The minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, has called for greater support for farmers in the Okavango District to help unlock the region’s agricultural potential and strengthen food production.
Speaking at the 2026 Okavango District Market Day and Crop Exhibition held in Shakawe under the theme “Enhancing Productivity and Market Access for Local Farmers,” Minister Dikoloti commended farmers for their resilience and adaptability despite the challenges affecting agricultural production.
He said he had taken note of concerns and proposed interventions raised by the Okavango Horticultural Farmers Association, assuring farmers that the government would continue working towards addressing their challenges.
The minister highlighted human-wildlife conflict as one of the critical challenges facing farmers, noting that his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, was working towards finding ways to minimise the destruction of crops by wild animals.
Dikoloti further said the district was well positioned to contribute to the government’s drive towards organic food production, given its vast agricultural potential.
With about 349 hectares dedicated to horticulture, the district has the potential to become an important food-producing area. However, Dikoloti stressed that increased production must be supported by reliable markets, water supplies, financing, modern machinery, quality inputs, and appropriate technology.
He called on the Okavango District Council to consider purchasing vegetables and other produce from local farmers when supplying schools, saying this could create a reliable market while keeping money within the local economy.
Okavango East Member of Parliament Kenny Kapinga also appealed for farming machinery to enable farmers to cultivate larger areas and increase production.
Kapinga further called for improved road networks to ease the transportation of agricultural produce to markets outside the district, while encouraging farmers to remain resilient and committed despite the challenges they face.
The district’s tourism industry was also identified as a major opportunity for local farmers, with hotels, lodges, and restaurants providing a potential market for fresh produce.
Following the proceedings, Dikoloti and other delegates toured exhibition stalls, where they interacted with farmers and viewed a range of locally produced agricultural products.
The Market Day provided farmers with an opportunity to showcase their produce, engage government and other stakeholders, and explore opportunities for stronger market linkages.
The event underscored the need for collaboration between farmers, the government, and the private sector to transform Okavango’s agricultural potential into sustainable economic opportunities and contribute to Botswana’s food security.
