STREET TRADERS STRUGGLING WITH VEGETABLE SHORTAGES.

Article By: Tebogo Mokoto

Informal traders, including street cooks, are struggling to access vegetables, with many forced to raise prices due to rising sourcing costs.

Speaking to Gabz FM News, traders pointed to a severe potato shortage and urged the government to subsidize vegetable farmers, particularly by supporting greenhouse infrastructure to boost local production.

Recently Botswana lifted the vegetable import ban in a phased manner: the first, which took effect immediately, allows imports of turmeric, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables; the second phase, effective in April 2025, will see the removal of restrictions on items like potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. The move is expected to provide consumers with better-quality and more affordable vegetables.