Botswana meat commission : a success story

Abstract

More than two-thirds of Botswana's territory is covered by desert. Water and rainfall are very scarce and drought is a regular occurrence. Less than 5 per cent of Botswana's land is cultivable. Botswana's population, roughly on million, is outnumbered by its cattle numbering roughly three million. The largest contribution to agricultural output comes from cattle industry. Extensive cattle ranching is the major agricultural activity. Botswana meat commission, a public enterprise, kills and processes all Botswana's beef for export. Beef was Botswana's export before the discovery of diamonds which have now become the major source of income for the country. BMC ' s success story has continued up to last year but the picture before us this year does not appear to be encouraging. This year only 60 per cent capacity of abattoirs is being utilized. In any case putting the success and setbacks of BMC together, one could learn the following lessons. Public enterprises should have clear objectives.