Plizio Visual Lab

Kalahari Savanna Agriculture

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

Agriculture in Botswana's Kalahari savanna is defined by a semi-arid environment where cattle ranching is the dominant economic sector. The system relies heavily on free-range farming of livestock adapted to sparse vegetation and limited water availability. Since the Kalahari lacks permanent surface water, farmers depend on deep boreholes that tap into fossil groundwater reserves. This form of agriculture contributes significantly to Botswana's Gross Domestic Product and is a major export earner, particularly through the sale of high-quality beef to European markets. However, the sector faces significant challenges such as overgrazing, soil degradation, and the increasing impact of climate change. To enhance sustainability, methods like rotational grazing and the use of drought-resistant local breeds are increasingly being implemented. The savanna also serves as a habitat for wildlife, frequently leading to human-wildlife conflicts between predators and livestock owners.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	27	26	23	19	15	14	18	22	26	28	28
Rain mm	99	86	63	35	5	5	0	1	3	16	51	78

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Kalahari savanna in Botswana, despite aridity, is home to small agricultural projects that demonstrate survival in an extreme environment. These cultivated areas supply local communities with staple foods like millet and melons.

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Visiting

The fields are usually fenced and not publicly accessible as they are private or communal land. From the sandy tracks, however, one can see the irrigation systems and sparse crops.

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Where to view it

From a small dune at the savanna edge, one can overview the small green fields amidst the otherwise dry landscape. The main road between Ghanzi and Maun occasionally has views of irrigated cultivation areas.

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Local products

On local markets in villages like Ghanzi, produce from drought-resistant agriculture is offered, including dried beans and calabash gourds. Seasonal wild melons that grow in the Kalahari are also typical.

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Active season

The rainy season from November to March brings the agricultural fields to life; then sowing takes place and the first shoots appear. After the harvest in April and May, the fields temporarily dry again before the dry season sets in.

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Nearby

The agricultural projects are often located near wildlife reserves such as the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. A visit can be combined with a game drive to observe antelopes and predators.