Tsheko Advocates Localised Poverty Solutions

North West District possesses sufficient natural resources and economic opportunities to transform the lives of its people, deliberately shifting from relief-based interventions to sustainable livelihood programmes, says Chief of Staff, Dr Oupa Tsheko. Addressing North West District leadership consultative meeting on sustainable livelihoods in Maun on Wednesday, Dr Tsheko said the district’s wealth should be reflected by the standard of living of its communities. He observed that despite North West’s rich tourism assets, infrastructure and other economic opportunities, poverty remained prevalent, underscoring the need for government and other stakeholders to intentionally empower communities through sustainable economic initiatives.

“There should not be widespread poverty in a district endowed with such immense economic opportunities, as the richness of the district must be reflected in the lives of its people,” he said. Dr Tsheko said extensive consultations were necessary to develop practical and inclusive livelihood models tailored to the unique realities of different districts, noting that a one-size-fits-all approach could not effectively address poverty. He further revealed that Botswana currently spent approximately four per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on social protection programmes, yet many communities continue to struggle economically.

He said the situation calls for a rethink of existing approaches by creating sustainable alternatives that would enable citizens to become economically self-reliant while reducing dependence on government assistance. Dr Tsheko also spoke strongly against corruption and misuse of public resources, saying such practices undermined government efforts to improve livelihoods and deny communities opportunities for development. “Corruption blocks progress and deprives communities of opportunities to improve their livelihoods, therefore it must stop if we are serious about transforming people’s lives,” he said.

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He said government was already working toward developing an inclusive policy framework that would mobilise resources and support sustainable livelihood initiatives tailored to the specific needs and economic potential of different communities. For his part, Deputy District Commissioner of North West District, Mr Ramogapi Gaborekwe said North West District remained one of Botswana’s most resource-endowed regions, possessing significant tourism, environmental and economic assets capable of improving livelihoods if properly managed and governed. He said collaboration of government institutions, the private sector and communities would be critical in unlocking the district’s full economic potential.

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