The Mabudutsa Village Development Committee (VDC) in Maun this week hosted a five-day training program aimed at equipping 17 small-scale business owners, predominantly youth, with practical techniques for utilising saline water in aquaculture and horticulture.
The training which began on Monday ending today held at the Okavango Research Institute (ORI) formed part of concerted effort to address water scarcity and bolster sustainable agriculture in Ngamiland.
Speaking with this publication, Community Development Officer from North West District Council (NWDC), Lesego Puss informed that the initiative is part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange Program, supported by the U.S. Department of State.
She further implored the youth to explore the aquaculture market as it has a potential that needs to be tapped into.
“Our district is one that has a lot of potential and through this training participants can better their lives and even create employment if they task themselves to the challenge,” she said.
While conducting training, Professor at Texas Tech University and an expert in sustainable water management technologies, Dr. Clifford Fedler underscored the transformative potential of recycling in agriculture, noting that reusing water resources could significantly boost productivity in horticulture and other farming practices, particularly in regions battling water scarcity.
Dr. Fedler emphasized the importance of community-driven solutions, stating, “We need to develop SMART—Simple, Maintainable, Achievable, Reliable, and Technology compatible solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by communities.
“By focusing on aquaculture, we can transform saline water from a limitation into an opportunity, fostering food security and economic growth,” he said.
Participants have expressed enthusiasm about the training’s potential impact. Uzembisa Tjiposa a farmer from Chanoga, shared, “This training has opened my eyes to the possibilities of using resources we once overlooked. I now see saline water not as a hindrance but as an asset for my farming activities.”
Councillor for Kgosing/Kubung Ward, Magonamo Mmolainyane encouraged the youth to apply the insights gained from the training when launching projects, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making. He highlighted that lack of capital should not be seen as a deterrent, noting that even small-scale beginnings can pave the way for growth and long-term success.
