Botswana is strengthening its agricultural sector by exploring innovative solutions that can improve livestock production, increase farmer incomes and build resilience against climate change. These efforts are being highlighted during the two day Agro Processing and Commodity Clusters Workshop on Fodder Production, focusing on cactus and Juncao grass, taking place from 15 to 16 July 2026 at the Botswana Cooperatives Training Centre in Sebele. The workshop is hosted by Gola Ventures Botswana, Graze Gold and the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI), bringing together government officials, researchers, financial institutions, industry experts and farmers. Participants are examining practical strategies to improve fodder availability while strengthening Botswana’s agricultural value chains. The event reflects the country’s growing commitment to adopting modern farming technologies that support sustainable livestock production and economic diversification.
One of the central themes of the workshop is the urgent need to improve fodder production as Botswana continues to face recurring droughts, climate variability and livestock disease challenges. Reliable access to quality animal feed remains one of the biggest obstacles limiting productivity within the country’s livestock industry. Many farmers struggle to maintain healthy herds during prolonged dry periods because natural grazing becomes scarce and less nutritious. By introducing alternative fodder crops such as spineless cactus and Juncao grass, stakeholders hope to reduce dependence on natural grazing while ensuring livestock receive consistent nutrition throughout the year. These innovative crops have the potential to transform livestock farming by providing sustainable feed sources that perform well under difficult environmental conditions.
Welcoming participants to the workshop, NARDI Chief Executive Officer Professor Julius Atlhopheng outlined the institute’s mandate and highlighted its role in supporting agricultural research and value chain development. He explained that NARDI works to develop practical agricultural solutions that increase production, create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods across Botswana. Professor Atlhopheng emphasized that fodder shortages continue to constrain the productivity and profitability of livestock farming. To address this challenge, NARDI will conduct trials of cactus and Juncao grass at its Sebele research fields to evaluate how both crops perform under Botswana’s local soil conditions, water availability and climate. The research findings will provide valuable evidence that can guide farmers and policymakers when considering future investment in alternative fodder production.
Professor Atlhopheng also highlighted several existing initiatives where NARDI is already contributing expertise in fodder production and livestock development. These include the Botswana Development Corporation Milk Valley Dairy Cows project involving Girilanos cattle and programmes supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development aimed at strengthening small stock and poultry production. Through these projects, NARDI continues to generate research that helps farmers improve productivity while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The institute’s involvement demonstrates the importance of scientific research in addressing practical farming challenges. By combining research with farmer training and industry partnerships, Botswana can accelerate agricultural innovation and strengthen food security.
Gola Ventures Botswana Managing Director, Co Founder and Project Lead for Commodity Cluster Development and the Annual Agro Processing Conference and Value Addition Expo, Ms Banusi Mbaakanyi, explained that the workshop extends beyond technical training on fodder crops. She encouraged participants to reflect critically on what is best for Botswana’s livestock sector and to consider policy reforms that support long term agricultural sustainability. According to Ms Mbaakanyi, improving fodder production should go hand in hand with stronger ranch management systems and more efficient land use. She proposed fresh thinking around the Tribal Grazing Land Policy of 1991 to encourage individually managed ranches supported by reliable fodder production. Such changes, she argued, could improve animal nutrition, increase productivity and promote sustainable land management practices.
Ms Mbaakanyi also highlighted the importance of strengthening Botswana’s competitiveness in international agricultural markets. She pointed out that neighboring Namibia is successfully accessing European Union and United States markets, demonstrating the opportunities available to countries with efficient livestock systems and strong value chains. Botswana, she said, has the potential to compete more effectively by investing in quality fodder production, improved ranching methods and value addition throughout the agricultural sector. Expanding these capabilities would not only improve export opportunities but also stimulate rural economic development. Her remarks reinforced the need for Botswana to continuously modernize its agricultural industry to remain competitive in global markets.
