Browsing "Strategic Research Areas" by Title
Now showing items 1-19 of 19
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Rankokwane, B.; Gwebu, T.D. (Springer, www.springerlink.com/index/52P6472307264K5M.pdf, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: In Gaborone, as in other large cities in the developing world, individuals try to make a living by engaging in novel occupations such as landfill scavenging. This paper reports on a research conducted in the Gaborone landfill, the largest in Botswana. The study content-analyzed available literature from other countries. It also relied mainly on direct field observations. The discussions on and answers to closed and interview schedules by stakeholders, affected- and- interested – persons, provided the information on the threats and opportunities related to the landfill site and its informal management activities. This on-going case study lends credence to the potential of scavenging in sustaining livelihoods among those who cannot secure employment in the formal urban market. Scavenging tends to be useful although it may hazardous to the informal entrepreneurs. Taking all the threats into consideration, the decommissioning and closure of the landfill seems inevitable, in spite of the apparent short-term livelihood opportunities it provides to the informal sector. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/362 Files in this item: 1
Rankokwane_GJ_2006.pdf (1.200Mb) -
Meck, M.; Atlhopheng, J.; Masamba, W.R.L. (Elsevier http://www.linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1464343X09000491, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Alkaline rocks (phosphate deposits in particular) of igneous origin are currently being mined in Zimbabwe. Exploitation of these deposits, which are associated with metals and non-metals, provides a potential for changing the river water quality in the surrounding areas by increasing metal and phosphates levels in the water, thereby endangering the beneficial use of the river. The aim and objectives of this paper are to enumerate the current impacts associated with mining alkaline rocks on Save River water quality in Zimbabwe using the Dorowa mine as a case study. Though there are several impacts associated with the mining of alkaline rocks, this paper deals only with impacts on water quality. A preliminary assessment of the water quality in the Save River downstream of the Dorowa phosphate mine showed an increase in conductivity, iron content, manganese content, nitrates and hardness when compared to those taken before mining activity began. However, there was no notable increase in phosphate and metals except for Fe and Mn. A plausible explanation for the low phosphate values in the water is that the phosphates are precipitating and settling as sediments. Phosphate is known to effectively remove metals from the surface water through the formation of metal–phosphate minerals. Thus, various pollutants may be adsorbed into sediments accumulated on the bottom of the river. These sediments may accumulate pollutants over long periods and act as new pollutant sources to the overlying water when phosphate desorbs from sediments due to changes in water conditions. Therefore, the sediments can act as a source of water pollution in the future URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/409 Files in this item: 1
Meck_JAES_2009.pdf (495.8Kb) -
Temtime, Z.T.; Chinyoka, S.V.; Shunda, J.P.W. (Journal of Management Development; Emerald Group Publishing Limited; www.emeraldinsight.com/0262-1711.htm, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: There is a general consensus among public policy makers, academics and researchers that entrepreneurship is a vital route to economic advancement for both developed and developing economies. As a result, a host of small business assistance programs are conducted by public, private and nonprofit organizations. Although the need for integrating these programs has always been a high priority on the national agenda for public policy and research in entrepreneurship, their implementation particularly in developing economies is characterized by fragmentation and lack of coordination. Small business assistance will be meaningful if they are designed in a holistic and systematic way and implemented with a view to achieve long term sustainable development. This paper offers a conceptual framework for designing an integrated model of small business assistance. The paper identifies the major characteristics of small firms and potential small business assistance programs, and presents a decision tree model that matches the characteristics of firms with appropriate assistance program(s). A case study of small business assistance programs in the Republic of Botswana was conducted to provide an empirical evidence of the need for an integrated design or model. Finally, conclusions, discussions and the implications of the model for policy makers, practitioners and further research are presented. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/12 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_decision_tree.pdf (5.483Mb) -
Chilisa, B. (International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education; Taylor & Francis [ http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/09518398.asp ], November NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper uses the postcolonial lens to highlight that mainstream research in postcolonial societies still ignores, marginalizes and suppresses other knowledge systems and ways of knowing. The marginalization of local knowledge systems, it is argued, was established in the colonial times that relegated all things indigenous or from the colonized communities as unworthy, uncivilized, barbaric and superstitious. Systematic efforts to inscribe Western ways of cultural, economic, political and social systems were applied during the colonial times and maintained in the post-independence era. The educational system did not escape the colonial construction of the colonized subjects and their relegation to otherness. Years after the struggle