Botswana is importing grain from international markets to offset a deficit and to address ongoing concerns regarding the impact of a severe drought, the Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB) said.
The shortage came amidst a prolonged pricing dispute with local commercial farmers. The decision comes after BAMB realised that a grain price dispute between commercial farmers and government resulted in low yield in the previous year. Dry weather is also putting the grain supply chain at risk in the Southern African region.
“A critical shortage of sorghum was experienced in 2023. We have been able to source grain externally. Bearing in mind that we do not deplete our minimum Strategic Grain Reserves (SGR) levels,” Adelaide Johnson, BAMB Public Relations & Communications Manager said.
In 2023 commercial farmers held on to their harvest until BAMB adjusted grain price. Because of low yield, the government pointed an accusing finger at commercial farmers. BAMB said now it is taking a proactive approach, aiming to ensure food security by exploring both domestic and international avenues to increase grain stocks.
In anticipation of a long dry spell, BAMB has sourced grain from neighbouring South Africa and Zimbabwe. Johnson said the marketing board is further exploring markets such as Brazil and Australia.
Locally, Johnson said BAMB currently has a stable supply of yellow and white maize. It also has an adequate supply of other beans to the market, especially cowpeas and China peas.
The total BAMB silo storage capacity stands at 85000 metric tonnes (mt) and the maximum required level for storing SGR is 70000Mt comprising of 30000mt Sorghum, 30000mt, Maize and 10000mt beans. According to Johnson, the board is currently maintaining the minimum required grain levels and complies with the Agency Agreement that governs the administration of National Strategic Grain Reserves.
“To date, the reserves are intact and untouched. This is a guarantee to the nation that we are still able to source commercial grain from external sources,” she said.
In the instance where there is a threat to food security, Johnson said BAMB is empowered by law to source for grains internationally to mitigate domestic grain shortfall. Further to that, she said BAMB may seek the cabinet’s approval to draw from the reserves should the need arise in addition. This is in addition to discussions with suppliers in neighbouring countries in preparation for possible grain shortages.
Reflecting on the past harvest season, Johnson indicated that BAMB received 7000mt of sorghum, 4000mt of maize, and 800mt of beans. While it is still early to fully assess the impact, the decision to stop grain exports to allow BAMB a chance to absorb as much produce as possible from local farmers has also shown positive results, she said.
“In this current ploughing season, we are expecting to have more yields in maize, followed by cowpeas and sorghum. This is based on the uptake of the seeds purchased through the Temo Letlotlo initiative,” Johnson said in anticipation of the incoming harvest.
However, she said weather conditions will also be a major factor in how much grain BAMB will receive this season from local farmers.
