2. Factors influencing the location of Talana Farm
(a)Fertile soils
The Tuli Block area has fertile dark brown loamy soils that are suitable for crop production. The
land is also fairly flat, therefore, soils are well drained and easy to cultivate.
(b) Availability of water
The two sources of water for irrigation are rivers and boreholes. Water is pumped from Limpopo
and Motloutse rivers, especially during the rainy season. Each river has a sand point from which
water can be drawn. There are 15 boreholes. Boreholes sunk on the banks of the two rivers
are a reliable supply of water for irrigation throughout the year.
(c) Climate
The major crops grown are suitable for semi arid conditions of this area. High summer
temperatures lead to loss of moisture through evaporation.
3. Farm inputs
Inputs, as we have said earlier, are all those things that are necessary for the production of crops. These can be divided into natural inputs (those provided
by nature) and human inputs (provided by people).
(a) Natural inputs are:
• land/soils on which crops are produced
• water from the boreholes and the two rivers
• climate (moderate temperatures and sunshine for plant growth and ripening).
(b) Human inputs
• labour: since farming is undertaken intensively, a lot of labour is required, especially for weeding and harvesting. Both
skilled and unskilled labour is employed. The farm employs about 100 permanent workers, the rest is seasonal casual labour.
• machinery: small machinery is used for planting.
• capital (finance) : a lot of money is spent on farm equipments, labour and maintenance.
• seeds: specially selected seeds are bought from South Africa and used for planting.
• fertilizers: chemical fertilisers are used since soil fertility has been declining.
• pesticides/insecticides/fungicides: these are used on pests and diseases which destroy crops. An electric fence keeps away
large and small animals.
• packaging material: This includes boxes and bags for packing farm products.
irrigation equipment: all the necessary irrigation equipment is bought from South Africa. A lot of money is also spent on
repairing or replacing some parts.
• transport: trucks are used to transport farm products to the market. The farm is accessible by tarred road from Bobonong
and only 15 km of good gravel road from the tarred road.
• infrastructure: the farm has good roads, electricity and telephone services and a small airstrip of about 800m long. There are
also houses for management and farm workers and a community hall equipped with all the necessary amenities (social
needs).
I hope you realise that all these factors contribute positively to the good produce at Talana farm (and indeed it is one of the successful farms in Botswana).
As we have said in the introductory part of this topic, Talana farm practises intensive farming. We have also mentioned that there are lots of boreholes
around the farm. It is through these boreholes and water from the two rivers that irrigation is possible at Talana farm.
4. Crops produced (outputs) at Talana Farm
• Crops produced are actually the outputs of a
farm. Outputs are all those things which are
produced in a business or organisation.
• Crops grown at Talana farms are maize, and
potatoes, onions which are grown on a large
scale. A larger piece of land is used therefore, the
yields for these crops is high. Crops grown on a
small scale or a small piece of land are beetroots,
cabbage, butternuts, onions and tomatoes.
Other crops grown are sunflower, pumpkins, and
gemsquash.
5. Marketing of crops from Talana Farm
• Some of the farm produce are sold locally.
Maize, sorghum and soya beans are sold to
Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board
(BAMB). Vegetables are sold to the local
supermarkets and hawkers businesses. If you
enquire around about the suppliers of
vegetables in your area, you may learn that
most of them are from the Tuli Block farms
(particularly Talana farm). Cotton is sold to
the South African markets.
6. Problems experienced at Talana Farm
We have already mentioned some problems in the past. While you are reading these problems, try to think
of their solutions as well. Problems experienced on the farm are as follows.
(a) Pests and diseases
Diseases such as pink cobrot and maize smut are caused by fungi. Pests like aphids cause virus to be transferred onto crops, while
birds and wild animals either destroy or cause a great damage to crops.
(b) High irrigation costs
Irrigation inputs are expensive to purchase and to maintain. The borehole engine is costly and fuel (diesel) is needed to run the
engine. Some pipes are bought from South Africa, and when they get worn out or break, they have to be replaced.
(c) High evaporation rate
Much water is lost through evaporation, especially in summer when temperatures are high.
(d) High cost of land clearing
Clearing of land is expensive as machines are used.
(e) Low market prices
BAMB prices are very low and as a result the farm does not make much profit, especially with crops like maize and sorghum.
(f) Competition for the local market with outside producers
Talana Farm faces a tough competition with South African producers whose products are comparatively cheaper. Agricultural
produce entering Botswana from a member of Southern African Customs Union (SACU) are duty free.
(g) Distant markets
Talana farm is far from the markets, thus resulting in high transport costs.
From the above discussions, I hope you notice that although Talana is a successful farm there are problems encountered. As a
commercial farm, its management has to come up with strategies to counter the problems. Where possible, government also
comes in to assist. For example, in case of competition, government periodically closes borders for vegetables to ensure that local
producers are supported. Government also improves infrastructure like roads to ensure easy access to the markets.
