The Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, in partnership with the Institute of Development Management (IDM), Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), and Anthropos Consulting Firm, has launched a Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) training programme aimed at empowering Indigenous Peoples with skills to promote community development and economic resilience.
The training, which forms part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and IDM, has brought together the first cohort of 22 participants from a total of 50 who will undergo the programme over a two-week period. The initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of indigenous communities to identify opportunities, utilize available resources, and develop sustainable solutions to socio-economic challenges affecting their livelihoods.
In his opening remarks, IDM Country Director Dr. Theophilus Mooko said the institution had committed financial resources towards sponsoring the programme as part of its contribution to community empowerment and inclusive development. He noted that indigenous communities possess valuable knowledge systems and cultural assets that can play a significant role in improving livelihoods and driving local development when effectively harnessed.
Dr. Mooko said the training is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills to assess community needs, identify development opportunities, and facilitate interventions that address challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion. He encouraged participants to use the training as a platform to become agents of positive change within their communities.
Presentations from the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) and Anthropos Consulting Firm focused on sustainable development, community empowerment, and strategies for ensuring that local communities benefit from available resources and development initiatives.
Director of the Department of Social Development, Mr. Mookamedi Ben Semommung, highlighted poverty and inequality as some of the major challenges facing Botswana, particularly among vulnerable and marginalized groups. He said Government remains committed to reducing socio-economic disparities through targeted programmes and inclusive policies that ensure no one is left behind in the country’s development agenda.
Mr. Semommung explained that the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach places communities at the centre of development by recognizing and building on their strengths, assets, and capabilities. He said the training would focus on helping participants identify and utilize community resources, including natural resources, indigenous knowledge, social networks, and local skills, to improve household incomes and overall well-being. He further noted that the programme would particularly benefit vulnerable groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and other disadvantaged people.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services and Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee on Human Rights Concerning Indigenous Peoples, Ms. Naledi Moroka, commended the initiative, describing it as an important step towards promoting inclusion, participation, and empowerment among indigenous communities. She said the programme would strengthen community representation and provide a platform for indigenous voices to be heard in development processes.
Ms. Moroka added that the training goes beyond skills development by fostering confidence, leadership, and a sense of ownership among participants. She said the participants would be better equipped to mobilize their communities, advocate for development opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to improving the lives of their people.
Presentations from the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) and Anthropos Consulting Firm focused on sustainable development, community empowerment, and strategies for ensuring that local communities benefit from available resources and development initiatives.
Upon completion of the programme, the 50 ambassadors are expected to return to their respective communities and apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training. They are expected to serve as community resource persons, helping to identify development opportunities, support vulnerable groups, and promote sustainable livelihood initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of indigenous populations across Botswana.
