The Farmers’ Networks which CCB aided in establishing in Jwaneng and Ghanzi held annual planning meetings on the 15th and 21st February 2019 respectively. The meetings are a great way to begin and plan for the year, as well as, to evaluate the successes and shortcomings of the previous year. Both networks came up with new, brilliant, and innovative ideas, one of which included hosting a regional mini farmers’ market days to showcase their products, promote CCB’s Livestock Guarding Dog (LGD) program, create opportunities, attract new clients, meet stakeholders, and engage with their larger communities. Another idea suggested was to use social media to facilitate active discussions and to better keep in touch with other Network members. Whatsapp and other locally available agricultural apps were recommended to fast track and share farming information.
The communities were very happy with last year’s LGD awards ceremony as it encouraged farmers to work in non-lethal ways to safe guard their stock. The farmers also aired their views on conservation and farming issues. It was reassuring to hear the farmers are thinking positively about coexistence measures. Change always starts local – small – and yet it is inspiring how quickly it can grow into a forward-thinking community of conservationist farmers, as we are seeing here with our Farmers’ Networks!