23 Mar 2025

The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture is working with the Directorate of Public Service Management and the Upper Panel, to finalise a functional structure which will properly cater for a personnel establishment, which aligns with the ministry’s mandate.

Acting minister Dr Edwin Dikoloti said this in response to a parliamentary question recently. Dr Dikoloti said the move followed rationalisation of government ministries per notice provided through Government Gazette Vol. LXII, No 157 dated 12 November 2024, Government Notice No. 742 of 2024, adding that the ministry was coming up with a new lands and agriculture sector.

“Subsequent to confirmation of the functional structure, the appropriate deployment will be effected across all districts inclusive of North West,” he said.

He noted that currently, the organisational structure at the districts was reliant on the land and agricultural issues for those particular districts, adding that for instance, in terms of veterinary issues, Maun was highly staffed and prioritised with professionals compared to other districts. With regard to the congestion of employees at the C1 salary scale, Dr Dikoloti indicated that it was a result of the job grading system used across the public service.

“The C1 salary scale allows for more operational positions as compared to managerial positions. Presently, the positions in question are commensurate with the operational level or expertise required at the district,” he said.

He further noted that where higher positions became available, proper recruitment processes were followed to allow for employees’ progression. Dr Dikoloti further acknowledged acute shortages of extension workers in Crop Production and Animal Production.

“This is due to unavailability of positions that correspond with district needs. Where acute shortages are experienced, temporary employees with requisite skills and competencies are normally engaged,” he said.

He shared that in presentation of the ministry’s 2025/26 Committee of Supply proposal, he had specifically highlighted the paucity or shortage of resources in the areas of extension services.

“As a consequence, and based on what is needed on the ground, I asked the National Assembly to first appreciate that problem, and then to assist accordingly, in respect of aiding our ministry to improve service delivery,” he said.

Dr Dikoloti further indicated that extension services was one area, which had not been resourced well in the last decade or so. He acknowledged that most of its vehicles were grounded due to inadequate funds for repairs and service.

The acting minister noted that given the shortage of funding, they would do their best to manage from a 1-Gov perspective, adding that they would be approaching other ministries to collaborate and assist. 

“During the 2024/25 crop season, we sought help from both the Botswana Defence Force and Prisons Department. It made a huge difference. For that, I would like to commend them and other accounting officers for their support,” he said.

Dr Dikoloti shared that, the establishment of One Stop Service Centres for agricultural services was a good idea but hampered by insufficient budget.

Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile wanted to know the efforts made to improve service delivery through the different units  in the ministry as well as measures in place to rectifying lack of organisational structure in the district and extreme congestion at C1 salary scale. ENDS