Recent statistics that 30% of Batswana are living below the Poverty Datum Line (PDL) is a major concern to the Ministry of Local Government as a key player in poverty eradication initiatives. Thus government has introduced poverty eradication measures to improve the livelihoods and enhance self sustenance.
“Poverty eradication programmes remains a priority area for government in as far as NDP10 is concerned and even beyond, stated Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Molefhi Keaja. He was addressing a Poverty eradication forum for Chief Community Development Officers and Programme Officers yesterday in Gaborone. Mr. Keaja emphasized the crucial role played by The Peoples Ministry and Local authorities in their relentless effort to eradicate poverty, saying “it is upon us, as the ministry and drivers of these programmes to ensure complete eradication of poverty among the citizenry”.
Two key components of the initiatives are backyard gardens and micro and small enterprises. According to Chief Community Development Officer, Ms Delic Sehunwe “the two seeks to improve food security and empower the disadvantaged individuals by engaging them in economic activities thus generating employment opportunities”.
Backyard gardening which started in April 2010 involve provision of basic infrastructure, skill development for beneficiaries and small scale production through backyard vegetables. The beneficiaries are provided with irrigation systems, seeds, fertilizers and garden tools. The alternative packages include production activities that are conducted in residential places such as manufacturing, services, agricultural activities etc.
Mr. Keaja added that through the districts, the Ministry seeks to mobilize and identify all eligible beneficiaries by social welfare officers, community development officers, VDCs and other local leaders.
“We also have to ensure the implementation of packages as well as monitoring of progress for the benefit of beneficiaries. The marketing of their products through market days and Kgotla meetings as well as co-training of the beneficiaries with other key partners also falls within our ministry, he said. He further implored the officers as drivers of these programmes to be steadfast in their work for the success of these good initiatives.
The Director of Social services, Mr. Loeto Dilampi emphasized the importance of the interactive meeting on the progression of these programmes and urged the participants to continue with them despite lack of resources and other challenges.