Officially opening the workshop, Assistant Minister of Lands and Agriculture Hon. Motsamai Motsamai described the event as timely given the challenges facing Botswana’s livestock industry. He noted that prolonged droughts, climate variability and the continued threat of Foot and Mouth Disease require farmers to adopt more resilient production systems. Reliable and nutritious fodder, he explained, forms the foundation of healthy livestock and sustainable farming enterprises. Investing in fodder production can increase livestock productivity, improve household incomes and create employment opportunities throughout the agricultural value chain. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting agricultural development through research, production, agro processing, financing, certification and digital innovation.
Technical presentations formed a major part of the workshop, providing participants with practical knowledge on alternative fodder crops. Independent consultant Mr Terence Unterpertinger from South Africa presented an in depth session on cactus fodder production for Botswana. He explained the science behind cultivating spineless cactus, covering site selection, land preparation, irrigation, pest management, harvesting techniques and processing methods. Mr Unterpertinger described how cactus should be planted halfway into the soil, allowing strong root development before harvesting leaves after approximately 14 to 16 months and fruit after about two years. He emphasized the crop’s exceptional nutritional value and versatility, noting that it can be fed fresh, dried or processed into powder to provide livestock feed throughout the year.
Graze Gold Co Founder and Director Mr Mojaboswa Maphane introduced participants to Juncao grass technology, which originated in China and has gained recognition for its impressive productivity. He explained that the grass grows rapidly, reaching heights of between 1.5 and 2 metres in about two months under suitable conditions. Unlike many other crops, Juncao requires relatively low inputs because chemical fertilizers are not necessary during establishment. Mr Maphane also highlighted that the grass is non invasive because it does not flower or produce seeds, instead spreading through buds. His presentation included practical guidance on cultivation techniques, management practices and farmer training needed for successful Juncao production.
The workshop also addressed broader aspects of agricultural competitiveness beyond production. Botswana Ecological Association Ambassador and Chairperson Mr Daniel Gabolatse encouraged farmers to embrace organic farming practices while aligning with international organizations that promote sustainable agriculture. Quality Institute Botswana Co Founder and Chairperson Mr Robert Monageng emphasized that certification plays a crucial role in accessing premium international markets. Together with DQS South Africa Sales Director Mr Musa Miyen, he explained how internationally recognized quality standards and food safety certification can open access to as many as 85 countries. Their presentations reinforced the importance of maintaining consistent quality, continuous improvement and patience when building globally competitive agricultural businesses.
Additional discussions focused on enterprise development, collaboration and agricultural finance. Conservation International Botswana Enterprise Development Manager Mr Buker Matenge encouraged farmers and businesses to work together rather than operating independently, highlighting the benefits of economies of scale and stronger partnerships. National Development Bank Credit Risk Agricultural Products Specialist Mr Kgwaneng Selei outlined financing solutions available to support agricultural development, including loans for farm expansion, equipment purchases and working capital. He also discussed asset fund administration aimed at identifying bankable agricultural investments that can attract financial support. These presentations demonstrated that sustainable agricultural growth depends not only on innovative production methods but also on access to finance, business development and market opportunities.
The workshop concluded with a panel discussion and a comprehensive recap of the day’s proceedings delivered by NARDI Senior Research Scientist Mr Kabo Mogotsi. The discussions reinforced the importance of collaboration between researchers, government institutions, financial organizations, private companies and farmers in transforming Botswana’s livestock sector. By introducing innovative fodder crops such as cactus and Juncao grass, strengthening certification systems, expanding access to agricultural finance and promoting sustainable farming practices, Botswana is positioning itself to build a more resilient and competitive agricultural economy. The knowledge shared during the workshop provides participants with practical tools that can improve productivity while supporting national food security and rural development. As these initiatives continue to grow, partnerships between institutions like Gola Ventures Botswana, Graze Gold and NARDI will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of Botswana’s livestock and agro processing industries.
