Browsing by Title
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Mpabanga, D. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: This article attempts to analyse the trends and patterns relating to the past eight general elections in Botswana, from the pre-independence period in 1965 to 1999. Factors that have influenced elections in the last eight years will be discussed, and trends established for the same period. Data from various past election reports and analysis carried out by other researchers will be referred to in this article. The data used will be derived from; the total number of potential voters in Botswana; the number of electorate who registered for the elections and the number who actually voted. Percentages of the electorate who registered and actually voted, the ratio of electorate who voted to potential voters, and the ratio of voted to registered voters will be discussed. The electoral trend of percentage of voters by party and by number, and percentages of national assembly seats by political parties that contested in the last eight general elections will be studied. A summary and conclusions on these factors and lessons to be learned from the experiences of the past eight elections will be included. These experiences will be beneficial to all the political parties in the country, and the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in particular, which has won the 1999 general elections with an overwhelming victory. The BDP government and political parties should learn from the past experiences, and develop an improved and effective performance for the government. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/906 Files in this item: 1
Mpabanga_PBJAS_2000.pdf (889.0Kb) -
Dikinya, O.; Hinz, C.; Aylmore, G. (Elsevier http://www.linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0016706108001365, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The dynamics of the process of self-filtration in soil columns have been evaluated for two soils with different structural cohesion (Balkuling agricultural soil and a mining residue) by carrying out experiments focusing on microscopic particle behaviour during filtration. Soil column experiments were set up to simultaneously measure changes in hydraulic gradients (ΔH/ΔL) along the columns and outflow particle sizes and concentrations during pressure leaching with solutions of 100, 10 and 1 mmol/L NaCl and deionised water. The lowest ionic strength has resulted in more reduced hydraulic conductivity and relatively more release of colloids associated with hydrodynamic shear and dispersion. Steady increases in hydraulic gradient (ΔH/ΔL) and corresponding decreases in relative saturated hydraulic conductivity (K/Ko) with time were observed for both soils and follow similar trends at all column depths. The most severe increases in ΔH/ΔL and decreases in K/Ko always occurred near the inlet to the columns and the decline gradually decreased along the column. The decrease in K/Ko and increase in ΔH/ΔL were clearly influenced by the size as well as the concentration of migrating particles in the porous medium. The finer mobile particles in the mining residue were clearly more readily self-filtered at the lower concentration than the larger Balkuling soil particles producing more rapid increases in ΔH/ΔL and decreases in K/Ko. This was attributable to more effective self-filtration and more pore clogging probably due to increased development of the diffuse double layer, swelling and dispersion within the soil matrix at these concentrations. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/488 Files in this item: 1
Dikinya_Geoderma_2008.pdf (1.429Mb) -
Daka, P.S.; Obuseng, V.C.; Torto, N.; Huntsman-Mapila, P. (South African Water Research Commission http://www.wrc.org.za, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Deltamethrin concentrations were determined in 35 sediment samples collected from three different habitats: channel, lagoon and pool sites from Xakanaxa in the Okavango Delta, NW Botswana. The samples were Soxhlet-extracted in acetone to extract deltamethrin residues and subsequently cleaned-up with silica gel 60. The final determination was carried out with a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The sample work-up and determination gave deltamethrin recoveries of 54 to 97%, and detection limits of 0.004 mg/kg dw. The concentration of deltamethrin residues in the sediment samples collected from the three sprayed areas in the Okavango delta ranged between 0.013 and 0.291 mg/kg dw, with the highest concentrations observed in samples obtained from the pool sites. Analysis of samples for organic matter content showed percentage total organic carbon (% TOC) ranging between 0.19% and 8.21%, with samples collected from the pool having the highest total organic carbon. The concentrations of deltamethrin residues and the % TOC in sediment samples showed a similar trend with the highest levels recorded in the pool samples. These data confirmed that a simple method based on GC-ECD, after Soxhlet extraction, was robust enough to enable quantification of deltamethrin in the sediments, because comparable results were obtained with a more sophisticated system consisting of a GC coupled to a mass spectrometer with a time of flight (TOF) analyser. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/650 Files in this item: 1
Daka_WSA_2006.pdf (1.231Mb) -
