Browsing by Title
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Jain, P.; Bentley, G.; Oladiran, M.T. (May 14, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: In this electronic publishing age, academic institutions including universities have increasingly recognised that an institutional repository (IR) is an essential infrastructure of scholarly dissemination. An IR is a digital research archive consisting of accessible collections of scholarly work that represent the intellectual capital of an institution. It is a means for institutions to manage the digital scholarship their communities produce, maximise access to research outputs both before and after publication and also to increase the visibility and academic prestige of both the institution and authors. This paper discusses the benefits and obstacles of setting up an IR, and librarians’ and authors’ roles in the successful management of an IR. As the strength and advantages of DS can only be maximized through effective IRs, the paper recommends that an IR be considered as the principal benchmark of digital scholarship. This paper was based on desk-top research/review of relevant literature and the authors’ observations and points of view. Description: A paper presented at African Digital Scholarship & Curation Conference on 12-14 May, 2009 at CSIR Conference Center, Pretoria, South Africa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1143 Files in this item: 1
Jain_Unpublished_2009.pdf (3.428Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (Science Publications; ANSI Publications http://ansijournals.com/3/c4p.php?id=1&theme=3&jid=jas, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: Although strategic planning and information technology are key concepts in management research, they have been widely used in relation to only large firms. Only few studies attempted to examine the perceptions of small and medium enterprises (hereafter, SMEs) about the role of IT in strategy making. Moreover, these studies are of less significance for developing countries as the definition and environment of SMEs vary from developed to developing country. This article analyses the strategic use of microcomputers and software packages in corporate planning and decision-making in small and medium enterprises (hereafter, SMEs). Data were collected from 44 SMEs from 3 cities in the Republic of Botswana to study their perceptions about the use of computer-based technology to solve managerial problems, and analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that SMEs in Botswana engaged in both strategic and operational planning activities. However, microcomputers and software packages were used primarily for operational and administrative tasks rather than for strategic planning. They perceive that strategic planning is costly, timeconsuming, and hence appropriate for only large firms. The study also showed that firm size and strategic orientation have direct and positive relation to the use of computer technology for strategic decision making. The major implication of the findings for future research has been identified and presented. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/199 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_PJAS_2001.pdf (1.835Mb) -
Phaladze, N.A. (International Council of Nurses. http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/inr;jsessionid=81ud25de419e.alexandra, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: In Botswana, there is dearth of literature on the role of nursing in health-care policy and resource allocation and yet nurses constitute the majority (85%) of health manpower. The health-care delivery system depends mostly on nurses for service provision. There were two main purposes of this study: first, to gather descriptive data from major key players (with particular emphasis on nurses) concerning knowledge of the policy process and resource allocation for management and care of clients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Botswana; and, second, to identify nurse characteristics (e.g. position, education, experience, job category) associated with motivation to influence healthcare policy in HIV/AIDS management and care in Botswana. A policy process conceptual framework was used to guide data collection and analysis. A case-study research method was used to conduct in-depth interviews from a purposive sample of 19 policy makers, and a survey questionnaire was used to collect data from a purposive sample of 95 registered nurses from six study sites in Botswana. The study findings indicate minimal participation of nurses in health-care policy process and resource allocation. The demographic variable of position was a predictor of the involvement of nurses in policy and in budgetary decisions. Both survey and interview data indicated that this minimal participation of nurses in the policy process resulted in implementation problems, thus compromising service provision. Implications of the findings for the nursing profession, nursing practice and policy, which address the importance of nurses’ involvement, are discussed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/571 Files in this item: 1
