Cattle Farm Offers Significant Investment Appeal

Banyana farm, established in 1998, plays a leading role in improving the quality of Botswana’s livestock and in upgrading the country’s agriculture sector. The government-owned cattle farm is located approximately 200 km west of Lobatse near the South African border. It offers local farmers access to high-quality livestock at reasonable costs and also supplies the Botswana Meat Commission, the Botswana Vaccine Institute, the Department of Veterinary Services, and other organisations. Hudson Gabaitse, General Manager, explains, “Banyana Farm is committed to being a model commercial livestock-farming enterprise. The farm supplies many types of bulls and cows and sold around 1 800 head of cattle last year.”

Banyana Farm’s services include raising and selling livestock for breeding and slaughter, demonstrating best practices in the management of livestock and range land, providing employment for people in neighbouring communities, and serving as a modern business model for local farmers. The farm is also committed to corporate social responsibility and provides transport for any employee needing health services which are not available in the immediate area. The farm also donates in kind to adjacent communities during times of need.

While the cattle on Banyana Farm range freely, efforts are being made where possible to test cattle for reproductive diseases for future re-investment. As in all agricultural ventures, Banyana farm has not been doing well due to dilapidated infrastructure which needs an €60,000 to repair.

Local and international investors can sub-lease land

A decision has recently been taken by Government to sub-lease the remainder of Banyana farm which is approximately 44 000 ha in size to local and international investors on bidding basis. Out of the total 149 000 ha of the farm, 96 000 ha has already been sub-leased to investors are contributing significantly to the throughput to the Botswana Meat Commission. The Government intends to eventually sub-lease all the land to investors and remain mainly as land lord. Both local and international investors can sub-lease the land and may have the opportunity to buy cattle as well.

Hudson Gabaitse is very positive about the future of Banyana farm. He points out, “For international investors, Botswana is the right place with the right people at the right time, and Banyana Farm is extremely viable if managed properly. The farm has excellent development potential and we can guide investors in their decisions. We welcome international investors to come here and see the opportunities for themselves.”