April 2009 Agrinews (.pdf file) - Ministry of Agriculture

Volume 42, No. 4 April 2009
ISSN 1996 - 1693
RAKGATLA PRIVY
TO ARTIFICIAL
INSEMINATION
OUTBREAK OF FMD
SLOWS DOWN
IN BOTETI
HORTICULTURE
unaffected by
Recession
April 2009

A G R I N E W S
April
2 0 0 9
Editorial
c o n t e n t s
ISPAAD Anticipated to Yield Positive Results
Addressing a press conference in
Gaborone , Mr Kgathi said many
beneficiaries were looking after
their crops at the lands instead of
spending time in their homes.
De Graaff tours farms in Ngwaketse South
De Graaff implored upon farmers to
take agriculture seriously.
Ethopians View Botswana Livestock Industry as excellent
Outbreak of FMD in Ngamiland Slows Down Progress
in Zone 4A (Boteti)
Frost Management
Rakgatla Privy To Artificial Insemination
He said the outbreak in Ngamiland,
which occurred in October
2007, is considered under control,
as there have been no clinical
cases since 12th February 2009 in
Spanplerk crush in Kareng extension
area.
Agric Research Launches RAEIN-Africa
Mantirisi Prides Himself in Leatherworks
Rakgatla uses semen from different
exotic bulls, some as far as the
Americas, Germany and England.
He says that he prefers Brahman
because of their size and for easy
calving.
Dairy Day
Horticulture unaffected by Recession
Hides And Skin’s Economic Value And The Current
Economic Recession
The market for his products is
promising, and there is potential
for growth. He sells his products all
over Kgalagadi.
Bee Absconsion
Epena Ngatangue
Kediretswe Pule
Felix Mothatego, France Begensel and Tiroyaone Jeremiah
Mokgarebe Motswakhumo
Keabetswe Molebatsi
Thabile Mokgwane, Abadilwe Ralehika, Mokwadi Keitsile &
Baboloki Mosweu
Hendry Toto, Pius Nkunda & Mothusi Tlale
Honey bee colonies are very sensitive
to disturbances and absconsion
is an immediate response to a sudden
deterioration.
AGRINEWS
Letters to the Editor
P/Bag 003 Gaborone
Tel: 3906769
Fax:3956027
MoA website: www.moa.gov.bw

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
Summer is subsiding and
winter season is setting
on. There is no need for
a prophet to confirm this.
Temperatures are dropping.
Most vegetation does not
enjoy low temperature.
The vegetation condition
especially grass has
started showing signs of
deterioration by as it loses
its green colour.
In the process vegetation
loses its nutritive value.
According to a research
study by international
Livestock Centre for
Africa on livestock and
sustainable nutrient
cycling in the mixed
farming systems in Africa,
Herbage mass also
decreases after it reaches a
maximum at flowering.
Low herbage mass prevails
from the late dry season to
early wet season. Rains
in the beginning of the
rainy season triggers
germination of herbage.
The above scenario
indicates that, it is obvious
that the setting on of dry the
seasons should ring bells
to the livestock farmers
that they should prepare
a feeding strategy since
the degraded vegetation
would no longer support
animals alone.
The editor is concerned
because a majority of
livestock farmers depend
on the range land to feed
their animals. Animal
population is increasing
while grazing land is
stagnant. This will put
pressure on the range
land resulting in further
degradation of herbage.
May the first strategy for
livestock keepers is to cull
the herd. Sell and keep
enough funds for buying
supplementary feeds
throughout the drying
season.
Another key issue is to
decide the type of feed for
the dry season. Locals soil
are deficient in phosphorus
so feeds containing the
mineral such as Diculcium
Phosphate should be a
priority.
Actually phosphorus
supplementation should
be performed throughout
the year because local
soils are deficient in it.
Farmers are also advised to
use concentrates of which
some of them are produced
locally for supplementary
purposes. Lastly farmers
should cultivate a habit
of consulting with their
Extension agents in times
of need
1

Anticipated to Yield
Positive Results
Article: France Begensel
Photos: Henry Toto
Kgathi stressing a point during a press conference meeting journalists about agric development
The Integrated Support Programme
for Arable Agriculture Development
(ISPAAD) has been well received.
Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr
Shaw Kgathi was addressing a press
conference in Gaborone. Mr Kgathi
said many beneficiaries were looking
after their crops at the lands instead of
spending time in their homes.
He stated that government has spent
P136million out of the allocated
158.7million.
The programme aimed at improving food
security in the country, was introduced
last year following the termination of
ALDEP III.
Mr Kgathi said over 237 588 hectares of
land had been planted under (ISPAAD).
More than 78 000 farmers were issued
with seeds, totalling 2020 tonnes.
He said the average yield estimates for
cereals is 500kg/ha in the communal sub
sector and 1500kg/ha in Pandamatenga
while the average yields for pulses is
250kg/ha in both sub sectors.
The total estimated production is 93 000
tones and 6500 tones for cereals and
pulses respectively.
The yield estimates and estimated
production however will be monitored
as the estimates could be affected by pest
outbreaks, rainfall and frost occurrences.
A total of 5707 tones of fertilizer were
issued to districts out of which 5552 were
distributed to 8226 farmers, whereas
2020 tones of seeds were distributed to
78 261 farmers.
Mr Kgathi said the programme has been
well received by farmers, adding that
many people are now at the lands instead
of spending time in their home villages.
He said the impact of the programme is
evident, as ploughing fields have now
been turned into productive fields.
The programme include among others
cluster fencing, drilling and equipping
boreholes for potable water within the
identified clusters, provision of seeds and
fertilizers.
Nonetheless he said the recent floods
had affected production, particularly in
the Pandamatenga area including the
elephants that destroyed fields in some
parts of the country.
Regarding the distribution of government
farms, he said only 16 farms will be
distributed of which two have been
reserved to young farmers.
He said his Ministry is still in the process
of demarcating Banyana farm for effective
usage, adding that the 149 000 hectare
farm is underutilized.
The Ministry, he said has in addition
employed district coordinators whose
responsibility is to check agricultural
services and account for productivity in
the districts.
In addition, he said so far 579 farms have
been demarcated, of which 243 have
been allocated
journalist from different media houses listening 2 Kgathi
BOPA
2

