Browsing Research articles (ORI) by Title
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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) -
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) -
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) -
Brooks, C.; Bonyongo, C.; Harris, S. (Wildlife Society http://joomla.wildlife.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Global Positioning System (GPS) collars are increasingly being used to study fine-scale patterns of animal behavior. Previous studies on GPS collars have tried to determine the causes of location error without attempting to investigate whether the accuracy of fixes provides a correspondingly accurate measure of the animal's natural behavior. When comparing 2 types of GPS collar, we found a significant effect of collar weight and fit on the rate of travel of plains zebra (Equus burchelli antiquorum) females in the Makgadikgadi, Botswana. Although both types of collar were well within accepted norms of collar weight, the slightly heavier collars (0.6% of total body mass [TBM]) reduced rate of travel by >50% when foraging compared with the collar that was 0.4% of TBM. Collar effect was activity specific, particularly interfering with grazing behavior; the effect was less noticeable when zebras crossed larger interpatch distances. We highlight that small differences in collar weight or fit can affect specific behaviors, limiting the extrapolation of fine-scaled GPS data. This has important implications for wildlife biologists, who hitherto have assumed that collars within accepted weight limits have little or no effect on animal movement parameters. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/628 Files in this item: 1
Brooks_JWM_2008.pdf (1.039Mb) -
Siele, M.P.; Mubyana-John, T.; Bonyongo, M.C. (Global Science Books http://www.globalsciencebooks.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=1&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=5&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=56&vmcchk=1&Itemid=56, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Soil cover influences soil biological and chemical processes in various ways. The effects of soil cover (bare soil without litter, litter cover, Mopane tree canopy and grass cover) on soil respiration and microbial population at four sites in the Mopane woodland of north western Botswana were investigated. Soil respiration rates were measured using an infrared gas analyzer. Nitrifying bacterial populations were quantified by MPN on ammonium and nitrite calcium carbonate media, oligotrophs on 1% nutrient agar, actinomycetes on starch casein agar, bacteriovorous protozoans by MPN on sodium chloride agar baited with Enterobacter, and fungal biomass carbon using buried slides were also determined. Soil respiration in different habitats was significantly influenced by type of cover, diurnal temperature variations and soil moisture. Soils under cover showed significantly higher soil respiration than the bare soils. Autochthonous bacterial populations in the Mopane woodland soils consisted mostly of oligotrophs which varied insignificantly between seasons. Fungi were the most dominant microorganisms in all the Mopane woodland soils, with biomass of 162.05 to 282.14 μg C/g soil in the wet season and 11.84 to 44.16 μg C/g soil in the dry season. Microscopic observation of buried slides revealed that fungi play a vital role in holding soil particles together in these soils. The results showed a strong positive relationship between changes in fungal biomass and fluctuation of soil respiration. However, no clear correlation was observed between the variation of soil respiration and other microbial populations (oligotrophic bacteria, actinomycetes, and nitrifying bacteria). Overall these results indicate that in soils under Mopane tree canopy, fungi contribute significantly to soil structure and soil respiration. Other microbial populations consist mostly of oligotrophs which show minimal seasonal variations. Soil moisture significantly influences seasonal fluctuation in soil respiration. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/292 Files in this item: 1
The Effects of Soil Cover.pdf (6.625Mb) -
Mbaiwa, J.E.; Stronza, A.M. (Routledge (Taylor & Francis) www.routledge.com, January 19, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) program in Botswana aims to achieve biodiversity conservation and rural development in rich biodiversity areas like the Okavango Delta. CBNRM assumes that if rural communities derive benefits from natural resources, they will be obliged to use such resources sustainably. Using the sustainable livelihoods framework, this study analyzes the effects of tourism development through CBNRM on rural livelihoods at Khwai, Sankoyo and Mababe in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, using primary and secondary data sources. Results of long-term surveys and in-depth interviews indicate that the three communities have forgone traditional livelihood activities such as hunting and gathering, livestock and crop farming to participate in tourism through CBNRM. Livelihoods in these villages have been improved as a result. Basic needs such as shelter, employment and income and social services like water supply systems, transportation, scholarships and payment of funeral expenses are now provided to community members and funded with income from CBNRM. Social capital has been built up in order to agree, manage and develop the CBNRM process. These results show that tourism development in these villages is achieving its goal of improved livelihoods, contradicting claims that community development projects are failing to achieve rural development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/960 Files in this item: 1
