PRESS RELEASE!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Revolutionizing Botswana’s Agriculture through the Establishment of the Agro-Processing industry of Botswana:
Establishing 100 Agriculture-Based Clusters
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).
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:
- Root Crops: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava.
- Vegetables: Onions, tomatoes, carrots, peppers, cabbages.
- Grains and Legumes: Maize, wheat, rice, beans, groundnuts, soya beans, chickpeas, lentils.
- Oilseeds: Sunflower, safflower, sesame, and groundnuts.
- 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.
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:
- Seed Production and Research
& Development (R&D): High-yield and climate-resilient seed
production, soil health improvement, and pest management.
- Farming Input Suppliers: Providing fertilizers,
pesticides, tools, and farm wear.
- Agro-Processing: Infrastructure for grain
milling, vegetable canning, oil extraction, and fish/dairy processing.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Solar irrigation, biogas
plants, and energy-efficient machinery.
- Animal Feed and Organic
Fertilizer Production: Repurposing crop residues into high-quality
feed and fertilizers.
- Mushroom Farming and Fish
Farming:
Diversified production with high-value varieties.
- 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.
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.
Operational Leadership
The
initiative is managed by three founding companies, each with distinct
responsibilities:
- Public-Private Partnership
Promotion:
Driving collaboration between the government, private investors, and
communities.
- Marketing and Media Outreach: Ensuring cluster success
stories reach global audiences to attract investments.
- 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.
Upcoming Developments and Activities
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.
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.
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—
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
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Great news
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