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Debswana Diamond Company, in partnership with the Boteti District Council, has officially handed over the Khwee Community Ranch, a project designed to strengthen food security and build sustainable livelihoods for rural communities in Botswana.
The initiative represents a combined investment of more than BWP5 million, around US$370,000, with Debswana contributing over BWP2.7 million toward infrastructure and livestock development and the Boteti District Council investing a further BWP2.3 million. Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines General Manager Mogakolodi Maoketsa said the project shows how partnerships between the private sector, government and communities deliver lasting development outcomes. “This project reflects our commitment to creating opportunities that extend beyond mining by investing in sustainable livelihoods, strengthening food security and empowering communities to build resilient local economies,” said Maoketsa.
Debswana’s investment funded a fully equipped borehole, a 209,000 litre water reservoir, livestock handling facilities and an initial breeding herd of 46 cattle, including two breeding bulls and 31 goats, including one breeding buck. The ranch has already recorded the birth of 19 calves, an early milestone officials said demonstrates its longterm potential. Recognising that sustainable development requires more than physical infrastructure, Debswana also provided governance, business leadership and technical training to equip community members to manage and grow the enterprise themselves.
Boteti District Council Chairperson Onkhuparetse Monnaatsie encouraged the community to take ownership of the ranch for future generations, expressing hope it would eventually host livestock auctions and urging residents to work with Veterinary Services to protect the health and productivity of the livestock. The project aims to improve livestock production, strengthen food security and create sustainable income for the community, another milestone in Debswana’s commitment to delivering value through partnership.
