Farmers Call for Strengthened BAMB to Unlock Botswana’s Agricultural Potential

Farmers Call for Strengthened BAMB to Unlock Botswana’s Agricultural Potential. Scheepers highlighted that delayed payments and weak operational systems within BAMB continue to hinder farmers, despite agriculture being recognised as a key investment frontier for Botswana. “Farmers need to be paid,” she said. “The country has the capacity to meet domestic food demand and even supply regional markets, but these structural issues must be addressed.”

According to Scheepers, boosting agricultural productivity requires more than financial support or the provision of seeds and fertilisers. She stressed the importance of revisiting the fundamentals of farming in Botswana. “We must go back to basics—implement a national crop plan, strengthen farmers of all sizes, and ensure they have the capacity and skills to farm effectively,” she noted.

Scheepers’ remarks come at a time when Botswana is seeking to expand its agricultural footprint and reduce dependence on imports. The challenges highlighted by farmers, particularly regarding BAMB’s performance, indicate that institutional efficiency will be critical to achieving these goals.#BotswanaAgriculture

The call for a stronger, more responsive BAMB aligns with broader efforts to professionalize the agricultural sector, enhance food security, and position Botswana as a competitive exporter in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

For entrepreneurs and investors, addressing these bottlenecks presents opportunities to partner with farmers, provide innovative solutions, and help modernize Botswana’s agricultural infrastructure. Strengthening BAMB, improving payment systems, and supporting skills development could unlock significant value for the sector and the wider economy.