for independence the content of what is taught, methods of teaching and research remain Western in non-Western contexts. This does not only alienate the ‘othered’ from their own knowledge systems, it can be a matter of life and death as demonstrated by the HIV/AIDS information and education campaign. Using excerpts from studies on HIV/AIDS, the paper highlights that interventions to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, legitimized by conventional/Western research knowledge and frameworks, have alienated the people from the struggle to prevent the spread of the virus. Findings from a number of research studies on HIV/AIDS in Botswana are analyzed within the framework of current prevention strategies, more specifically posters and cartoons used in the campaign against HIV/AIDS, to illustrate the marginalization of other knowledge systems and the intersection of the ‘otherness’ ideology with mainstream First World research methodologies. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/54 Files in this item: 2
chilisacolonization1.pdf (3.399Mb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Mutula, S.M. (Emerald, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Abstract Purpose – To argue that developing countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region should embrace the concept of freedom of information to enable better human rights and economic development. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the current situation through discussion of current legislation and proposed policies. Findings – Whereas several theories abound as to why there has been little development in sub- Saharan Africa, this paper discusses the status of freedom of information legislations within the SADC region and the implications for accountability and transparency in the management of public resources. Research limitations/implications – The paper suggests the importance of further research into the importance of freedom of information legislation for economic and human rights development. Practical implications – The paper has practical implication for those considering the potential of freedom of information legislation in developing countries. Originality/value – Freedom of information has largely taken a back seat amidst several social, economic and political reforms that have been instituted collectively or by individual countries. It is the view of this paper that freedom of information provides an important link for the economic, social and political reform initiatives URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/438 Files in this item: 1
Mutula_LR_2006.pdf (917.1Kb) -
Ekosse, G.; Jager, L.; Van den Heever, D.J. (African Forum of Health Sciences http://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajhs/article/view/30803/23134, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This study determines the prevalence of types of sicknesses and diseases affecting patients vising health service facilities and the available health services within the Selebi Phikwe Ni-Cu area, Botswana.Through the administration of the questionnaires and structured questions, attempts were made to establish and verify the existing human health problems at the study area by focusing on respiratory tract related symptoms of sicknesses and diseases.With the aid of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS), interpreted results from respondents indicated that all the health service providers served patients suffering from headaches, persistent coughing, chest pains, lower abdominal pains, pain when passing out urine, genital discharge and diarrhea.Seventy one percent of the health service providers indicated that their patients who suffered from recent loss of body weight, and another 86 % pointed out that their patients had influenza/common cold. Other health complaints reported included unusual spitting, shortness of breath, palpitations, neausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Moreover the health service providers indicated that they had patients who suffered from significant illnesses of which some passed away. However, if they are lacking facilities, patients are referred to bigger health service providers in the country. The findings of the study do not general depict demarcating differnces of health status of residents of the study area to those of the control site. A need therefore for further investigations to be conducted to establish relations of mining activities to human health at Selebi Phikwe is called for. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/425 Files in this item: 1
Ekosse_AJHS_2005.pdf (1.623Mb) -
Mbongwe, B.; Mmereki, B.T.; Magashula, A. (Elsevier Ltd. http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/404/description#description, March 12, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Healthcare waste management continues to present an array of challenges for developing countries, and Botswana is no exception. The possible impact of healthcare waste on public health and the environment has received a lot of attention such that Waste Management dedicated a special issue to the management of healthcare waste (Healthcare Wastes Management, 2005. Waste Management 25(6) 567-665). As the demand for more healthcare facilities increases, there is also an increase on waste generation from these facilities. This situation requires an organised system of healthcare waste management to curb public health risks as well as occupational hazards among healthcare workers as a result of poor waste management. This paper reviews current waste management practices at the healthcare facility level and proposes possible options for improvement in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/223 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Ngowi, A.B. (Taylor and Francis, http://www.pdfserve.informaworld.com/940578_73138570, NaN, 1997)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper examines the strategy of employing a hybrid combination of indigenous and modern housing construction technologies. Using a Botswana village as a case study, this paper examines four traditional house types in relation to the household income, skills, materials and aspects which could be improved by adapting industrialized methods. Using experimental houses, the case study provides the costs, benefits, potential problems and implementation considerations. The paper discusses the weaknesses and virtues of traditional construction technologies, how appropriate aspects from modern technologies can be incorporated or adapted into traditional methods and the implications for developing appropriate, affordable housing technologies URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/370 Files in this item: 1
