The 2025 Kang Farmers Field Day took place at Khakha Farm and it offered an opportunity to inch toward marking a turning point for Botswana’s agricultural future. With Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB) having interest in bridging farming and conservation concerns, we did our fair bit to make our presence and support felt. Hosted under the theme: "New Botswana: A Tool to Overcome Obstacles in Farming to Increase Food Production" the gathering running from 23 – 24 May brought together over 300 farmers, policymakers, and industry experts to address Botswana’s dual challenges of food security and wildlife preservation.

The guest of honour, Honourable Baratiwa Mathoothe – Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, used the occasion to highlight the Kgalagadi North farming community’s resilience in adapting to extreme climates and wildlife pressures. Having also been affected by the heavy rains earlier this year, the region’s farmers play a principal role in attaining the national agricultural aspirations. CCB’s delegation included 11 members from our partner networks – namely Southern Livestock Farmers Network (SOLIFANE) and Ghanzi Farmers Network (GFN) – who showcased practical coexistence strategies to farmers grappling with drought, habitat loss, and predator conflict.

The CCB stall drew significant interest with attendees eager to learn about climate-smart farming initiatives. It spotlighted three transformative approaches: chilli-based elephant deterrents that are a measure to reduce crop losses, drought-resistant sorghum varieties that require less watering, and integrated livestock management systems that have proven lower incidents of predator conflicts. CCB’s Farming for Conservation (FFC) team, King Modise and Balekanye Mbinda, demonstrated these methods alongside agricultural technicians with particular interest in kraal redesigns that have reduced cheetah-related livestock losses. As an organisation whose community engagements inform our work, it is important for us to share how technology and traditional knowledge can merge to create sustainable solutions.

​The event was well attended by government departments, parastatals, exhibitors, and farmers from across the country. It provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and networking. Farmers from SOLIFANE and the GFN Farmers Network had the opportunity to engage with agri-businesses, explore new farming equipment, and share experiences aimed at improving their agricultural practices.

All systems are ‘Go!’ at the Exatheni Veld Products Centre (EVPC) in Bere! Established alongside the Kalahari Crafts and Cultural Centre (KCCC) in Kacgae – both executed under the Government of Botswana and UNDP Kgalagadi Ghanzi Drylands Ecosystem Project (KGDEP) – this processing centre is a remarkable achievement and noteworthy addition to natural resource-based developments in the area. The EVPC will be overseen by the Au She Xla Ulu Natural Resource Conservation Trust, and serve as an extension of their indigenous plant-based initiatives – which include exploring growing indigenous plants in controlled spaces.
 
The Centre also includes on-site workshop spaces, an office, and secure storage areas, offering a fully functional base for continued training, production, and creative collaboration. This makes it more than just a marketplace; the KCCC is a symbol of what’s possible when communities are given the tools to lead their own sustainable economic initiatives. Investing in the achievements of these goals are partners like CCB, Matebeleng Milling – a market player in organic, ethically sourced veld products for trade, such as Devil’s claw and Kalahari truffles; the Natural Products Association of Botswana – a representative body for natural and indigenous producers in the country – and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), who continually engage with communities on strategies for scaling up production, as well as market-readiness.
 
It is still early days; however, the wealth of knowledge and products is evident, and the motivation to build a self-sustaining community enterprise is pronounced. From pressing oil from melon seeds, to crushing nuts and slicing truffles, this Centre will allow mechanisation of traditionally labour-intensive processes. We look forward to seeing how this new iteration of relating with the gifts of the land positively impacts the preservation and celebration of indigenous knowledge and products for generations to come.

It’s official, the Kalahari Crafts and Cultural Centre (KCCC) in Kacgae has opened its doors! After two years of planning, training, and construction, this landmark project – executed under the Government of Botswana and UNDP Kgalagadi Ghanzi Drylands Ecosystem Project (KGDEP) – has finally come to life. Designed as both an economic and cultural hub for local artisans, the KCCC provides a dedicated space to showcase and sell handmade crafts, support sustainable livelihoods, and celebrate the rich heritage of the western Kalahari.

At the official launch in June, the Centre was formally handed over to the Xwiskurusa Trust, who will take the lead on managing its operations. The event, officiated by Minister  brought together community members, partners, and stakeholders to mark this exciting milestone – and to celebrate the collective effort that made it possible.
 
The shop shelves are already brimming with beautiful beadwork, embroidery, woodwork, leather goods, and more – all of them crafted by artisans from our partner villages who trained with craft facilitator Sandi Albertson of Wild Artefacts. The contagious excitement even before the displays were fully set up saw the Trust make their first official sale – a stunning, hand-carved wooden walking stick purchased on the spot by CCB’s own Jane Horgan, who couldn’t resist the urge to splurge while checking on the shop’s progress.
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With travellers already stopping in to browse and buy – thanks to its prime location off the A2 Trans-Kalahari Highway, 160km south of Ghanzi – we’re excited to partner with the communities in the growth of the Centre as a destination in its own right. For local artisans, it offers not only income and recognition, but a chance to share their culture, preserve traditional skills, and help reduce pressure on wildlife through alternative livelihoods.