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Mbaiwa, J.E.; Mbaiwa, O.I. (International Journal of Wilderness; http://ijw.wilderness.net/, December NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: This article examines the effects of veterinary fences on wildlife populations in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Using data from secondary data sources, findings indicate that the existence of veterinary fences in the Okavango Delta contributes to the decline of wildlife species in Botswana. Veterinary fences are erected to control the spread of livestock diseases in order to protect the European Union beef market where Botswanaâ s beef is largely exported. Migratory wildlife species such as wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, and tsessebes have their migratory routes blocked by veterinary fences and hence die from dehydration and entanglements in the fence. Those that get trapped by the fence often become easy kill targets for poachers. Some of the animals have been observed walking along the fence trying to cross. The erection of veterinary fences indicates that the expansion of livestock production into wildlife areas threaten the survival of wildlife in Botswana. To address the problem, an integration of wildlife production with other sectors such as agricultural development should be made a priority at national and local policy levels. This means that the principles of sustainability should be given priority in the erection of veterinary fences in wildlife areas. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/28 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)mbaiwa_int_j_wilderness_2006.pdf (338.1Kb) -
Mmopelwa, G.; Mosepele, K.; Mosepele, B.; Moleele, N.; Ngwenya, B. (Blackwell Publishing, http://www.blackwellpublishing.com, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: The hydrological regime of the Okavango River Basin is the main driver of ecological change in the delta. The delta supports a small-scale fishery which is a source of livelihood for communities within its fringes. The fish resource is particularly important to subsistence fishers, who have limited access to socio-economic opportunities. However, fish availability is subject to ‘concentration and dilution’ effects because of the hydrological regime. As a copying strategy, fishers use a variety of fishing methods to effectively harvest the delta’s fish community across all its trophic levels. This exploitation regime helps to maintain the delta’s species diversity and only reduces fish biomass proportionally across the different trophical levels. Furthermore, fishers have developed different fish-processing techniques to preserve their harvest for low fishing season periods to cope with low food availability. The aim of this paper therefore, was to explore spatio-temporal variations in fish availability and to show how the delta’s subsistence fishers cope with this dynamicity. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/862 Files in this item: 1
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Heinl, M.; Frost, P.; Vanderpost, C.; Sliva, J. (Elsevier; http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/622855/description#description, May 8, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Satellite imagery derived fire history data for the southern Okavango Delta, Botswana from 1989 to 2003 were used to analyse the temporal and spatial distribution of fires and to assess changes in fire activity. Maximum fire activity was encountered for 1997 with 24.1% of the study area burned. The annual extent of the burned area fluctuated considerably, but there appeared to be a regular oscillation apparently induced by floodplain fires. The main fire activity on drylands is in September at the end of the dry season, while most floodplains burn earlier in the year. Both burning of floodplains and drylands appear to peak prior to floods and rainfall-events, respectively. Areas with highest fire frequency were outlined and spatial analyses showed that fires on the drylands are largely due to burning of adjacent floodplains. The floodplains were therefore identified as the centres of fire activity, being the regions with the highest fire frequency and serving as source of fires spreading into drylands. Floodplains showed higher fire frequencies compared to drylands, but no increase in fire activity was detected over the study period for both floodplains and drylands. Description: The study was part of the project 'Fire regime and vegetation response in the Okavango Delta, Botswana' funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, Germany and carried out by the Chair of Vegetation Ecology, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Germany in collaboration with the Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Center (HOORC, University of Botswana) and University of Pretoria, South Africa. Financial support was also given by Conservation International Botswana and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/151 Files in this item: 2
