farmers acquired comprehensive skills in Moringa farming, agro-processing, and export readiness.
2. Business Development Skills:
   Participants learned how to brand, package, and market Moringa products profitably.
3. Networking and Collaboration:
   The workshop created a platform for future collaborations among farmers, facilitators, and investors.
4. Action Plans for Implementation:
   Each participant developed a personalized action plan for their farming projects.

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Farm Visit and Practical Demonstration

The workshop concluded with a visit to Mr. Mogomotsi Madise’s Moringa Farm. Participants received hands-on training in planting, maintenance, and harvesting techniques. Mr. Madise shared how he successfully sells Moringa products to Chinese companies and recently secured a supply contract with the German market. His success story inspired participants to adopt best practices and pursue export opportunities.

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Next Steps and Follow-Up Actions

• Follow-Up Support: Continuous mentorship from Farmer’s Pride International.
• Cluster Development: Establishing Agriculture-Based Clusters (ABCs) for shared learning and cooperative marketing.
• Technical Assistance: Support in farm management, agro-processing, and exporting.
• Evaluation Meeting: Progress review after three months to assess and address implementation challenges.

For more information visit FPI website: 

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Conclusion

The two-day workshop on Moringa farming was a transformative learning experience that strengthened participants’ agricultural knowledge and business skills. By integrating practical farm visits, export compliance training, and value-added production sessions, the workshop equipped farmers with the tools needed to succeed in the Moringa agribusiness sector. This initiative aligns with Farmer’s Pride International’s mission to empower farmers, promote agro-industrial growth, and support Botswana’s economic development.

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Report Compiled By:
Elfas Zadzagomo Mc Shangwa (Hunter)
Executive President, Farmer's Pride International
Co-Facilitator: Carol Thokwane

 

Exciting News for Botswana's Farming and Processing Sectors!

 

PRESS RELEASE!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Revolutionizing Botswana’s Agriculture through the Establishment of the  Agro-Processing industry of Botswana: 

Establishing 100 Agriculture-Based Clusters

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Botswana, December 2, 2024 – Botswana stands at the edge of an agricultural and agro-processing revolution. With a  new and forward-thinking government spearheading innovative economic strategies, we are proud to stand and compliment its efforts and lead the charge in transforming food security and economic empowerment across the nation.

We are thrilled to announce that Today, three visionary entities have proudly formed themselves into an Agro-Processing Industry body of Botswana (APIB), that can also known as Botswana's Agro-Processing Industries (BAPI). This historic partnership aims to revolutionize the nation’s agriculture by fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic growth on a global scale. Taping from Farmer's Pride International's Rural and Urban Agriculture Innovative Production Program (RUAIPP) model, a model of greater success, this is not just an agriculture model but A Catalyst for Socio-Economic Transformation

Our flagship program creates a vital bridge between rural farming and urban markets—ensuring that what is produced in the fields directly reaches buyers, businesses, and consumers in towns and cities. By empowering farmers with technology to enhance productivity and by creating efficient systems to connect producers to markets, we are turning agricultural outputs into valuable products for sale locally and internationally.

This initiative goes beyond just farming. It establishes a robust market-driven ecosystem where rural farmers have consistent opportunities to sell their goods, urban businesses can access fresh produce and processed items, and consumers benefit from quality, locally produced products. By integrating technology, streamlining supply chains, and fostering value addition, we are ensuring that every stakeholder in this chain experiences growth and prosperity.

As we bring rural innovation together with urban demand, this is a moment of transformation for Botswana—one that will position the nation as a leader in integrated, market-oriented agriculture and economic development.

Starting Tuesday, December 10, 2024, APIB will embark on its ambitious mission to establish 100 Agriculture-Based Clusters (ABCs) across Botswana’s 10 districts, comprising 10 clusters each. This initiative integrates advanced farming practices, agro-processing, renewable energy, water management, and value addition, cultivating self-sufficient local economies while driving national and regional progress.

We aim to work with Government and other development partners into transforming every district into an Agriculture Hub. Agriculture is a business and must be treated so (Dr Akinwumi Adesina  the President of the African Development Bank).

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Farming Clusters: Cultivating High-Value Crops

At the core of this groundbreaking initiative is the development of Agriculture-Based Clusters under the Rural and Urban Agriculture Innovation Production Program (RUAIPP). These clusters will focus on high-value crops to ensure reliable raw material supply for agro-processing, enhance food security, and boost Botswana’s agricultural economy.

Key High-Value Crops:

1. Root Crops: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava.
2. Vegetables: Onions, tomatoes, carrots, peppers, cabbages.
3. Grains and Legumes: Maize, wheat, rice, beans, groundnuts, soya beans, chickpeas, lentils.
4. Oilseeds: Sunflower, safflower, sesame, and groundnuts.
5. Specialty Crops: Moringa, organic herbs, and high-demand medicinal plants.