Role of nurses.pdf (1.855Mb) -
Mosothwane, M. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, June NaN, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This study examines the role played by secondary school mathematics teachers in the development of mathematics curriculum. It was conducted using a sample of sixty senior secondary school mathematics teachers. The findings of the study suggest that the majority of senior secondary school teachers’ play only a minor role in the development of the mathematics curriculum, but are active in the implementation and production stages. Subjects of the study reported that full participation in the development of the curriculum would help them to better implement the material because they would feel they ‘own’ it. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and materials to promote effective learning. A stronger mathematics curriculum for senior secondary schools would emerge if teachers were encouraged to participate in the development process. A lack of teacher participation in the development of senior secondary school mathematics curriculum has implications for mathematics teaching, particularly now as Botswana build’s its first university of science and technology. One such implication is the possibility of weaker students finding their way into the university and thus lowering the overall quality of mathematics performance. The paper concludes with suggestions and recommendations in the hope that these will help curriculum development officers to involve more senior secondary school teachers in the development of mathematics curriculum so as to strengthen mathematics education in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1081 Files in this item: 1
Motsothwane_IJSRE_2012.pdf (1.608Mb) -
Ngowi, A.B. (Elsevier Ltd; http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/296/description#description, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The ensuing globalization of the construction industry as well as the highly fragmented and divisive nature of the industry are among the forces that are influencing it to seek management approaches such as strategic alliances that could leverage the capabilities of the various participants. This paper reports on a study that investigated the factors considered by firms when selecting alliance partners, and the influence of trustworthiness in deciding the governance structures of the alliances. A study of key partners in existing and potential construction alliances in Botswana that was carried out using a postal questionnaire and structured interviews determined that firms consider complementarity, similar status, indirect prior alliance experience and reputation before they make a selection of an alliance partner. The study also determined that partner trustworthiness eliminates the need of contractual clauses in the operation of the alliances. The paper concludes that trustworthiness of a partner is an influencing factor in all stages of the alliance development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/260 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Ngowi, A.B. (Elsevier Ltd; www.elsevier.com/locate/buildenv, May 4, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The ensuing globalization of the construction industry as well as the highly fragmented and divisive nature of the industry are among the forces that are influencing it to seek management approaches such as strategic alliances that could leverage the capabilities of the various participants. This paper reports on a study that investigated the factors considered by firms when selecting alliance partners, and the influence of trustworthiness in deciding the governance structures of the alliances. A study of key partners in existing and potential construction alliances in Botswana that was carried out using a postal questionnaire and structured interviews determined that firms consider complementarity, similar status, indirect prior alliance experience and reputation before they make a selection of an alliance partner. The study also determined that partner trustworthiness eliminates the need of contractual clauses in the operation of the alliances. The paper concludes that trustworthiness of a partner is an influencing factor in all stages of the alliance development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/171 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)ngowi2.pdf (118.4Kb) -
Mupimpila, C.; Narayana, N. (Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Over time, there has been a significant rise in vocational education and technical training in Botswana. This article shows that there is a positive and significant relationship between economic growth and vocational education and technical training in the country. However, job creation in the formal sector is limited, given the size of the domestic market. It is necessary that the expansion of vocational and technical training should be accompanied with appreciable growth in employment in the formal sector. Botswana should produce for the regional market in Southern Africa in order to circumvent the smallness of the domestic market. Outward-looking, export production can loosen the most binding constraints to economic growth with structural change in the country. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/785 Files in this item: 1
