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Farmers

Botswana's Beef Industry Faces Challenges Amid EU Market Access Issues

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Botswana's cattle industry faces significant challenges, including low numbers of registered European Union (EU) holdings and declining national cattle population. Despite the government's investment in disease control measures and a livestock traceability system, Botswana continues to struggle to meet EU quota due to poor husbandry practices, droughts, and pests/diseases. To address these issues, the government has introduced initiatives such as the Beef Cluster Strategy, Revised Artificial Insemination programme, and On-Farm Artificial Insemination programme. However, farmers are urged to improve productivity, compliance, and record-keeping to benefit from the EU market.

Key Takeaways:

  • About 80% of cattle in Botswana are kept in communal land and sold to other markets instead of the EU market.
  • Only 21 out of 763 cattle holdings in the Letlhakeng District are EU compliant.
  • The national cattle population declined to 1.7 million, with reasons including poor husbandry practices, droughts, and pests/diseases.
  • The Livestock population in Letlhakeng District stands at 177,740 cattle, 8,785 sheep, and 42,339 goats.
  • The government has introduced several initiatives to address the challenges, including the Beef Cluster Strategy, Revised Artificial Insemination programme, and On-Farm Artificial Insemination programme.
  • Farmers are urged to form one strong farmers' association to influence policies and programmes more effectively.
  • The use of vaccinations and good livestock management practices can reduce the need for random antibiotic usage and promote international market accessibility.

Statistics:

  • 80% of cattle in Botswana are kept in communal land.
  • Only 21 out of 763 cattle holdings in the Letlhakeng District are EU compliant.
  • National cattle population declined to 1.7 million.
  • Letlhakeng District has livestock population of 177,740 cattle, 8,785 sheep, and 42,339 goats.
  • Government introduced Revised Artificial Insemination programme in November 2022.
  • Farmers are encouraged to participate in the livestock performance recording scheme.

Sources:

  • [Source: Botswana Vaccine Institute chief executive officer, Mr Andrew Madeswi, at the I-11 Farmers Association Field Day]
  • [Source: Bakwena deputy chief, Kgosi Lawrence Mhaladi]
  • [Source: Botswana Government's Beef Cluster Strategy]
  • [Source: Botswana Government's Revised Artificial Insemination programme]

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