Browsing Environmental Science by Title
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Gwebu, T.D. (Taylor & Francis (Routledge), http://jir.ucsur.pitt.edu/, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Based on the intergenerational wealth flows conceptual framework, this paper investigates how the AIDS pandemic threatens to disrupt the transfer of resources between generations by using a typical low income urban area in sub-Saharan Africa as a case study. It explores the everyday living conditions of orphans, their guardians, and the primary home caregivers, with the intention of gaining a deeper insight into their current and future life chances, as a result of parental morbidity and mortality due to HIV/AIDS. The research employs a qualitative methodology and relies on documentary information from secondary sources. Short- and long-term recommendations on how to mitigate the negative impacts of HIV/AIDS on wealth transfers among the affected populations are suggested based on the study findings. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1019 Files in this item: 1
Gwebu_JIR_2008.pdf (1.160Mb) -
Kalabamu, F.T. (Elsevier Science Ltd. http://www.elsevier.com/locate/landusepol, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: Since attainment of independence, almost every country in East and Southern Africa has introduced some kind of land reform aimed at reconciling indigenous land tenure practices and those introduced by colonial regimes. The reforms have centred on modi"cation of tenurial rules on access, ownership, administration and transfer of land rights coupled with land redistribution and/or restitution in some countries. With the exception of a few countries, such as Botswana, land reforms have largely remained on statute books with little to show on the ground. The paper gives an overview of land reforms in East and Southern Africa, taking Botswana as a case study. It notes that although Botswana has largely been successful in implementing land reforms, it is currently experiencing land tenure problems, especially in peri-urban settlements and inner city low-income areas, despite government's enhanced control over local land administrative structures. The paper ends with suggestions on how to contain the current problems. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1134 Files in this item: 1
Kalabamu_LUP_2000.pdf (1.757Mb) -
Gwebu, T.D. (Taylor & Francis Ltd, http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/cepe, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: In sub-Saharan Africa, communal land resource utilization and management has reflected changes in sociocultural belief systems, population dynamics, and modes of societal administration and regulation. This paper, based on archival evidence, attempts to substantiate this assumption through an illustrative case study on biomass depletion around large settlements in Botswana. It also suggests that a revisit to certain traditional institutional and sociocultural practices on natural resource management might provide useful insights towards the sustainable utilization of wood resources. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/959 Files in this item: 1
Gwebu_EPE_2002.pdf (597.0Kb) -
Atlhopheng, J.R.; Ekosse, G. I. E. (Bioline http://www.bioline.org, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: A mineralogical investigation of duricrust suites in Letlhakeng valley, and five pans around Jwaneng in Botswana was undertaken in order to know the mineral assemblages and infer on their landscape formation. In Letlhakeng, duricrusts comprised calcretes, silcretes and ferricretes. Calcretes were dominated by the minerals: calcite, quartz and to a lesser extent dolomite. Silcrete mineralogy was dominated by quartz, opal, and some occurrences of palygorskite, microcline and rutile. The intermediate forms of cal-silcretes yielded quartz, muscovite, and kaolinite. Ferricretes occurred on an area of the valley capping, with minerals dominated by goethite and haematite. The indurates are believed to have been formed through groundwater mechanisms. The general lowering of the valley, led to precipitation of the duricrusts. The pans were dominated by calcrete and silcrete only. The calcretes mineralogy was mainly calcite, dolomite and quartz. Illite-montmorillonite and sepiollite were also present. Samples of pan clay floor, other than being dominated by calcite, dolomite and quartz, also had sepiollite ferrian. Pans and valleys are accumulation sites, with polygenetic modes of genesis. The duricrusts have undergone several alterations throughout time. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/679 Files in this item: 1
Atlhopheng_JASEM_2007.pdf (494.4Kb) -
Meck, M.L.; Atlhopheng, J.; Masamba, W.R.L.; Ringrose, S.; Diskin, S. (Bentham Open, http://www.benthamscience.com/open/tomj/index.htm, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: This study set out to establish the major minerals at Dorowa and determine which of those are likely to host metals that may leach into surface and groundwater. This study comes after a preliminary assessment of the water quality in the Save River downstream of the Dorowa phosphate mine in Zimbabwe showed an increase in conductivity, iron content, manganese content, nitrates and hardness when compared to those taken before the mining area. X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) was used to establish the major minerals at Dorowa whilst Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP- MS) was used to establish the chemistry of the rocks. The results from this study show that the major minerals in the rocks around Dorowa are feldspars, pyroxenes, apatite, magnetite and calcite. The metals hosted by the rocks include Ag, As, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, Sb, Se and Zn. The study concludes that the minerals likely to host metals are calcite and apatite. Metal hosting is higher in apatite minerals than in calcite. Metal hosting by the other minerals observed in the study area is low. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1109 Files in this item: 1
