Basadi Molelekeng's daily commute to Kasane in northern Botswana, where she worked as an accountant, took her through the vast farmlands around Pandamatenga. As time went by, she became more and more intrigued by her surroundings and the idea of making a radical career change to farming in the area. This was in 2013.
Today, at 35, Molelekeng is a full-time commercial farmer, one of a new generation of producers in the country that can best be described as industrious, fearless and full of energy. These are exactly the traits that this landlocked, semiarid country is seeking to harness in its bid to produce more food for its people and for new markets.
SELF-TAUGHT
Molelekeng, who was born in Shoshong in Botswana's Central District, describes herself as a self taught farmer. She started dryland production on 260ha and now produces sorghum, beans and sunflower on more than 500ha. Her crop rotation also includes chickpeas and cowpeas.
She recalls that she started by answering an advertisement put out by the Chobe Land Board in Kasane calling for interested would-be commercial farmers.
"I applied for a 507ha farm in 2015, and the following year I was awarded the farm, where I'm currently farming," says Molelekeng. "It was virgin land and I had to carry out bush removal. I started by planting crops to 260ha, and the yield was good.
"The following year I continued clearing the bush until I'd finished the whole area." Pandamatenga, located some 900km north of Gaborone, has fertile black cotton soils and receives an annual rainfall of about 600mm, making it the ideal location for growing grain and other crops.
This is what led the Botswana government to start developing the area in 1984 by allocating more than 25 000ha to farmers as a way of boosting the country's food security.
Pandamatenga accounts for more than 90% of grain production in Botswana.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.