heinl_j_arid_env.pdf (392.9Kb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Mubyana-John, T.; Wutor, V.C.; Yeboah, S.O.; Ringrose, S. (Academic Journals. http://www.academicjournals.org/SRE, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The influence of wild fires on microbial community structure, soil organic matter, sulphur oxidising and nitrifying microbial populations in the floodplains of the Okavango Delta of Botswana was assessed. Microbial community structure was assessed by phospholipids ester-linked fatty acids (PLFA) quantification while microbial sulphur oxidisers were assessed by Most Probable Number (MPN). Community structure assessment showed that burning shifted the microbial community structure from single cellular bacteria being the dominant groups to filamentous fungi and actinomycetes being the most dominant groups. Generally burning increased the fungal component (18:2 w6) matrix from 3.40 to 8.35 while the actinomycetes and sulphur reducing bacterial (10 Me 16:0) component also increased from 1.02 to 1.70 mostly in the floodplains. Generally, the organic matter content declined with burning. However, the influence of burning on soil pH was non conclusive. Soil microbial biomass carbon increased slightly after the fire. The number of heterotrophic and nitrite-oxidizing and sulphur reducing bacteria increased. Overall, these results indicate that burning significantly alters the microbial community structure as large above ground losses of nutrients during and after burning often results in low quantities of nutrients released into the soil. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/349 Files in this item: 1
Fire and.pdf (2.461Mb) -
Omari, K.; Mubyana, T.; Matsheka, M.I.; Bonyongo, M.C.; Veenendaal, E. (South African Journal of Botany http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/707238/description#description, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Effects of flooding on soil nitrogen (N), and asymbiotic nitrogen fixing bacterial (diazotroph) populations of the Okavango Delta were investigated. Diazotrophs from the rhizosphere of dominant annual and perennial grasses of the Okavango Delta were isolated on N-free composite media and identified applying morphological and biochemical criteria and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Azotobacter species were found associated mostly with the grasses Andropogon guyanus and Vetevaria nigritiana (103CFU g–1 rhizosphere soil). Annual grasses such as Eragrostis inamoena, Setaria sphacelata as well as perennials showed insignificant populations (<101CFU g–1 soil). On the contrary, Azospirillum spp. was found associated with most of the grasses. Highest population densities (above 104MPN g–1 soil) were observed in rhizospheres of E. inamoena, Cympogon excavatus, Sporobolus acinifolis, Eragrostis lapila and Eragrostis rigidor and lowest population densities (below 102MPN g–1 soil) in rhizospheres of Andropogon guyanus and Panicum repens. Flooding increased the Azotobacter populations, while Azospirillum spp. populations were significantly reduced. Nitrogen-fixing sulphur reducers were observed in the rhizosphere of annuals (A. guyanus and P. repens) and only in perennials growing in flooded soils. No Beijerinckia species were found associated with any of the grasses. The highest soil nitrogen levels were detected in flooded soils (<0.20% N) while no N was detected in the rhizosphere soil of grasses growing in very dry soils (<5% moisture content). The results indicate that in the Okavango Delta, total soil nitrogen varies with flooding regime. With flooding, the diazotroph population shifts towards Azotobacter and Nfixing sulphur reducers while Azospirillum spp. are widespread in non-flooded soils. RFLP analysis of the 1 450bp amplicon using the restriction endonuclease Alu1, showed three different banding profiles, suggesting the occurrence of three different species of Azospirillum. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/294 Files in this item: 1
Flooding and its influence.pdf (2.253Mb) -
Gumbricht, T.; Wolski, P.; Frost, P.; McCarthy, T.S. (Elservier, www.elsevier.com, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: The pristine Okavango Delta wetland of northern Botswana is potentially under threat due to water abstraction from its tributaries. We have developed a statistical model which makes it possible to predict the extent of wetland loss which will arise from water abstraction. The model also permits prediction of the maximum area of flooding, and its spatial distribution, three months in advance of the flood maximum. The model was calibrated using maximum areas of seasonal inundation extracted from satellite imagery covering the period 1985-2000, which were correlated with rainfall and total flood discharge. A technique was developed to translate the modelled flood area into a flood map. The methodology can predict maximum area of flooding and its distribution with better than 90% accuracy. An important, although relatively minor, source of error in the spatial distribution of the flood arises from a secular change in flood distribution in the distal Delta which has taken place over the last 15 years. Reconstruction of flooding history back to 1934 suggests that the Delta may be subject to a quasi 80 year climatic oscillation. If this oscillation continues, the extent of flooding will increase in the coining decades. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/948 Files in this item: 1