Daka, P.S.; Obuseng, V.C.; Torto, N.; Huntsman-Mapila, P. (Water SA Pretoria; Water Research Commission; http://www.wrc.org.za/, October NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Deltamethrin concentrations were determined in 35 sediment samples collected from three different habitats: channel, lagoon and pool sites from Xakanaxa in the Okavango Delta, NW Botswana. The samples were Soxhlet-extracted in acetone to extract deltamethrin residues and subsequently cleaned-up with silica gel 60. The final determination was carried out with a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The sample work-up and determination gave deltamethrin recoveries of 54 to 97%, and detection limits of 0.004 mg/kg dw. The concentration of deltamethrin residues in the sediment samples collected from the three sprayed areas in the Okavango delta ranged between 0.013 and 0.291 mg/kg dw, with the highest concentrations observed in samples obtained from the pool sites. Analysis of samples for organic matter content showed percentage total organic carbon (% TOC) ranging between 0.19% and 8.21%, with samples collected from the pool having the highest total organic carbon. The concentrations of deltamethrin residues and the % TOC in sediment samples showed a similar trend with the highest levels recorded in the pool samples. These data confirmed that a simple method based on GC-ECD, after Soxhlet extraction, was robust enough to enable quantification of deltamethrin in the sediments, because comparable results were obtained with a more sophisticated system consisting of a GC coupled to a mass spectrometer with a time of flight (TOF) analyser. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/140 Files in this item: 2
dakaetal.pdf (463.1Kb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Molomo, M.G. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: This article outlines that the Constitution of Botswana provides for an executive presidency with extensive powers. Unlike other constitutions in the region where power is vested with the people, in Botswana it is vested with the President. While democratic procedures have not been flaunted in Botswana, in a situation where one political party dominates both the executive and the legislative branches of government, there is cause for concern. In this situation, the checks and balances provided for in the constitution are almost redundant. The declaration of the state of emergency and the granting of the Vice-President, Ian Khama, sabbatical leave by the President are examples where the President used his executive powers. This article concludes that given the wide-ranging executive powers that the President enjoys, there is a strong case for presidential elections. In that way, the president would be directly elected by the electorate and therefore directly accountable to them. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/897 Files in this item: 1
Molomo_PBJAS_2000.pdf (1.063Mb) -
Moswela, B. (JEAPS, http://www.academicjournals.org/ijeaps, April 20, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper sought to unpack the extent of students’ democratic involvement in the teaching and learning processes. Data that were analyzed were obtained from 253 teachers and 194 students from 15 secondary schools in Botswana using a closed questionnaire consisting of 31 question items. Although the sample may not be representative of all the schools in the country (only 15 out of 233 schools were studied), the study concluded that the teaching and learning activities are largely pursued in democratic environments where teachers consult students on important classroom decisions. These efforts are, however, constrained by the disturbing levels of bullying in the classroom reported by the students. The democratic practices encouraged by the teachers, the study concluded, are consistent with what obtains at the national macro level. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1036 Files in this item: 1
Moswela_JEAPS_2010.pdf (92.21Kb) -
Jotia, A.L. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, October NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper registers that there is a strong relationship between the prevailing global discourse on Education for Sustainable Development and Democracy in Education. As such, in order for any nation to be seen to be having a relevant and quality education, its education system should be seen to be addressing the principles of democracy in a more direct and robust way. The role of education in advancing the global dream of sustainable development-which of late is also being marshalled by Environmental Education, cannot be overemphasized. However, the paper contends that unless we begin to democratize education to give learners a voice and a sense of being partners and key stakeholders in the process of educating and or advancing the state’s socio-economic and political aspirations, the objectives of having sustainable development will remain an absolute nightmare. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/977 Files in this item: 1
Jotia_IJSRE_2010.pdf (1.559Mb) -
Mokomane, Z.S. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: In this anicle, data from a survey conducted in March 1999 by the University of Botswana Democracy Research Project in fifteen constituencies in Botswana is used to examine the relationship between party preference and selected demographic characteristics namely, age, sex, place of residence and education. Bivariate analysis results indicate the ruling BDP is the only party that enjoys higher support among women and among rural dwellers. Opposition parties, on the other hand, have a stronger suppon base among middle-aged people in the 29-49 years age bracket. The results also indicate that the level of education tends to have a major role in determining party preference. The last section of the article critically discusses these findings. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/898 Files in this item: 1
Mokomane_PBJAS_2000.pdf (423.7Kb) -
