Communities in Botswana embrace green value chains to combat land degradation

Land degradation is a pressing issue in Botswana, with nearly half of the country’s forests under threat from unsustainable practices like overgrazing, cultivation, fuelwood harvesting, ecologically harmful Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) extraction, and wildfires. These activities threaten the integrity of Botswana's natural landscapes, including the Miombo and Mopane ecoregions, which are critical for maintaining ecological balance and supporting local communities. Despite having a comprehensive legal framework, the country continues to grapple with land degradation challenges.

To address these growing concerns, the Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program (DSL-IP) will empower local communities to develop and enhance green value chains that promote Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and Sustainable Forest Management (SFM). By focusing key regions like the Chobe and Tutume-Mosetse sub-basins, the program protects landscapes while boosting rural livelihoods.

Despite Botswana’s comprehensive legal frameworks, three significant barriers hinder progress: limited community capacity, insufficient knowledge-sharing and transfer mechanisms, and poor market access for sustainable products. In response, the DSL-IP project in Botswana is investing in climate-resilient green value chains like lablab, pearl millet, and honey from beekeeping. These efforts not only improve land management but also enhance the economic prospects of local farmers.

In a recent survey conducted in August 2024, DSL-IP representatives met with farmers to assess their knowledge, skills, and needs. The consultations highlighted that Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (FFPOs) are crucial in leading sustainable transformations. These discussions sparked fresh insights into techniques like intercropping and sustainable beekeeping, which will shape future training programs for the Integrated Capacity Development and Implementation Plan (ICDIP). This plan ensures that capacity-building efforts, such as training in technical skills, are aligned with the realities on the ground. Additionally, the project will help FFPOs gain access to essential production resources, such as quality seeds and tools, further supporting their transition to sustainable practices.

Farmers in the Tutume-Mosetse sub-basin have already embraced sustainable practices in response to and the semi-arid conditions and increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns. Many are now turning to drought-resistant crops like lablab, which provides livestock feed and a new income stream.

Lablab’s resilience in dry conditions makes it an ideal solution for mitigating the impact of drought on both food security and livestock health.

At a recent meeting in Mosetse, Joe Linga, Chairperson of the Gulugwe Cluster emphasized the community’s efforts to explore a broader range of drought-tolerant and climate-resilient crops, particularly focusing on cereals. “Knowledge exchange is key to our success” Linga remarked, underscoring the importance of partnership and networks with other associations to share insights and experiences. "By establishing these partnerships, we can amplify our voice and learn from others to improve our practices," he added.

Barbra Jay, representing the Makuta Cluster, expressed enthusiasm for expanding lablab production. "I initially planted 8 hectares of lablab but low rainfall forced me to scale back" she explained. Jay stressed the need for technical training, particularly on harvesting techniques, noting that lablab can be harvested up to three times per ploughing cycle, yet many farmers only manage a single harvest. “We are missing opportunities to fully optimize our lablab production," she concluded, highlighting the importance of knowledge-sharing to unlock lablab’s full potential.

Beekeeping is also being explored to not only diversify income but also to tackle human-wildlife conflicts, especially with elephants damaging crops. Using the beehives as living fences particularly in Makuta and Mosetse, to deter elephants, can protect farmers’ fields, and contribute to conservation efforts.

The project is also integrating indigenous knowledge into modern agricultural practices. Time-honored methods like using ash for seed preservation are being shared alongside modern techniques, ensuring a blend of cultural heritage and sustainability The DSL-IP project’s capacity-building efforts will equip local farmers with the skills to adopt and scale up sustainable practices, ensuring that people and ecosystems thrive.