- BMC PUSHES BACK ON NGAMI FARMERS’ CALL FOR HIGHER LIVE BUY PRICES
Ngamiland’s cattle farmers have rejected the Botswana Meat Commission’s (BMC) offer of P16 per kilogram live weight under the recently introduced Direct Cattle Purchase Scheme. Represented by the Nhabe Agricultural Management Association (NAMA), the farmers argued that this price fails to reflect the true value of their cattle, especially given the growing demand from regional markets.
NAMA’s position is clear: beef from Ngamiland commands premium prices beyond Botswana’s borders, with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia paying significantly higher rates. Locally, some butcheries are already offering P15 per kilogram live weight, close to BMC’s offer, but farmers believe the commission’s price undervalues their livestock.
“It is common knowledge now that the DRC market is paying well and our counterparts in Zambia are selling at the equivalent of P60 per kg of carcass weight. We at NAMA believe that P20 per kg of live weight will be much better than P16 per kg and P45 per kg of carcass would do for us,” the association said.
BMC, through spokesperson Shadi Linchwe, defended the P16 price. Speaking to The Business Weekly & Review, Linchwe pointed out that the figure is based on a rigorous market analysis that considers production costs incurred by farmers, prevailing market prices, and the average customer price for the final product. Crucially, BMC assumes significant additional costs, relieving farmers of expenses they would otherwise face.
“Claims of undervaluation overlook the fact that BMC assumes full responsibility for transportation, quarantine, herding, watering, supplementary feeding, and any mortalities that may occur under its care. When these additional costs are factored in, the effective value offered to farmers is significantly higher than the base price,” Linchwe said.
The commission also highlighted that the price is competitive both locally and regionally, stressing that it is calculated on live weight, not carcass weight, a distinction often overlooked in comparisons.
“It is important to note that this rate applies uniformly, regardless of the animal’s age or weight, and is based on live weight, not carcass weight. Since the introduction of the scheme, the highest price paid to a farmer was P9,888, and we believe it is competitive,” Linchwe said.
While BMC acknowledges farmer feedback and operates a dynamic pricing model designed to adapt to market fluctuations and stakeholder input, Linchwe made clear that price setting remains an internal process rather than direct farmer negotiation.
“BMC maintains a dynamic pricing model that is regularly reviewed. These reviews consider the cost of raising cattle to slaughter age and weight, prevailing market conditions, and feedback received from farmers to ensure the pricing remains fair and responsive. Dialogue is ongoing, and there is openness to exploring mutually beneficial solutions, although this does not suggest that prices are set by farmers. Their input to the process is valuable,” she explained.
According to Linchwe, the Live Buy Scheme offers more than just savings on quarantine and faster payments. BMC assumes full liability for the cattle once procured, including all associated risks and costs, providing farmers with significant operational relief and assurance.
Ngamiland farmers maintain their rejection of the P16 per kilogram live weight price, despite what they say are public claims by BMC that the initiative has been widely welcomed.
“As matters stand, however, we will continue to explore other available options within the industry,” the association said.
The Direct Cattle Purchase Scheme is a pilot program launched in Ngamiland, where the commission buys cattle directly from farmers at approved collection points. This “Live Buy” model aims to be faster and more transparent for farmers, paying a live weight price of P16 per kilogram and covering transport and quarantine costs. It is part of BMC’s strategy to modernise its livestock marketing system, boost the national beef value chain, and empower Ngamiland farmers who have long felt excluded from the BMC system.
The initiative emerged after complaints from Ngamiland farmers that quarantining their cattle at their own cost was too expensive and unsustainable for many producers. Cattle from Ngamiland, classified as a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) red zone, must be quarantined before slaughter. The region’s proximity to African buffalo, a known FMD carrier, has contributed to frequent outbreaks, entrenching Ngamiland’s red-zone status and requiring mandatory quarantine periods of up to 30 days before meat can be declared safe.
Under the scheme, BMC is targeting to buy 4,000 cattle from farmers in Ngamiland at an estimated budget of P25 million by the end of this year. This was revealed by BMC’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Mmabasotho Tibe, during the official launch of the scheme in Makalamabedi recently.
