Browsing Research articles (ORI) by Issue Date
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Gobagoba, L.; Meyer, T.; Ringrose, S.; Kampunzu, A.B.; Coetzee, S. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Calcrete deposits of the Qangwa area, northwestern Botswana are evaluated on the basis of satellite imagery and sedimentological analysis. Enhanced Thematic Mapper imagery interpretation combined with field evidence has led to identification of the calcrete. This project aims at making a detailed surficial geology map accompanied by a report as a step in expanding the knowledge of calcretes. It also attempts to develop an understanding of the relationship in the timing of the late Quaternary wetter and drier phases. A digital map using GIS and remote sensing applications was developed from both analysed data and fieldwork. Data analysis revealed five types of calcretes and a calcareous soil. Hardpan calcrete along with brecciated and conglomeratic calcrete dominate the interfluves and are believed to predate the formation of nodular and honeycomb calcrete which occupy the valleys. The older hardpan associated types may have developed following regional wet/warm periods the last of which has been dated elsewhere as occurring c. 120,000. The younger valley calcretes show different mechanisms of formation, and are believed to have been developed following incision and palaeo-lake establishment, c. 25,000 years ago. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/943 Files in this item: 1
Gobagoba 2005 calcrete mapping.pdf (2.409Mb) -
VanderPost, C. (Botswana Society, http://www.botsoc.org.bw, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: During the years 1849 to 1900 the first maps of (portions of) the Okavango Delta region in Ngamiland were produced by missionaries, explorers, travellers and adventurers. Considerable progress was made from the first attempt by Livingstone and Oswell in 1849 to the work by Passarge at the turn of the 20th century. There were great improvements in the positional accuracy of Lake Ngami, the initial attraction of the region, and many of the river courses and other features in the Okavango-Ngamiland region, as maps became much more detailed. This paper describes the progress from the first rather inaccurate mapping attempts to the more sophisticated work produced just before the turn of the 20th century when the word ‘Okavango’ actually began to appear on maps. These early mapping efforts laid the foundation for the cartography of the colonial era. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/955 Files in this item: 1
VanderPost 2005 Early maps.pdf (2.241Mb) -
Mosepele, K.; Onalethata, B.; Mosepele, B.; Thethela, B. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Populations of three cichlid species from the upper and lower Okavango Delta were compared in terms of biological population parameters, in order to investigate whether the fish species of the Delta consist of one continuous, or two or more separate, stocks. Data were collected from the lower Delta and upper Delta using experimental fishing nets to ensure that representative samples were obtained. While no statistical tests for significance were conducted, the results show that the same species between the upper and lower Delta have different biological parameters. Therefore, it is concluded that these observed differences suggest that, for the three investigated species, there are at least two different populations in the Okavango Delta. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/941 Files in this item: 1
Mosepele 2005 Using popul.pdf (1.635Mb) -
Mosepele, K.; Mosepele, B.; Williams, L. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This study investigates the feeding ecology of Schilbe intermedius across its entire life history. Data were collected using experimental fishing nets in two habitats in a seasonal floodplain. The results showed that S. intermedius has an ontogenetic shift in feeding behaviour where the young fish are primarily generalist predators, feeding on aquatic invertebrates while the older fish are more specialised predators feeding primarily on fish. This study showed that there is a higher potential for intra-specific competition among the older fish than in the younger size classes. However, it was recognized that this study is a snap-shot of the feeding ecology of S. intermedius and that a longer time series study is needed to study its feeding ecology. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/940 Files in this item: 1
Mosepele 2005 Prelim.pdf (1.295Mb) -
Magole, L.I.; Gojamang, O. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Despite the existence of a model of the life cycle of tourist destinations (Butler, 1980, adapted by Prossor, 1994), non-beach tourist destinations are seldom subjected to an appraisal of their evolution and an assessment of the developmental stage or phase the particular destination may be in. In this paper we explore the dynamics of tourist visitation to national parks and game reserves in Botswana over a period of ten years (1995-2004. We have used data on tourists collected by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) staff at national park and game reserve gates, which they summarize on a monthly basis and forward to the Parks and Reserves Reservation Office (PARRO). We conclude that the development of tourism in the Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve follow Butler’s model and show signs of stagnation. Based on the findings of the paper, a recommendation to review the Botswana Tourism Master Plan (2000) is suggested in order to align it with realistic tourism trends of the national parks and game reserves. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/939 Files in this item: 1
