Authors : M.Monkhei and A. A. Aganga
Abstract: Sheep production in Botswana is not a very popular enterprise compared to cattle and goats production while dairy production is an emerging animal agriculture. This paper discusses constraints to mutton and dairy production and reviews the importation of mutton, milk and milk products over twelve years (1990-2001) into Botswana to meet the huge deficit in supply. Detailed mutton, milk and milk products import data were obtained from Trade Statistics Unit in Gaborone Botswana. Mutton import are from the Republic of South Africa (RSA), Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Namibia while milk and milk products are mainly from the Republic of South Africa. The bulk of mutton import was from RSA in the form of fresh or chilled carcasses and half carcasses. Botswana imported 27732 Kg of mutton in 1990 worth 209,050 South African Rands (6.0R=1 US$). The mutton importation increased drastically to777,164 Kg (2802.41%) in 2001 worth 4,896,273 Rands (2342.15%). Total import of fresh milk was 7.2 million litres in 2003. This paper suggests possible methods to enhance mutton and milk production locally and reduce the net import of mutton and milk products. The increase in mutton import is a clear indication for the need to increase sheep production in Botswana and the need for livestock farmers to diversify the beef industry and include other ruminants for commercial production.
M.Monkhei and A. A. Aganga , 2005. Mutton and Milk Production and Trade in Botswana . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 4: 17-21.