By Matshediso Motshabi
The whole year of 2022 was quite eventful. Due to COVID-19-related nation-level restrictions, this year began with rising food costs. As a result, cross-border agricultural value chains and the supplies of numerous commodities faced exceptional supply and demand shocks, which had a detrimental impact on our ability to make purchases.
The restrictions on horticulture produce import went into force on January 1st, 2022. Around May of this year, the list was expanded, and the Government plans to add more horticultural crops to the list. The majority of fresh produce was restricted from retail shelves at first, and the prices of the produce that was still accessible increased. We commend our local farmers for exploring with alternative perishables in place of the familiar cash crops. Hence why this December, a range of locally grown veggies, including leeks, shallots, mushrooms, patty pans, and cucumbers, are readily available in our stores. The President, His Excellency, remarked in SONA 2022 that this prohibition significantly improved our country’s food security because we are self-sufficient in produce like potatoes and tomatoes, and because it perfectly complements the Government of Botswana’s Reset agenda. Complete self-sufficiency target has not yet been attained, and the market will face some shocks because it has not yet stabilized, he continued, but he vowed that the horticultural market will stabilize soon.
The continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which was revived in February, has been going on since 2014. Due to these two, the entire world was impacted. Ukraine was the main exporter of wheat, barley, corn, sunflower oil, and its by-products, while Russia net exported wheat, sunflower oil, and agricultural fertilizers. Due to the destruction of factories and farms, the potential for fatalities, and the forced displacement of the affected citizens, the Russian invasion of Ukraine put a halt to agricultural production and its value chains. Regarding the Russia, there are international sanctions in place, such as Executive Order 14068, which prohibits a number of imports, exports, and new investments in response to the country’s ongoing aggression. This order was issued in accordance with the United States’ International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Due to the inability of these two nations to export their goods to crucial markets, including Sub-Saharan Africa, a snowball effect forced other countries to look for more expensive alternatives, forcing the majority of developing African nations to use their foreign reserves and other crucial national funds to buy the goods they needed to feed their populations.
Our nation’s food inflation rate reached its greatest level since 2009 as a result of this international dispute. In October, food prices in Botswana rose by 15.8%, with oils and fats accounting for 43.2% of the rise, vegetables 21.7%, and bread & cereals 20.7%. Customers undoubtedly felt a squeeze in their wallets. In order to protect consumers from the current high inflation rate, the Minister of Finance, Hon. Peggy Serame, announced inflation relief measures in June. These included the reduction of the inflation rate from its all-time high of 14% to 12.7% for a period of six months, the exemption of products like cooking oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from VAT, and additional funding provided by the government to BMC so that it could make up missed payments to farmers. Additionally, the Bolux group’s anticipated price increases for items made from wheat and maize have been put on hold. The goal of all of these anti-inflation measures was to prevent a worsening of food shortage in our country.
As part of the relief efforts, the livestock feed subsidy went into effect in August for a six-month term. From 1 August 2022 to 31 January 2023, the approval of the 15% Livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) feeds will be observed. The Botswana Marketing Board (BAMB) and all participating outlets/traders who are registered with the Department of Animal Production office are where you may purchase the subsidised livestock feeds and vaccines. Additionally, it is suggested that the Government refrain from providing funding for any item that exceeds the maximum selling price for subsidies. As an effort to increase our national cattle herd and small stock population, we highly appreciate our President’s initiative of gifting farmers with these beasts. This initiative has helped 156 farmers, and the president pledged that more grants will be made in the future.
The focus of COP27 was agriculture. We either eat or we starve, was the message. Therefore, countries were seriously urged to lessen severe climatic effects that have a negative impact on agriculture. The circular economy and regenerative agriculture were the main talking points. Without a question, modern-day Batswana farmers are learned individuals. Therefore, regardless of the size of their farms, I enjoin all Motswana farmer and would-be farmer to learn more about the aforementioned topics and apply their concepts and technology. It is up to us to preserve the planet for future generations. If you return to nature, it will look after your offspring.
