Maize and Wheat Millers Association (MWMA) chairman Sir Wonder Masebola has called for reforms to Botswana’s grain procurement and import policies, arguing that supporting local farmers must go hand in hand with ensuring reliable supplies for millers and affordable food for consumers.
The association is advocating a system that gives local farmers dependable access to buyers while allowing millers to import enough grain to cover domestic production shortfalls.
Masebola said food security depended on cooperation among farmers, transporters, millers, retailers and policymakers, rather than the efforts of any single part of the supply chain.
“Food security is not built in supermarkets. It is built through the combined efforts of farmers, transporters, millers, retailers and policymakers working together to ensure that every Motswana has access to essential food products,” he said.
The association argues that restrictions on grain supplies can affect more than milling businesses. Interruptions to production can put pressure on employment, increase operating costs and disrupt the availability of everyday food products.
Local milling facilities represent substantial investments in processing equipment, storage, logistics and quality assurance. Their ability to supply the domestic market depends on consistent access to raw materials and the skills needed to operate and maintain sophisticated manufacturing systems.
“When people think about milling, they often think about machines and products. What they do not always see is the depth of citizen expertise behind these operations. Across our member companies, Batswana are acquiring specialised skills, managing sophisticated technologies and building careers in one of the country’s most important manufacturing sectors,” Masebola said.
A dependable market for local farmers
MWMA maintains that millers can purchase domestically produced grain that meets agreed quality standards and commercial requirements, with imports covering the shortfall between local production and national demand.
The association is also advocating direct purchasing arrangements between farmers and millers. It says participating millers can pay farmers within a week of delivery, subject to agreed commercial terms, providing an alternative market and greater certainty over payment.
Against concerns about delayed payments through the Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB), MWMA argues that farmers should have greater freedom to choose where they sell their crops.
Direct agreements could help farmers manage their cash flow and prepare for the next planting season, while securing local grain supplies for processors.
Masebola reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to supporting domestic agriculture.
“Every tonne of grain produced locally matters. Our industry remains committed to supporting Botswana’s farmers because stronger agriculture translates into stronger food security, stronger rural economies and greater national resilience,” he said.
The association argues that local procurement and imports serve complementary purposes. Buying Botswana-grown grain supports agricultural development, while importing the shortfall helps keep milling operations running and ensures continued supplies to households.
Economist Dr Keith Jefferis said climatic conditions meant Botswana would continue to face maize and wheat shortfalls, although the country could achieve sorghum self-sufficiency in a good year.
“Hence imports are critical for securing national food security, and it is therefore irrational to ban or restrict imports,” he said.
Jefferis also recommended making sales to BAMB optional and allowing farmers to sell directly to millers.
Protecting investment, jobs and affordable food
For MWMA, grain policy must recognise milling as part of the infrastructure underpinning national food security. Beyond processing staple foods, the sector supports employment, purchases local goods and services, and sustains transport and distribution businesses.
Masebola said the industry’s contribution reflected years of investment and the development of local expertise.
“The story of milling is ultimately the story of national resilience. These facilities represent decades of investment, innovation and commitment to Botswana. They are not simply factories; they are part of the infrastructure that feeds our nation, supports our economy and contributes to our long-term development,” he said.
MWMA is calling for engagement among government, BAMB, farmers and millers to develop practical arrangements that prioritise locally produced grain, facilitate prompt payment and allow timely imports when domestic supplies fall short.
The association believes such an approach would strengthen the market for local farmers while protecting the processing capacity needed to turn grain into reliable, affordable food.
