A councillor in the Okavango District Council, Mr. Kebonyemodisa Mbwe, has called for the standardisation of Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) prices to ensure that farmers in Okavango receive equal opportunities and fair compensation for their cattle. He emphasized that Okavango farmers should not be disadvantaged, especially since measures have been implemented to make their beef marketable despite the ongoing challenges posed by Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the area.
Speaking on the matter, Mr. Mbwe highlighted the need for price equity across all regions, arguing that farmers in Okavango should be able to sell their cattle at the same rates as their counterparts in other parts of the country. He pointed out that the interventions put in place to manage FMD, such as strict quarantine measures, vaccination programs, and controlled movement of livestock, have ensured that beef from the region meets the necessary safety standards. Therefore, he urged authorities to reconsider pricing structures that often leave Okavango farmers at a disadvantage.
The presence of FMD in Okavango has historically affected the region’s beef industry, limiting access to certain markets and impacting farmers’ incomes. However, ongoing government efforts and disease control mechanisms have enabled farmers to continue participating in the beef market. Despite these efforts, concerns remain that pricing discrepancies still exist, placing Okavango cattle farmers in an unfavorable position compared to those in FMD-free zones.
Standardising BMC prices would provide farmers with the financial motivation to invest in better livestock management practices, ultimately improving beef quality and production levels. It would also contribute to economic growth in the region by ensuring that farmers receive a fair return on their investment.
Mr. Mbwe’s call for action reflects the broader concerns of many Okavango farmers who rely on cattle farming as a primary source of income. His appeal to the government and the BMC serves as a reminder of the need for equitable agricultural policies that support farmers across all regions, regardless of geographical or disease-related challenges.
As discussions around this issue continue, stakeholders will need to explore solutions that balance economic viability, disease control measures, and the interests of all farmers in Botswana’s beef industry.