Kamwendo, G. (Taylor & Francis, http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals, December NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: Malawi's Vision 2020 document, a national document that serves as a vehicle to project a future for a more developed, secure and democratically mature nation, laments the tendency of Malawians to denigrade local products and glorify all things foreign. Yet, paradoxically, the document does not address the important issue of promoting Malawi's indegenous languages. This silence can be interpreted as reflective of the population's inclination to ascribe greater value to forign culture. In Malawi, as in many other African countries, indigenous languages are not considered worthy as media of education, subjects of advanced study or critical vehicles for national development. They are still victim to a discrimination rooted in Africa's 500 plus years of European enslavement and colonialisation. Against the backdrop of the pursuit of an African Renaissance, this article looks at Malawi's language policies since independence in 1964, and at how, ten years short of an idyllic national vision, Malawi measures up on the important issue of language. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1041 Files in this item: 1
Kamwendo_IJARS_2010.pdf (1.393Mb) -
Youngman, F.; Maruatona, T. (Taylor & Francis, http://www.informaworld.com, July NaN, 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: This article addresses the question of whether extension workers can change their attitudes and practices in order to promote participatory rural development by considering the case of Botswana. It discusses the emergent participatory extension paradigm which uses techniques such as participatory rural appraisal (PRA). It describes the new community-based strategy for rural development in Botswana which includes the expectation that the extension services can be reorientated to facilitate increased community participation. Evidence is presented from research in 1995-96 which evaluated a pilot project involving PRAs undertaken by extension workers in four districts. The project sought to find out systematically whether PRA could enhance the ability of the extension services to undertake participatory rural development. The findings suggest that extension workers can develop through training the attitudinal predisposition necessary for adopting a more participatory approach to extension practice. However, there are institutional and contextual constraints which present obstacles to implementing participatory rural development. It is therefore not certain that the proposal to expand the use of PRA on a national scale will lead to the anticipated reorientation of the extension services. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1043 Files in this item: 1
Youngman_IJLE_1998.pdf (1.239Mb) -
Bernard, T.; Moetapele, N. (Elsevier http://www.doi:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2005.02.001, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: For at least 200 years, Gomoti River people and their neighbours lived interactively with the Okavango flood pulse system, travelling widely in dugout canoes, practicing flood recession agriculture, fishing, hunting, and collecting wild foods. Today they are wetlanders without wetlands. A major outflow channel of the eastern Okavango Delta in the 1930s, the Gomoti River rarely flows these days. This paper explores the Gomoti’s demise, through the lenses first of science and second of Gomoti basin residents. Models developed over the past 20 years attribute the Gomoti’s drying to a complex set of bio-hydrologic processes and feedback loops that begin with sedimentation and conclude with channel switching, peat fires, and purging of toxic salts. Such models essentially omit the long history of human habitation and ecological interaction with the delta. Local people, on the other hand, tell of deliberate and systematic management of channels and floodplains, and they argue this management kept the river healthy and flowing. The picture is confounded by colonial era interventions and by Botswana government policies partitioning the Gomoti and restricting access to its headwaters. We conclude with a model combining meso-scale scientific explanation with micro-scale indigenous constructions as a context for new thinking about Okavango Delta resource management. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/467 Files in this item: 1
Bernard_JAE_2005.pdf (2.556Mb) -
Mutula, S.; Kalusopa, T.; Moahi, K.; Wamukoya, J. (Emerald, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present findings of the design and implementation of an online information literacy module to first-year students at the University of Botswana. The study population consisted of 103 first-year students in the Department of Library and Information Studies. The population was divided into three equal groups of 34, 34 and 35, respectively, and each assigned a two-hour slot in the smart computer laboratory weekly for five consecutive weeks, to cover five information literacy topics online. Each group was assigned a tutor who received assignments online and graded them. Each topic was followed by questions for students to answer. Findings generally revealed that impartation of information literacy through the online mode could improve students’ competencies perhaps more than the face-to-face instruction approach. Furthermore, respondents preferred a blended instruction approach to a single learning mode. Contrary to expectations, online instruction might not minimise the copying of each other’s work among students to a great extent. Finally, online instruction does not necessarily reduce the amount of workload for staff and students, instead more time is needed to design and administer the course. The study was limited to first year students in the LIS department. A similar study involving all departments in the University of Botswana would shed more light on the level of information literacy competency among first year students from a cross-disciplinary perspective. The major outcome of the study is a re-usable online information literacy module. The study findings could also be useful in developing interventions to improve the design and delivery of online courses. Information literacy is a key challenge facing educators all over the world. Case studies such as this provide unique and comparative experiences that advance existing knowledge. For the University of Botswana, the study provides a first insight into the impact of elearning on information literacy competency since the implementation WebCT in 2002. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/743 Files in this item: 1