Mupimpila_IJEED_2009.pdf (783.0Kb) -
Ngandeu, F.; Bezabih, M.; Ngamga, D.; Tchinda, A.; Ngadjui, B.; Abegaz, B.; Dufat, H.; Tillequin, F. (Elsevier Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/phytochem, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Three prenylated rotenoids, elliptol, 12-deoxo-12a-methoxyelliptone and 6-methoxy-6a,12a-dehydrodeguelin were isolated from the twigs of Millettia duchesnei, together with the known compounds, 6a,12a-dehydrodeguelin, 6-hydroxy-6a,12a-dehydrodeguelin, 6-oxo- 6a,12a-dehydrodeguelin, elliptone, 12a-hydroxyelliptone and eriodictyol. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data and comparison with information reported in the literature and with authentic specimens for some known compounds. The full NMR data of 6-oxo-6a,12a-dehydrodeguelin and 6-hydroxy-6a,12a-dehydrodeguelin are reported here for the first time. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/243 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Weiser, S.D.; Heisler, M.; Leiter, K.; Percy-de Korte, F.; Tlou, S.; DeMonner, S.; Phaladze, N.; Bangsberg, D.R.; Iacopino, V. (PLoS Medicine. www.plosmedicine.org, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Background The Botswana government recently implemented a policy of routine or "opt-out" HIV testing in response to the high prevalence of HIV infection, estimated at 37% of adults. Methods and Findings We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based study of 1,268 adults from five districts in Botswana to assess knowledge of and attitudes toward routine testing, correlates of HIV testing, and barriers and facilitators to testing, 11 months after the introduction of this policy. Most participants (81%) reported being extremely or very much in favor of routine testing. The majority believed that this policy would decrease barriers to testing (89%), HIV-related stigma (60%), and violence toward women (55%), and would increase access to antiretroviral treatment (93%). At the same time, 43% of participants believed that routine testing would lead people to avoid going to the doctor for fear of testing, and 14% believed that this policy could increase gender-based violence related to testing. The prevalence of self-reported HIV testing was 48%. Adjusted correlates of testing included female gender (AOR ¼ 1.5, 95% CI ¼ 1.1–1.9), higher education (AOR¼2.0, 95% CI¼1.5–2.7), more frequent healthcare visits (AOR¼ 1.9, 95% CI ¼ 1.3–2.7), perceived access to HIV testing (AOR ¼ 1.6, 95% CI ¼ 1.1–2.5), and inconsistent condom use (AOR ¼ 1.6, 95% CI ¼ 1.2–2.1). Individuals with stigmatizing attitudes toward people living with HIV and AIDS were less likely to have been tested for HIV/AIDS (AOR ¼ 0.7, 95% CI ¼ 0.5–0.9) or to have heard of routine testing (AOR ¼ 0.59, 95% CI ¼ 0.45–0.76). While experiences with voluntary and routine testing overall were positive, 68% felt that they could not refuse the HIV test. Key barriers to testing included fear of learning one’s status (49%), lack of perceived HIV risk (43%), and fear of having to change sexual practices with a positive HIV test (33%). Conclusions Routine testing appears to be widely supported and may reduce barriers to testing in Botswana. As routine testing is adopted elsewhere, measures should be implemented to assure true informed consent and human rights safeguards, including protection from HIV-related discrimination and protection of women against partner violence related to testing. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/554 Files in this item: 1
Routine HIV testing.pdf (1.339Mb) -
Cainelli, F.; Vallone, A. (Dove Medical Press Ltd. http://www.dovepress.com/biologics-targets--therapy-journal, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Kaposi’s sarcoma is a vascular tumor linked to the presence of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (human herpesvirus-8) and the incidence of which has increased considerably the world over after the onset of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic. Antiretroviral therapy combined with cytotoxic agents has been established as the treatment of choice in the past 10 years. Among chemotherapeutic agents, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin has become the preferred one for patients with HIV-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma in Western countries. The drug in this formulation localizes better to the tumor and has higher efficacy. Skin toxicity, mucositis, and leukopenia/neutropenia are the main side effects. Hepatotoxicity and mild cardiotoxicity are observed less frequently. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin impacts favorably on quality of life. Although cost effective in Western countries, the drug is less so in developing countries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/419 Files in this item: 1
Safety and efficacy.pdf (737.4Kb) -
