Browsing Faculty of Social Sciences by Title
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Osei-Hwedie, K. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Economic growth is usually recognized as a vital factor in poverty eradication. Thus, with the excellent performance of Botswana's economy over the years, observers had hoped that poverty in the country would decline dramatically. However this has not been the case. Mass poverty in Botswana has led to increasing concems with policies and associated development efforts that focus on, or have aspects aimed at, poverty eradication. The government of Botswana has implemented social polices to assist vulnerable groups such as the destitute, the elderly and remote area dwellers (RADs). Despite these efforts, many individuals and households continue to experience poverty. This paper discusses poverty eradication within the context of Vision 2016, which is aimed at prosperity for all Batswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/894 Files in this item: 1
Osei-Hwedie_PBJAS_2004.pdf (799.5Kb) -
Mukras, M.S. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Although Botswana is clearly one of the richest countries with one of the most vibrant economies in Africa, available statistical evidence suggests that the problem of poverty has recently caused a lot of concern in the country. Numerous attempts already made to deal with the problem have not yielded encouraging results, as the incidence of poverty continues to persist. Drawing from the experiences of three other African countries, this paper recommends a strategy based on strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs)for poverty reduction in Botswana. After discussing the constraints facing the SMEs in the country, the paper presents a set of six recommendations designed to ameliorate, if not eliminate, these constraints, thereby strengthening the employment and income generating capacities of the SMEs and consequently reducing poverty in the country. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/783 Files in this item: 1
Mukras_PBJAS_2003.pdf (672.9Kb) -
Mphinyane, S.T. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: Thefocus of this paper is on the role of outsider activists who are supporting a group of Basarwa resisting relocation from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) in Botswana. The role of non Basarwa activists is problematized in order to unravel some of the complexities surrounding advocacy, especially its bearing on the relative power of the 'supported'. The paper argues that in the case of Basarwa who are currently being forcibly relocated by the Botswana Government out of the CKGR, oftentimes the voice of 'outsiders' who eloquently expose the human rights abuse of their subjects becomes more dominant than the local voices. This is especially so when the advocacy is done using Information and Communication Technologies (lCTs). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/907 Files in this item: 1
Mphinyane_PBJAS_2002.pdf (682.4Kb) -
Fako, T.T.; Kangara, L.W.; Forcheh, N. (Academic Journals: http://www.academicjournals.org/, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This study sought to identify factors that can predict knowledge about HIV/AIDS among adolescents in Botswana. The data were collected through a self administered questionnaire from a sample of 1294 students from schools around the capital city of Botswana, Gaborone. The research instrument consisted of 76 items that solicited information on background characteristics of respondents, indicators of family cohesiveness and bonding of children with their parents, indicators of personal adjustment, evidence of sex life, and knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Most respondents (63.1%) displayed adequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS. The ‘type of job that mothers did’ was the most important single factor that distinguished between students who had “adequate knowledge” from those who did not. Other factors, which could be used to predict knowledge about HIV/AIDS, were, in order of importance: type of family of socialisation, level of education, extent of common residence among parents, level of conflict in the family of socialisation, extent of disagreement with mother and extent to which sexual issues were discussed with members of the family. The study concludes that intervention policies should target students whose mothers do jobs of a low status and should promote family bonding and cohesion. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/876 Files in this item: 1
Fako_JAHR_2010.pdf (297.5Kb) -
Letamo, G. (Cambridge University Press; www.cambridge.org, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of, and socio-demographic factors associated with, overweight and obesity in Botswana. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2007 using a multistage sampling method to select a representative sample of 4107 men and 4916 women aged 20–49 years. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the socio-demographic factors associated with overweight and obesity. Mean BMI values for men and women were 21.7 kg/m2 and 24.4 kg/m2, respectively. Both overweight and obesity levels were higher among women than men. Overall, 23% of women were overweight compared with 13% of men. Obese women constituted about 15% compared with only 3% of men. However, 19% of men were underweight compared with 12% of women. The main socio-demographic factors associated with overweight and obesity were being older, living in a city/town, being married and having attained higher levels of education, and these relationships were statistically significant at the 5% level. Although over-nutrition is prevalent among adult female Batswana, underweight remains an important public health problem for males. Programmes and other interventions aimed at concurrently addressing both under-nutrition and overweight need to be developed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1023 Files in this item: 1
Letamo_JBS_2010.pdf (61.18Kb) -
Mothusi, B.; Dipholo, K.B. (John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. www.wiley.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This article argues that efforts by the Government of Botswana to embark on privatisation of some parastatals as well as contracting out the provision of certain services with the main intention of enhancing productivity and strengthening the private sector will not have a negative effect on the strength and nature of the existing strong developmental state. It is argued that the cautious and pragmatic approach adopted by the government, coupled with the fact that privatisation in Botswana is embraced voluntarily (that is not imposed on the country by either the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a condition for financial assistance), hiving off parastatals to the private sector will not result in the weakening and ultimate demise of the state as it has happened in some countries within Sub Saharan Africa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1128 Files in this item: 1
