Botswana joined the United Nations (UN) in 1966, shortly after gaining independence. Since then, the UN has supported Botswana in achieving its national priorities through various agencies. The partnership between Botswana and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been particularly successful, spanning 36 years. FAO has been a key development partner, continuously supporting Botswana's development efforts during its formative years and continuing to assist the government both technically and financially, even after Botswana's recent classification as an upper-middle-income country. Over the years, FAO has helped Botswana to ensure food security and nutrition through capacity development and technical support aimed at enhancing agricultural production and natural resources management in building resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.
FAO remains committed to helping Botswana achieve the 2030 Agenda and the national Vision 2036 by upscaling the best practices attained in the agriculture sector, while exploring untapped areas of collaboration. These include developing agro-processing industries to add value to agricultural products and create jobs, promoting sustainable farming practices to combat climate change and preserve natural resources, and encouraging youth participation in agri-food systems to bring innovation and ensure the sector's future sustainability. While Botswana’s agriculture sector faces some challenges, it holds significant potential for growth and development through strategic investments, sustainable practices, and diversification.
To date, FAO has delivered technical projects ranging from animal disease control to capacity building for farmers and extension services. A constant focus has been placed on promoting sustainable livelihoods for smallholders.
Botswana, an upper-middle-income country, has experienced significant economic developments alongside notable challenges. In 2024, Botswana's nominal GDP was estimated at $21.90 billion, with a per capita GDP of $7,859 (nominal) and $20,158 (PPP). The economy is primarily driven by the services sector, accounting for approximately 70.6% of GDP, followed by industry at 27.5%, and agriculture at 2%. Inflation in 2024 was around 4%. Unemployment remains a significant concern, with rates reported at 23.4% in 2023.
Poverty and Inequality
However, this economic success has not been evenly distributed, and rural poverty remains a pressing challenge. Botswana faces challenges with poverty and inequality. The poverty headcount ratio decreased from 17.0% in 2019 to 14.5% in 2022. However, in 2021, 20.8% of the population was considered multidimensionally poor.
To diversify the economy and promote sustainable development, the Government of Botswana is focusing on sectors like agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The Vision 2036 and the National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12) emphasize inclusive economic growth and food security, aligning with FAO's global mandate to eradicate hunger and poverty.
Rural Poverty Context
Rural areas in Botswana face persistent poverty challenges despite the country's economic growth. Key factors include:
1. Agricultural Vulnerabilities:
2. Income Inequality:
3. Youth Unemployment and Migration:
4. Food Insecurity:
5. Limited Access to Markets and Technology:
6. Gender Inequality:
The biography of Ms. Carla Elisa Luis Mucavi, FAO Representative of Botswana.
FAO’s mission is to work with the Government of Botswana towards building a food-secure country, free of hunger and malnutrition, where food and agriculture contribute to improving the living standards of all, especially the most vulnerable, in an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable manner.