Vanderpost, C.; Ringrose, S.; Matheson, W.; Arntzen, J. (Elsevier, December 14, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: A methodology was devised for comparison of generalised range condition over time, irrespective of the nature of original imagery used. It was applied for range condition change mapping throughout Botswana through 1984-2000. Results showed that range degradation was most widespread during the 1980s drought when 25% of the country was affected, decreased to 6.5% in 1994 and increased to 9.8% in 2000. This suggests that these semi-arid rangelands are fairly resilient and can withstand “normal” droughts even under conditions of heavy grazing pressure. However, degradation that persists during normal or above average rainfall years is related to increasing livestock and other pressures on rangelands and may represent areas with severe range recovery problems. This application meets some requirements of a semi-arid developing country looking to improve range condition monitoring over relatively remote areas. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/779 Files in this item: 1
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Shaibu, S.; Phaladze, N.A. (Cambridge University Press. http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJournal?jid=PHC, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper reports an evaluation of the implementation of the School Health Policy (SHP) in Botswana schools. Historically, school health originated with a concern for the number of children being excluded from school owing to communicable diseases. In 1999, the three ministries, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Local Government, developed the Botswana School Health Policy and Procedures Manual. The school health services are organized at national, district and local levels. The purpose of the evaluation was to explore how school health services were delivered in schools in Botswana. Data on current practices on school health were collected using observations, field notes and interviews of various school personnel in 27 schools located in the Gaborone district, and surrounding villages using the assessment guide in the SHP. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. Several challenges to implementing the school health policy were identified, for example, lack of human resources, lack of equipment supplies, lack of health knowledge among teachers, as well as organizational problems. This has budgetary implications for Botswana at both central and district levels. Commitment of all stakeholders in all ministries concerned would also improve the implementation of school health services. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/563 Files in this item: 1
School health.pdf (911.5Kb) -
Massamba, F. (Birkhäuser Basel. http://www.springerlink.com/content/110963/?p=c42ba01ff0bd482b81a3ebdf3b649c9a&pi=0, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: We investigate lightlike hypersurfaces of indefinite Sasakian manifolds, tangent to the structure vector field and whose screen distribution is integrable. We prove some results on parallel vector fields and on a leaf of the integrable distribution D0? h i of this class. A theorem on a geometrical configuration of the screen distribution is obtained. We show that any totally contact umbilical leaf of a screen integrable distribution of a lightlike hypersurface is an extrinsic sphere. Description: The mathematical symbols may not come as they are in the abstract. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/689 Files in this item: 1
Screen Integrable Lightlike.pdf (1.251Mb) -
Osei-Hwedie, K.; Ntseane, D.; Jacques, G. (Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Developing a tertiary academic programme in Botswana is not only an intellectual activity but also an institutional process that must be balanced to satisfy different stakeholders and contending claims. This paper focuses on the intellectual and institutional processes of developing a Master in Social Work(MSW) programme at the University of Botswana. It discusses the intricacies of identifying the need for a MSW and the consultative process of designing the programme and course objectives, titles, and course content. The paper takes the view that institutional and intellectual issues are significant factors of the exercise of searching for appropriateness in social work education in an African context. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/744 Files in this item: 1
Osei-Hwedie_SWE_2006.pdf (1.212Mb) -
Veenendaal, E.; Kolle, O.; Lloyd, J. (Blackwell publishing, www.blackwellpublishing.com, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: We studied the seasonal variation in carbon dioxide, water vapour and energy fluxes in a broad-leafed semi-arid savanna in Southern Africa using the eddy covariance technique. The open woodland studied consisted of an overstorey dominated by Colophospermum mopane with a sparse understorey of grasses and herbs. Measurements presented here cover a 19-month period from the end of the rainy season in March 1999 to the end of the dry season September 2000. During the wet season, sensible and latent heat fluxes showed a linear dependence on incoming solar radiation (I) with a Bowen ratio (β) typically just below unity. Although β was typically around 1 at low incoming solar radiation (150 W m−2) during the dry season, it increased dramatically with I, typically being as high as 4 or 5 around solar noon. Thus, under these water-limited conditions, almost all available energy was dissipated as sensible, rather than latent heat. Marked spikes of CO2 release occurred at the onset of the rainfall season after isolated rainfall events and respiration dominated the balance well into the rainfall season. During this time, the ecosystem was a constant source of CO2 with an average flux of 3–5 μmol m−2 s−1 to the atmosphere during both day and night. But later in the wet season, for example, in March 2000 under optimal soil moisture conditions, with maximum leaf canopy development (leaf area index 0.9–1.3), the peak ecosystem CO2 influx was as much as 10 μmol m−2 s−1. The net ecosystem maximum photosynthesis at this time was estimated at 14 μmol m−2 s−1, with the woodland ecosystem a significant sink for CO2. During the dry season, just before leaf fall in August, maximum day-and night-time net ecosystem fluxes were typically −3 μmol m−2 s−1 and 1–2 μmol m−2 s−1, respectively, with the ecosystem still being a marginal sink. Over the course of 12 months (March 1999–March 2000), the woodland was more or less carbon neutral, with a net uptake estimated at only about 1 mol C m−2 yr−1. The annual net photosynthesis (gross primary production) was estimated at 32.2 mol m−2 yr−1. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/937 Files in this item: 1
Veenendal 2004 GCBiology.pdf (2.375Mb) -
Pheko, B.C. (SAGE Publications. http://ema.sagepub.com, January NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This article analyses the views of selected headteachers on the impact of the 10-year basic education policy on the leadership skills of secondary school headteachers in Botswana. Research literature on school leadership and management in Botswana is sparse. Despite this, demands for effective leadership in schools have continued as the education system changes. In 1996, the Botswana Government started to implement a 10-year basic education programme, which rapidly increased student numbers at both community junior and senior secondary schools and building projects for school expansion became the order of the day. Secondary school headteachers have to manage these changes. A central focus of this article is their perceptions of the practice used to appoint them, leadership skills required for the post, their leadership training, and how training for leadership can be improved to meet the educational changes. Using results of the interview data collected from eight selected secondary school headteachers, this article exposes the limitations of the practice and procedures that are used in appointing headteachers to school leadership position and the established procedures intended to develop a skilled leadership force in secondary education to ensure quality education. The article highlights the need for Botswana to establish a leadership training policy to guide the training of headteachers and ensure that schools become effective. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/536 Files in this item: 1
Pheko_EMAL_2008.pdf (990.7Kb) -
Kampunzu, A.B.; Cailteux, J.L.H.; Kamona, A.F.; Intiomale, M.M.; Melcher, F. (Elsevier www.elsevier.com/locate/oregeorev, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Stratabound epigenetic sulphide Zn–Pb–Cu ore deposits of the Central African Copperbelt in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia are mostly hosted in deformed shallow marine platform carbonates and associated sedimentary rocks of the Neoproterozoic Katanga Supergroup. Economic orebodies, that also contain variable amounts of minor Cd, Co, Ge, Ag, Re, As, Mo, Ga, and V, occur mainly as irregular pipe-like bodies associated with collapse breccias and faults as well as lenticular bodies subparallel to bedding. Kipushi and Kabwe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, respectively, are the major examples of carbonate-hosted Zn–Pb–Cu mined deposits with important by-products of Ge, Cd, Ag and V in the Lufilian Arc, a major metallogenic province famous for its world-class sediment-hosted stratiform Cu–Co deposits. The carbonate-hosted deposits range in age from Neoproterozoic to early Palaeozoic (680 to 450 Ma). The formation of the relatively older Neoproterozoic deposits is probably related to early collision events during the Lufilian Orogeny, whereas the younger Palaeozoic deposits may be related to post-collisional processes of ore formation. Fluid inclusion and stable isotope data indicate that hydrothermal metal-bearing fluids evolved from formation brines during basin evolution and later tectonogenesis. Ore fluid migration occurred mainly along major thrust zones and other structural discontinuities such as karsts, breccias and faults within the Katangan cover rocks, resulting in ore deposition within favourable structures and reactive carbonates of the Katangan Supergroup. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/380 Files in this item: 1
Kampunzu2009Sediment-hosted Zn.pdf (4.792Mb) -
