Hon. Phenyo Segokgo, the Member of Parliament for Tlokweng Constituency, met with farmers at Thiba Tsebe this morning to address pressing concerns affecting the local farming community. The meeting provided a platform for dialogue between the MP and farmers, highlighting key challenges and potential solutions for the agricultural sector in the region.
Livestock Theft a Major Concern
During his address, Hon. Segokgo raised alarm over reports of livestock theft in the area, with incidents of theft occurring across the Botswana-South Africa border. He acknowledged the significant impact this issue has on farmers’ livelihoods and stressed the need for strengthened cross-border collaboration to curb such activities.
“This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. We will work closely with law enforcement agencies and neighboring authorities to ensure better security measures for our farmers,” he stated.
Government Support for Agricultural Infrastructure
Hon. Segokgo also assured farmers that the government is committed to enhancing agricultural operations through infrastructure development. He emphasized the importance of initiatives such as improved water access, fencing, and road networks, which are crucial for boosting productivity in the sector.
“We understand the challenges you face daily, and we are working to address them. Agricultural infrastructure development remains a priority to ensure that farming in Tlokweng thrives,” he said.
Farmers’ Concerns and Feedback
Farmers at the meeting voiced additional concerns, including access to markets, rising input costs, and the need for better support programs for small-scale farmers. Hon. Segokgo encouraged them to remain engaged with his office, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle these challenges.
Moving Forward
The meeting concluded with a commitment from Hon. Segokgo to follow up on the issues raised and to advocate for policies that support sustainable farming practices. The farmers expressed optimism about the government’s willingness to address their concerns and looked forward to seeing tangible outcomes.
This engagement underscores the critical role of open dialogue in addressing the needs of Botswana’s farming communities and ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.