Mutula_OIR_2006.pdf (1.931Mb) -
Mutula, S.; Kalusopa, T.; Moahi, K.; Wamukoya, J. (Emerald Publishing Group td; www.emeraldinsight.com/oir.htm, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present findings of the design and implementation of an online information literacy module to first-year students at the University of Botswana. Design/methodology/approach - The study population consisted of 103 first-year students in the Department of Library and Information Studies. The population was divided into three equal groups of 34, 34 and 35, respectively, and each assigned a two-hour slot in the smart computer laboratory weekly for five consecutive weeks, to cover five information literacy topics online. Each group was assigned a tutor who received assignments online and graded them. Each topic was followed by questions for students to answer. Findings - Findings generally revealed that impartation of information literacy through the online mode could improve students' competencies perhaps more than the face-to-face instruction approach. Furthermore, respondents preferred a blended instruction approach to a single learning mode. Contrary to expectations, online instruction might not minimise the copying of each other's work among students to a great extent. Finally, online instruction does not necessarily reduce the amount of workload for staff and students, instead more time is needed to design and administer the course. Research limitations/implications - The study was limited to first year students in the LIS department. A similar study involving all departments in the University of Botswana would shed more light on the level of information literacy competency among first year students from a cross-disciplinary perspective. Practical implications - The major outcome of the study is a re-usable online information literacy module. The study findings could also be useful in developing interventions to improve the design and delivery of online courses. Originality/value - Information literacy is a key challenge facing educators all over the world. Case studies such as this provide unique and comparative experiences that advance existing knowledge. For the University of Botswana, the study provides a first insight into the impact of e-learning on information literacy competency since the implementation WebCT in 2002. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/168 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)mutulakalusopaetal2.pdf (498.7Kb) -
Yanev, K.M.; Obok Opok, A.; Litchev, A. (University of Botswana, www.ub.bw, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Maintenance of the proper power factor is a very important matter for the industry and for the economy of any country. A study of the power factor value for a number of industrial plants in Botswana shows that they operate at power factors lower that the optimal values. If a plant power factor is different from its optimal value, this will cause considerable loses in terms of investments for large power generation and supply equipment and in terms of heat dissipation from the supply lines and other equipment. To improve the power factor and keep it at an optimal value, there are a number of preventative measures, as well as corrective actions that could be implemented. The power factor of a plant changes, depending on the number of electrical units operating at a time. After a full analysis of the power factor issue and its optimal case, are automatic control is designed that may maintain the power factor of a plant within values close to optimal. Similar automatic power factor control system can be introduced for all industrial plants with unsatisfactory power factor throughout the country that can improve considerably the efficiency of power utilization. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1062 Files in this item: 1
Yanev_BJT_2004.pdf (1.049Mb) -
Oladiran, M.T.; Foster, J. (Trans Tech Publications http://www.scientific.net/AMR.62-64.551, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: A team of academics produced a Design Brief (DB) to assist architects design a scholarly physical environment for modern engineering education and research. The information gathered from external and internal sources was used to define important themes that the buildings should reflect and hence to arrive at a list of the required spaces. Critical internal and external reviews and budget constraints led to a series of successive refinements of the DB. A design competition was organised for all interested architects in the country to select the architect for the project and consolation prizes were awarded to second and third finalists. The planned development will provide 17900 m2 and 25200 m2 net usable space and estimated gross building area respectively. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/599 Files in this item: 1
Oladiran_AMR_2009.pdf (635.7Kb) -
Forcheh, N.; Fako, T. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The study proposes a measure of effective productivity among service workers and seeks a parsimonious predictive model of “effective productivity” among nurses in Botswana. Employee productivity has become a concern of organisations in all economic sectors world wide. In Botswana, it has also become a national priority issue and has been listed as one of the goals of the long term vision for Botswana due to perceived low productivity among the workforce. Productivity among nurses is of special significance because of their critical role in the primary health care system. Nurses working under local government control in Botswana provide a good case study since they all have to perform certain routine activities from which their productivity could be measured and compared. Self completed anonymous questionnaires were used to collect the relevant data from all health facilities under local government control in Botswana. A representative