Wilderness Botswana Commits to BWP2.4m Investment in Shokomoka Agri-Training Facility

 

Announced last month at Wilderness’ Partnering for Progress | Connecting for Impact stakeholder breakfast in Gaborone, Shokomoka is a living model of what progress can look like when conservation, community and commerce come together. It is expected to create jobs and support local farmers in supplying produce to both the community and the tourism industry.

 

The BWP2.4 million facility will provide hands-on training in crop farming, seedling production, and beekeeping. The plan is to generate over 10,000 seedlings annually, to directly support local food security and income generation, with some eight permanent jobs created and up to 10 temporary employees hired from within the Shorobe community in the North-West District of Botswana.

 

Furthermore, up to 10 farmers will be trained every two years, ultimately building a group of agronomists who can supply high-quality agricultural produce to the community and industry. The government, Shorobe village leadership and other key partners have already been engaged for mobilisation. “We believe impact starts at the roots – and Shokomoka is proof that our vision of sustainable tourism is deeply intertwined with the wellbeing of our people”, said Joe Matome, Caretaker Managing Director of Wilderness Botswana. “We do not pursue positive impact as an obligation. We pursue it because it is our purpose”.

 
The breaking of ground at Shokomoka is the latest initiative within the ‘Empower’ pillar of Wilderness’ broader Impact Strategy, which seeks to create sustainable opportunities for neighbouring communities by driving local economic inclusion and social transformation. “We engage for progress, we partner for impact, and we show up where it matters most – in communities, in ecosystems, and in boardrooms. Because real change only happens when we all move forward as a collective”, concluded Joe.