Atlhopheng_OMJ_2011.pdf (848.6Kb) -
Meck, M.L.; Masamba, W.R.L.; Atlhopheng, J.; Ringrose, S. (Elsevier Science Ltd, http://www.elsevier.com/locate/pce, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The objective of the study was to investigate the role played by the natural environment in protecting the transboundary Save River from the impacts of metals derived from phosphate mining at Dorowa. The study is a follow up study from a previous one that noted that there is natural attenuation at Dorowa. Water and sediment samples were collected in the Save River and the streams that drain the Dorowa dumps. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) was used to analyze the cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, Sn2+, Mn2+, Cd2+) in the samples. Major anions Cl , SO2 4 and NO 3 were analyzed by standard chromatography whilst CO2 3 and HCO 3 were determined by titration. pH was measured on site. Geochemical modeling of the water composition was conducted with Visual Minteq. The results show that natural attenuation is being achieved through precipitation of solids from the water and subsequent deposition onto the sediments. Six of the metals are almost completely precipitated (Cu 99.99%, Fe 99.39%, Ni 91.24%, Pb 99.87%, Sn 99.99% and Zn 88.66%). However Mn, Co and Cd remain in solution. Thus the natural environment is protecting the Save River which is a transboundary river from the impacts of mining through precipitation of the metals. Users downstream of Dorowa mine are therefore not being affected by mining pollution. This study demonstrates that besides being a legitimate and important user of water, the natural environment can also play a significant role in protecting water quality by attenuating metals naturally. By analyzing costs incurred in several places where alternative methods are employed to remediate metal related pollution the study concludes that natural remediation at Dorowa is saving the nation in environmental costs. Therefore the paper advocates for appreciation of the role that the natural environment plays in protecting ecosystems from the impact of human developments and environmental costs. Subsequently, this calls for recognition of natural environment’s role in water resources management for the sustenance of ecosystems and peoples livelihoods. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/963 Files in this item: 1
Atlhopheng_PCE_2011.pdf (630.3Kb) -
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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Ntshwene, K.; Kashiwagi, J.; Kashiwagi, D. (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors http://www.rics.org/site/download_feed.aspx?fileID=5042&fileExtension=PDF, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: The traditional contracting/delivery system in Botswana, introduced by the US, UK, and European educators, consultants, and practitioners, has not been working well in Botswana. The poor project delivery system results have forced the organization of a new group, the Government Implementation Coordination Group (GICO) to attempt to solve the problems. In the fall of 2008, the University of Botswana (UB), through the US State Department sponsored Fulbright program, brought professor Kashiwagi, and the best value Performance Information Procurement System (PIPS) technology, the Information Measurement Theory (IMT), and the Industry Structure Analysis to the UB project management section. This paper proposes that the client’s professional representative requires a new, more effective role. The role includes using performance information, transforming the client’s expectations into a design/construction intent by using expert vendors, ensuring the vendors manage and minimize the risk that they do not control, outsourcing the technical responsibilities, and doing quality assurance instead of quality control. This paradigm will minimize project risk, maximize project value, and increase the professionalism of project management, construction management, and quantity surveyors. These concepts will be tested on three test projects in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/473 Files in this item: 1
Ntshwene_COBRA_2009.pdf (1.344Mb) -
Aranibar, J.N.; Otter, L.; Macko, S.A.; Feral, C.J.W.; Epstein, H.E.; Dowty, P.R.; Eckardt, F.; Shugart, H.H.; Swap, R.J. (Blackwell Publishing, January 1, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Nitrogen (N) cycling was analyzed in the Kalahari region of southern Africa, where a strong precipitation gradient (from 978 to 230mm mean annual precipitation) is the main variable affecting vegetation. The region is underlain by a homogeneous soil substrate, the Kalahari sands, and provides the opportunity to analyze climate effects on nutrient cycling. Soil and plant N pools, 15N natural abundance (d15N), and soil NO emissions were measured to indicate patterns of N cycling along a precipitation gradient. The importance of biogenic N2 fixation associated with vascular plants was estimated with foliar d15N and the basal area of leguminous plants. Soil and plant N was more 15N