sample of 325 questionnaires were returned and analysed. Chi-squared test of association was used to identify univariate factors associated with effective productivity from among a list of 38 variables. Hierarchical stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify a predictive model for effective productivity among nurses. Thirteen of the 38 variables were found to be significant univariate predictors of effective productivity (p<0.05). Only eight of these factors were retained during a search for a parsimonious predictive model. These in order of importance were midwifery training, involvement with the Village Development Committee, involvement in making health policies, peer support, religious affiliation, ability to complete the Botswana Obstetric Record, quality of health after posting and involvement with the community. The overall impact of these factors was found to be additive. The results underline the importance of midwifery training for effective productivity among nurses in Botswana. It is concluded that all nurses in Botswana should be encouraged and accorded the opportunity to do midwifery training. Nurses should further be encouraged to become more involved in the communities in which they work, as well as develop supportive relationships and a friendly atmosphere at the work place. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/713 Files in this item: 1
Forcheh_AJBM_2007.pdf (191.7Kb) -
Gobotswang, K. (United Nations University Press. http://www.unu.edu, NaN, 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: Variations in interdistrict nutritional status have puzzled both social policy makers and health workers in Botswana. A total of 643 households and 898 pre-school children were surveyed to determine factors that are associated with the nutritional status of children below the age of five years in the north-western District of Chobe. Except for those in remote and difficult-to-reach places, all households with a pre-school child were selected for the study. The results showed that the nutritioneal status of the preschool children had a strong positive correlation with access to a latrine (r = 0.52) and ownership of cattle (r = 0.27). Age was negatively correlated with the child’s nutritional status (r = -0.02). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/546 Files in this item: 1
Gobotswang_FNB_1998.pdf (329.4Kb) -
Mpoloka, S.W.; Kgotlele, T.; Wally, A. (Academic Journals, www.academicjournals.org, April 17, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Allele frequencies for nine short tandem repeat (STR) loci from the AmpFlSTR® Profiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit were determined in five subpopulations across Botswana and tested for suitability for use in individual identification. DNA was extracted from whole blood samples collected from 150 unrelated individuals. Targeted regions of DNA (vWA, FGA, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D18S51, D21S11 and the sex determining locus Amelogenin) were amplified using multiplexed PCR. The alleles showed a high degree of polymorphism, with heterozygosity above 67%, indicating that there is no significant inbreeding within the subpopulations. Matching probability was below 0.2 hence power of discrimination was high, indicating that the alleles from the five subpopulations can be used in human identifications. The present study is the first reported attempt at determining allele frequencies of subpopulations in Botswana and could possibly be used in developing a national DNA database. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1010 Files in this item: 1
mpoloka ajb paper.pdf (292.5Kb) -
King, J.G.; Ranganai, R.T. (Botswana Geoscientists Association, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: The Hopkinson effect is the increase of magnetic susceptibility with temperature from near room temperature to near the Curie point. Although this effect has been known for more than a century, it has not been effectively utilised as an analysing tool in palaeo, rock and environmental magnetic studies. This is partly due to the poor understanding of the influence of magnetite (Fe,O.)grain parameters on the Hopkinson effect. In an attempt to study the effects of grain size on the Hopkinson effect, magnetite samples with well-defined grain sizes have been used. it was found that in general, magnetic susceptibility enhancement factor (SEF) obtained by heating the sample in a non-oxidising environment, increase with decreasing grain size. The relation of SEF to grain size is linear when plotted on a log-log scale. This relation has been used to infer grain sizes (hence magnetic domains) for some selected Botswana rocks. The inferred magnetic domains are consistent with independent predictions from hysteresis measurements for the same samples. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/338 Files in this item: 1
King_BJES_2001.pdf (625.5Kb) -
Jain, P.; Nfila, R.B. (Emerald, http://www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore how libraries and information centres can play a key role in national development through strategic working partnerships with Government and other stakeholders. Methodology - The paper is based on literature Review and practical examples. Findings - The paper finds that Botswana Government has formulated Maitlamo policy for the development of public libraries and through this policy partnerships have been established by the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships (ACHAP) through the Sesigo Project, and another partnership has been between parastatal organizations such as Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC) and Botswana National Library Services (BNLS). Originality - The paper suggests the potential areas of partnerships that include community development, youth development, music and sports, cultural activities and indigenous knowledge. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/840 Files in this item: 1
Jain_LR_2011 (60 (5).pdf (1.072Mb)