This paper examines the 1968 Land Policy of Botswana to see the implications it has
on the economy of Botswana, and its challenges to the mission of the church in Botswana
and Southern Africa. The basic argument of the paper is that the mission
work in Southern African and Botswana had always showed great interest in acquiring
land for the poor and downtrodden in Southern Africa. The paper gives a brief
analysis of the historical development of the land issue in Southern Africa and the
role played by missionaries in acquiring land for the poor. A critique of the land
policy of Botswana is made on the theory of Naboth’s vineyard which was grabbed
by King Ahab. The criticism is that the land policy of Botswana has contributed and
still contributes to the high rise of poverty and unemployment in Botswana and this
has led to the emergence of many social problems in the country. The implications
of the Land Policy of Botswana on the economic distribution policies of Botswana
call for a new understanding and approach to mission and the role of the church in
Botswana and Southern Africa.