Magole 2005 Dynamics.pdf (2.198Mb) -
Kgathi, D.L.; Ngwenya, B.N. (Botswana Society, http://www.botsoc.org.bw, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper examines the impact of Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) in Ngamiland over the past ten years. It shows that CBNRM has made some strides in strengthening and creating new organisations/ institutions, empowering local communities, creating social networks and improving the institutional capacity of community trusts. Communities receive benefits from employment opportunities, social infrastructure, provision of transport, and assistance on meeting the costs of funerals. However, the contribution of most of the benefits to livelihood diversification is limited as they mainly accrue to the communities rather than individuals. The programme faces many challenges, such as limited institutional capacity for running organizations, insecurity of tenure, stakeholder conflicts, mismanagement of funds, and problems of how to use and equitably distribute the financial benefits to individual households. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/965 Files in this item: 1
Kgathi2005 CBNRM.pdf (2.852Mb) -
Ngwenya, B.N.; Butale, B.M. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Home care involves the transfer of a patient’s medical supervision from a formal institution to a family setting in the context of a community. The aim of this paper is to assess the resource capacity of families to provide immediate home care to HIV/AIDS related chronically or terminally ill member/s in Maun in Ngamiland District. Data for the study was obtained through cross-sectional interviews with 61 care-givers. Ethnographic methods were also used: these included informal interviews with key informants, unobtrusive participant observation, and narratives of individual and family life experiences. Data collection focused on assessing family resource capacity to access three forms of capital, namely social, productive and produced. Issue focus analysis on qualitative data, and descriptive frequencies and cross-tabulations on quantitative data were carried out. Generally, care-givers reported receiving non-material support from multiple sources. These included moral support from close family members, especially their own children, siblings, parents and spouses, and less from parents’ in-law and their extended family. The threshold of care-giving resource demands could either fragment the family unit, on precipitate ‘enclave-like’ or ‘disengaged’ co-existence or passive aggression. On the other hand, caregiving resource demands may enhance mutual obligation and shared responsibility among family members. A high level of tolerability tends to reduce vulnerability and facilitate pooling limited resources in ways that enhance family capacity. Conversely, adversarial intra-family relations compromise the ability of a family to mobilize its resources. About 70% of care-givers were dependent on non-farming activities as their source of livelihood. Care-giving depletes family resources, including the abandonment of income generating activities. About 81% of care-givers said that they could not do anything to recover or reverse the loss. Access to produced capital such as telecommunication infrastructure is important in terms of the dissemination of public education information aimed at helping reduce risks and the prevention of infection. A significant proportion of care-givers had access to a radio (60%) and cell-phone (48%). The paper ends with some policy recommendations. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/953 Files in this item: 1
Ngwenya 2005 AIDS.pdf (3.334Mb) -
Mmopelwa, G.; Kgathi, D.L.; Masamba, W.R.L.; Thukuza, A. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Water supply in Maun is unreliable and unpredictable, and most households experience water shortage all year round. Coping strategies for households include water storage in tanks. Water quality is also poor due to its salty taste, presence of sediments and colour. The majority of households have henceforth embarked on coping strategies such as buying bottled water. On average, households spend about P71 per month as avoidance cost. A contingent valuation method assessment was carried out and it was found that the mean maximum household’s willingness to pay for a water quality improvement fund was P55 per month. Chemical analysis carried out on water samples from the study area confirm that the water has high electrical conductivity, sediments, colour, and iron and manganese levels. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/938 Files in this item: 1
Mmopelwa 2005 House.pdf (1.540Mb) -
Huntsman-Mapila, P.; Kampunzu, A.B.; Vink, B.; Ringrose, S. (Elsevier; http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/503361/description#description, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: [Please note that chemical formulae do not display properly]:The siliciclastic sediments of the Okavango inland Delta of northwest Botswana have a modal composition of quartz arenites and result from a complex history, including transport by river and deposition in a nascent rift basin located in a desert environment with input of aeolian sands. The geochemical composition of sediments from the Okavango Delta was determined in order to constrain the role of weathering at the source and the composition of the source rocks. The chemical analyses and the interelement ratios show a broad compositional range usually encompassing the PAAS composition. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) values and the A-CN-K diagram define an evolution trend which can be interpreted using a mixing model involving a strongly weathered component which corresponds to the sedimentary fraction transported by the Okavango River and a relatively immature component which corresponds to the aeolian sand component of the Okavango sediments. Field geological data supported by geochemical ratios involving elements with affinity for mafic-ultramafic and felsic rocks such as Th/Cr, Th/Sc, La/Sc, La/Co and Eu/Eu* support a source area including mafic-ultramafic and felsic rocks, with or without intermediate rocks. The relationships between certain elements (Cr-Ni, Na2O-Al2O3, K2O- Al2O3) refine the interpretation by pointing to the existence of at least three source rock end-members, including a felsic rock source and pyroxene-rich and olivine-rich mafic-ultramafic source rocks. Proterozoic granitoid-gabbro and related volcanic and ortho-metamorphic rock complexes exposed in NW Botswana and adjacent Angola and Namibia are the source rocks of the sediment component which was mixed with aeolian sand and interacted with a variable proportion of diagenetic carbonates to produce the Okavango sediments. Description: This paper was a contribution to the SAFARI 2000 Research Project. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/153 Files in this item: 2
huntsman_mapila_sedgeo.pdf (6.089Mb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Mladenov, N.; McKnight, D.M.; Wolski, P.; Ramberg, L. (The Society of Wetland Scientists, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: In the Okavango Delta in Botswana, dissolved organic matter (DOM) transport is controlled by the slow movement of an annual flood ‘pulse’ across permanently and seasonally flooded wetlands, known respectively as the Permanent Swamp and Seasonal Swamp. We studied temporal and spatial variations in fluorescence index (FI) and specific UV absorbance (SUVA) of DOM to identify DOM sources and fate during the flood. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations ranged from 2 to 25 mg C L21 in channels of the Delta, with seasonal floodplains having consistently higher concentrations. Chemical indices, such as DOC concentrations, conductivity, specific UV absorbance (SUVA), fluorescence, total dissolved nitrogen, and chlorophyll a, were analyzed for channel and floodplain sites in the Seasonal Swamp. DOC concentrations increased during the rising limb of the flood in the Seasonal Swamp. SUVA of whole water samples and fluorescence index (FI) of fulvic acids isolated from channel and floodplain sites changed in a manner indicating the release of DOM by leaching of plant litter during the flood. After the flood receded, DOC concentrations and fulvic acid content decreased, and microbially-derived sources of organic matter dominated. Along two river reaches, measuring over 400 km each, variations in DOC concentrations were primarily due to geomorphology, with the effects of the annual flood overprinted atop the spatial controls. Increasing downstream DOC concentrations were found to be a product of inundation of DOC-rich seasonal floodplains and evaporation-enriched waters downstream. Increasing SUVA, dissolved nitrogen, and fulvic acid content, and decreasing FI downstream suggested microbial processing of terrestrial DOM and possible release of nutrients incorporated in the DOM. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/526 Files in this item: 1
Mladenov2005FLOODynamics.pdf (2.529Mb) -
VanderPost, C.; Ringrose, S.; Seely, M. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Image processing in the upper Okavango catchment resulted in ten generalised classes which may be used as base line data for monitoring future overall land-use/cover change assessments over the entire upper catchment. Specific work was undertaken using single images for more detailed land-use/cover mapping in a 10 km buffer along all tributaries of the upper Okavango in Angola and Namibia. In terms of the under-developed Angolan upper catchment there is relatively little land clearing at present, and impacts on water use and quality are expected to be minimal in the near future. This is a consequence of 20 years of civil war, while the return of refugees is being inhibited by the prevalence of land-mines. Much more extensive development is taking place in Namibia along the southern bank of the Kavango river. This area is likely to become more intensively used as Namibia attempts to develop greater food security. Further work is required to monitor the impacts from Namibian agricultural expansion. These are likely to be pervasive in terms of the ecology of both the Mahango Game Reserve in Namibia and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/936 Files in this item: 1
VanderPost 2005 Prelim.pdf (2.370Mb) -
Wolski, P.; Murry-Hudson, M.; Fernkvist, P.; Liden, A.; Huntsman-Mapila, P.; Ramberg, L. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Groundwater under islands in the Okavango Delta is a known sink of inorganic dissolved minerals, preventing salinisation of this virtually enclosed evaporation-dominated hydrological system. The Okavango Delta is an oligotrophic, yet very productive system, and it is important to understand sources, pathways and recycling of nutrients in order to fully comprehend its ecology. In order to investigate the role of islands as nutrient sinks, concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as major inorganic ions were measured in island and floodplain groundwater. The electrical conductivity was found to be up to 50 times higher in the island centre groundwater than in the surrounding floodplain groundwater. The amount of total phosphorus was found to be up to 400 times higher and total nitrogen up to five times higher in the interior of the island than in the surrounding floodplain. These show that major nutrients are, like other inorganic ions, accumulated under islands. Importantly, the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus was 5:1 in floodplain water and water in island fringe soils, but 1:4 in island centres. his indicates an intensive removal of nitrogen along the floodplain-island groundwater flow path by the floodplain fringe and riparian biota, resulting in a relative enrichment in P. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/950 Files in this item: 1
