Communities in the five villages that make up the Okavango Community Trust (OCT), Seronga, Gunotsoga, Eretsha, Beetsha and Gudigwa this week received a donation of five walking tractors/ walk behind tractots (one for each village) complete with implements from Great Plains Foundation.
The generous gesture by the foundation, which is supported by eco-tourism operator Great Plains Conservation is geared towards uplifting the livelihoods of communities in the area of food production. This as the equipment, will allow farmers, particularly those that practice Molapo farming to plant their fields through out the year, and without having to wait for the rains.
Officially handing over the farming equipment to a jubilant crowd that had thronged Seronga village main Kgotla on Tuesday morning, Great Plains Conservation Managing Director Daphne Kadiwa said this week’s donation was preceded by one of a tractor and implements last year to the entire community.
It then followed that after the donation of the tractor last year, it became apparent it would not adequately cover the vast area, spanning Seronga to Gudigwa as it was meant only for the cluster farming project in Ghando. The idea for a much wider covering initiative was born, and walking tractors were considered for all the villages, that would be used all year round to enhance food production.
“Last year we purchased a tractor and implements to assist with the Ghando Cluster farming. Following engagement with the community leaders, Dikgosi from all 5 villages in particular, an indication on the lack of ploughing implements in the OCT villages was raised by them as the tractor wasn’t sufficient in covering all 5 villages. We therefore found it imperative to act on this instantly,” Daphne recalled.
Daphne further highlighted that the generous offer aligns with the current economic discourse on self-reliance and sustainable development, adding “it is incumbent upon all of us to assist government’s call on this going forward. For GPF, this donation represents a form of social investment in the communities we consider our own.”
At the same event, Great Plains foundation also donated 50 solar units to benefit selected families in need of electricity. She further stressed that the solar donation comes through the foundation’s Solar Mama initiative that has been successfully running since 2022.
The host tribal leader, Kgosi Maeze Bayei Maeze of Seronga, appreciated the gesture, which he said was among the many initiatives that the company continues to provide for the OCT communities in an effort to ensure improved livelihoods.
With all the five Dikgosi from the villages in attendance, and following the official hand over of the donation, a formal demonstration on the operation, and preliminary maintenance of the equipment was conducted at a chosen field in Seronga.
The suppliers, alongside officers from the department of crop production in the Okavango district conducted the demonstrations for the appreciation of the tribal and district leadership while some farmers from the beneficiary villages got the opportunity to try their hands on the equipment.
“As we prepare our ploughing fields for the next season lets ensure optimal use for the benefit of all. For those with Masimo next to or along the river, this may be an opportunity for them to use these before the next ploughing season,” Kadiwa concluded.
Meanwhile Okavango District Commissioner William Keareng, emphasised the importance of a private sector that assists government in ensuring rural development and upliftment of livelihoods. He applauded Great Plains for the gesture, and called on farmers in the area to take advantage of government programmes in agriculture.
Keareng applauded farmers for their resilience in farming despite the adversity of wild animals that continue to destroy their crops.
