Gaborone, Botswana — The Rural Development Council (RDC) convened today in Gaborone to deliberate on the 2024/2025 Drought and Household Food Security Vulnerability Assessment Report. The meeting comes at a critical time as the country faces recurring climate challenges that continue to impact rural livelihoods and food systems.
Presiding over the session, Acting President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe delivered powerful opening remarks, underscoring the urgent need for cohesive national efforts to address the vulnerabilities exposed by the assessment.
“Constraints do not limit vision but rather demand it,” Gaolathe said, emphasizing that the present difficulties should serve as a catalyst for innovation and transformation across all sectors of society.
The Acting President highlighted that the Ministry of Finance is currently formulating an Economic Transformation Strategy, designed to function as a national operating system. This strategy aims to redefine how Botswana works, invests, and grows—offering a structured path toward long-term resilience and prosperity.
“The strategy is not just a document; it’s a fundamental shift in our approach to development,” Gaolathe noted. “Every ministry, sector, and village must align with this vision of transformation if we are to overcome the challenges of drought and ensure household food security.”
The 2024/2025 Drought and Household Food Security Vulnerability Assessment Report outlines critical areas where immediate and long-term interventions are needed. These include strengthening local agricultural systems, improving water resource management, and enhancing social safety nets for at-risk communities.
The RDC meeting is expected to yield a coordinated action plan that will guide government ministries, development partners, and community leaders in implementing tailored solutions. Officials also reiterated the importance of data-driven decision-making and community engagement in crafting responsive policies.
As Botswana braces for the potential impacts of climate variability, today’s council meeting signals a renewed commitment to inclusive development and sustainable rural progress.
The Rural Development Council plays a key role in monitoring socio-economic trends in rural areas and advising on strategic responses that support national development goals.