Ringrose, S.; Huntsman-Mapila, P.; Kampunzu, A.B.; Downey, W.; Coetzee, S.; Vink, B.W.; Matheson, W.; Vanderpost, C. (Elsevier www.elsevier.com/locate/palaeo, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This work considers new evidence for palaeo environmental change taking place during the Pleistocene in northern Botswana. Duricrusted strandlines along the northeastern margin of Sua Pan provide palaeo-environmental data pertaining to the Makgadikgadi subbasin (MSB) with inferences regarding the larger Makgadikgadi–Okavango–Zambezi (MOZ) rift depression. Field, XRD and geochemical data show that MSB strandlines comprise calcretes (LU1 type), MgO-rich calcretes with silica (LU2 type), sil-calcrete (LU3 type) and silcrete (LU4 type). Early freshwater episodes appear to have been followed by calcrete-dominated drying phases interspersed with repeated silcretisation. Calcretisation through pan littoral sediments may have been both biogenically and environmentally induced. Calcite precipitation was in part controlled by the Mg/Ca ratio of pore water in the pan littoral zone suggesting closed basin type evaporative conditions, which were followed by a major desiccation interval. Phases of silcrete precipitation appear to be related to periods when the geochemistry of the lake littoral more closely resembled present-day Na–CO3–SO4–Cl-type brines. Silica saturated acidic, moderately saline groundwater preceded Si precipitation which took place as the pH reduced. Si mobilisation occurred (inter alia) as a result of quartz grain dissolution enhanced by diatoms, bacteria and algal growth in the moist pan littoral. SiO2-rich pore waters migrated through cracked and desiccated calcrete into areas of lower salinity and lower pH resulting in preferential calcite removal and silcrete precipitation. Approximate TL dates imply that exposed littoral sand underwent calcretisation during the drying phases of extensive palaeo-lakes which occurred prior to 110 ka, 80–90 ka and 41–43 ka. These wet periods compare fairly well with Vostok core chronologies for southern Africa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/794 Files in this item: 1
Kampunzu2006Sedimentological.pdf (3.498Mb) -
Moleele, N.M.; Reed, M.S.; Motoma, L.; Seabe, O. (John Wiley and Sons, http://www.wiley.com, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Laboratory-based seed storage systems have been developed as an alternative to in situ conservation for indigenous woody plant species. However, interactions between seed quality and environmental variables must be known for each species prior to seed collection, storage and sowing to ensure effective conservation. This study investigated Acacia tortilis seed weight/quality patterns across seven Botswana seed provenances in relation to: soil nutrient status, altitude; latitude; slope angle; % grass cover; height and density of other woody plants nearby. The higher rainfall and relatively eutrophic seed provenances of northwestern Botswana (Chobe, Okavango and Makgadikgadi) were associated with large A. tortilis species and seeds, as well as higher densities of woody plants. Spatial variation in seed weights of A. tortilis was principally a function of rainfall and soil organic carbon. Although more work is required to establish the relationship between seed weight and germination rates for A. tortilis, this research suggests that seed collection should focus on sites with high levels of rainfall and soil organic carbon. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/947 Files in this item: 1
Moleele African Jour Eco.pdf (705.1Kb) -
Nsinamwa, M.; Sebego, R.J. (Botswana College of Agriculture, http://www.bca.bw/Research/bojaasBca/InstructionToAuthors.htm, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Grasses and forbs in Southern Africa have been understudied in terms of species richness and factor that affect diversity patterns. To gain a better understanding of factors affecting patterns of herbaceous plant species seedbank around water points, six boreholes ( three in each land zone) were randomly selected for sampling. Top soil layers of 20cm depth were sampled from six boreholes at distances of 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, and 3000m ( the Piosphere approach) in fenced and unfenced plots to determine the density and composition of the seedbank. The samples were allowed to germinate in the growth tray (10 x 15 x 8cm³) under controlled conditions (temperature, moisture) in a green house followed by daily counting of seedlings. Herbaceous plant species diversity was analyzed by using Simpson's diversity index. Analysis of varience on herbaceous species diversity was determined using the SAS software. Herbaceous plant community clustering was determined by using TWINSPAN, a FORTRAN programme. Significant (p=0.0001) germination variants were observed along the distance from livestock watering points. Most grass seedlings recorded germinated from soil samples obtained from from fenced plots, while less than 40% of the forb seedlings were. Most of the forbs species were recorded within 400m from the water points and that soils closer to water points also contained grass seeds despite the level of degradation and /or trampling. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/313 Files in this item: 1