The Meat Inspection Training Centre was herein referred to as the Training Centre was established in 1984 through an agreement between Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Rome (working in conjunction with the Government of Denmark) and the Government of Botswana.

In 1991, the FAO handed over running of the Training Centre to the Government of Botswana. The Training Centre is presently under the direct control of the Director of Veterinary Services under whom is the Principal who sees to its day – to – day administration.

The Training Centre is designed to provide training courses for technicians of developing countries who, upon return to their various stations or countries, should be able to adopt improved methods of Meat Inspection and Meat Technology.

The Training Centre is located in Lobatse, Botswana, an important beef producing country of Africa. Lobatse is about 70 kms south of the capital, Gaborone, reputed to be the fastest growing city in Africa. Botswana has modern transport and communication facilities. Goods and services are readily available. The currency is Pula.

The climatic conditions in Botswana varies from very cold temperatures with frost in Autumn /Winter (April – October) to very warm in Spring / Summer. Temperature in midwinter (July – August) ranges from 4 – 12 C accompanied with frost in the night and a maximum temperature of 22 – 27 C during the day. Warm clothing is necessary for comfort during this time of the year. Between November and March the average minimum temperature is about 18 - 19 C and average maximum temperature is about 30 - 32 C.

The Training Centre consists of two classrooms, three hostel blocks with total bed space of 40, an administration block, staff offices, a library, a laboratory, a 2 bedroom guest house (usually reserved for consultants) and a slaughter house with meat processing facilities.

The abattoir which serves as training facility for the school has a capacity for about 50 head of cattle, 50 sheep, 50 goats and 50 pigs per day. Furthermore, the modern abattoir of the Botswana Meat Commission in the immediate neighborhood provides additional training facilities for the Centre. Board and Lodging consists of accommodation in double bedrooms and three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with a varied diet.

Recreational facilities consist of table - tennis, dartboards, volleyball and basketball courts as well as provision for television / video viewing.

Administration

The staff of the Centre under the supervision of the Principal consists of Academic and support staff. Services of Consultants in specialised areas may from time to time support the Centre’s training staff.

Finance and Sponsorship

Candidates should also have had a minimum of 2 years experience in the meat industry

Other qualifications such as previous training in Meat Inspection, Food Hygiene, Meat Production and Processing, Veterinary Science and any activity related to the Meat Industry may be desirable and advantageous to the participant.

Application Forms and further detailed information on the courses and fees can be obtained from the address below.

Completed forms should be submitted to the same address by individual applicants or through their sponsoring Organisations or Governments. Selected candidates will be informed directly or through their sponsors as the case may be.

Download the Application Form

Principal

Meat Inspection Training Centre

Department of Veterinary Services

Private Bag 45

Lobatse, Botswana

Telephone: (267) 5330 671

Fax: (267) 5332 259

Email: aaganga@gov.bw /msebubi@gov.bw