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Botswana on high red alert as AML joins Covid-19 to plague mankind

This century is always looking at improving new super high speed technology to make life easier. On the other hand, beckoning as an emerging fierce reversal force to equally match or dominate this life enhancing super new tech, comes swift human adversaries which seem to have come to make living on earth even more difficult.

The recent discovery of a pandemic, Covid-19, which moves at a pace of unimaginable and unpredictable proportions; locking people inside homes and barring human interactions with its dreaded death threat, is currently being felt.
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While Covid-19 is referred to as an invisible enemy, another nemesis has emerged as a plague to humankind working as a menace to the food chains that connects humanity to the environment. Locusts Migratoria Migratorioides, mostly called African Migratory Locust (AML) on this part of the continent, is a plague coming in insect form but working on earth as a militarized legion simply referred to as a swarm that eat away all available vegetation.

AML are very destructive pests. A single army of locusts or a swarm can contain tens of millions of adults which are spread across the SADC region. Its destructive nature: one swarm can eat vegetation; sweeping away livestock pasture and crops, as much in one day as 2500 people.

The trace of AML to Botswana or its SADC counterparts connects to May 2020 and that was when in 8 SADC Member States, namely; Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. The swarms can travel about 5-130 km or more in a day and can stay in the air for a lengthy period of time.

According to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)s humanitarian information service, ReliefWeb, SADC currently has 44.8 million people (75 percent of which are rural population) recorded to be food insecure.

ReliefWeb says, locusts cause serious food and nutrition insecurity and loss of livelihoods through damage to crops and grazing. Climate change is believed to be the major driver of new introductions due to changes in weather patterns that create conducive environment for introduction, establishment and spread of new pests and diseases, according to the information service.

The pest has spread from its traditional breeding areas in the Okavango delta, Chobe wetlands and the Zambezi plains into new areas. The growing number of AML hotspots and spread is of great concern given the threat to irrigated crops as well as to the main planting season, which is imminent. The threat from the AML can have a multiplier effect on the already precarious food and nutrition security situation, says ReliefWeb.

The SADC Secretariat, headquartered in Gaborone, partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Sub-regional Office for Southern Africa and the International Red Locust Control Organization for Central and Southern Africa (IRLCOCSA) is set to launch a Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) this month. According to ReliefWeb, the project is meant to address the outbreak of the AML in the region. Other partners include; United States Agency for International Development (USAID), World Bank and European Union.

A fortnight ago FAO Botswana released a statement that AML is threatening food security and livelihoods of millions of people in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, further red alerting that there is need to put up an emergency response effort to control the swarms.

Patrice Talla, FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for Southern Africa said: Even with the control measures are already taken, the locusts are still a threat. Some of the worst-affected areas are very difficult to reach. We need to support the four governments, SADC and partner organisations like IRLCO-CSA to control this pest and protect peoples livelihoods.

According to FAO, in Botswana some smallholder farmers lost their entire crop at the start of the African Migratory Locust outbreak. As the next planting season approaches the pest threatens the countrys breadbasket region of Pandamatenga, according to FAO. Pandamatenga is where most of the countrys sorghum staple is grown.

Around 7 million people in the four affected countries who are still recovering from the impact of the 2019 drought, and grappling with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, could experience further food and nutrition insecurity, said FAO Botswana.

Botswana is an import dependent country and food prices have been increasing amid the coronavirus pandemic due to high transportation costs and use of food crops for bio-fuels resulted in the decline of the countrys import capacity.

The 2009 statistics indicate that about 500 000 people in Botswana are food insecure mainly because they do not have access to quality food. About 38 000 people were estimated to be in need of food assistance in the April 2019March 2020 period, compared to an estimated 35 000 people in the previous year, according to the Botswana Vulnerability Assessment Committee (BVAC).

The initial spread of swarms of the AML can be traced back to the 1928-1941 plague. They are believed to have emerged from the wet breed grounds of the Red Sea. Before migrating to Southern Africa and descending on Botswanas wetlands of Okavango and Ngamiland. AML also discovered a breeding habitant in the flood plains of Middle Niger in West Africa.

In their migration crusade, the swarms of AML escaped flying out and spread plagues across the continent. AMLs penchant for rich and green vegetation is synonymous with wetlands and would also see it being recognized in the Sudanese, Ethiopian and Angola rainy lands.[/ihc-hide-content]

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P300m Phikwe Citrus project first harvest milestone

18th March 2024

The P300 million Selebi Phikwe Citrus project in Botswana has reached its first harvest milestone, with the first export dispatched to the UAE and Saudi Arabia last week. This project, aimed at diversifying the country’s export earnings from diamond mining, is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

The project, which has successfully planted 840,000 seedlings in Phase 1 and completed a 17,000 square meter pack house, is set to employ 1,000 people and create business opportunities across various value chains. These opportunities include manufacturing of juice and packaging materials, transport and logistics, and honey production.

