GABORONE, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Thursday launched eight new projects for Botswana to support the country's vision of transforming its agricultural sector to drive economic growth and ensure food security.
Carla Mucavi, FAO country representative in Botswana, said the projects, valued at about 1.33 million U.S. dollars under the FAO Country Programming Framework 2022-2026, will enhance nutrition-sensitive interventions, improve market access for local producers, and strengthen resilience to economic shocks.
"These efforts support Botswana's vision for a transformed agricultural sector that drives economic growth, ensures food security, and fosters sustainable livelihoods, particularly for women and youth," Mucavi said.
She emphasized that the energy and creativity of young people are vital for leveraging innovation and building resilient, sustainable value chains.
A key project involves developing a comprehensive National Agriculture Financing Strategy. With FAO's technical expertise, this strategy will serve as a blueprint for a self-reliant, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector to help farmers thrive and unlock new investments.
Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture Edwin Dikoloti hailed the investment as a testament to Botswana's strong partnership with the FAO. He noted that the initiatives are designed to address critical areas across the agricultural landscape, seeking to raise the sector's contribution to Botswana's gross domestic product to 6 percent in the near future.
On Wednesday, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Botswana pledged to support the southern African country in the sustainable management and financing of its protected areas.
Lovita Ramguttee, UNDP resident representative in Botswana, made the UN agency's commitment during the Protected Areas Resource Mobilization Strategy and Partnership Plan validation workshop held in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.
"These ecosystems are vital not only for biodiversity, but also for climate resilience, livelihoods, and national heritage," said Ramguttee, adding that the ecosystems are, in many ways, the foundation upon which Botswana's natural wealth and tourism economy rest. ■