Gumbricht JOH 2004.pdf (2.449Mb) -
Southworth, J.; Nagendra, H.; Cassidy, L. (Taylor & Francis, June 3, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Tropical forest habitat continues to decline globally, with serious consequences for environmental sustainability. The South/Southeast Asian landscapes represent one of the most challenging parts of the world to study issues of landscape change. High population densities in the region pose major threats to forest cover. Despite presentations of supposedly catastrophic declines in forest cover, substantial areas have been observed to maintain or increase forest cover in recent years. This research draws on data from Nepal, India, Thailand, and Cambodia to examine trajectories of forest-cover change along gradients of deforestation and reforestation. The gradients we observe extend from Cambodia, a still predominantly forested landscape, with development and change at initial stages, to Nepal which, despite having experienced large-scale forest clearing in the past, has considerable reforestation in recent years. Understanding these processes is critical for policymakers working on climate change and adaptation. This research allows us to link national-scale and local-scale analyses, in terms of both their similarities and differences, and also to see changes still in progress via the inclusion of regrowth and degradation classes, not just reforestation and deforestation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/826 Files in this item: 1
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Fynn, R.W.S.; Bonyongo, M.C. (Wiley, November NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: Ungulate populations in African conservation areas (CAs) are in widespread decline, which can largely be attributed to a lack of functionality of the area encompassed by the CAs themselves. We present evidence from a wide range of African CAs showing that they do not encompass both the functional wet- and dry-season resources that ungulates traditionally migrated between. Before human populations and economic development had grown to levels where they interfered with migrations outside the CAs, ungulates were able to make use of their traditional seasonal resources but this is becoming increasingly difficult and we are now seeing the effects of this restriction of movement on ungulate population numbers. New innovative strategies are required for the conservation of African wildlife. An urgent Africa-wide survey is needed to establish past and present functional resources in and around CAs and to prioritize conservation regions that are most functional. In addition, innovative attempts need to be made to reconsolidate functional seasonal resources within revised expanded protected areas. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/781 Files in this item: 1
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Bartsch, A.; Wagner, W.; Scipal, K.; Sabel, D.; Wolski, P. (Elsevier, March 17, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper elaborates on recent advances in the use of ScanSAR technologies for wetland-related research. Applications of active satellite radar systems include the monitoring of inundation dynamics as well as time series analyses of surface soil wetness. For management purposes many wetlands, especially those in dry regions, need to be monitored for short and long-term changes. Another application of these technologies is monitoring the impact of climate change in permafrost transition zones where peatlands form one of the major land cover types. Therefore, examples from boreal and subtropical environments are presented using the analysed ENVISAT ASAR Global mode (GM, 1 km resolution) data acquired in 2005 and 2006. In the case of the ENVISAT ASAR instrument, data availability of the rather coarse Global Mode depends on request priorities of other competing modes, but acquisition frequency may still be on average fortnightly to monthly depending on latitude. Peatland types covering varying permafrost regimes of the West Siberian Lowlands can be distinguished from each other and other land cover by multitemporal analyses. Up to 75% of oligotrophic bogs can be identified in the seasonal permafrost zone in both years. The high seasonal and interannual dynamics of the subtropic Okavango Delta can also be captured by GM time series. Response to increased precipitation in 2006 differsfrom flood propagation patterns. In addition, relative soil moisture maps may provide a valuable data source in order to account for external hydrological factors of such complex wetland ecosystems. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/767 Files in this item: 1