The first export from the Selebi Phikwe Citrus project marks a major achievement for Botswana, as it opens up lucrative export markets in the Middle East and beyond. The project has met market access requirements for countries such as the EU, Canada, China, The Philippines, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, paving the way for future exports to these regions.

The economic impact of the project on the SPEDU region, where it is located, is already being felt. The construction of a 12 km water pipeline and the installation of a power line have driven infrastructure development in the area, benefiting businesses in the vicinity at minimal cost.

The project’s success is the result of collaborative efforts between various government departments and agencies, including the Botswana Investment & Trade Centre (BITC) and SPEDU. Through the BITC’s One Stop Services Centre (BOSSC), the project was able to access red-carpet investor facilitation services and unlock necessary business enablers.

The Ministry of Trade & Industry and the Ministry of Agriculture have played crucial roles in facilitating market access for the project. The Department of Plant Health has opened up protocol and permit markets for citrus exports, ensuring that the project can access international markets with ease.

Botswana has met the European Union (EU), Canada, China, The Philippines, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia market access requirements. “I am happy to report that our desire to export has been actualised as the first consignment was dispatched last week to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia” Minister Kgafela revealed.

The Selebi Phikwe Citrus project is not only beneficial for the project sponsors but also for other citrus growers in Botswana. With 172 citrus growers in the country, over 90% of whom are small-scale farmers, the project presents opportunities for growth and expansion in the citrus industry.

Massive value chain opportunities are presented by the project, including fertilizer and agrochemical supplies, agro-processing opportunities, and more. The project’s spending on imports presents an opportunity for local production, further boosting the country’s economy.

On 21s March 2024, His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi EK Masisi will officiate at a ceremony to mark the first harvest of the Selebi Phikwe Citrus project and officially open the pack house. Harvest from this multimillion pula project is expected to reach the United States, Europe and other lucrative export markets.

The project was first launched on the 11th December 2020 with a ground breaking by President Masisi. This multimillion pula private sector funded agricultural enterprise, the likes of which this country has never seen before, is widely touted as a major catalyst to revitalising and catapulting the SPEDU region back to economic glory following the closure of BCL mine in 2016.

The project promoters leased 1500 hectors of land from Mmadinare Multi- Purpose Cooperative Society which will benefit directly through proceeds.

Highlighting the ripple economic impact of the project to the SPEDU region, Assistant Minister of Trade & Industry Honourable Beauty Manake said the Selebi Phikwe Citrus project has been able to drive the development of infrastructure in the area, with the construction of a 12 km water pipeline and ensured the installation of a power line.

She said during a briefing in Gaborone on Thursday that businesses within the vicinity have tapped into these infrastructural developments at minimal cost.

The Selebi Phikwe Citrus project came into being through collective efforts of various government departments and agencies. The Botswana Investment & Trade Centre (BITC) in collaboration with SPEDU courted the investors from South Africa to venture into the project.

Through the Botswana One Stop Services Centre (BOSSC) under the BITC, the project was able to establish and take off by enjoying red-carpet investor facilitation services to unlock required business enablers.

BITC has also through its export promotion arm, facilitated the project by identifying potential export markets in the European Union (EU) and lend crucial support to the Citrus Project to access the identified markets.

About 70 percent of the produce from the Selebi Phikwe Citrus will be exported, while 30% will remain in the country. Assistant Minister Manake revealed that the Ministry of Trade of Industry has been working closely with the project sponsors to explore export markets and facilitate entry into those markets.

The Selebi Phikwe Citrus project’s first harvest and export mark a significant milestone in Botswana’s efforts to diversify its export earnings. With the potential for growth and expansion in the citrus industry, this project is set to have a lasting impact on the country’s economy and agricultural sector.

 

 

 

 

 

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Botswana’s first coal-gas fired power station to start commercial production

18th March 2024

Botswana is set to achieve a significant milestone with the upcoming commencement of commercial production at the country’s first coal-gas fired power station. Tlou Energy Limited, an Independent Power Producer listed on multiple stock exchanges, has been at the forefront of developing this groundbreaking project, which is expected to start generating electricity for both the local and export markets later this year.

Situated in the Central District, just 100 km west of Serowe, the coal-gas fired power station represents a major step towards reducing Botswana’s reliance on expensive power imports. Tlou Energy has confirmed the presence of abundant coal-gas resources in the area, making it suitable for commercial power production. The company has obtained all the necessary approvals, including environmental assessments, production licenses, power generation licenses, and a Power Purchase Agreement, to move forward with the project.

