Qualitative Interview Dataset on Challenges and Stakeholder Perspectives on Livestock Traceability Systems in Subtropical Botswana

This study examines stakeholder perspectives on the challenges facing livestock traceability in Botswana, focusing on systemic, institutional, and usability constraints that hinder effective implementation. Using a mixed-methods design, the study collected quantitative survey data and qualitative interview narratives from 66 participants, including farmers, veterinary officers, and policy actors, across all administrative districts in Botswana. NVivo-based analysis revealed that the current system, BAITS, is widely perceived as fragmented, inaccessible, and poorly adapted to local practices, especially among older and less digitally literate farmers. Key concerns included unreliable infrastructure, lack of inter-institutional coordination, and limited user engagement. Despite these challenges, participants expressed interest in affordable technologies, localized training, and cross-sector integration.The study contributes a grounded, context-sensitive understanding of livestock traceability in sub-Saharan settings and provides policy and design recommendations for inclusive, interoperable systems.