Wolski 2005 Islands.pdf (1.469Mb) -
Bonyongo, C.M. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper presents preliminary results from a long-term study on the ecology of large herbivores in the Okavango Delta. The paper evaluates habitat selection and utilization by impala (Aepyceros melampus) at the various habitat scales. Impala, the most abundant and widely distributed mammal species in the Delta, showed seasonality in habitat use and habitat selection. In all seasons impala used mixed open woodlands more than any other habitat type. Open grasslands and upper floodplains are also key habitats for impala. As a mixed feeder, impala are able to use a wide range of habitats. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/931 Files in this item: 1
Bonyongo 2005 Habitat.pdf (1.198Mb) -
Wolski, P.; Masaka, T.; Raditsebe, L.; Murry-Hudson, M. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Seasonal changes in inundation area and peak flood occurrence in the Okavango Delta are analysed using a multiple regression technique. The multiple regression models developed constitute useful and simple tools for predicting inundation area and peak flood occurrence in the Okavango Delta. The regression model for monthly inundation area achieves a coefficient of determination of 0.80 and standard error of 538 km². Explanatory variables in the model are various expressions of long-term and short-term antecedent rainfall and inflow conditions. The model for flood peak occurrence can be used for accurate predictions only in the Jao-Boro distributary, for which it achieves a coefficient of determination of 0.85 and standard error of 15 days, with distance to Delta inlet and an expression of flood size as explanatory variables. Propagation of the flood in the two other analysed distributaries, Maunachira-Khwai and Mboroga-Santantadibe, is complex and its quantitative description appears to be beyond the capacity of a simple regression approach. Additionally, the analyses presented provide insight into the role of storage in the dynamics of flood in the system: hydrological inputs are accommodated in the large system storage, and hydrological response is strongly dependent on the factors affecting (slow!) release from that storage. Based on the analyses, the classic model of kinematic flood wave propagation has been adapted accordingly. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/954 Files in this item: 1
Wolski 2005 Aspects of sea.pdf (2.080Mb) -
Phorano, O.M.; Nthomang, K.; Ngwenya, B.N. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Batswana have been hard-hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The Botswana government has initiated the Community Home-Based Care programme to provide material support for HIV/AIDS patients cared for at home by family members and relatives. This paper identifies and explores emerging home care issues and pays specific attention to potential risks related to poorly managed clinical human and solid waste disposal generated through home-based care of HIV/AIDS patients in Ngamiland and Kweneng Districts in Botswana. Data were collected through focus group discussion with care-givers, discursive interviews with professional service providers, and participant observation. The results of the study indicate that the majority of care givers received material benefits provided through the CHBC programme. However, it was clear that CHBC did not have the capacity to address other critical needs for the proper care of patients in the home. Most households studied are very poor and lack basic facilities such as toilets, basic waste receptacles and regular collection of solid waste. Access to these facilities is important for disposing of both clinical and ordinary human and solid waste from HBC patients. Poor sanitation facilities - especially the improper handling of soiled laundry and inadequate ventilation - increase risks of infection. The study recommends the formation of care-giver support groups to reduce risks associated with poorly managed clinical solid waste disposal generated from home care-giving of HIV/AIDS patients. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/952 Files in this item: 1
Phorano 2005 HIV.pdf (2.631Mb) -
Masamba, W.R.L.; Muzila, A. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: The concentration of the metal ions Na, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Fe, Cr, Ni, and Pb were determined in water samples of the Okavango Delta’s panhandle - Maunachira-Khwai water system during periods of high (June 2004) and low (November 2004) water flow. The concentrations of Na (1.67 to 12.77 mg/L), K (1.37 to 5.80 mg/L), Ca (2.46 to 6.98 mg/L) and Mg (0.69 to 2.83 mg/L) increased with distance from Mohembo indicating concentration of these metal ions by evaporation. Cu (up to 0.028 mg/l), Co (up to 0.053 mg /L), Fe (0.010 to 0.60 mg/L), Ni (up to 0.052mg/L), Mn (up to 0.044 mg/L) and Pb (0.017 to 0.28 mg/L) generally decreased in concentration with increase in distance from Mohembo, indicating that the Delta acts as a filter for these ions. Zn (0.049 to 0.101 mg/L) had lower concentrations at Mohembo than the other sampling sites, indicating solubilisation of previously deposited metals ions, or presence of Zn within the Delta. Chromium was not detected except at Seronga (0.026 mg/L) during periods of high water flow. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/951 Files in this item: 1