Ngowi_1997_BRI.pdf (800.7Kb) -
Ngowi, A.B. (MCB University Press, http://www.emerald-library.com, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: Total quality management (TQM) as an integrated approach to management that represents a holistic management philosophy, rather than a series of techniques, is embedded with cultural values and assumptions that are consistent with its culture of origin. This study aims to determine the outcome of implementing TQM in a place that does not share its cultural base. A survey of 100 construction firms in Botswana found that, although the values embedded in TQM could be adopted within the organisations into which it is implemented, the cultural context of the greater society resisted some of the values. It was concluded that, for TQM to be successful in a particular cultural setting, it has to take on some of the host cultural values URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/350 Files in this item: 1
Ngowi_2000_JEIM.pdf (915.4Kb) -
Swatuk, L. A.; Rahm, D. (Elsevier, http://www.linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1474706504001834, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Botswana is generally regarded as an African success story. Nearly four decades of unabated economic growth, multi-party democracy, conservative decision-making and low-levels of corruption have made Botswana the darling of the international donor community. One consequence of rapid and sustained economic development is that water resources use and demands have risen dramatically in a primarily arid/semi-arid environment. Policy makers recognize that supply is limited and that deliberate steps must be taken to manage demand. To this end, and in line with other members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Botswana devised a National Water Master Plan (NWMP) and undertook a series of institutional and legal reforms throughout the 1990s so as to make water resources use more equitable, efficient and sustainable. In other words, the stated goal is to work toward Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in both policy and practice. However, policy measures have had limited impact on de facto practice. This paper reflects our efforts to understand the disjuncture between policy and practice. The information presented here combines a review of primary and secondary literatures with key informant interviews. It is our view that a number of constraints—cultural, power political, managerial—combine to hinder efforts toward sustainable forms of water resources use. If IWRM is to be realized in the country, these constraints must be overcome. This, however, is no small task. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/405 Files in this item: 1
Swatuk_PCE_2004.pdf (1.142Mb) -
Hambira, W.L. (Elsevier, http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/413/description#description, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Natural Resource Accounting (NRA) has become an important environmental/natural resources management tool in recent years. It provides information on stocks of a resource available at a particular point in time and what activities the resource is being used for. The conventional System of National Income Accounts (SNA) normally does not capture the cost of depletion, degradation or pollution of natural resources. This encourages unsustainable use of natural resources since the costs are not reflected when assessing the country’s economic performance or development progress. NRA is thus an attempt to integrate environmental issues into the conventional national accounts. The water sector is one sector that could greatly benefit from this natural resource management tool. Botswana has adopted NRA as a natural resource management tool and has so far developed accounts for minerals, livestock and water. The focus of this paper is on Water Accounting (WA) in relation to Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). IWRM is concerned with coordinated development and management of water in order to maximise economic and social welfare without compromising the sustainability of ecosystems. WA helps fill data gaps since it provides the required information for IWRM to be achieved. The aim of this paper therefore is to evaluate the Water Accounts of Botswana Report of 2006 to determine the extent to which it can contribute to integrated water resources management. The paper is based on literature review and the results show that: the available water stocks vary depending on rainfall patterns, well fields are over utilised, there has been growth in consumption, and more than 80% of the waste water produced is not being put to use. These results calls for changes in policies, role of institutions and practices pertaining to water resources management which is what IWRM is all about hence the paper concludes that indeed WA can contribute to the realisation of IWRM. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/283 Files in this item: 1
