Botswana’s leading diamond mining company, Debswana, has reinforced its commitment to sustainable development by officially handing over a fully developed small stock ranch to farmers affected by the expansion of the Orapa Game Park under the OTBT (Orapa Today, Boteti Tomorrow) initiative. The ranch, valued at approximately 6 million Botswana Pula (around 440,000 USD), is located in the Boteti District and represents a significant effort to support local farmers.

During the handover ceremony, OLDM General Manager, Mr. Mogakolodi Maoketsa, emphasized the project's potential to enhance livelihoods, boost rural incomes, and reverse the decline in small stock numbers in the region. As part of the initiative, Debswana also donated 18 Kalahari Red goats—valued at BWP77,000 (approximately 5,700 USD)—to improve small stock genetics and encourage farmers to transition into commercial farming.

Debswana envisions Boteti evolving into a hub for high-quality small stock genetics, enabling other districts to purchase improved breeds through structured auctions. Mr. Maoketsa praised the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture for its steadfast collaboration throughout the project's execution.

Speaking at the event, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary for Arable Farming, Ms. Seeng Manne, acknowledged Debswana’s dedication to fulfilling its pledge and reiterated the ministry’s ambitions to establish Boteti as a center of excellence for small stock production through Setata Ranch No. 65. She underscored small stock farming as a national priority, essential for job creation and rural economic development.

By empowering small-scale farmers and fostering commercial farming, the initiative advances SDG 1: No Poverty, helping to reduce rural poverty through sustainable income generation and economic opportunities. The initiative represents a major milestone in sustainable agriculture and food security efforts in Botswana, showcasing the power of public-private partnerships in driving meaningful change for local farming communities.