One of the key achievements for Tlou Energy has been the completion of a 100km 66kV transmission line, connecting the power station directly to Botswana’s power grid and the Southern African Power Pool. This connection opens up a vast market for the project, allowing for the sale of electricity both domestically and regionally. The company’s Managing Director, Tony Gilby, expressed optimism about the project’s progress, stating that they are on track to start generating revenue soon.

In terms of the project’s timeline, Tlou Energy is currently focused on completing the construction of the power station, installing generators, and finalizing the gas gathering line. The initial target is to generate around 2MW of power, with plans for rapid expansion to 10MW, generating approximately $10 million in revenue per annum. The company is also in discussions with investors to secure the necessary funds for project completion.

The key remaining items to be completed prior to first power sales, according Tlou Energy, include completing the construction of the power station, installation of generators, completing the short gas gathering line (from the gas wells to the generators) and energizing the power line. “Minor finishing works on the transmission line and the addition of switchgear at Serowe will also be completed prior to first power.  The initial target is ~2MW of power, followed by rapid expansion to 10MW, generating approximately $10m in revenue per annum.” The company has confirmed that it’s in discussions with some investors to secure funds required for project completion.

Tlou’s power is expected to help reduce Botswana’s reliance on expensive power imports. In addition to supplying power in Botswana, the company may sell electricity to the regional market via the Southern African Power Pool, a development which could open up a bigger market for the project.

The successful operation of Botswana’s first coal-gas fired power station will not only contribute to the country’s energy security but also have a positive impact on the regional market. By potentially selling electricity through the Southern African Power Pool, Tlou Energy could tap into a larger market, further solidifying its position as a key player in the energy sector.

Overall, the progress made by Tlou Energy in developing Botswana’s first coal-gas fired power station is a testament to the company’s dedication and vision. With the project nearing completion and commercial production on the horizon, Botswana is poised to enter a new era of energy independence and sustainability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Food prices could go up in 2024/2025

18th March 2024

Food prices could potentially go up in 2024/2025 due to the current El Niño conditions in Southern Africa, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The update released by FAO indicates that countries in the region, including Botswana, may experience a decrease in food production, leading to higher food inflation.

The update highlights that Southern Africa has been experiencing below-average rainfall, with key cropping zones in countries such as Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia receiving only up to 80 percent of average rainfall quantities between November 2023 and February 2024. This has resulted in significant rainfall deficits, particularly in February, which is a critical period for crop development. The warmer than average temperatures and erratic distribution of rains have further exacerbated the situation, leading to stressed vegetation conditions and potentially lower crop yields in 2024.

In South Africa, the leading cereal producer in the region, a dry spell between late January and February 2024 has negatively impacted crop production prospects. Maize production is expected to fall this year, further contributing to the potential decrease in cereal production in the region.

As a result of the anticipated decline in cereal production in Southern Africa, import needs are projected to increase in the 2024/25 year. This could lead to the importation of cereals from outside of the region, such as the United States of America, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and Argentina. However, importing food from global markets comes with higher transport costs and import tariffs, which may put upward pressure on food prices in Botswana.

FAO projects that based on the likely scenario of a fall in cereal production in Southern Africa, import needs are set to increase in the 2024/25 year. “Furthermore, if production declines in South Africa and Zambia materialize in 2024, cereal export availabilities in the region would be low and this could necessitate the importation of cereals from outside of Southern Africa.” According to analysts from the organization cereal prices were at higher levels in December 2023 and January 2024 in Southern Africa, reflecting the cumulative impacts of weather shocks on 2023 domestic production, elevated international commodity prices and weak currencies that intensified exchange rate pass-through effects to domestic prices. “Farther ahead, a key risk to the price growth is represented by the impact of El Niño-related rainfall deficits on cereal production in 2024.”

Some local analysts believes that Botswana could import sorghum, maize and wheat from as far as United States of America, Mexico, Brazil, Australia and Argentina as South Africa and Southern African countries which are potential suppliers of cereals, are highly likely to record decline in crop production as a result of the impact of El Niño-related rainfall deficits on cereal production in 2024. The analysts added that food imports from the global markets come with higher transport costs and import tariffs which may have an upward pressure on food prices in Botswana.

Overall, the impact of El Niño-related rainfall deficits on cereal production in 2024 poses a significant risk to food prices in the region. It is important for policymakers and stakeholders to closely monitor the situation and take necessary measures to mitigate the potential increase in food prices in 2024/2025.

 

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