Ministry of Agriculture has translated the Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD) and the Livestock Management and Infrastructure Development (LIMID) guidelines into Braille in order to reachout to its ‘constituency’ of the visually challenged.

The Ministry launched the Brailles Friday (February 10, 2012), at an event graced by amongst others, Botswana Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted (BABPS).

Deputy Permanent Secretary (Support Services) in the Ministry, Mr Edison Wotho said people who are visually challenged are ‘a very important constituency’ to the Ministry.

 “We have not been reaching out to you,” his audience heard.

By not translating the guidelines and policies into Braille, he said, the ministry has not allowed them (visually challenged) to utilise assistance programmes to contribute to economic growth.

He noted that funds permitting the ministry will strive to translate all its programmes into Braille so that the visually challenged can also benefit.

He further suggested that positive descrimination in the allocation of ranches should be introduced to benefit such people will be considered.

On his part, Secretary General of BABPS, Mr Omphemetse Ramabokwa commended the ministry for such an initiative.

He said the ministry should continue working closely with the association on how best to dissemination information.

Earlier, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Corporate Services, Mrs Sarah George promised that despite limited resources the ministry will continue to consider other policies and programmes for translation. She said the ministry was doing its best to reach out to its customers.

Mrs George said the ministry has in the recent past introduced sign language in its Temo Thuo Television programme to cater for those who have hearing challenge.