Botswana hit by heatwaves, and no rain
Botswana has experienced three heatwaves this year alone, and six heatwaves in this season, but little to no rain at all.
This adversely impacts Botswana's agricultural sector already in the grip of several challenges including erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and land degradation, all exacerbated by climate change.
Even then, agriculture remains a critical pillar of the economy, employing a significant portion of the workforce, particularly youth and small-scale farmers.
The Ministry of Agriculture held a 'Youth in Agriculture Pitso' to discuss the future of Botswana's agricultural landscape, under the theme, 'Empowering Youth in Climate-Smart Agriculture through Technology Adoption to Improve Agriculture.'
Discussions focused on knowledge sharing, research and capacity building, market opportunities, accessing innovative financing, and adopting Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices, while presentations covered initiatives like Temo-Letlotlo for crop farming, aquaculture, apiculture, and plant protection.
Botswana Climate Change Network (BCCN) PR and Communications Officer, Boitumelo Marumo, who was also a panellist at the event has called for a paradigm shift towards CSA, a set of practices that enhance productivity, resilience, and emissions reductions in agricultural systems.
“For Botswana where agriculture is vulnerable to climate variability, climate-smart agriculture is crucial. It integrates traditional knowledge with technology, thus promoting a balance between environmental health and food security,” she said.
By embracing climate-smart agriculture, Botswana can cultivate a more resilient and productive agricultural sector, and empowering young farmers with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need is paramount.
“Through collaborative efforts, we can transform agriculture into a powerful tool for mitigating climate change and ensuring food security for future generations,” she said. She added that the success stories, including the Gweta Hydroponics Project, serve as testaments to the potential of innovation in this domain.
“By learning from such experiences and fostering a multi-stakeholder approach, Botswana can unlock a brighter future for its agriculture sector, driven by a generation of climate-smart young farmers,” Marumo said.
The pitso allowed participants to discuss current opportunities and challenges in agriculture, while presenters showcased mitigation measures including; drought-resistant crop varieties, whereas panellists emphasised adaptation strategies including; water-saving irrigation techniques, drought-resistant crops, sustainable soil management, and circular economy strategies.
The Pitso culminated in a series of recommendations, highlighting the need for; intensified research and capacity building to equip young farmers with the knowledge and skills for CSA implementation.
It was also suggested that accessible financing mechanisms to overcome initial investment hurdles for innovative technologies is crucial and there is need for improved market access to connect young farmers with lucrative markets for their produce, as well as strengthened extension services to provide ongoing support and guidance to youth in the field.
In SADC, agriculture accounts for more than 17 percent of the region's Gross Domestic Product but Botswana is vulnerable to yield loss, while the yield losses for maize - a staple in the region - are estimated at 18 percent.