Mothusi_PAD_2008.pdf (840.7Kb) -
Fako, T.; Forcheh, N.; Balogi, K. (CODESRIA, http://www.codesria.org, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: In spite of the rapid economic growth, which made Botswana the envy of sub-Saharan Africa during the 1980s and 1990s, total factor productivity either stagnated or declined over the same period (Botswana National Productivity Centre, 1997). The performance of the public service in the implementation of policies had become a matter of concern, and the reform of the public service and the transformation of its mind-set were major challenges to the nation. Productivity improvement was seen as an important strategy for improving the standard of living and achieving sustainable economic diversification and growth in the long term (Botswana Government, 1991, 1997). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/711 Files in this item: 1
Fako_ASR_2002.pdf (211.0Kb) -
Maundeni, T. (Botswana Society, http://www.botsoc.org.bw, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Over the last two decades rates of divorce have increased in Botswana (Murray, 1981; Ahmed and Letamo, 1989; Bhebhe and Mosha, 1996). Despite this trend, little is known about women’s experiences of marital property division and the subsequent effects of this on women and children. This issue is of particular interest not only because little is known about it, but also because of the influence of social change on women and children’s experiences of divorce. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1012 Files in this item: 1
Maundeni_BNR_2003.pdf (1.639Mb) -
Siphambe, H.K. (Blackwell Publishing Ltd, www.blackwellpublishing.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Using the most recent Household Income and Expenditure Survey data (2002/2003), this paper presents current rates of return to education for Botswana. The results show that the rates of return have in general declined by one percentage point on average between the periods as shown in Table 2. If we, however, look at the averages for the different school cycles, the fall in the average rates is quite significant at about six percentage points between the periods. The biggest fall is for secondary education, especially upper secondary education, which fell by 28 percentage points between the periods. The rates of return to tertiary education, however, rose by more than 50 percentage points. Ignoring upper secondary, the pattern of rates of return has remained similar to the results of the study based on the 1993/1994 data. Rates are higher for tertiary education and lower for secondary than for primary education. This results are still consistent with rates of return generally rising with level of education. At policy level, the results continue to support sharing of costs between Government and beneficiaries or their parents especially at tertiary education level. Second, the results indicate the need for the country to continue to vigorously pursue job creation and reorient the education system from emphasis on white collar jobs. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/984 Files in this item: 1
Siphambe_SAJE_2008.pdf (599.9Kb) -
Kumar, R.A.; Raizada, M. (BONELA, www.bonela.org, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: HIV continues to spread throughout the world, posing increasing challenges to human rights, at both national and global levels. The epidermic continues to be marked by discrimination against certain population groups; those who live on the fringes of the society or who are assumed to be at risk because of their behaviour, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, gender or social characteristics that are stigmatised in a particular society. As the number of people living with HIV/AIDS continues to grow in nations with different economies, social structures and legal systems, HIV/AIDS related human rights issues are not only becoming noticeable, but also increasingly diverse. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/868 Files in this item: 1
Kumar_BRELH2_2008.pdf (1.629Mb) -
Nthomang, K. (Cambridge University Press, http://www.cambridge.org/journals/journal_catalogue.asp?mnemonic=MOA, August NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Colonial processes continue to dominate many Indigenous peoples development programmes in countries around the world. This paper examines some of the underlying factors that contribute to continued failure in the implementation of the Remote Area Development Programme (RADP) in Botswana. It argues that it is not just failed implementation that is the problem, but a more fundamental problem found in its philosophy, which suggests relentless colonialism. This paper is based on the empirical findings of a recent study in one Basarwa settlement in Botswana and draws on the practical experience of the author. Case examples from this study are used to unravel and illustrate embedded colonial practices of the RADP. Recommendations from the findings argue for the development of a decolonising approach of development practice that may respond effectively to problems that result from this relentless colonialism. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/164 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)nthomang_radp_ modernafricans_2003.pdf (173.3Kb) -
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) -
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) -
Fako, T. (Taylor & Francis, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: In spite of extensive campaigns to promote voluntary counselling and testing through the radio, television, newspapers and mass rallies, testing for HIV remains a challenge in Botswana. Using a representative sample of 1,294 students from secondary schools and tertiary institutions, the study investigates the effects of socio-demographic background variables, family coherence, interpersonal relations, sexual experience and knowledge about sexual health, on willingness to test for HIV infection. The results show that willingness to test for HIV infection was negatively associated with being sexually active and having a number of partners. Indicators of family, coherence, psychological bonding and personal adjustment such as common residence among parents, emotional support from the family attachment to parents, happiness with life in general and satisfaction with life as a student were associated with willingness to test. The importance of sexual activity, number of partners, happiness with life in general, level of attachment to father and physical fights with other children were identified as the social and psychological predictors of willingness to test for HIV using multiple logistic regression. The study highlights the importance of continued education about voluntary counselling and testing among sexually active young people, especially those from poorer backgrounds in rural areas. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/780 Files in this item: 1
