President Boko Warns of Declining Cattle Herd at Kaka Farmers Field Day, Calls for Urgent Action

President Boko Warns of Declining Cattle Herd at Kaka Farmers Field Day, Calls for Urgent Action. President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko has sounded the alarm over the steady decline of Botswana’s national cattle herd, which has fallen from an estimated 3 million to just over 1 million. He delivered the remarks while officiating at the Kaka Farmers Association Field Day, where he emphasised the urgent need to revitalise the livestock sector.

Addressing farmers, stakeholders, and community leaders, President Boko cautioned that if the decline continues, Botswana could face increased dependence on imported beef — posing a significant threat to both food security and the country’s agricultural economy.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the livestock industry by focusing on sustainable practices, improved productivity, and resilience against drought and climate shocks. “We must act decisively to protect this sector, not only for its economic value but for its central role in our rural communities,” he said.

The Kaka Farmers Field Day served as a practical engagement platform, offering farmers insights on livestock health management, adaptive grazing practices, and climate-smart agriculture. The event also aimed to build farmer capacity and support grassroots-led innovation in livestock development.

For entrepreneurs and agribusiness operators across Botswana, the President’s address highlights both a challenge and an opportunity: the need to innovate within the livestock value chain — from feed production and veterinary services to beef processing and export readiness.

The government’s renewed focus on agricultural development sends a clear signal that revitalising Botswana’s cattle sector will remain a national priority. Stakeholders are encouraged to align their initiatives with sustainable and commercially viable solutions that support long-term growth.