Degraaff taking a closure
look dairy meal at BCA farmer.
Article: Epena Ngatangue
Photos: Henry Toto
in Ngwaketse South
The Minister of Agriculture
Honourable Christiaan De Graaff
on the 2nd April 2009 toured some
fields in the Ngwaketse South to get first
hand information on level of farm yields.
Minister De Graaff who was accompanied
by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the
Ministry, Dr. Seja Maphanyane expressed
appreciation of what he saw. He told the
farmers after the tour that he has no doubt
in his mind that there are some farmers
who have taken agriculture seriously.
He said there are signs that some farmers
utilized the Integrated Support Programme
for Arable Agriculture Development
(ISPAAD), noting that already more than
94 000 metric tones of cereal is expected
this season. The national cereal demand
is about 200 000 metric tones.
He however was not happy with some
fields which have been left idling. He
implored upon farmers to take agriculture
seriously, noting that government cannot
afford to be pumping money into
agriculture when some Batswana are
reluctant to utilize government support
schemes.
Minister De Graaff assigned some Senior
Ministry of Agriculture officials to explore
how the under-utilized fields could be
better used. Farmers complained about
high prizes of fertilizers and shortage of
labour.
On a similar note, Minister De Graaff
toured the Ministry’s Piggery and Dairy
at Sebele.
At the Piggery, the Minister said he was
impressed by the quality of the pigs and
hygiene at the area. He however said
there is room for improvement.
The Ministry buys pigs from South Africa
for breeding and in turn sells them at
subsidized prizes to registered local
farmers.
Minister De Graaff further said the
intention is to expand ISPAAD to cover
more commercial farmers
At Botswana College of Agriculture Dairy,
Minister De Graaff encouraged the staff
to do more to increase milk production.
Dairy cows feeding
Degraaff admiring pigs

VIEW BOTSWANA LIVESTOCK
INDUSTRY AS EXCELLENT
Botswana to benchmark on how to access
international beef markets.
On top of that the delegation was
impressed by the coherent linkages that
exist with the local livestock sector.
They were impressed by the ministry of
Agriculture structure and the extension
service that starts from headquarters to
regions, Districts and ends at field/farmer
level through extension areas.
Ethopian delegates touring the BMC
Article: Kediretswe Pule
Photos: Pius Nkunda
After a week long tour of livestock
projects, the 16 Ethiopian men
delegation confessed that the
Botswana livestock industry is excellent
compared to theirs, though they have
more livestock especially cattle.
After a short brief by the Directors
of Veterinary Services and Animal
Production departments, in the Ministry
of Agriculture Head Quarters on the
activities of the two departments the
delegations visited livestock projects and
institutions.
The delegation visited the National
Veterinary Laboratory (NVL), Dibete
Ostrich Multiplication Unit, Botswana
Meat Commission (BMC), Mosi Farm,
Tswana Pride Chicken Farm, Feed-master
Feed Processor and Hurvitz Group
Feedlot.
In particular the Ethiopians were
impressed by the fact that a local
corporation composed of natives only
wholly owns BMC. In addition the
delegation was impressed by the ability
of the BMC to access international
markets like
the EU.
T h e
delegation
revealed that
Ethiopia sells live
animals to the
middle east only,
adding that it is
not profitable. They
admired the fact that
BMC is able to make profit
through selling carcass or beef.
On that note Ethiopians came to
They also appreciated the relationship
between MoA institutions such as NVl,
BMC, Department of Research and
Ministry Headquarter.
According to the Ethiopians their
institutions are disengaged mainly
because of the federal system they use. In
the system things are not run centrally, but
regions run their affairs independently.
The delegation however revealed that
customer oriented reforms known as the
Business Process Reengineering (BPR) is
underway in Ethiopia to make regions
work together.
Ethiopia is proud of a large population
of livestock. There are 40 million cattle,
28 million sheep, 24 million goats and
7 million equines (donkeys and horses).
The objective of the tour was therefore to
benchmark in Botswana’s seemly
advanced livestock industry
with a view to improve theirs
April 2009