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Ekosse, G.; De Jager, L.; Van den Heever, D.J. (AJOL http://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajhs/article/view/30799/23130, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This study aimed at establishing occurrences of chest pains and frequent coughing among different classes of residents within Selibe Phikwe, Botswana where there are on going nickel-copper mining and smelting activities. Through the administration of questionnaires and structured question to 600 individuals, 7 health service providers, 200 business enterprises, and 30 educational institutions, attempts were made to establish and verify the existing human health status at Selebi Phikwe by focusing on chest pains and frequent coughing which are considered to be some of the respiratory tract related symptoms of sicknesses and diseases. With the aid of statistical package of social sciences (SPSS), interpreted results from respondents indicated that 33% of the individuals complained of persistent chest pains, and 27% of educational institutions, 45% business enterprises, and all health service providers had learners, workers, and patients who complained of chest pains. Furthermore, 49% of the individuals complained of persistent frequent coughing; and 70% of educational institutions, 45% business interprises, and all health service providers had learners, workers, and patients who complained of frequent coughing. According to study sites, respondents living in sites closest to the mine and smelter/concentrator plant reported a higher incidence of chest pains and frequent coughing, compared to those living in other parts of the study area. Residents associated fumes and dust from mining activities to the frequent coughing and persistent chest pains, which could be symptoms of respiratory tract diseases. This baseline investigation calls for further studies to establish relations of mining activities to human health at Selebi Phikwe. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/379 Files in this item: 1
Ekosse_AJHS_2005.pdf (2.243Mb) -
Kgathi, D.L.; Kniveton, D.; Ringrose, S.; Turton, A.R.; Vanderpost, C.; Lundqvist, J.; Seely, M. (Elsevier; www.elsevier.com/locate/jhydrol, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The Okavango basin comprises the Cuito and Cubango active catchment areas in Angola, in addition to the Kavango's Okavango non-active catchment in northern Namibia and Botswana. The Okavango River water and its ecosystem resources are critically important sources of livelihoods for people in the basin. Pressures from livelihoods and development are already impacting on the environment. These pressures may increase in the future due to the rapid increase in population, the peace process and associated resettlement activities in Angola, and major development initiatives in Botswana and Namibia. For instance, possible future increase in water abstraction from the Okavango River may affect the long-term environmental sustainability of the Okavango Delta by minimizing channel shifting and thereby reducing spatial biodiversity. The paper argues that while conservation of the natural environment is critical, the pressing development needs must be recognized. The reduction of poverty within the basin should be addressed in order to alleviate adverse effects on the environment. The paper recommends that the development of sustainable tourism and community-based natural resource management initiatives may be appropriate strategies for reaching the Millennium Development Goals of poverty alleviation and achievement of environmental sustainability in the Okavango Basin. These initiatives have a comparative advantage in this area as demonstrated by the performance of the existing projects. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/154 Files in this item: 2
kgathi_j_hydrology_2006.pdf (6.004Mb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Temtime, Z.T.; Pansiri, J. (Botswana Institute of Administration and Commerce (BIAC), May NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Although the discovery of diamond has propelled Botswana from one of the poorest countries in 1966 to a middle-income developing nation, the country still faces the problems of economic diversification, employment creation, income generation and poverty alleviation. The main strategy to achieve these goals has been the promotion of entrepreneurship and small business development. In spite of the concerted efforts made to promote the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the small business failure is increasing at an alarming rate. This paper investigates the perceived impacts of marketing and finance on the development of SMEs in Botswana. 39 marketing and finance related problems were identified, largely from the small business literature, and the respondents were asked to rate the impact of these problems using a five-point scale. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation produced four critical factors (ie marketing actions, customer relationship, investment analysis and working capital management). These factors were also found to have a statistically significant relationship with firm specific demographic variables showing the need for comprehensive and flexible small business assistance programmes. The implications of the findings for policy makers, practitioners and researchers are also presented. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/191 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_BIAC_2006.pdf (3.029Mb) -
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) -
Moleele, N.M.; Mainah, J. (Elsevier http://www.linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0140196302910992, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: The Kalahari ecosystem is characterized by natural resource conflicts and land-use pressure resulting from intensification of human activities. This paper addresses three issues of concern associated with the Kalahari ecosystem resource management: (i) the major land-use/land cover shifts in the Kalahari ecosystem since 1970 and the resulting pattern in vegetation species composition, cover and density; (ii) the possible explanations for the observed shifts; and (iii) the possible resource conflicts likely to arise. Data collection involved the comparison of two sets of panchromatic photographs along two transects (Hukunsti–Ngwatle and Tshane–Tsabong) to study land-use/cover shifts that have occurred in the Kalahari ecosystem between 1971 and 