23/06/2026
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The Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Hon. Ketlhalefile F.C. Motshegwa, earlier today held a courtesy meeting with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Sub-Regional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Mr. Patrice Talla, to discuss areas of collaboration aimed at advancing sustainable development, food security, and poverty reduction in Botswana.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Patrice Talla outlined the purpose of his visit, which included the ongoing First Global Private Sector Forum on Sustainable Rangeland Management and Livestock System. He indicated that FAO is engaging with a range of stakeholders and partners to strengthen collaboration and advance development priorities in the region.
Mr. Talla reaffirmed FAO's commitment to supporting efforts aimed at diversifying economies through agriculture and strengthening food systems. He also expressed interest in building on existing support for school feeding programmes as a means of improving livelihoods and supporting rural communities.
On the Green Cities Initiative, Mr. Talla noted that FAO is currently working with UN-Habitat on a pilot programme and hopes to expand the initiative across the country in line with its mandate. He added that FAO will continue exploring opportunities to mobilize resources and strengthen partnerships to support sustainable urban development.
In his remarks, Minister Motshegwa expressed appreciation for FAO's continued commitment and partnership with Botswana. He highlighted the Ministry's responsibility for developing and implementing policies and programmes that support local government and rural development. He noted that the government is pioneering initiatives aimed at uplifting agriculture and other productive sectors to promote self-sufficiency and strengthen national food security.
Minister Motshegwa acknowledged the long-standing partnership between Botswana and FAO, emphasising that the organization's mandate aligns closely with the objectives of the social development sector, particularly in addressing inequality and alleviating poverty. He noted that in light of reduced government funding, development partners such as FAO have become increasingly important in helping to bridge resource gaps and support critical programmes that improve livelihoods.
Deputy Permanent Secretary for Social Development, Mr. Kabo D. Moseki, described FAO as a close and valued partner. He stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration through knowledge-sharing and technical expertise, which would enable successful initiatives to be scaled up across different parts of the country. He highlighted the School Feeding Programme as an example of an intervention that serves not only as a social protection measure for children but also as an economic empowerment tool, with local farmers and producers supplying food to schools and benefiting from sustainable market opportunities.
Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms. Baipelelang Photlokwe, informed the meeting that the Ministry is already developing an action plan for the greening of cities initiative. She noted that the programme is intended to promote functional, sustainable, and environmentally friendly urban spaces through innovative and smart approaches to urban development.