OUTBREAK OF FMD
IN NGAMILAND SLOWS DOWN PROGRESS IN ZONE 4A (BOTETI)
Article: Epena Ngatangue
Photos: Henry Toto
Agriculture Minister Christiaan De
Graaff regretted that the outbreak
of 2007 Foot and Mouth Disease
(FMD) in Ngamiland has slowed down
progress and setback gains made in
endeavor to declare zone 4a (Boteti) FMD
free without vaccination.
Minister De Graaff was briefing residents
of Boteti recently on the control of
livestock diseases and the implications
on the marketability of beef to export
markets. He spoke more specifically
on the possible upgrading of veterinary
disease control zone 4a to a European
Union (EU) export zone.
He said since zone 4a directly shares a
relatively porous border with Ngamiland
(zone 2), where there is an active outbreak
of FMD. Hence it cannot be declared
FMD free without vaccination until the
outbreak has been fully controlled.
“In addition, livestock management in the
two zone is mainly under a communal
system, therefore there is a possibility
of disease spreading from Ngamiland to
zone 4a,” he told the gathering.
Minister De Graaff said as long as the
disease is still present in Ngamiland the
World Organization for Animal Health
cannot grant zone 4a the FMD free
without vaccination status.
The World Organization for Animal is an
Intergovernmental Organization founded
in 1924. It has its headquarters in Paris,
France.
It guarantees transparency of animal
disease status world wide as well as
collecting, analyzing and disseminating
veterinary scientific information. The
organization also provides expertise
and promotes international solidarity for
control of animal diseases.
The organization also guarantees
the sanitary safety of world trade by
developing sanitary rules for international
trade in animals and animal products.
Minister De Graaff, however, assured
residents that his Ministry would
continue with the regular inspections
and blood sampling of cloven/hoofed
animals in readiness to apply when the
FMD situation in Ngamiland is fully
under control.
“It is also very important that when we
go through the process of converting
zone 4a to an EU export zone, there is
no movement of cattle from vaccinated
zones to this zone,” he told the residents.
Minister De Graaff addressing the residents in Boteti
Another challenge faced by the Ministry,
according to Minister De Graaff, is the
constant damage to the Makalamabedi
fence by elephants in the Moreomaoto/
Shorobe portion. He said this the area in
jeopardy because buffaloes could cross
over and mix with cattle in zone 4a.
“The situation was made worse by theft of
solar panels which supplied electricity to
the fence,” he said.
The Minister however said his ministry
is working with that of Wildlife,
Environment and Tourism to find ways of
addressing the problem.
The Minister took the opportunity to
update residents on FMD situation in
Ngamiland and Ghanzi districts. He
said the outbreak in Ngamiland, which
occurred in October 2007, is considered
under control, as there have been no
clinical cases since 12th February 2009
in Spanplerk crush in Kareng extension
area.
5
Mr. Slumber Tsogwane
For the outbreak in the Kuke in the Ghanzi
district in October 2008, the Minister said
it has been eradicated and the exports
markets regained.
All in all farmers promised that they
would do everything they could to guard
against the spread of FMD into their area.
Some felt that fencing of the communal
areas is overdue.
They complained about delays in the
insertion of Bolus of which the minister
said the delay was caused by unforeseen
circumstances and promised that
everything will be on track soon.
On the Integrated Support Programme
for Arable Agricultural Development
(ISPAAD), farmers who owned tractors
and engaged by the programme should
be taught how to plough and plant. They
also said some tractor owners are charging
them more than the P400 stipulated by
government.
The Minister agreed with the farmers
that tractor owners should be taught
but on the same note warned those
unscrupulous farmers charging more that
they are likely to push themselves out of
business if they continue doing that. He
said they are likely not to be considered
during the next season.
The minister addressed meetings in
Kumaga, Rakops, Xhumo and Mopipi.
He was accompanied among others
by the Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr.
Moetapele Letshwenyo and the Member
of Parliament for the area Mr. Slumber
Tsogwane
Residents listening attentively to the minister
April 2009

FROST
management
Article & Photos: Tiroyaone Jeremiah
If we are to take a flashback to the year
2007, most people can remember
the tragedy that hit most commercial
winter local farmers when very low
temperatures that last for over a week
swept away all their crops. The very same
period is approaching and every farmer
should be alert to avoid being caught off
guard by this epidemic called frost. Crops
like tomatoes, potatoes, melon cucumber,
green peppers, cabbage are highly frost
sensitive right up to their maturity while
fruits, cereals and orchard crops are
affected by frost at the flowering stage.
Severe winter weather conditions can
create many problems for crop plants
jeopardising their health and even their
lives. The frost can significantly damage
different parts of the plants resulting in low
agricultural productivity. Various
measures can be taken to
tackle this problem.
Frost occurs when
temperature
around the
plant drops
below 0°C.
At this
temperature,
water turns
into ice
crystals on the
surface of the
plants.
Frost can injure active tissues
that are insufficiently ‘hardened’ to
withstand the cold temperatures, which
may lead to stunted growth and even
death of plants. Flower buds, vegetative
buds, branches, stem, crowns, bark, roots,
or even the whole plant may be injured
by frost. The resulting injury may be
permanent or on rare occasions the crops
may recover.
Winter desiccation commonly called
“winter drying” or “winter burn, occurs
due to intensity of frost spells. During
severely cold weather, the ground may
freeze to a depth beyond the extent
of the root system, thereby cutting off
water supply to the plants. Injury due
to desiccation is commonly seen as
discoloured, burned leaves or whole
plant. It is worst on the side facing the
wind thus causing extra damage. Frost
prevents plants from having firm contact
with the soil and exposes the roots to
wind desiccation.
The critical temperature or frost tolerance
varies with plant development and color
of the fruit. Protection is required to keep
the plants above the critical temperature
and avoid injury. There are many
variables that affect the actual critical
temperature for a given plant and the
amount of frost injury. These are duration
of cold, growing conditions prior to the
cold event, cultivars: (because of plant
habit, or avoidance, rather than genetic
differences), stage of development, super
cooling (in the absence of ice nucleation
points, plant sap can cool below the
freezing point without forming ice
crystals), soil type and condition
(moist dark soil holds more
heat than dry light
soil), incidence of
freezing wind.
Soil moisture
a n d
compaction
can have
a significant
effect on
temperature. A
moist compact soil
will store more heat than
a loose dry soil and therefore
has more heat to transfer to the crop at
night. Cultivation just before a frost can
increase the risk of injury, because the
soil is looser and drier after cultivation.
Soil under a grassy cover crop will hold
more heat if the grass is mowed short.
Sprinkler irrigation systems (and flooding
on rare occasions) are used to protect the
crops from freezing temperatures and
are the most common method of frost
protection. As the water applied to the
plant cools, heat is released preventing
the plant from freezing. If a film of water
is maintained by continuous application
of water, the temperature of the plant
tissue will remain above freezing, even
if a layer of ice forms. One negative
side effect of more frequent irrigation
for frost protection is increased potential
for disease outbreaks. Pathogens of many
diseases grow rapidly in moist and humid
conditions.
Mulching is one of the most important
ways to maintain healthy plants under
frosty temperature. Mulch is any material
applied to the soil surface for protection
or improvement of the area covered.
Mulches keep the soil cooler in the
summer and warmer in the winter, thus
maintaining a more even soil temperature.
In addition to many advantages, mulch
such as dried grass clippings, hay or straw,
leaves can be used temporarily to cover
tender plants to protect them from frost
injury.
Another approach to modify the microclimate
to enhance plant productivity by
plastic material is the use of row covers.
Row covers may be used during the cold
season to conserve warmth, stimulate
germination and early growth, protect
plants from frost injury, and improve the
quality of the crops. Row covers reduce
evaporative cooling and the rate of
cooling under the cover.
Growing of crops under green house
conditions might also be effective to
circumvent heavy frost. Plastic sheet
will conserve and retain the temperature
trapped inside the tunnel at the daytime.
This is due to the accumulation of CO 2
gas in the inner climate.
Some farmers also make fire from the
direction of wind to warm the air that is
moving towards the crops. The warmed
air will in turn warm the air surrounding
the crops and by that it is unlikely that ice
crystals will form around leaf surfaces or
crops experiencing severe injuries.
This concludes that frosty temperature
causes serious damage to crop plants,
because it is a natural phenomenon,
it cannot be wiped out but can be
managed through various means like
proper irrigation, row covers, mulching,
protective barrier and wind breaks and
green house cultivation. Most of these
practices are economically diverse but
have good impact on crop productivity
April 2009
6

