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.
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.
Young indigenous plants being grown for propagation and planting.
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