GHANZI AGRICULTURE SHOW IMPACTS POSITIVELY ON THE SECTOR

Annually, the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) participates at the Ghanzi Agriculture Show. As an effective Ghanzi Region stakeholder engagement platform, it has necessitated HRDC to spread its wings and take the services to the stakeholders among them being farmers, business entities as well as the public. The Show was held from the 3^rd – 7^th July, 2018 in Ghanzi under the theme, ‘Sustainable Economic Diversification Beyond 50 Years Through Green Technology.’

During the show, HRDC informed stakeholders about its strategic initiatives, functions and its mandate. Some of the HRDC’s strategic initiatives that stakeholders were more interested in included; the Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF), Workplace Learning, Agriculture Sector Plan and the Top Occupations in demand. The Ghanzi region is popular for its farming activities especially on cattle breeding and rearing for commercial use. In this case, this Show presented an opportunity for HRDC to engage with both Commercial Farmers who the majority are Levy – Payers as well as Small Micro- Medium Enterprise (SMME) Farmers on how they can utilise the HRDF to upskill their employees, which in return will help and grow their businesses.

The Ghanzi Agriculture show was officially opened on the 5^th July, 2018 by the President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi. During his address, His Excellency affirmed his confidence on Agriculture as one of the key sectors that will lead the transformation of Botswana’s economy. “It is abundantly clear to all; Agriculture remains a key priority for the Government of Botswana, signified by continuous stakeholder consultations on a variety of issues spearheaded by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security. I am aware that an Agricultural Pitso was held in Ghanzi from 6^th - 8^th June, 2018, an event that brought together farmers and other stakeholders from all over Botswana to exchange information on developments and opportunities in the sector including challenges and possible solutions” elatedly said His Excellency Dr Masisi.

The Show was well attended as exhibitors displayed different agricultural products including animal breeds (cattle, goats, chicken, etc.), agriculture machineries, plants seedlings, financial services and many others. These displays of agricultural products and services during the show reflected a great potential in the growth of Botswana’s agriculture sector. In this regard, HRDC plays a critical role in ensuring that there are clear plans on how the sector could utilise its Human Resource to grow the sector. It is critical to share this information with stakeholders on platforms such as the Ghanzi Agriculture Show.