Rakgatla
RAKGATLA PRIVY TO ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
Article: France Begensel
Photos: Mothusi Tlale
Despite living in close proximity
to the diamond mining town
of Jwaneng, having friends and
relatives staying there, Mothusi Michael
Rakgatla has no desire to stay in that
town. Rakgatla has found solace in
livestock production. For him life in
Gakanyane, 21 km west of Jwaneng, is
wonderful and stress free; there is plenty
of free milk, wild fruits and meat.
Rakgatla has been involved in cattle
production since he was a little boy.
He looked after his father’s cattle with
his bother. As he grew up he started to
have more love for the wet nosed beasts
(cattle).
As his love for cattle production
grew coupled with the unfriendly
unemployment statistics in Botswana,
he started exploring ways in which
he could grow. He approached the
Young Farmers Fund under the Citizen
Entrepreneurial Development Agency
(CEDA) who funded him half a million
pula (P500 000), so that he could buy
100 cows and start production. At some
stage he attended an extensive Artificial
Insemination course at Ramatlabama.
In his endeavors to have quality breeds,
Rakgatla decided to use artificial
insemination. He says that “artificial
is cheaper compared to using bulls. A
bull can cost up to P30 000 or more.”
He added that sometimes one would
buy a bull that has already gone past its
production peak, which means the bull
will not produce as much as one would
expect.
He also said that he prefers a artificial
insemination to a bull because sometimes
the climatic conditions negatively affects
the bulls production more especially
those imported. Sometimes they are
easily affected by diseases and that they
take longer to acclimatize to the new
environment.
Artificial insemination also gives one a
variety or choice of breed one wants to
use as opposed to a bull. He said that
one can buy semen from different bulls
and keep it for as long as he wishes as
opposed to a bull which might die. He
added that with artificial insemination
it is very easy to control cows as one
would know with which semen to use
and when.
Rakgatla uses semen from different
exotic bulls, some as far as the Americas,
Germany and England. He says that he
prefers Brahman because of their size
and for easy calving. Rakgatla buys the
semen at Ramatlabama Bull Stud at
P5.00 for local bulls and P80-P105 for
exotic breeds. He says that for foreign
breeds it’s different depending on which
bull the semen comes from. Some of the
semen he gets through the bull directory.
Breeding season in Rakgatla’s ranch is
normally done late October and early
December. This is because these are the
times when it is easy for cattle to calve. At
the same time these are the times when
rains start, therefore, better prospects for
growth.
Proper care management of the ranch is
of utmost importance revealed Rakgatla.
He says that rotational grazing must be
practiced. He says that one must ensure
good harvest supplement feeding. He
says that soils in the area lack phosphorus
therefore the need to supplement his
cattle with di Calcium Phosphate feeds
and P6.
Rakgatla’s ranch is divided into four
paddocks. Each of them has a borehole
and all the four are joined together by
a pipeline that runs through them. The
ranch measures 9 km by 8 km. the four
paddocks have been divided into 10
small paddocks measuring 3km by 2km.
In each of the paddocks he keeps about
80 cattle which he moves to another one
after four to six months. Sometimes the
cattle are kept in the kraal for sometime
to make them get used to people. He
says that cattle in paddocks are kept
in accordance with their age for easy
monitoring.
The young farmer adds that one must
have proper infrastructure in place to
do well in cattle production. One must
ensure that during artificial insemination
cows do not mix with a bull. This is
to avoid the bull from mounting the
cow and inserting its own semen, thus
impregnating the cow.
It is very important to maintain the
highest hygienic standards. He says that
dirt might kill the much needed sperms.
Rakgatla says that it is very easy to notice
when a cow is ready. He says “it will
keep still for a few moments as if waiting
for a bull to mount it. It also mounts other
cows in the kraal.
Cattle production is not an easy task
reveals Rakgatla. There are cattle diseases
like Pasturella, Botulism and lumpy Skin,
which are a menace in the area. Rakgatla
follows a vaccination calendar.
Rakgatla advices other young farmers
to go into livestock production to avert
poverty. He says that buying prices at the
Botswana Meat Commission are good.
He also says that this is the right times
to venture into cattle production because
the Ministry of Agriculture is working
on raising the number of cattle from
2.5million to 3.5 million in five years
7
April 2009