enriched in arid than in humid areas, and the relation was steeper in samples collected during wet than during dry years. This indicates a strong effect of annual precipitation variability on N cycling. Soil organic carbon and C/N decreased with aridity, and soil N was influenced by plant functional types. Biogenic N2 fixation associated with vascular plants was more important in humid areas. Nitrogen fixation associated with trees and shrubs was almost absent in arid areas, even though Mimosoideae species dominate. Soil NO emissions increased with temperature and moisture and were therefore estimated to be lower in drier areas. The isotopic pattern observed in the Kalahari (15N enrichment with aridity) agrees with the lower soil organic matter, soil C/N, and N2 fixation found in arid areas. However, the estimated NO emissions would cause an opposite pattern in d15N, suggesting that other processes, such as internal recycling and ammonia volatilization, may also affect isotopic signatures. This study indicates that spatial, and mainly temporal, variability of precipitation play a key role on N cycling and isotopic signatures in the soil–plant system. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/577 Files in this item: 1
ARANIBAR2004NITROGEN CYCLING.pdf (2.135Mb) -
Meck, M.L.; Atlhopheng, J.; Masamba, W.R.L.; Ringrose, S. (Elsevier Science Ltd, http://www.elsevier.com/locate/pce, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The study set out to determine the weathering and dissolution of metal hosting minerals at Dorowa for purposes of deducing pollution potential to the nearby Save River. Phosphate rock is mined at Dorowa for the production of phosphate fertilizer. The major minerals found in the ring complex are feldspars, pyroxenes, apatite, magnetite and calcite. Chemical analysis established that the rocks are associated with metals that include copper, lead, zinc, cobalt, nickel, tin and cadmium. Among the many minerals present apatite and calcite host metals more than the other minerals due to their crystal structure. This study investigated the weathering and dissolution of these two minerals. Both apatite and calcite dissolve in natural environmental conditions prevalent at Dorowa. From the analysis the study concludes that the potential availability of metals trapped in the calcite and apatite structures is high. The understanding of weathering and dissolution of metal hosting minerals is important in predicting quality of water around the study area, because most villagers use the Save River as their primary drinking water source. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1021 Files in this item: 1
Atlhopheng_PCE_2010.pdf (758.1Kb) -
Gwebu, T.D. (Springer http://www.springerlink.com/index/3NU5AFH2F999FM9P.pdf -, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Based on government and other relevant documentation, this paper explores the conceptual linkage between population, development, and waste management in Botswana and the implications of this relationship for global climate change. Population is increasing, albeit at a decreasing rate. Spatially, the population is becoming more and more concentrated as the rates and level of urbanization increase. Economic growth has remained consistently high. The combined effect of population dynamics and economic development are having a noticeable imprint on the environment in the form of increased waste generation. Poor waste management poses a real threat to environmental sustainability in general and climate change in particular because of inadequate technology, weak institutional mechanisms to enforce regulations, and low levels of sensitization among the public to deal with the problem. Mitigation measures are suggested to minimize the negative effects of waste management on climate change. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/478 Files in this item: 1
Gwebu_EM_2003.pdf (459.8Kb) -
Mbaiwa, J.E.; Toteng, E.N.; Moswete, N. (Taylor & Francis (Routledge), http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t713413745, December NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper draws on the tourism system framework to examine the problems and prospects of urban tourism in Gaborone and Maun, Botswana. These are young centres that have a growing number of tourist attractions, facilities and services that could promote urban tourism. The findings of this study, based on both secondary and primary data sources, indicate that urban tourism in Botswana is relatively undeveloped because there is no substantial domestic market, tourist attractions in urban centres are poorly developed and marketed, and city development plans and the national tourism policy are not integrated. The study concludes that, for tourism to become a viable economic sector in the country, urban tourism should be integrated into Botswana’s tourism policy and city planning. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1020 Files in this item: 1
Mbaiwa_DSA_2007.pdf (1.060Mb) -
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) -