Masamba 2005 Spatial.pdf (2.281Mb) -
Magole, L.; Thapelo, K. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper presents the results of a study carried out on the impact of the recent (2004) severe flooding of the Okavango River on the livelihood of the molapo (flood recession) farming community of Tubu village in Ngamiland sub-district. Government and NGO disaster relief organisations responded to the floods in panic and desperation while affected communities appeared calm and laid-back. To the extent that they (communities) refused to evacuate flood plains and island settlements to make way for the considerably high and potentially dangerous flood of 2004; the communities' reaction was surprising as the floods were so severe upstream, that they caused damage to property, threatened lives and reduced yields significantly. However, studying the farming community of Tubu revealed that community members have other considerations which make them perceive the inherent risk differently from outsiders. Communities view flooding (whether severe or normal) more as part of the biodiversity production system and a source of livelihood than a destructive force. It was found regarding molapo farming that, first, even under hazardous flooding conditions crop yields are still better compared to those under alternative dryland farming. Secondly, destructive floods occur at 10- to 20-year intervals, making the gamble worthwhile because over time the flood-related benefits outweigh the risks. Thirdly, because the molapo farming communities are poor, other sources of livelihood are not adequately developed to take over from molapo farming. Fourth, the system has evolved into an old tradition which the farmers are not willing to part with. Hence the farmers are adamant that abandoning the production system is not, as yet, an option for them. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/949 Files in this item: 1
Magole 2005 Impact of.pdf (1.900Mb) -
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) -
Toteng, E.N.; Mbaiwa, J.E.; Moswete, N.N. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper is derived from a broader study that examined community attitudes and perceptions towards ecological issues in Maun and Gaborone to determine how these could be harnessed towards ecologically sustainable urban development. The major problem in the two study sites is that there has been rapid urban growth since the 1970s, but very little attention has been devoted to the environmental implications of that growth. The environmental issues on which community attitudes and perceptions were sought included the following: urban water and waste water; urban solid waste management; urban impacts on wildlife; and urban energy conservation and management. These issues were selected on the basis of what the authors were able to obtain socio-ecological data on, given the time and financial constraints of thestudy. The urban ecosystems management model is used as an analytical framework that could be further harnessed by policy and decision-makers to mobilize stakekeholders towards sustainable urban development. A social survey method was used to generate data among heads of households in Maun and Gaborone. It was found that most ordinary members of the community were not involved by government authorities in decision-making affecting natural resource use and environmental issues. However and in general, the communities had positive attitudes and perceptions towards environmental issues. The major draw-back is that these communities are generally not consulted by state agencies in decision-making processes affecting their environment. It is concluded that this is inimical to ecological urban development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/945 Files in this item: 1
Toteng 2005 Community.pdf (2.443Mb) -
Thakadu, O.T.; Mangadi, K.T.; Bernard, F.E.; Mbaiwa, J.E. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This study aimed at assessing the economic contribution of safari hunting to rural livelihoods in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, using Sankuyo village as a case study. This study was carried out between June and July 2004. It employed primary and secondary data sources. Findings indicate that, within the context of Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM), safari hunting has socio-economic benefits accruing to Sankuyo (at household and community level). These benefits include income(coming in the form of cash dividends and through employment) that have been generated, and the development of recreational and household sanitation facilities that has taken place in the village. The study also found that the distribution of safari hunting benefits among Sankuyo households is fairly equitable. Income from safari hunting has also been used to purchase communally owned resources such as vehicles. Because of these benefits, the people of Sankuyo have since developed positive attitudes towards safari hunting. These findings thus suggest that safari hunting is important in improving rural livelihoods in the Okavango Delta while at the same time promoting natural resource conservation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/944 Files in this item: 1
Thakadu 2005 Economic.pdf (2.744Mb)