These clusters are designed to prioritize sustainability and efficiency while adopting cutting-edge technologies to maximize yields and ensure market competitiveness.

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Key Sectors Driving Agro-Processing and Cluster Development

The initiative integrates critical sectors, each playing a vital role in cluster success.

Farming Cooperatives and Associations

• Formation of district-level farming cooperatives to organize production and facilitate market access.
• Development of national-level associations to represent farmers in policymaking and funding negotiations.

Banking Sector

• Tailored agricultural financing solutions for farmers and agripreneurs.
• Partnerships with microfinance institutions and government for subsidized credit.

Donors Sector

• Collaboration with international development agencies and NGOs to fund sustainable agriculture projects.
• Establishment of a donor platform to coordinate investments and enhance transparency.

Investors Sector

• Engaging domestic and international investors in agro-processing, logistics, and R&D.
• Incentivizing private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

Other sectors include:

1. Seed Production and Research & Development (R&D): High-yield and climate-resilient seed production, soil health improvement, and pest management.
2. Farming Input Suppliers: Providing fertilizers, pesticides, tools, and farm wear.
3. Agro-Processing: Infrastructure for grain milling, vegetable canning, oil extraction, and fish/dairy processing.
4. Renewable Energy Integration: Solar irrigation, biogas plants, and energy-efficient machinery.
5. Animal Feed and Organic Fertilizer Production: Repurposing crop residues into high-quality feed and fertilizers.
6. Mushroom Farming and Fish Farming: Diversified production with high-value varieties.
7. Transport and Logistics: Cold chain solutions, storage, and market linkages.

Each sector will be integrated into clusters in their respective districts, with clusters designed to encompass all relevant activities as required.

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SMART Objectives for Agro-Based Clusters

Specific:

Establish 100 Agriculture-Based Clusters across Botswana’s 10 districts by December 2026.

Measurable:

• Allocate 200 hectares per cluster for high-value crops.
• Ensure 20% raw material supply for agro-processing facilities annually.
• Train 10,000 stakeholders in sustainable farming, agro-processing, and water harvesting by 2026.

Achievable:

Leverage partnerships with the government, private investors, and international donors for funding and technical expertise.

Relevant:

Align with Botswana’s economic diversification goals by integrating renewable energy, agro-processing, and market expansion strategies.

Time-Bound:

Operationalize the first 20 clusters by June 2025 and complete all 100 clusters by December 2026.

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Operational Leadership

The initiative is managed by three founding companies, each with distinct responsibilities:

1. Public-Private Partnership Promotion: Driving collaboration between the government, private investors, and communities.
2. Marketing and Media Outreach: Ensuring cluster success stories reach global audiences to attract investments.
3. Cluster Formation, Capacity Building, and Management: Overseeing training programs, cluster performance evaluations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

These companies will work closely with local stakeholders and international organizations to foster a dynamic ecosystem that supports sustainable growth.

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Upcoming Developments and Activities

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Forums, Training, and Community Engagement

APIB will host annual and bi-annual conferences, community outreach initiatives, and training programs tailored to farmers, agripreneurs, and policymakers. These events will facilitate:

• Knowledge sharing and collaboration across clusters.
• Skill development for sustainable farming, agro-processing, and renewable energy integration.

Cluster Support:

Investments in infrastructure, advanced farming inputs, agro-processing facilities, and renewable energy systems.

Forums, Seminars, and Training:

Hosting bi-annual forums, annual conferences, training programs and community outreach activities to facilitate knowledge sharing, skill development and innovation.

Innovation Hubs:

Establishing Research & Development (R&D) centres for testing new technologies in farming, agro-processing, and renewable energy.

Market Expansion:

Streamlining export systems to position Botswana as a global leader in value-added agricultural goods.

Funding Opportunities:

Engaging international donors, investors and local stakeholders to ensure financial sustainability.

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Key Planning Meeting – December 10, 2024

A pivotal meeting will be held on December 10, 2024, to finalize the strategic implementation plans. Key agenda items include:

• Funding strategies and timelines.
• Updates on cluster infrastructure recruitment, training program and progress.
• Opportunities for stakeholder collaboration.

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Empowering Botswana Through Collaboration

With the establishment of 100 Agriculture-Based Clusters, APIB is poised to lead Botswana into a future of agricultural innovation, economic empowerment, and global influence. 

Together, let us transform Botswana’s agricultural landscape—

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Join Us in Transforming Botswana’s Agricultural Landscape – One Cluster at a Time!

For inquiries, contact:

Elfas Zadzagomo (Hunter)
Call/WhatsApp: +267 73269 606
Email: info@farmerspride-int.org

Website:https://www.farmersprideinternational.org/