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Bonyongo, M.C.; Harris, S. (Willey Blackwell Publishing http://eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Brand/id-35.html, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: We used body weight ratio to determine the degree of species-packing of the Okavango Delta (22,000 km2) grazers and compared it to that of four conservation areas of similar sizes but varying in the diversity of habitat types. They are Etosha National Park (23,175 km2) in Namibia, Hwange National Park (14,621 km2) in Zimbabwe, Kafue National Park (24,000 km2) in Zambia and Kruger National Park (19,633 km2) in South Africa. We considered possible ecological explanations for existing gaps within the assemblage. The weight ratio (measure of the degree of species-packing) of the grazers of the Okavango Delta was 1.25, with a total of 27 species which was far less than the theoretically expected 2.0. One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed that there were significant differences in the degree of species-packing between the Okavango Delta and other conservation areas of similar size in southern Africa (F1,5 ¼ 166, P < 0.001). Regressing habitat heterogeneity (expressed as number of different habitat types) on species-packing of the five conservation areas yielded a positive linear relationship with R2 ¼ 0.76 implying that 76% of the variation in the degree of speciespacking in the five conservation areas is explained by variation in habitat heterogeneity. We conclude that size ratios are useful descriptors of animal communities and it is a useful measure of species diversity, which can be used for monitoring purposes. Imbalances in weight ratios provide a measure of identifying perturbations due to species loss or arrival of new species within a natural ecosystem. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/608 Files in this item: 1
Bonyongo_AJE_2007.pdf (1.153Mb) -
Sajidu, S.M.I.; Masamba, W.R.L.; Thole, B.; Mwatseteza, J.F. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org/ijps, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
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VanderPost, C.; McFarlane, M. (Elsevier www.elsevier.com/locate/jag, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Locating additional long-term groundwater resources in semi-arid regions of developing countries with growing populations is an expensive undertaking. Simple geographic information system (GIS) techniques can be utilised to facilitate efficient application of expensive geophysical techniques and test-drilling by functioning as an interdisciplinary integration and decision-making tool, especially in data-poor and poorly mapped environments where more sophisticated GIS techniques are not applicable. The paper demonstrates this in the context of the search for groundwater alternatives to the dwindling river water supply in the Boteti area of the Kalahari region in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/573 Files in this item: 1
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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) -
Ngwenya, B.N.; Kgathi, D.L. (Elsevier Ltd; www.elsevier.com/locate/pce, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: This case study investigates access to potable water in HIV/AIDS related home-based care households in five rural communities in Ngamiland, Botswana. Primary data collected from five villages, consisted of two parts. The first survey collected household data on demographic and rural livelihood features and impacts of HIV/AIDS. A total of 129 households were selected using a two-stage stratified random sampling method. In the second survey, a total of 39 family primary and community care givers of continuously ill, bed-ridden or non-bed-ridden HIV/AIDS patients were interviewed. A detailed questionnaire, with closed and open-ended questions, was used to collect household data. In addition to using the questionnaire, data was also collected through participant observation, informal interviews and secondary sources. The study revealed that there are several sources of water for communities in Ngamiland such as off-plot, outdoor (communal) and on-plot outdoor and/or indoor (private) water connections, as well as other sources such as bowsed water, well-points, boreholes and open perennial/ephemeral water from river channels and pans. There was a serious problem unreliable water supply caused by, among other things, the breakdown of diesel-powered water pumps, high frequency of HIV/AIDS related absenteeism, and the failure of timely delivery of diesel fuel. Some villages experienced chronic supply disruptions while others experienced seasonal or occasional water shortages. Strategies for coping with unreliability of water supply included economizing on water, reserve storage, buying water, and collection from river/dug wells or other alternative sources such as rain harvesting tanks in government institutions. The unreliability of water supply resulted in an increase in the use of water of poor quality and other practices of poor hygiene as well as a high opportunity cost of water collection. In such instances, bathing of patients was cut from twice daily to once or not at all. Depending on the severity of HIV/AIDS related symptoms, e.g. diarrhoea, 20-80 additional litres of water could be required daily. The case study demonstrates that, at individual level, access to water is an integral element of the patient's holistic healing process and psychosocial well being. At household and community levels, access to sufficient supplies of potable water when and where it is needed is central to mitigation of HIV/AIDS impacts. Access to water should therefore not be treated strictly as an economic good due to its importance as a basic human need, a social good and indeed a human right. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/172 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)ngwenya_kgathi_PCE_06.pdf (4.416Mb)