Hamandawana, H.; Chanda, R.; Eckardt, F. (Taylor & Francis, http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/00207233.asp, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper draws on archival information, anecdotal evidence from local communities, in situ observations during field investigation and multi-date remotely sensed satellite imagery. The authors investigated the role of human factors in the degradation of natural resources in and around the Okavango Delta. Their study concerned a period slightly in excess of 140 years between 1860 and 2001. Environmental changes in this sub-region appear to be the convergent outcome of interaction between natural and non-natural factors. A sustained decrease in rainfall appears to have instigated downward trends from a wide range of factors whose adverse effects were aggravated by human agency. The evidence points to progressive deterioration in the form of sustained contraction of surface water sources and grazing resources. Mistakes of the past need to be avoided by formulating appropriately informed human response and adaptation strategies. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/279 Files in this item: 1
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Nsinamwa, M.; Sebego, R.J. (Botswana College of Agriculture, http://www.bca.bw/Research/bojaasBca/InstructionToAuthors.htm, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Grasses and forbs in Southern Africa have been understudied in terms of species richness and factor that affect diversity patterns. To gain a better understanding of factors affecting patterns of herbaceous plant species seedbank around water points, six boreholes ( three in each land zone) were randomly selected for sampling. Top soil layers of 20cm depth were sampled from six boreholes at distances of 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, and 3000m ( the Piosphere approach) in fenced and unfenced plots to determine the density and composition of the seedbank. The samples were allowed to germinate in the growth tray (10 x 15 x 8cm³) under controlled conditions (temperature, moisture) in a green house followed by daily counting of seedlings. Herbaceous plant species diversity was analyzed by using Simpson's diversity index. Analysis of varience on herbaceous species diversity was determined using the SAS software. Herbaceous plant community clustering was determined by using TWINSPAN, a FORTRAN programme. Significant (p=0.0001) germination variants were observed along the distance from livestock watering points. Most grass seedlings recorded germinated from soil samples obtained from from fenced plots, while less than 40% of the forb seedlings were. Most of the forbs species were recorded within 400m from the water points and that soils closer to water points also contained grass seeds despite the level of degradation and /or trampling. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/313 Files in this item: 1
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Mbaiwa, J.E. (Channel view publications, http://www.multilingual-matters.net/jtc/default.htm, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: The objective of this article is to assess the socio-cultural impacts of tourism development in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. This paper largely relied on the research work and reports by the author in the Okavango Delta from 1998 to 2004. In all instances, both primary and secondary data sources were used. However, much of the paper is based on the results of a survey carried out between April 2001 and July 2002. Findings indicate that tourism development in the Okavango Delta has both positive and negative socio-cultural impacts. Some of the positive socio-cultural impacts include income generation and employment opportunities from both community-based tourism projects and safari companies, infrastructure development such as airport and airstrips, tarred roads, hotels, lodges and camps, the improvement of social services such as banking, health, telecommunications and access to electricity. The negative socio-cultural impacts include enclave tourism, racism, relocation of traditional communities, breaking up of the traditional family structure, increase in crime, prostitution, the adoption of the Western safari style of dressing and a traditionally unacceptable ‘vulgar’ language by young people. This article argues that tourism needs to be sensitive to local cultural norms and beliefs for it to be accepted by local people and promote sustainable development. This is possible if all the stakeholders (government, operators and local people) collaborate in policy formulation, implementation and monitoring. This can minimise the negative cultural impacts and instead promote the positive. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/311 Files in this item: 1
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Shaikh, M.; Moleele, N.; Ekosse, G.I.E.; Totolo, O.; Atlhopheng, J. (JASEM http://www.ajol.info/index.php/jasem/article/view/43693/27216, June NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Since 1988 Botswana has been experiencing an unprecedented increase in vehicular traffic which is suspected to be having contamination effects on soils along heavily used roads in the country. This study aimed at understanding the contamination trends of heavy metals on soils due to vehicular emissions. The soil physicochemistry (bulk density, particle size distribution, pH, electrical conductivity and cation exchange capacity), mineralogy (using x-ray diffraction techniques) and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) concentrations were determined for soil samples obtained along the roadside at 2m, 4m, 6m and 100 m of the Gaborone – Tlokweng Emigration/Immigration Boarder Post Road, which is one of the busiest in the country. Bulk density of soil samples were from 1.19 to 1.4; and sand, loamy sand and sandy loam textural classes constituted the soil samples. The soil pH was from 5.09 to 8.57; the EC ranged from 6.27 μS cm-1to 20.3 27 μS cm-1 and the CEC values were from 10.2 meq100g-1 to 27.2 meq100g-1. Clay minerals were identified in the samples as well as feldspar and quartz. The concentration levels for Pb were from 0 mgkg-1 to 71 mgkg-1; Zn were from 5.23 mgkg-1 to 51.26 mgkg-1 ; Cu were from 0.3 mgkg-1 to 18.1 mgkg-1 and Cd 0 mgkg-1 to 2.4 mgkg-1 . The interplay of soil physico-chemistry and mineralogy on heavy metals concentrations is discussed. Although levels of heavy metals concentrations fell below normal ranges, the values obtained were generally higher than those from some developed and developing countries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/361 Files in this item: 1
