HRDC Engages Stakeholders at the Ghanzi Agriculture Show

According to the Agriculture and Food Security Policy brief, Agriculture sector has experienced a steady decline in its contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the past 42 years. The beef industry is the only sub-sector of the Agriculture sector that has constantly remained a significant contributor to the national GDP. Despite these challenges, the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) believes the Agriculture Sector is one of the potential contributor to Botswana’s Economy therefore continues to promote this sector through different strategic initiatives.

The Agriculture Shows held across Botswana, are one of the platforms that has been essential in promoting the Agriculture sector in-terms of showcasing local agriculture products, selling of agriculture products and sharing ideas/information with an intention to improve the economic benefits of the sector. On the 4^th – 8^th July, 2017 HRDC participated at the Ghanzi Agriculture Show held under the theme, ‘Diversifying the Agricultural Production - A Key to Food Security and Sustainable Economic Development.’

Farmers across all the Agriculture sub-sectors including Dairy, Small Stock, Beef, Poultry, Piggery and others, showcased their products at the show and shared information among many others on dealing with farming challenges and how to benefit from opportunities in their different sub-sectors.

The HRDC Agriculture Sector committee represented by members from the Dairy, Small Stock and Beef Sub-Sectors attended the Show to meet with farmers from these sub-sectors. This was for the Sector Committee members to appreciate what farmers are experiencing on the ground and share ideas with them on how they could grow into a profitable and sustainable commercial businesses. This is in line with diversifying Botswana’s economy.

Since Ghanzi is one of the regions where information reach is considered scares due to its far geographic location, the Ghanzi Agriculture Show was a perfect platform to reach out to stakeholders in the region. Therefore, during the four (4) days of the Show, HRDC had an opportunity to interact with stakeholders informing them about its mandate, functions and strategic initiatives.

The Council was represented by staff members from the department of Funding, Human Resource Development Planning (Supply and Demand) and Marketing and Communications Unit. To ensure increased exposure, HRDC also visited Schools, Government Departments and some Workplaces in and around Ghanzi to share with them information about the Council.