Government determination to eradicate extreme poverty and food insecurity among Batswana
through small scale vegetable production program appears not to transform their economic
stance. Rural households that are part of Poverty Eradication Programme were investigated to
determine if backyard gardens were profitable enough to improve incomes, reduce extreme
poverty, and increase food security. The study aimed at analysing profitability and identifying
factors that affect profitability of backyard gardening. Multi-stage sampling technique was
used to collect data from 100 rural households who are part of the backyard garden scheme.
Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and regression analysis.
Results indicated that backyard gardening was a viable activity though profitability was
affected by amount of fertilizer applied, market availability and area planted. Beneficiaries
indicated that the production and marketing constraints they faced included pests and diseases,
lack of water, lack of market and poor prices. Program leaders must recognize the production
and marketing constraints themselves as well as plan for the possibility that continual
financial support for investment in the initial years of operation