In rural areas of Botswana there are two needs facing the people living there. Firstly there is the need to generate food ana household security, and secondly the need to combat the increasing environmental degradation around villages and settlements.

This project seeks to promote veld products for income and food security. The utilisation and management of indigenous fruit tress, plants and other natural resources (veld products) has the potential for significant contributions to the economic and environmental development of Botswana and the Southern Africa region. Veld Products Research and Development (VPR&D) is working in partnership with communities to generate economic benefits such as income and food security. Environmental protection and conservation are natural outcomes of managing natural resourses, particularly those with economic benefits.

This project offers ways to realise the potential of these resources and maximise the economic and environmental benefits for people in Botswana and the region. The project will promote sustainable use of veld products through information dessimination (on ecology of veld products and sustainable harvesting methods), adding value to products and marketing.