KEY INSIGHTS FROM POTATO PRODUCTION DATA (2000-2023, FAO)
- Production Trends:
- Botswana, despite having relatively small production figures, demonstrated the fastest growth rate since 2019. Production rose from 3,394 tonnes in 2022 to 3,697 tonnes in 2023, showing a 105% increase compared to 2019 levels. This growth signals a significant opportunity for improvement and growth in the country's potato farming sector.
- Malawi, South Africa, and Mozambique are the dominant producers in the region, with Malawi's production reaching over 1.5 million tonnes by 2023, and South Africa consistently producing well over 2 million tonnes annually.
- Regional Production and Imports:
- Southern Africa's total potato production has been growing, with regional imports steadily rising. The total regional production in 2023 reached 5,157,479 tonnes, while imports accounted for 310 tonnes. This underscores the growing demand for potatoes that local production is gradually striving to meet.
- Botswana’s imports remain low but have experienced fluctuation, illustrating the potential for local farmers to fill the gap in the market and reduce dependency on imports.
- Growth Opportunities for Botswana:
- Although Botswana’s production numbers are small compared to its regional counterparts, the country has shown a remarkable rate of change. In 2019, the production level was at its lowest point of 3,394 tonnes, and by 2023, it had increased to 3,697 tonnes.
- This represents a 105% increase in production from 2019 to 2023, highlighting the significant potential for further expansion. Farmers in Botswana can benefit from adopting modern farming techniques and improving production systems to capitalize on this growth trajectory.
- Food Security and Market Demand:
- The demand for potatoes in the Southern Africa region continues to grow. By 2023, the region had an estimated total consumption of 5,157,479 tonnes, with 99.99% of the consumption met by local production and imports.
- The potential market size for potatoes in Botswana is substantial. The data suggests a potential market size of 35,563,377 multiples of today's Botswana production levels, indicating a significant opportunity for farmers to expand production and tap into the broader regional market.
- Import Trends:
- The region is still dependent on imports to meet its full potato consumption. While South Africa is the leading producer, countries like Malawi and Zimbabwe have increasingly relied on imports to fill production gaps, signaling opportunities for local farmers to step in and meet both domestic and export needs.
- The region is still dependent on imports to meet its full potato consumption. While South Africa is the leading producer, countries like Malawi and Zimbabwe have increasingly relied on imports to fill production gaps, signaling opportunities for local farmers to step in and meet both domestic and export needs.
- Implications for Farmers:
- Farmers should focus on scaling up production to meet the increasing demand within the region. The growing consumption figures coupled with Botswana's fast growth rate present an opportunity for sustainable farming practices that can boost potato yields.
- There is also an opportunity to develop value-added products, which would provide a steady market for potatoes and reduce market volatility.
- Climate Resilience and Innovation:
- Given the climate challenges that affect the region’s agriculture, including floods and droughts, it is essential for farmers to invest in climate-resilient farming techniques and improved irrigation systems to ensure stable production.
- Technological innovations and improved seed varieties will be key factors in boosting productivity, particularly in countries with relatively small production numbers like Botswana.
Conclusion:
Despite Botswana's smaller potato production numbers, the country has experienced the fastest growth rate in the region since 2019. This presents an exciting opportunity for local farmers to expand and contribute significantly to regional food security. By leveraging sustainable practices and investing in innovation, Botswana's potato farming sector can continue to thrive and meet both local and regional demand.
course specifications
MFK-Gardens Farmers Learning Centre in collaboration with Farmers' Pride International ((1) Facebook) is pleased to bring you from September 2024, a 3-day theory and practical course on the full production cycle of potato farming and processing. In 2025, this programme is streamlined to a 2-day theory and practical course and run on weekends to cater to urban and peri-urban commercial farmers.
Come and learn how to grow and process potatoes commercially.
Come and learn how to grow and process potatoes commercially.