Shaikh_JASEM_2006.pdf (1.018Mb) -
Mosweu, S. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org/SRE, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The distribution of selected soil properties, selected woody vegetation properties, and land use in a lunette dune-pan system were investigated in the Sekoma area, which is located within the IGBP Kalahari Transect (KT) in Botswana. KT was established by the IGBP for studies focusing on both regional and global environmental changes. The study showed that the lunette dune-pan system exhibited substantial spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of the selected soil attributes. This limited the extent to which variation in the investigated vegetation characteristics could be explained on the basis of soil resources distribution. Encroacher plant species were found to be prevalent in the sites that were subjected to higher land use pressure. The study concluded that land use, particularly browsing, was the principal environmental driver and had precedence over the distribution of the selected soil attributes in relation to woody plant properties in the lunette dune-pan system. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/964 Files in this item: 1
Mosweu_SRE_2008.pdf (783.3Kb) -
Mmopelwa, G.; Kgathi, D.L.; Molefhe, L. (Elsevier http://www.linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0261517706001440, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Moremi game reserve (MGR) in northern Botswana is one of southern Africa’s most popular destination because of its impressive wildlife and wilderness areas. To maintain the wilderness nature of the park and game reserve, the Government has pursued a policy of high cost-low volume which is not necessarily based on demand and supply characteristics of the tourist market. The present study determines the perceptions of self-drive tourists and clients of mobile tour operators on the prevailing park fees in MGR and uses the contingent valuation method to determine their willingness to pay (WTP) for park fees under a management scenario in which the management of the game reserve would be improved by a hypothetical international conservation organization. Data collection involved a self-fill of a questionnaire by these tourists in the game reserve. In the first scenario the mean entrance and camping suggested by nonresidents was higher than the prevailing fee. Residents suggested a lower entrance fee. In the hypothetical scenario, the mean maximum WTP for entrance and camping fee for South African and overseas tourists were higher than in the first scenario. There was a significant difference in the WTP for entrance fee between overseas tourists and South African tourists (p<0.05). Overall expenditure was significantly related to the WTP for increased park fees. The paper concludes by suggesting improvement in the MGR’s facilities for better satisfaction of tourists. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/481 Files in this item: 1
Mmopelwa_TM_2007.pdf (1.545Mb) -
Gwebu, T.D. (Blackwell Publishing Ltd, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1467-9663, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper investigates the extent to which the differential urbanisation model is applicable to Botswana by using empirical data obtained from periodic censuses, supportive documentary information and observations from personal on-going research on urbanisation and migration. Differential urbanisation refers to the cyclic spatio-temporal growth trends that the elements of human settlement hierarchies undergo, in response to migration. Empirical studies have verified the validity of differential urbanisation in the United States, Europe, India and South Africa. These areas, unlike Botswana, have longer histories of urbanisation, larger population sizes, denser population distributions, and higher levels of economic development. Current research interest is focused on investigating the theoretical applicability of the differential urbanisation model to those countries at the lower end of the economic development spectrum. The rationale and thrust of this paper is to therefore investigate the relevance of differential urbanisation under unique environmental, demographic and socio-economic conditions that pertain to Botswana. Evidence from the paper shows that urbanisation in Botswana has occurred in sequenced phases that, in general, resemble those suggested by the differential urbanisation model in the following ways. First, there has been concentration in the primate city due to mainstream migration. Secondly, there has been fission leading to the fast growth of the adjacent intermediate settlements, partly as a result of deglomeration economies at the primate core accompanied by substream migration. Third, the peripheral regional and rural centres appear to be now growing relatively rapidly, in response to the implementation of decentralisation policies. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/956 Files in this item: 1
Gwebu_TESG_2006.pdf (1.050Mb)