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2 clusters · 5 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Botswana cattle industry challenges

Overview

Botswana’s cattle and beef industry is facing significant economic and biological challenges. The confirmation of Foot and Mouth Disease (serotype SAT1) in the North-East District has resulted in trade restrictions, with the United Kingdom closing its borders to fresh beef and the European Union suspending imports from the Maitengwe zone.

These outbreaks have caused substantial financial strain, including P123 million in refunds by the Botswana Meat Commission and projected revenue losses exceeding P200 million for 2026. Additionally, the industry faces environmental threats from a potential Super El Niño, which may cause severe drought.

In an effort to counter these pressures, President Duma Boko has proposed expanding the national cattle herd from 1.6 million animals to nearly five million by the end of the decade. While the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has set a target of 4.6 million animals by 2029/30, experts have questioned the feasibility and sustainability of such rapid expansion.

Entities

FACIM · Botswana Meat Commission · Mozambique Government · Botswana · Duma Boko

Timeline

  1. 6 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Mozambique to import 800 bulls to modernize livestock sector

    Mozambique will import 800 bulls to improve cattle genetics, aiming to boost meat productivity, reduce import dependency, and strengthen national food sovereignty.

  2. 8 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Botswana cattle industry faces disease and climate threats

    Botswana's beef industry faces economic threats from Foot and Mouth Disease and potential drought, prompting government plans to expand the national cattle herd to five million by 2030.

Sources

mocnoticias.com · mznews.co.mz · rn.co.mz · thegazette.news · weekendpost.co.bw