Fako_AC_2006.pdf (600.1Kb) -
Maundeni, Z. (University of Botswana, www.ub.bw, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The post-colonial Botswana elite built a developmental state.The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) inherited a developmental state-promoting state culture, which it used to modernise state institutions, to focus on creating new wealth for the nation, to build a small but coherent state structure and to centralise the exploitation of natural resources. However, the BDP developmental state reached a point of collapse and two revolutions from above were instituted to try to revive it. This is what this paper argues. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/586 Files in this item: 1
Maundeni_PBJAS_2008.pdf (3.104Mb) -
Lekorwe, M. (Made Plain Commucation, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This chapter assesses the effectiveness of the Office of the Auditor General as a key pillar of the national integrity system in Botswana. It gives an overview of the laws and rules governing the establishment and operation of the Office, and how are these translated into reality. The chapter focuses on the role, structure and resources of the office, as well as its independence, accountability and integrity. Issues of transparency, complaints mechanisms, and the relationship with other pillars are also discussed. The chapter ends with a conclusion and recommendations. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/594 Files in this item: 1
Lekorwe_TACB_2008.pdf (2.019Mb) -
Mogotsi, I. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: New technology has been identified as one way to alleviate poverty in developing nations. This is because it makes available cheaper drugs, cheaper inputs such as fertilizers and new seed varieties that are needed by the poor to improve their lives. New technology also connects producers with quick and easy access to overseas markets and sources of inputs through the internet, for example. However, in order for the poor to make use of these new methods to improve their lives, they need to be able to access the new technology. In order for anybody to use the internet, for example, they need to have access to it: it should be available and affordable, in the rural as well as urban areas. They also need to have the basic education that enables them to use and even appreciate such new technologies. This paper argues that the poor in Botswana do not have access to the new technology because of lack of education. They also do not have the "old technology", such as electricity and the telephone, that are pre-requisites for access to the new technology. Therefore, if new technology is to work to alleviate poverty in Botswana, emphasis should be put on making the old technology available and affordable. Education should also emphasize science and math curricula. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/902 Files in this item: 1
Mogotsi_PBJAS_2003.pdf (375.9Kb) -
Fako, T.T.; Linn, J.G.; Brown, B.E. (Kluwer Academic Publishers, www.vlib.ustu.ru/storon/kluwer, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: The transfer of new health technology to South Africa is occurring despite the fact that North American and European health care planners and entrepreneurs have a very limited understanding of traditional Black South African cultures which condition the health-related behaviors of the majority of the population. Consequently, relatively few people of African descent in this very diverse nation are, at least initially, benefiting from the new imported medical technology. This study gives an overview of traditional Black medicine in South Africa and, through the presentation of several case studies, discusses its implications for the societal adoption of new health technology received from the United States and other industrialized nations. The example of the successful application of cervical cancer exams in rural and urban clinics of the Eastern Cape is analyzed and institutional mechanisms that support successful transfer are identified. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1129 Files in this item: 1
Fako_JTT_2000.pdf (791.1Kb) -
Ama, N.O. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org/ERR, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This study presents the opinions of a stratified sample of 542 graduates of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Botswana on their transition from higher education to employment and the extent to which the job held are appropriate to the level of education attained. The study revealed that the mean transition time for all the graduates was 4.6 months with a standard deviation of 0.19 months while they made an average of 13.5 contacts with employers before getting their first employment. The results of the analysis further showed a downward trend in the percentage of graduates whose transition times were less than 4 months over the study period. In addition the study revealed that over 72% of the graduates felt strongly that their jobs were appropriate to their level of education and relevant to the courses taken in the university and the public sector was still the highest employer. Based on the findings, the study recommends among other things, that the Botswana Government should sensitise and boost private sector involvement in the employment of graduates into their services in order to reduce the full burden of employment of graduates. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/653 Files in this item: 1
Ama_ERR_2008.pdf (266.5Kb) -
Molomo, M.G. (Routledge, http://www.informaworld.com, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper discusses the relationship between the ruling party and opposition parties in the struggle to capture political power in Botswana. It demonstrates the resilience of the multi-party framework that is founded on the basic principles of political freedom and civil liberty. Moreover, it explains how the poverty of ideology has presented a political landscape without any clear political alternatives. More concretely, it outlines the weaknesses of opposition parties, that they do not pose any serious challenge to the ruling party. However, in spite of their weaknesses, opposition parties have played a more constructive role in shaping the democratic process than has commonly been recognised. They have provided important checks and balances to make government more accountable and responsive to peoples' needs, yet they have not projected themselves as alternative governments. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/995 Files in this item: 1
Molomo_CCP_2000.pdf (2.191Mb)