Botswana cattle industry faces disease and climate threats

Botswana is facing significant challenges to its livestock and beef industry, driven by disease outbreaks and climate concerns. Veterinary authorities recently confirmed the presence of Foot and Mouth Disease (serotype SAT1) in the North-East District. This outbreak led the United Kingdom to close its borders to fresh Botswana beef, followed by the European Union, which suspended imports from the Maitengwe zone.

The Botswana Meat Commission has already been forced to refund P123 million to buyers due to voided contracts, with projected revenue losses for 2026 exceeding P200 million. These economic pressures are compounded by the threat of a potential Super El Niño, which scientists suggest could lead to severe drought conditions.

In response to these economic pressures, President Duma Boko has set an ambitious goal to expand the national cattle herd from approximately 1.6 million animals in 2024 to nearly five million by the end of the decade. Lands and Agriculture Minister Dr. Edwin Dikoloti has targeted a herd size of 4.6 million by 2029/30. However, experts have raised questions regarding the feasibility, land capacity, and economic sustainability of such rapid expansion without detailed studies.