Institute of Development Management️ 2 months ago

𝙇𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙁𝙍𝙊𝙈 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙇𝘼𝙉𝘿, 𝘽𝙐𝙄𝙇𝘿𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙎𝙐𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙄𝙉𝘼𝘽𝙇𝙀 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀𝙇𝙄𝙃𝙊𝙊𝘿𝙎 During the programme, participants embarked on a field visit to Loologane Village in the Kweneng District, where classroom theory came to life through practical community development initiatives. The visit provided valuable insights into how indigenous knowledge, natural resources and local innovation can be harnessed to create sustainable livelihoods. One of the highlights was the Sengaparile (Devil's Claw) Project. Widely recognised for its medicinal properties, Sengaparile has long been used in traditional healing and is increasingly gaining commercial value. Participants witnessed how this indigenous resource has the potential to generate income while preserving valuable traditional knowledge. The cohort also visited the Morula Nursery Project, an initiative focused on expanding Morula cultivation to support the production of value-added products such as cooking oil, cosmetics, skincare products, beverages and food products. Beyond environmental conservation, the project demonstrates how indigenous resources can create employment opportunities and stimulate local economic development. The visit also exposed participants to the practical realities of community development. A broken borehole had disrupted water supply to the nursery, placing young Morula seedlings and vegetable gardens at risk. This highlighted an important lesson: sustainable livelihoods require not only innovative ideas and community participation, but also reliable infrastructure, effective maintenance systems and long-term investment. Experiences such as these continue to strengthen the capacity of Khoe-Na Ambassadors to identify opportunities within their own communities, develop practical solutions, and champion inclusive, community-driven development. From indigenous knowledge to sustainable enterprise—the journey continues. #ThrowbackThursday #SustainableLivelihoods #KhoeNa #CommunityDevelopment #IndigenousKnowledge #EconomicEmpowerment #BETP #IDMBotswana #SolutionsForDevelopment

Institute of Development Management️ 2 months ago

KHOE-NA SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS APPROACH TRAINING CONCLUDES WITH A CALL FOR COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION. The second cohort of the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) training programme for Khoe-Na communities has successfully concluded, with 24 participants graduating and receiving Certificates of Attendance following an intensive capacity-building programme designed to strengthen community-led development and sustainable livelihoods. The graduation ceremony was officiated by Senior Policy Advisor in the Ministry of Finance, Ms. Naledi Madala, who challenged the graduates to embrace their new role as agents of change and ambassadors of transformation within their respective communities. Addressing the graduates, Ms. Madala emphasised that the completion of the training represented more than an academic achievement; it marked the beginning of a responsibility to actively contribute towards Botswana's socio-economic development agenda. "This milestone is a call to action. It requires commitment, accountability, and active participation in advancing Government's vision, policies, and development aspirations. The knowledge and skills acquired through this programme must now be translated into meaningful action that improves livelihoods and strengthens community resilience," she said. Delivering the vote of thanks, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Kabo Diamond Moseki, expressed gratitude to the Institute of Development Management (IDM) for sponsoring the programme to the tune of P451,000. He noted that the sponsorship had played a critical role in supporting the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) and Government's broader efforts to improve the livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples through sustainable and community-driven development initiatives. "We sincerely thank IDM for this significant investment. We believe the seed that has been planted through this programme will yield lasting benefits and contribute meaningfully to the transformation of Khoe-Na communities across Botswana," said Mr. Moseki. Prior to the presentation of certificates, IDM Acting Assistant Director - Academic Services, Mr. Thuto Tomeletso, reaffirmed IDM's commitment to human capital development and community empowerment. He highlighted the institution's role as a centre of excellence in education, training, research, and capacity building, dedicated to developing practical solutions that address national and community development challenges. Mr. Tomeletso further underscored the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable development, noting that the SLA programme reflects IDM's strategic focus on creating measurable social impact through knowledge transfer, skills development, and community empowerment. The training programme forms part of a broader partnership involving the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), Anthropos Consulting Firm, and IDM. Through this collaboration, 50 representatives from Khoe-Na communities have been equipped with practical tools and methodologies to identify local opportunities, mobilise community assets, and implement sustainable livelihood interventions within their communities. As the training concludes, focus now shifts towards implementation and ongoing support. The newly trained ambassadors will receive continued guidance and mentorship as they apply the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach in their respective communities, ensuring that the programme delivers tangible and sustainable developmental outcomes. Through initiatives such as the SLA programme, IDM continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing people, strengthening communities, and supporting Botswana's transformation agenda by empowering citizens with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become architects of their own development. #SustainableLivelihoodsApproach #KhoeNaCommunities #CommunityTransformation #HumanCapitalDevelopment #BETP #IDMBotswana #CommunityEmpowerment #InclusiveDevelopment #TransformingLives #BuildingSustainableCommunities