As a landlocked and semi-arid country, Botswana has every reason to seek creative ways of diversifying and boosting food production to ensure food security.
Golden Wrap, a farming enterprise based in Kasane in Chobe District in the north of the country, is a good example of the diversification the government hopes to see replicated across the sector. The company produces fish, as well as fruit, maize and vegetables.
The fish farm was launched by Mari van Graan and her husband Pieter, and began production in 2016. The following year, the business attracted investment from Danish African Development, Chobe Holdings Limited and Jonathan Gibson, and together the shareholders established the trading company Golden Wrap (Pty) Ltd.
This has since become a model aquaculture business in a country with only a handful of these projects.
According to Van Graan, their company, which produces and sells fish through its Chobe Bream Aquaculture Fish Farm, focuses on delivering the highest-quality product. Two species are currently under production on the farm: the three spotted tilapia (Oreochromis andersonii) and the Nile tilapia (O. niloticus).
The company also taps into the opportunities presented by the many tourists who visit the region, which is home to world famous wildlife sanctuaries such as Chobe National Park.
"When we arrived here in 2014, there was absolutely nothing," recalls Van Graan. "We were the first commercial fish project to be established here. People didn’t know what aquaculture was about, so there was a lot of bureaucracy and many challenges. But through patience, hard work and good management, we managed to establish a profitable fish-farming project.”
In addition to the fish, they produce avocados, lemons, limes, papayas, bananas, watermelons and naartjies.
This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 17 March 2023 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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 Farmer's Weekly 17 March 2023 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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
The genetically unique Senepol: ideal for beef production in Southern Africa
Since its arrival in South Africa in 2001, the Senepol has become a strong contender in the country's beef cattle arena. Tiekie Muller, owner of the Nooitgedacht Senepol stud, spoke to Annelie Coleman about how the growing number of Senepol stud breeders underpins the value of the breed under exacting African conditions.
Microwave mango and granadilla cheesecake
This delicious mango fridge tart is so easy to make, perfect when you want a quick yet indulgent dessert (it only takes 25 minutes to whip up). The fruit’s gorgeous colour and fragrance are maximised.
Global outlook for wheat in 2024/25
In its latest estimate, the International Grains Council has adjusted global wheat production for the coming season due to poorer-than-expected harvests in the EU. However, global supplies remain strong, while global consumption is expected to increase to reach about 804 million tons. Janine Ryan reports.
From fallow land to award-winning wines: the Newstead story
Newstead Lund Family Vineyards, a relatively new wine estate, has established itself as one of the best producers of sparkling wine in South Africa. Owners Doug and Sue Lund spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their production philosophy, rise to success, and possible expansion plans.
Fact file of fungal diseases in wheat
Wheat is a significant crop, and like other crops, is susceptible to a range of infections. Here, we provide information on the most important fungal diseases that affect wheat.
Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals
For seed to germinate and plants to grow, soil often needs to be prepared. The manner in which it is done depends on the type of soil, the organic matter and moisture it contains, the crop to be planted, as well as the previous crop that was planted in the field. Magda du Toit spoke to cereal experts and farmers for guidance.
The origin of the Bonsmara
The Breed of the Month for March is the Bonsmara. In this first article, we take a look at the man behind this popular cattle breed, as well as how it was developed.
The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel is once again a destination of choice
While some of its contemporaries have suffered from inner-city neglect, the Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel has bounced back in elegance and style, writes Brian Berkman.
Age catches up with the Nissan Navara
The Navara line-up was increased last year in Nissan's effort to win back market share. The Citizen's Mark Jones sampled the top-of-the-range Pro-4X to see how the double cab compares with modern bakkies.
Growing onion sets
Bill Kerr discusses what onion sets are, and how and when to produce them to obtain the maximum financial benefit.
