By Brandon Moss/Agrifocus Africa 

Botswana has been flagged as one of the country’s most vulnerable to escalating drought conditions, according to a joint report released this week by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the US National Drought Mitigation Center. The study, which analyzed climate trends across sub-Saharan Africa, warns that prolonged dry spells could severely impact Botswana’s agricultural sector, which employs over 30% of the population.

Local farmers are already reporting reduced harvests and shrinking water supplies. “We’ve seen maize yields drop by nearly 40% in the past two seasons,” said Thabo Motsumi, a farmer in the Kgalagadi District. “Without reliable rainfall, our livelihoods are at risk.”

Experts are urging the government to invest in drought-resilient crops, such as sorghum and millet, and to expand irrigation infrastructure. The Ministry of Agriculture has acknowledged the threat and is reviewing its climate adaptation strategy. However, critics argue that implementation has been slow.

The report also calls for regional cooperation, suggesting that Botswana could benefit from shared water management systems and early warning networks with neighbouring countries. As climate volatility increases, proactive planning will be essential to safeguard food security and rural economies.