TUTUME CLUSTER REPORT ON THE TWO-DAY MORINGA FARMING AND EXPORT PREPAREDNESS KNOWLEDGE ABD SKILLS TRANSFER

FARMER’S PRIDE INTERNATIONAL (FPI)

Hunter’s Global Network PTY LTD | Uphopia Farms

In Collaboration with the Rural and Urban Agriculture Innovative Production Program (RUAIPP)

Venue: Elegance English Medium Preschool, Tutume, Botswana

Dates: 18th – 19th April 2025

Cluster Members in Attendance: 9

Facilitated by: Farmer’s Pride International, Hunter’s Global Network, and Uphopia Farms

1. Introduction

As part of the national strategy to build Agriculture-Based Clusters (ABCs) under the Rural and Urban Agriculture Innovative Production Program (RUAIPP), Farmer’s Pride International (FPI), in partnership with Hunter’s Global Network (HGN) and Uphopia Farms, conducted a two-day Moringa Farming and Export Preparedness Training for the Tutume Cluster.

This training was organized to enhance farmers’ capacity in climate-resilient Moringa cultivation, and to build a solid foundation for transitioning into export markets. The initiative aligns with Botswana Vision 2036, the National Development Plan 11 (NDP11), and the Revised National Policy on Agricultural Development, all of which promote diversification, food security, and youth and women empowerment in agriculture.

The training further advances the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. Training Team

• Lead Facilitator: Hunter – Executive President, Hunter’s Global Network
• Co-Facilitator (Practicals): Mr. Mogomotsi Madisa – Director of Public Relations, FPI
• Administration: Ms. Laone Mopipi – Program Administrator
• Logistics Team:
  
• Mr. Joshua Dipitsi – Cluster Operations & Logistics Officer
• Mr. Mitchel Shangwa – Training Logistics & Field Coordination Officer

3. Objectives of the Training

• To introduce modern, climate-smart, and organic Moringa cultivation techniques.
• To build technical capacity for sustainable agronomic practices.
• To prepare cluster members for farm inspections and organic certification.
• To strengthen collective cluster-based farming systems and group resource utilization.

4. Training Content and Modules Covered

Day 1 – 18th April 2025: Agronomic Foundations & Certification Readiness

• Opening Remarks: Overview of Cluster Development Model and Vision 2025
• Module 1: Soil and Climate Suitability for Moringa Farming
• Module 2: Organic Seed Selection, Germination Protocols & Spacing
• Module 3: Water Harvesting Techniques, Mulching & Agroecological Practices
• Module 4: Record Keeping, Compliance Documentation & Traceability

Additional Modules Covered:

• Module 5: Introduction to Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and Agroecology
• Module 6: Climate Change Resilience through Moringa Farming
• Module 7: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Natural Fertilizer Use

Important Note:

Modules 8 to 11, which focus on Post-Harvest Handling, Drying Techniques, Export Procedures, and Cluster Financing Models, were not covered during this workshop. These modules will be conducted in a standalone specialized training focused on agro-processing and export readiness scheduled for May–June 2025.

5. Key Outcomes

• All 9 members of the Tutume Cluster successfully completed foundational agronomic knowledge and skills transfer sessions..
• A cluster WhatsApp group was formed for post-training support and knowledge sharing.
• Farmers expressed strong commitment to the next phase of training focused on drying and export packaging.

6. Challenges Noted

• Most farmers lack proper infrastructure for Moringa drying and post-harvest processing.
• Some members require additional support on pest control and organic fertilization.
• Financial literacy gaps and limited access to capital were observed.

7. Recommendations

• Provide technical assistance in drying facility design and material sourcing.
• Link cluster members to revolving savings schemes and microfinance networks.
• Conduct monthly mentorship visits and practical demos.
• Enroll all interested members into the upcoming Export & Drying Workshop to be held in Gaborone or Francistown.

8. Way Forward

FPI and HGN will continue to support the Tutume Cluster in developing their Moringa farms into compliant, export-ready units. Regular inspection, guidance, and integration into the SADC Moringa Export Framework will be prioritized. The follow-up workshop will finalize the business and export components to enable farmers to directly benefit from international markets.

Prepared by:

Hunter – Executive President

Hunter’s Global Network PTY LTD | Farmer’s Pride International 

Contact Details:

Physical Address: Plot 12996, Mine Houses, Monarch, Francistown, Botswana

E-mails:

• hunter@hg-network.org
• hunter@farmerspride-int.org
• president@primepromotions-bw.com

Farmer’s Pride Linktree: https://linktr.ee/farmerspride.int