Article: France Begensel
Pictures: Mothusi Tlale
The Department of Agricultural
Research recently launched
the Regional Agricultural
Environmental Initiatives Network
(RAEIN-Africa) at Maharaja in Gaborone.
Speaking at the occasion the Regional
Director, SADC, Doreen Shumba-
Mnyulwa said her organization is
working towards generating information
and knowledge appropriately packaged
to influence policy and practice in the
area of programme focus; building skills
and knowledge of developing actors
for interfacing science, technology and
society.
Shumba_Mnyulwa revealed that the
existence of RAEIN-Africa is to create
an enabling environment for innovative
interventions, poverty reduction and
sustainable development. She said they
would achieve this by strengthening
institutional systems for managing science
and technology for poverty reduction
and sustainable development; building
micro-meso to macro bridges to
facilitate application and use of
science and technology to support
sustaining livelihoods.
She added that her institution would
strengthen and establish a platform for
the innovation systems actors to have
increased voice to effectively participate,
drive and influence science, technology
and policy.
The Regional Director further revealed
that the chief expectation of RAEIN-
AFRICA sponsored projects is creative,
innovative, inclusive, high quality research
that demonstrably addresses outcomes
desired by the ISP-TEESA Programme.
The Secretariat is particularly
concerned that research results are
communicated to end-users and that
there is improved communication
between researchers and end-users.
The RAEIN-AFRICA is interested in
fostering research that is integrated
Regional Director of RAEIN-Africa Doreen Shumba Mnyulwa
April 2009
09
8

across disciplines and takes an innovation
and systems approach and all research
issues should aim to inform policy
making processes. For this particular call,
the following list is prioritized:
Institutions and governance
(transparency, accountability, devolution)
with reference to establishment and
implementation of National Biosafety
Frameworks (NBF)s.
Biosafety regulations – Developing
a southern Africa code of practice
to improve application of existing
technical rules and standards
in enforcing the biosafety
instruments (sampling of GMOs,
detection techniques and
standards of identification).
Innovative ways of improving awareness
and stakeholder participation in the
actualisation of Article 23 of Cartagena
Protocol on Biosafety? (CPB) and
development of some guidelines for
stakeholder engagement
Social, economic and environmental
considerations when introducing GMOs
Developing an assessment tool for
southern African countries
Building effective partnerships
to improve performance
of innovation systems in
biotechnology
Innovation systems in interfacing
science and technology policy, operations
and society
Promoting adoption and upscaling of
successful biotechnologies to improve
and sustain livelihoods in southern
African communities.
Understanding how communities are
adapting to the impacts of climate change
Strengthening understanding
of the status of biofuels
in southern African
societies (farming
systems, socioeconomic
implications,
markets and trade and
corporatism)
Dr Pharoah Masupi of DAR
The Dean of the facility of agriculture
9
April 2009

LEATHERWORKS
Mantirisi displaying some of his products
Article: France Begensel
Photos: Mothusi Tlale
From time immemorial, Batswana
have always been involved in
trades that brought food to the
table. Such practices still exist today
in various forms. Amongst them is
the art of leatherworks, which Muller
Makhudi Mantirisi, prides himself in.
The hot African sun is already up in the
sky when a team of reporters catch up
with Mantirisi at the village wells. The
small village of Keng in the Kgalagadi
district has been hardly hit by shortage
of water for the past few months. The
wells in the western side of the village
are the only source of the already
scarce commodity.
For craftmen like, Mantirisi this pose
a problem because water is also
important in his job.
Mantirisi started working with leather
in 2000. He says “lack of employment
forced me into this work. Again I did
not have straps for my donkeys. At the
same time there were a plenty of skins
in the village that had no use.” He says
he realized the need to use the skins to
generate some income. Mantirisi later
attended a course on how to use skins
and leather works at the rural training
Centre in Pelotshetha.
He says that leather needs very special
care. He adds “you have to maintain
high standards for caring for leather
otherwise it will get spoiled easily. You
must know how to treat it and how long
to soak it.” He says after soaking for a
few days (about five), he takes it out
to remove the hairs. Hairs are removed
by scraping using special knives or
sometimes using a stone a process
called shaving. This process also helps
to achieve uniform thickness.
During the treatment of hides, water is
mixed with lime, oil and soaked in a
barrel. Sometimes other people would
bury the skin in the ground for a few
days. The skin is also washed to remove
surplus fat and to get away unwanted
flesh. Water and lime is used to loosen
hair, fats and plump up the skin ready
for tanning.
Working with leather is a very tough
job reveals Mantirisi. He says that
one must be dedicated and patient
and must always be in a position to
contend with the stink. He adds that if
one cannot bear the smell, they would
not be able to enjoy the fruits of this
production.
Mantirisi prides himself in producing
leather bags, belts hats, sandals and
straps for his donkeys and horses.
He says that ever since going into
leatherworks he has not bought any
straps from shops.
The market for his products is
promising, and there is potential for
growth. He sells his products all over
Kgalagadi. Sometimes customers even
place orders with him. He would then
produce knowing there is already a
buyer.
Mantirisi says that acquiring leather
is difficult as there are not enough
suppliers in the area. He usually gets
skins from weddings and funerals.
At times he buys from neighboring
villages. He says “I used to get them
for free of charge but these days they
are selling them to me for P20-P40
depending on the size.”
Mantirisi is worried about how people
brand their cattle tough. He says
improper branding destroys the skin
quality. He adds that a beast that has
been branded more than once will
have scars over, and you cannot use
parts of leather with scars. He says that
cattle should be branded on the lower
thigh only, thus leaving enough quality
hides above.
Mantirisi is very happy with the
prospects he gets from his business.
He says that he is able to buy food and
clothing for himself and family with
the proceedings. He encourages other
Batswana to explore other avenues to
sustain themselves. Mantirisi says “it is
very important for Batswana to use their
own hands to produce food and stop
looking at the government to provide
handouts ”
April 2009
10

