Maun’s export abattoirs slaughtered more than 10,000 cattle between April and July this year, with a significant portion of the beef exported to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to North West District Council Chairperson Itumeleng Kelebetseng.
Kelebetseng said the abattoirs, BMC, Ngamiland Abattoirs and Batawana Abattoirs slaughtered a total of 10,260 cattle during the four-month period, highlighting the continued role of the livestock sector in supporting farmers and creating access to markets.
He said this during his recent Full Council speech, the abattoirs exported 184,207.80 kilogrammes of beef to the DRC during the reporting period. A further 252,802.10 kilogrammes of beef was supplied to green zones, including Gaborone, Francistown and other areas.
The remaining beef was supplied to local markets, including Maun and Kasane, ensuring that some of the meat produced through the abattoirs remained available to consumers within Botswana.
Kelebetseng said the figures reflected the importance of maintaining strong animal health systems, production standards and market access for farmers in the district. The livestock sector remains an important source of income for many communities across Ngamiland, where cattle farming supports household livelihoods and contributes to the local economy.
However, farmers continue to face challenges such as deteriorating rangeland conditions and bush encroachment, which affect the availability and quality of grazing land. The council has also been supporting initiatives aimed at improving livestock production and helping farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions.
One such initiative is the Herding for Health model, which is being implemented under the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation in Botswana’s Communal Rangelands project. The initiative, facilitated by Conservation International, seeks to promote better livestock management while supporting the health of communal rangelands.
The report states that the model is currently being implemented in Phuduhudu, where 242 cattle are involved with 30 voluntary farmers and 10 Eco Rangers. Animal husbandry training has also been provided, while the programme is expected to expand to Sehithwa and later Shorobe.
Kelebetseng stressed the need for continued efforts to improve animal health, production standards and access to markets. He said sustainable management of rangelands would also be important in ensuring that livestock production remains viable for farmers in the district.
The performance of the Maun abattoirs comes at a time when farmers are being encouraged to strengthen production and take advantage of available markets, particularly as Botswana continues to seek opportunities for livestock and beef exports.
