Organization : Department of Crop Production
Facility : Agricultural Land Utilization
Country : Botswana
Website : https://www.gov.bw/advisory-role/agricultural-land-utilization
How To Apply For Agricultural Land Utilization in Botswana?
Provision of technical services on land assessment for agricultural purpose, land suitability, soil fertility, land rehabilitation and land identification. The service also focuses on implementation of agricultural land use plans in collaboration with other stakeholders.
Steps:
Visit the nearest District Agricultural Office to access this service
For more information, please contact the District Agricultural Coordinators:
The Chief Land Utilization Officer (HQ)
Department of Crop Production
Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security Headquarters
Plot 4701 Mmaraka Road
3rd Floor, Office No. 331
Private Bag 00435
Gaborone
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 3689394
Fax. (+267) 5907057
Call Centre:Tel.17755
Email. moa17755 [at] gov.bw
Opening hours: 07:30 to 12:45 then 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday except public holidays.
Who Are Eligible For Agricultural Land Utilization?
** Farmers
** Government departments
** Other stakeholders (e.g NGO)
Documents Required For Agricultural Land Utilization
** Certified copy of National Identity Card (Omang)
** Certified copy of Landboard Certificate
** Request letter from the customer or stakeholder
Core Agricultural Land Services:
The Department of Crop Production and the Department of Animal Production offer technical expertise to ensure sustainable use of land.
** Land Assessments: Provision of technical services for soil fertility, land suitability, and rehabilitation.
** Land Identification: Assistance in identifying land units based on topography and soil for specific uses like arable cropping or livestock grazing.
** Advisory Services: Guidance on environmental concerns and the preparation of agricultural land use plans in collaboration with stakeholders.
** Demarcation: Technical help with the physical layout of farms for livestock and cropping purposes
Integrated Farming Policy:
To maximize economic value, Botswana allows integrated farming, which permits multiple agricultural activities on a single land parcel.
** Combined Activities: Farmers can integrate poultry, beekeeping, fisheries, and agro-tourism on their land.
** Agro-Tourism: Up to 50% of agricultural land can be used for tourism purposes, such as guest houses or events, provided the primary use remains agricultural.
** Fencing Requirement: For existing arable fields to qualify for integrated farming, they must be fenced to contain all activities and avoid conflict with neighbors.
Key Land Utilization Trends:
Livestock Dominance:
Cattle and goat rearing are the primary uses of agricultural land. Beef production alone contributes roughly 80% to the agricultural GDP. Communal lands, which account for 60% of overall land use, host the majority of the nation’s livestock.
Arable Land Scarcity:
Only about 0.46% of Botswana’s total land area is considered arable. Most crop farming is concentrated in the eastern and southern regions, where rainfall is higher.
Declining Economic Share:
While agriculture provides a livelihood for about 70% of the rural population, its contribution to the national GDP has fallen from 40% at independence to less than 2% today, largely overtaken by the diamond mining sector.