Seeding 13 kg/ha
Rain fall range 200mm
Soil well drained sandy clay soil
It is normally used as a supplement
because of is high protein content of
16%.
Atriplex nummularia (Salt bush)
Exotic imported from Australia
Potential forage yield: 13kg/ha
Weaner calf feeding from a paddock.
The Department of Agricultural
Research conducted a dairy field day
to create a platform for stake holders
to share pertinent information dairy
calf management and pasture fodder
production. Kediretswe Pule gives an
insight of concepts of fodder production
and grass species discussed on the day.
Cenchrus Ciliaris (Molopo)
Forage yield: 3.9-5.3t/ha
Suitability: for hay and range
rehabilitation
Seedling rate: 5kg/ha
Rainfall: 375-750 mm
It does well in dry areas such as the
kgalagadi
Soils: Light textured
60 cm between rows and 10 cm between
plants
It takes 3-4 months to mature.
Harvesting 2-5 of the vegetative part
should remain for recovery
It does not require weeding all the time
The animal eats 35 of its own weight or
12 kg per day
Pennisetum Purpureum (Bana Grass)
Exotic
Forage yield: 15 kg/ha (when cut every
8 weeks’ fed fresh as basal diet for dairy
cattle
Seeding rate Canes/ roots/ Splits 3333-10
000/ha in rows
2.5 M between rows. put 2 canes into
the ground. Sprouts after 3 months and
leaves emerge
Rainfall 600 mm?
Soil: well drained sandy soil
Plant January and let it grow for a year
to mature and cut the next January. Then
cut and harvest every 8 weeks
Weeding is a must especially first year of
growth
Mannure: kraal manure every two years
in between rows or inter crop with
legumes such as lablab
Susceptible to drought but can survive
without irrigation at 4 years old
Harvesting: leave 20cm when cutting for
regrowth.
Nutrients: 9% crude protein but can go
down after 8 weeks. Not for grazing.
Yield depends of rainfall amount.
Lab Lab Purpureus
Forage yield: 6.5t/ha
Transplant 3m between rows and 2m
between rows
Suitalble for wet and dry seasons feeding
Seeding rate 10 000 seedlings /ha
Rainfaill 100 mm
Very drought tolerant
Used as a supplement.
Leucaena leucocephala
Potential forage yield 4.5 tonnes/ha
Suitable for wet and dry seaon feeding
Seeding rate: 10 000 seedling /ha
Rainfall range 450-600 mm
Soils deep well drained with PH
Leave up to 50cm when harvesting.
Susceptible to termites
Used as a supplement because of its
high protein content of 16%
Elephant grass grown to feed dairy cows
11
April 2009

HORTICULTURE
Zacharia at his vegetable farm
Article: Felix Mothatego
Photos: Pius Nkunda
Some horticultural producers
seemingly emerge victorious in
a tag of war against the world
credit crunch.
Even the temporary closure of Orapa
diamond mine in Lethakane had
no effect on Christopher Gumede
Zachariah who is a producer of
vegetables (veggies), poultry and
dairy in the area.
To him the market is plenty. He
said that most veggies are imported,
and that considering distance from
boarders market is 100% because
he cannot meet demand of Spar and
Choppies.
He is operating in a 35 hector farm
about plus or minus five kilometers
from Lethakane growth point.
Lethakane is in the Boteti region.
Even locals residing around the farm
sought refuge from the credit crunch
under his shelter. They benefit
through labour and better livelihood
because they have access to veggies
at a reasonable price.
Some even get them for free. He
has about 20 employees belonging
to Lethakane growth point, who are
permanently working in the farm.
He also provides them with breakfast
and lunch for free.
He said he intends working with
the Chief of the area so that his staff
and community would benefit from
his project. “Really, it is not about
making money but a contribution to
the community”, he said.
He said this business goes beyond
money, and that he is happy to see
locals employed. Consequently they
could purchase products in the farmwith
little as three pula they can get
ten chicken legs.
However, he does not have field
implements he needs. He said this is
why he does not want to sign a quota
contract because he would fail to
honour it. He said he needs his own
tractor to plough the way he wants.
With a tractor he could get proper
implements and irrigation systems.
Christopher also took the opportunity
to show this reporter how labour
intensive and tedious watering with a
hosepipe is. He said he is also in need
of net shading because Lethakane is
hot.
Christopher started producing veggies
to page 12 >
April 2009
09
12

