Botswana: Chain Stores Still Shun Local Fresh Produce

Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone), 18 January 2008
Martin Nyirenda, Gaborone

Some farmers have lashed out at chain stores for their failure to support local farmers. The farmers say the noble efforts of the men and women of the hoe are scorned by the chain stores which prefer to import produce from South Africa, thus marginalising local farmers.

Yet the agriculture sector remains a high priority, given its importance to the livelihoods of the rural population in particular, as well as its strong backward and forward linkages with the rest of the economy. Out of this, it is contended that boosting domestic agriculture is also a prerequisite for ensuring greater food security, which should lessen Botswana dependence on an ever-growing food import bill.

President Festus Mogae recently said Botswana farmers should move away from traditional to improved methods of production. The farming community should also demonstrate greater commitment by spending more time on their farms and lands to ensure proper management.

Jeremy Mazwiduma, a farmer near Molepoplole, complained that his fresh produce was going to waste because some supermarkets continue to shun it in preference for imported produce from neighbouring countries. He said this rather absurd state of affairs is affecting the drive to foster growth in the agriculture sector in order to diversify the economy. He contended that something must be done to improve the situation before the problem becomes explosive. "It does not make any sense to see these chain stores depending on food supplies from neighbouring countries as though Batswana were not able to produce," said Jeremy.

"It is painful to see the situation not improving because this complaint has been raised repeatedly. It is time Government protected the local farmers. "Why should our produce rot and go to waste while the supermarkets are waiting for supplies from outside the country? Do you mean Batswana farmers can not grow even carrots or onions?" He added: "Botswana is on the verge of diversifying the economy. If such things are not addressed, I am sure the initiatives put in place by the government and its partners will be meaningless.

"We are defeating the initiatives put in place to ensure that our national aspirations enshrined in Vision 2016 are realised and fully embraced by all Batswana."

Like Jeremy, Ntebo Molebatsi, a young businesswoman in the Gaborone West Industrial Estate specialising in the supply of various goods and services contended that supplying services to supermarkets around the country is becoming even more complicated.

"Business is becoming more complicated as the economy grows, but few Batswana are participating in the economic activities taking place in the country. In the agriculture sector, some farmers cannot find a market for their produce and end up selling the stuff from the back of vans.