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.
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.
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