1986. Secondly, the nature of possible conflicts resulting from population pressure and associated patterns of land-use was investigated by making observations on selected environmental variables along a 300km transect with diverse environments comprising different-sized settlements, vegetation communities and land-uses. Land-use/land cover shifts have occurred within the Kalahari ecosystem as evidenced by the two transects analysed in this paper. The main changes are the retreat of grass cover up to 18 kms from settlements and the increase in thorny and non-thorny woody encroachers closer to the settlements. In the Matsheng area, land-use/land cover gradients reflect marked differences in human pressure. For instance, while settlements (kraals/households) and fields around Tshane (smaller and dwindling settlement) have declined to 5% at the 4 km distance in 1986, these landuses account for 22?3% of land cover at 4 km around Hukuntsi (bigger and expanding village). Five major vegetation communities were identified using key plant species during the dry season. However, these communities do not have distinct land-use activities associated with them. Cattle densities were higher in communities found far away from settlements and water points where the grass cover was abundant. Cattle graze far from settlements to obtain quality fodder and trek to the water points around village pans or at cattle posts. There are no definite boundaries between vegetation communities and land-use activities, hence a lot of interaction between activities of these zones depends on the dispersion of resources. Shifts in land-use/cover changes can be accounted for by anthropogenic activities (arable agriculture, livestock grazing and human settlements) enhanced by natural factors like seasonal variations and prolonged droughts of the mid-1980s. It is argued in this paper that potential remedial measures include biosphere conservation areas, resource zoning and resource modeling plans to determine land suitability. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/411 Files in this item: 1
Moleele_JAE_2003.pdf (1.813Mb) -
Temtime, ZT (Botswana Institute of Administration and Commerce (BIAC), November NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: The number of new indigenous business start-ups in Botswana has significantly increased during the past two decades. Unfortunately, the majority of them are not successful. Over 70% of new start-ups fail during their first 18 months. The general failure rate is over 80%, and only less than 2% of small businesses expand their businesses. It is noteworthy that this increased failure rate is substantially greater than the increase in the rate of new business creations. It is therefore essential to study the conditions that account for such a substantial rate of business failure and develop appropriate strategies to overcome the problems. The increasing rate of business failure has seen the emergence of several public policy approaches and assistance programs that attempt to improve the success rate of new businesses. One of the most intriguing of these is the Business Incubation Programmes (BIPs)... The purpose of this paper is to analyse why BIPs are critical for the development of all business and entrepreneurship and to put forward some suggestions on how BIPs can effectively be used for a proactive and sustainable entrepreneurial development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/189 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_BIAC_2004.pdf (2.785Mb) -
Temtime, ZT (Botswana Institute of Administration and Commerce, November NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Today's business environment is turbulent and requires firms, small or large, to be proactive and innovative rather than reactive and receptive if they are to survive and grow in it. Strategic awareness is a mental process of continually evaluating organisational and environmental problems and improvement on how they are identified, recognised, influenced and interpreted and consequently used in making managerial decisions. However, due to the apparent lack of resources and expertise, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) put greater emphasis on short-term survival issues that long-term competitiveness and dynamism. This paper develops and examines a conceptual model of SME problem classification for designing meaningful assistance schemes and entrepreneurial development programmes. .. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/190 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_BIAC_2005.pdf (2.741Mb) -
Phuthego, T.C.; Chanda, R. (Elsevier http://www.linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S014362280300033X, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: The advent of community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) in Botswana in the late 1980s ushered in a new paradigm in natural resource management. The strategy marked a change from state-controlled to community-controlled wildlife management. The expectation is that under community control, local expertise on biodiversity, termed in this paper as traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), plays a significant role that is supposedly facilitated through local institutions and traditional practices. This paper examines the incorporation of TEK in the CBNRM projects in KD 1, which is a controlled-hunting area (CHA) in the north-western part of the Kgalagadi North sub-district, Botswana and illustrates that the projects acknowledge and demonstrate the utility value of TEK in sustainable natural resource management. It concludes that TEK systems and institutions could serve as entry points into sustainable natural resource utilisation and management. This could be achieved through the exploration of cultural practices of the local people and integrating useful aspects into the modern natural resource management expertise. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/418 Files in this item: 1
Phuthego_AG_2004.pdf (1.867Mb)
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