From page 12
mid November last year, and started
selling in February this year. He said
starting was frustrating because his
desire and aspiration got to full at a
time when he needed implements.
He just had to make do with the little
he had. He picked pieces of pipes
and put together a simple watering
system.
He also sacrificed some of his money,
which was supposed to go for some
other projects to put everything
together. He now hopes tomatoes he
planted would be able to generate
enough income.
To date when he drives to town
people ask him for various veggies,
and would take anything he has. He
said the closure of Orapa diamond
mine is a plus on the vegetable side.
He said this is because veggies are
cheaper, and people tend to switch
from meat to vegetables. He also
has a separate price for consumers,
which is cheaper than buying from
Choppies and Spar.
Christopher is an accountant, and
used to work for Debswana in the
accounts and Human Resource
Departments. When he retired he
developed passion for farming.
He grew up in rural areas where
his mom was a subsistence farmer,
and had not been aware that he
had potential until he retired. He
mobilized this potential although
he might not have had enough
experience.
He believes Debswana has
equipped him with leadership, and
administrative skills to be able to put
together experiences. Right now he
had his experienced uncle crossed
from Zambia to help him in the farm.
He said his goal has been fulfilled
by a visit to his farm by this reporter.
He said he wanted to set stage for
farming in the country, and to show
Batswana and neighboring countries
that we can do it in terms of farming.
He said he wants to drive Lethakane
to a point of self sufficiency in
vegetable production. He would
then expand to the whole of Boteti
District, and eventually nationwide.
He said his dream is to see boarders
permanently closed for vegetable
imports.
He said he is thankful for his uncle’s
experience because for him, watering
with these pipes and carrying them
on his shoulders is a piece of cake.
However, Chris as he is usually called
thinks that this is unprofessional, and
that they need to get up to date in
terms of watering.
He said looking from where he
comes from it is a leap. He also said
he is thankful for Baledzi Moalosi to
have led him to the door by leasing
the land to him.
He reminds those who have land
and can not utilize it to advertise it
on papers, and Television because it
is not easy to acquire land. He said
Batswana should strive to utilize
some of the land lying fallow.
He said he did not want to start from
scratch because that would have
meant applying for land. He wanted
to start farming where there are
already some implements, especially
for poultry because he thought it
would generate funds quickly.
He also said there is a lot of unused
labour in the Lethakane. He said he
observed that there are few Batswana
interested in farming, and or lack
knowledge in farming.
CEDA only funded him on the
horticultural side because it could
not fund more than one project. He
declined to disclose the amount but
said it was not enough, so he used
some from his pocket to get the
project up and running.
Chris is also a business consultant.
He has just recently signed some
contracts with CEDA, and hopes to
mentor CEDA funded youth in Boteti
region on training, and leadership. He
said there are a lot of young farmers’
aspirants coming to him for help in
putting together business proposals.
He said it is good for the financier
to give out money but the biggest
challenge is implementing. He
believes he would come handy
because he would help the youth
with practical information.
He said he is also working with
various local farmers in sharing
information, and challenges because
his philosophy is that the cake is too
big for everybody. He said he does
not look at them as competitors but
team players.
His long term plan is to produce
silage for his dairy cows, and that
he wants to focus on dairy by end of
2009 because he now has about 41
cows. He said he is not focusing on
it now because feeds are expensive.
Christopher has undoubtedly proved
that with or without a world credit
crunch or any other financial
constraint, people would continue to
eat
13
April 2009
09

HIDES AND SKIN’S ECONOMIC VALUE AND
THE CURRENT ECONOMIC RECESSION
Hides and skins are outer
cover of an animal and can
be derived from mammal,
birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians.
Hides are obtained from large animals
hence skins are from small animals.
There are game hides and skins which
are derived from wild species. They
are by products of meat industry
and are primary raw materials
for tanning industry where
they provide leather.
Various breeds of
cattle, sheep, goats
and reptiles produce
diverse types of skins
which are processed
into leather of
diverse properties also
influenced by condition
under which they are raised.
The resultant leather possessed
unique properties such as strength,
wear and tear resistance insulation
permeability etc.
There have been endeavors to
promote and upgrade hides and skins
quality and business in Botswana like
in other African countries. However
there is still perception from the
developed world that hides and
skins and allied products like leather
goods from Africa are of low quality
Therefore, this led to African hides
and skins being disadvantaged and
not performing well in the world
market compared to those from
developed world even before the
current economic recession. On the
other hand it is true that African hides
suffer from defects such as brand
marks, physical damage from other
animals, environmental, parasites
damage and some naturally occurring
diseases of animals.
It is generally believed that all African
hides are smaller and bear lot of vain
lines due to climate influences. Some
of believes are sometimes based
on subjective rather than proved
objective or scientific performance
results of the materials.
In economics, a recession is a
general slowdown in economic
activity in a country over a sustained
period of time, or a business cycle
contraction. During recessions, many
macroeconomic indicators vary in a
similar way. Production as measured
by Gross Domestic Product (GDP),
employment, investment spending,
capacity utilization, household
incomes and business profits all
fall during recessions. It is just six
months since the world plunged
into economic recession .Hides and
skins business cannot be ignored
since it has been affected just like
other commodities. All local hides
and skins business have cut their
normal day to day operation,
laid down workers and while
some have closed.
Governments of the
world usually respond
to recessions by
adopting expansionary
macroeconomic policies, such
as increasing money supply,
increasing government spending and
decreasing taxation.
Hides and skins uses have been
adopted in Botswana since and
even before the country became
independent for means of living,
trade and poverty aleviation. Hides
and skins have been produced as
raw materials for footwear, roping,
bags, clothing etc. Traditional uses
and commercial tanning have been
adopted in both developed and
developing countries as basis for
leather making technology, with
to page 15 >
April 2009
14

From page 14
Botswana being involved to lesser
extent.
Both semi finished and finished
materials can be produced and
traded regional and internationally.
This has been the case with the
Botswana Meat Commission Tannery
which used to produce wet blue and
was exported to European countries.
Since the closure of BMC tannery,
the company still has the market
outside Botswana where r a w
hides are now exported to
China.
The semi processed
raw materials are
of better value in
the world market
than raw
salted hides
since pretreatment,
involves simple methods of leather
production i.e. vegetable tanning,
and production of leather goods
with emphasis on product quality
and product diversification. Products
produced target mainly local and
tourists market.
Africa alone in 1999 had livestock
figures of 231 million cattle, 241
million sheep and 209 million goats.
Hides and skins production figureS
were at 27 million and 151
millions respectively
and being
of world produce. Prices for African
hides are low in the international
market due to their size and perceived
quality.
Though by products, hides and skins
are treated as commodities. Since
they are commodities their value
cannot be easily determined until at
the end product stage where quality
may conflict with that of raw hides.
The way the raw materials have been
treated will determine its quality
and influence the buyer locally or
internationally.
There are currently six registered hides
and skins exporters throughout the
country except the Botswana Meat
Commission. The Botswana
Meat Commission
collection hence
accounts for
about
4 5 %
of cattle
particularly at
wet blue stage reduce
pollution associated with
beamhouse or cleaning operations
where hair, flesh, salt and trimmings
are removed and disposed off at the
country of origin.
The public is educated on economic
values of hides and their sustainable
use together with local vegetable
tanning plants, both as renewable
natural resources. The artisan training
approximately 8%
and 16% production
figures for the whole world.
Out of this 3-11% is export to other
countries. The export figure for
whole of African hides is therefore
significantly small at 3-11 %. Leather
production in Africa accounts for 4%
15
slaughtered
in Botswana
at their abattoirs
in Lobatse and
Francistown.
Increased local
collection is
achieved by working
in conjunction with,
municipal abattoirs, private
abattoirs, butcheries, and
local slaughter slabs and
collectors. Production figures for
2006 and 2007 are 102 265 and 290
203 respectively.
to page 17 >
April 2009
09