POTATO PRODUCTION WORKSHOP – COMMERCIAL FARMING & VALUE ADDITION
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TO JOIN THE WHATSAPP SIGN-UP GROUPS, MESSAGE 73961421 OR CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DsXCzrkzxzCB8dB4le3Wgg
From Seed to Export: Grow Your Potato Enterprise with Strategy and Skill
Looking to venture into commercial potato farming?
Join our Potato Production Workshop at MFK-Gardens The Urban Farmer Learning Centre
Gain practical, hands-on expertise in setting up and scaling your farm for profitable commercial potato production and value-added processing.
Led by experienced trainers, this workshop goes beyond the basics of potato farming in Botswana. It equips you with the strategic mindset and technical know-how to grow your enterprise—from production to processing and even preparing for export opportunities. Ideal for professionals ready to transition into agribusiness or take their farming ventures to the next level.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- Soil Preparation & Seed Selection – Choose the right varieties & optimize soil health
- Farm Layout & Management – Set up for efficiency & productivity
- Regenerative Agriculture Techniques – Sustainable practices for long-term success
- Market Readiness & Business Strategy – Position your farm for profitability
- Export Markets & Value-Addition – Scale your business beyond local markets
Perfect for: Southern African executives & professionals looking to diversify into *agri-business, expand **horticultural ventures, or tap into the **export market*.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
* Aspiring & Established Farmers
* Agribusiness Entrepreneurs
* Cooperatives & Farming Organizations
Dates: Weekend Class - Saturday & Sunday - See details on the flyer.
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Mmopane, 5 min drive from Spar
Fee: P450 (Includes brunch & certificate)
Trainer: Hunter, Farmers Pride International
For video link showcasing the workshop : []
PARTICIPATION FEE & DISCOUNTS:
* Two-days (8 AM – 5 PM) – P450
* Bring-A-Friend Deal: 5% OFF
* Form-A-Group (4 participants): 10% OFF
* With less than 5 Participants: P600
WHAT'S NEW?
On-site planting of potato seeds and potato processing.
BOOK YOUR SPOT NOW!
WhatsApp: +267 73 961 421
WhatsApp Chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DsXCzrkzxzCB8dB4le3Wgg
Follow us on:
Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/MFKGardensTheUrbanFarmerCentre]
LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/105444380/admin/dashboard/]
#CommercialFarming #Horticulture #PotatoProduction #ValueAddition #Agribusiness #SouthernAfrica #ExecutiveFarming
facts
DID YOU KNOW?
BOTSWANA NATIONAL WEEKLY (DATA BASED ON CHOPPIES, SPAR & SHOPRITE STORES COUNTRY-WIDE):
- DEMAND FOR FRIED CHIPS: 900 TONNES (45 ha/wk)
- DEMAND FOR FRESH POTATOES: 20,000 TONNES (1,000 ha/wk)
- SUPPLY OF FRESH POTATOES: 5000-10,000 TONNES (250-500 ha/wk)
EXPECTED PRODCTION IN:
- SUMMER: 17–20 tonnes per hectare
- WINTER: 25–40 tonnes per hectare.
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Course Title: Potato Farming, Value Addition, and Processing
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course outline |
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Course Description:
This course provides a comprehensive overview of potato farming, including cultivation techniques, pest and disease management, harvesting, storage, and marketing. Additionally, the course covers value addition and processing techniques to increase the economic value of potatoes. Course Trainer: See company and personal profile attached.
Lead Consultant Hunter of Farmers' Pride International For CV click here. 
Course Duration:
Course Outcomes:
To equip farmers with:
Course Delivery:
Assessment:
Certification:
Course Fee: P450 per participant. Includes lunch and certificate of participation.
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Module 1: Introduction to Potato Farming
Module 2: Soil Preparation and Planting
Module 3: Crop Management
Module 4: Pest and Disease Management
Module 5: Harvesting and Storage
Module 6: Marketing of Potatoes
Module 7: Value Addition Techniques
Module 8: Processing of Potatoes
Module 9: Business Planning and Entrepreneurship
Module 10: Sustainability in Potato Farming
Module 11: Potato Distribution and Exports
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