Table 4 Agricultural programs for sustainable crop production in Botswana

Arable Lands Development programs (ALDEP)

1977

To assist in improving farming practices and food production, and with the sole aim of achieving self-sufficiency in staple food production

Top-down approach, weak link to climatic factors, and less skills development in conservation tillage; no additional manpower to implement and monitor

[32, 41, 67]

Accelerated Rain-fed Agriculture Programme (ARAP)

1985

To assist arable farmers to de-stump ten hectares, provide seed and fertilizer, and subsidize land preparation and planting

The government terminated the program upon Dryland Crop Production in Botswana after realizing that farmers were now relying solely on the government for all their inputs

[32, 41, 67]

National Master Plan for Agricultural Development (NAMPAAD)

2002

To transform traditional to commercial farming activity. It aimed to improve crop yields and productivity and to create viable business opportunities for farmers

The manpower, expertise, and infrastructure required to implement is limited, and climatic issues are not adequately factored in.

[14, 66, 67]

Integrated Support for Arable Agricultural Production (ISPAAD)

2008

To increase grain production, promote food security at the household and national levels, commercialize agriculture through mechanization, facilitate access to farm inputs and credit, and improve extension outreach

ISPAAD initiative failed to recognize the agroecology of the country as a semiarid area including issuing non-suitable crops and varieties for the prevailing climate.

[14, 41, 59, 61, 66, 77]