GABORONE — Botswana’s Parliament has adopted a motion calling for the government to consider a special firearms permit quota for farmers living in areas heavily affected by dangerous wildlife.

The proposal was presented by Maun East MP Goretetse Kekgonegile, who argued that farmers in wildlife-prone areas face growing threats to their lives, livestock, crops, and property.

The motion has opened a major political debate over how Botswana should balance rural safety, wildlife conservation, and firearms control. Supporters argue that farmers in affected communities need stronger protection, while government ministers warned that expanding civilian access to firearms could create wider security and arms-proliferation concerns.

The debate has also highlighted concerns over compensation for wildlife-related losses and the capacity of wildlife authorities to respond quickly to incidents involving lions, elephants, hyenas, and other dangerous animals.

Government representatives have argued that non-lethal measures and improved compensation systems should be strengthened rather than relying primarily on additional firearms.

The parliamentary decision places human-wildlife conflict at the centre of Botswana’s national political debate, with the government now facing pressure to find a long-term solution that protects rural communities while maintaining its international conservation commitments.