Boko calls for Agricultural change as billion Pula project launched
President Duma Boko has urged the country’s Agricultural sector to evolve in line with global environmental shifts before it’s too late.
Officially launching the ‘Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation in Communal Rangelands Project’ in Tsabong on Monday, Boko emphasised the urgency of climate action and the pressing need for green change.
“Our Agriculture must adapt or it will wither. If we are to make Agriculture a meaningful contributor to our economy and food security, it must become climate-smart, people-driven and environmentally sustainable,” the President declared, calling for farmers to be treated with dignity and given the tools to thrive.
“The overarching goal is to build the adaptive capacity of communities in communal areas, enabling them to better withstand the adverse impacts of climate change,” explained Boko.
Co-financed by government, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and Conservation International the landmark project is backed by a total investment of US$96.7 million (over P1.3 billion). Botswana committed US$54.6 million, while GCF and Conservation International contributed US$36.8 million and US$6.8 million each.
Originally scheduled for 8.5 years from 2022 to 2030, the project experienced a year-long pause to realign with new government structures. Reactivated under the leadership of the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, the initiative is guided by a Project Steering Committee and a Technical Committee – both aimed at fostering multi-sectoral ownership, policy alignment and effective coordination.
Targeting 104 villages across Ngamiland, Kgalagadi and Bobirwa, the scheme aims to transform Botswana’s vulnerable rangelands into hubs of climate resilience. It is also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4.7 metric tonnes of CO2 – representing nearly 5 percent of the country’s 2030 national reduction target.
At its core, the initiative focuses on three strategic pillars: strengthening institutions for climate-responsive planning; reducing emissions and livelihood vulnerabilities through improved livestock management and rangeland rehabilitation; and driving value chain transformation and policy reform to support sustainable economic development.
One of the key targets is the restoration of 4.6 million hectares of degraded communal rangelands, directly benefiting an estimated 247,000 people, 54 percent of whom are women. These communities will gain access to new climate-smart livelihood opportunities including fodder production, abattoirs, aquaculture, tree nurseries and value-added natural products.
The project will be implemented using the internationally recognised Herding for Health (H4H) model, which promotes collective community governance, improved livestock practices, and enhanced market access. Following Monday’s launch, the H4H approach will be rolled out through regional workshops, starting in Kgalagadi, followed by engagements in Ngamiland and Bobirwa.
