Crop diversity, extension services and marketing outlets of vegetables in Botswana

Abstract

The strategy of encouraging agricultural production through incentives in Botswana has contributed to an increase in vegetable production and improved farmers’ livelihood. However, studies on agricultural extension service issues and marketing problems that farmers experienced over the last years are either rare or absent. This article presents results of surveys conducted in different parts of Botswana to assess the diversity of vegetables produced, evaluate the impact of agricultural extension services provided and the marketing outlets of vegetables in the country. For this purpose a structured questionnaire was used to interview 48 farmers in different parts of the country. Results of the surveys indicated the presence of a high level of crop diversity (17 vegetable crop species) which is planted by rotation in time and space on small fields as mono-crops. Mixed cropping was very rare. Leafy vegetables were the dominant crops in all the surveyed areas. Results indicate that agricultural extension service in vegetable farming system is exclusively provided by governmental organizations and are limited to providing technical advices in vegetable production. Advisory services in marketing and financial management are absent. Vegetable farmers in Gantsi, Southern, Kgalagdi and Northern districts received better advisory service than those in Kweneng and Kgatleng districts. Most of the interviewed farmers travel long distances to get production inputs (85%) and others even import from South Africa (30%). The need of policies encouraging the use of inorganic fertilizers, high-yielding varieties, reduction of reliance on pesticides, provision of inputs and improving extension services and market outlets for vegetables are discussed.