WHAT IS BEE ABSCONSION?
It can be defined as a situation whereby
a bee colony completely abandons its
‘home’. In this case, the entire brood
(a collective name for eggs, larvae, pupa
and cocoons) and honey is left behind.
Absconsion is one of the adaptations
by bees to survive conditions such as
overheating, persistent pest problems
and so on, which may cause distress to
bees.
Causes of Absconsion
Absconsion can be caused by the
following;
* Predatory activities
* Pests and diseases
* Starvation
* Fire
* Overheating
* Poor ventilation
Forms of Absconsion
Absconsion has two forms.
1. Disturbance induced
Honey bee colonies are very sensitive
to disturbances and absconsion is
an immediate response to a sudden
deterioration within the nest cavity
due to predators, hive pests infestation,
excessive heat, veldt fire, attack of
diseases and hazardous fumes etc. This
type of absconsion can occur at any
time of the year. Man and insects
especially ants are considered
to be the greatest enemies of
bees. Their activities usually
result in bees migrating in
either two forms.
Man robs bees of
their honey during
honey-hunting;
setting fire to
vegetation (the
natural home for
bees) can also
starve bees.
Ants on the other
hand are very
persistent in finding their way into a hive
especially when they are attracted by
pieces of honey comb or spilled sugar
water on the bottom of the hive. Once
invasion of ants occurs, bees will panic
and will finally abscond, leaving honey
and brood behind.
2. Resource induced.
Resource induced absconsion however,
is seasonal, thus it occurs at certain
times of the year. It can also be called
migration of bees. This happens when
resources like food (pollen and nectar)
and water deteriorate. When resources
are scarce, honeybees abscond and
sometimes descend on farms and other
human habitations where there are
steady food sources and water supplies.
A resource –induced colony prepares
itself to abscond in the following manner;
the queen stops egg-laying; the colony
waits for all the brood to emerge; food
collection stops; and the remaining food
in the hive will be used in preparation
for ‘take –off’.
Note: In most cases, this happens in
areas with poor vegetation because bees
would not collect enough food to store
for dry periods
How to prevent
Absconsion
Suggested ways to prevent absconsion
are;
* Inspect your colonies regularly
* timely examining bee enemies,
diseases and their management
* supplementary feeding during
dearth periods
* Strengthen weak colonies,
(colonies should always be kept
as big as possible)
* Apiaries should also be located
in a good vegetation
* Wood ash can is spread on the
ground around the legs of
a stand to keep ants away.
* Good hive construction (use
recommended specification
for hive construction)
* Make fire breaks around
the apiary
* Always keep your hives on the
stand in the shade.
As a take home point, Beekeepers should
be aware of this situation (bee absconsion)
and mitigate the effect by feeding, uniting
and applying appropriate management
practices
April 2009 16

From page 15
HIDES AND SKIN’S ECONOMIC VALUE AND
THE CURRENT ECONOMIC RECESSION
S M Lurie, the main export company
has recently closed its depots at
Bobonong, Mochudi and Gaborone
except for Francistown.
Leather shoes on display
Hides and Skins local prices have
fluctuated due to world markets
problems, exchange rate as well
as Foot and Mouth prevalence in
the Selebi Phikwe area i.e. Zone 7
which has also reduced collection
and prices paid to collectors and
producers. The situation was further
aggravated by outbreak of Foot and
Mouth Disease at Ghanzi area in
October 2008. Increase in levy that
effected 16th November 2007, the
first after 40 years, has prompted
collectors to reduce prices paid to
producers therefore slightly affecting
collection. Exporters now pay P16
per hide on export levy unlike before
when they had to pay P0.20t.
Current prices for raw hides are at
an average of P5, thus a fall in price
from P70 in September 2008, and
P120 in 2006 and 2007 respectively
before introduction of levy. Due to
this fall in prices, hides and skins
particularly those of small stock from
abattoir are taken to dumping sites.
Meat Inspection Training Centre in
Lobatse MITC has resorted to this as
last option.
Hides and skins section of the Ministry
of Agriculture help collectors meet
quality requirements and standards
for, exports by eliminating defects on
hides and skins such as brand marks.
Increase collection depots, educate
and encourage farmers to undertake
such projects under clean conditions.
The section is also responsible
for controlling hides and skins
movements around the country and
across the borders in conjunction
with Veterinary Departments of
exporting and importing countries
for the purposes of diseases control
and compliance with legislations
requirements.
The expectations are that, the
continuing exercise by Ministry
of Agriculture (MoA) to make the
nation aware of what hides and skins
will contribute t to economic growth,
relating to income generation, and
employment creation. Hides skins
production is bound to grow and
diversify from cattle goats and sheep
dominance thus expanding to other
areas, considering, ostrich, pig,
crocodile, fish and game farming.
Establishment of tanneries around
the country are feasible through
private sector which could be able
to compete in local regional, and
international market
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
http://www.unido.org/fileadmin/
import/10211-triplebottom.2.pdf
Economic - recession
By Principal Scientific officer 1
Hides & Skins Section
Mr G. B. Mathiba
Department of Animal Production
17
April 2009
0

April 2009