Browsing Research articles (Dept of Environmental Science) by Title
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Now showing items 36-51 of 51
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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) -
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) -
Toteng, E.N. (Springer http://www.springerlink.com/index/05CM7XY4DJGUEUQL.pdf, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: For the last three and half decades, Botswana has been widely acclaimed to be one of sub-Saharan Africa's longest and most stable liberal democracies, coupled with and sustained by a growing economy. One of the major contradictions, however, within this development scenario, has been the neglect of environmental problems in the country in general, and urban environmental issues in particular. Part of the problem fueling the misconception of environmental issues in Botswana is the state's domination of the country's environmental agenda. This is linked to the power disjunction in decision-making and policy processes between state and nonstate actors over the most appropriate course of action to tackle the problems. Without adopting appropriate analytical frameworks, it is possible that the problem of urban environmental mismanagement in Botswana will persist. This article examines some of the major urban environmental issues in Botswana from neighborhood, citywide, and urban–rural interface perspectives. Further, the elite theory of public policy is used to explain constraints on policy change in the urban environmental management arena in Botswana URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/365 Files in this item: 1
Toteng_EM_2001.pdf (933Kb) -
Gwebu, T.D. (Pergamon, www.elsevier.com/locate/habitatint, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: In most sub-Sahara African cities, rapid urbanization has placed a heavy burden on available human, financial and socioeconomic resources. The problem has been compounded by the intricate and interactive effects of rapid population growth, the inability of local authorities to handle the increasingly complex functions of metropolitan management, centralization of decision-making by Central Governments, economic structural adjustment programmes, and even unfavourable variations in weather patterns. This is a historical case study, covering the period of roughly from 1989 to 1995. It is based on secondary sources, participation by the author in water supply feasibility investigations for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and views expressed in stakeholders’ meetings. It illustrates specifically how civic response has challenged the Central Government of Zimbabwe to review and revise its long-term water provisioning strategy for this municipal authority. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/495 Files in this item: 1
GWEBU2002urbanWaters.pdf (1.681Mb) -
Dikinya, O. (University of Botswana, Faculty of engineering and technology, http://www.ajol.info/index.php/bjt/index, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Characterisation of soil water, in particular water flow dynamics is fundamental in assessing the environmental implications to soil management. Soil water characterisation was assessed by measuring soil water content and soil water potential in a draining profile of sandy and loamy soils. Mercury manometers and Neutron probe meter were connected to a 1.2 m high metal-reinforced container filled with soil samples, to simultaneously measure soil water potential and volumetric water content, respectively. Soil water contents (SWC) were found to decrease monotonically with time, with a rapid decrease in the first 50 hrs of free drainage in both soils. Sandy soil was more prone to huge losses of water than loamy soil attributed to numerous large drainable pores in sandy soil. An appreciable difference of SWC in the upper layer (SWC= 0.22 cm3/cm3) and the bottom layer (SWC= 0.35 cm3/cm3), in the case of loamy soil was attributable to its poor drainage properties. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1006 Files in this item: 1
Dikinya_BJT_2008.pdf (116.4Kb) -
Dikinya, O.; Lehmann, P.; Hinz, C.; Aylmore, G. (Wiley http://www.interscience.doi.wiley.com/10.1002/hyp.6299, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: A pore-scale model based on measured particle size distributions has been used to quantify the changes in pore space geometry of packed soil columns resulting from a dilution in electrolyte concentration from 500 to 1 mmol l 1 NaCl during leaching. This was applied to examine the effects of particle release and re-deposition on pore structure and hydraulic properties. Two different soils, an agricultural soil and a mining residue, were investigated with respect to the change in hydraulic properties. The mining residue was much more affected by this process with the water saturated hydraulic conductivity decreasing to 0Ð4% of the initial value and the air-entry value changing from 20 to 50 cm. For agricultural soil, there was little detectable shift in the water retention curve but the saturated hydraulic conductivity decreased to 8Ð5% of the initial value. This was attributed to localized pore clogging (similar to a surface seal) affecting hydraulic conductivity, but not the microscopically measured pore-size distribution or water retention. We modelled the soil structure at the pore scale to explain the different responses of the two soils to the experimental conditions. The size of the pores was determined as a function of deposited clay particles. The modal pore size of the agricultural soil as indicated by the constant water retention curve was 45 μm and was not affected by the leaching process. In the case of the mining residue, the mode changed from 75 to 45 μm. This reduction of pore size corresponds to an increase of capillary forces that is related to the measured shift of the water retention curve. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/490 Files in this item: 1
Dikinya_HP_2008.pdf (1.769Mb) -
Chipanshi, A.C.; Chanda, R.; Totolo, O. (Springer http://www.springerlink.com/content/p88867543584713, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: This study examines the sensitivity of maize and sorghum crops to global warming in Botswana, a country with arid climatic conditions and shortfalls in locally produced grain. The vulnerability of the maize and sorghum crops to climate change were studied using crop simulation models while climate change scenarios were generated from Global Circulation Models. Simulated yields indicated that rain-fed crop production under the observed climate was a small fraction of what could be produced under optimal conditions. The gap was attributed to both physical (especially lack of rain) and socio-economic constraints. Using the southern African core climate change scenario, simulated yields declined by 36% in the case of maize and 31% for sorghum in the sand veldt region. Yield reductions from the hard veldt region were in the order of 10% for both maize and sorghum. The growing season became shorter, the average reduction in days in the sand veldt region being 5 and 8 days for maize and sorghum respectively, and correspondingly, 3 and 4 days over the hard veldt region. The food security option currently followed in Botswana was found to be a good adaptive strategy under a changed climate. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/412 Files in this item: 1
chipanshi_CC_2003.pdf (1.144Mb) -
Masike, S.; Urich, P. (Academic journals http://hdl/handle.net/10289/973, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Cattle’s rearing in Botswana is undertaken in two sectors: the communal and commercial. The communal sector is exclusively free range and therefore depends on biomass production. This makes the systems highly susceptible to drought. One strategy that has been devised by farmers to adapt to drought has been to overstock. However, this strategy may not be the best adaptation strategy as it leads to overgrazing and quick depletion of scarce biomass during the drought years. Climate change may increase the vulnerability of the communal cattle sector in the country mostly through changes and variability of rainfall. In the article, we determine the reliability of the rainfall in the Khurutshe area, Botswana. Vulnerability of the cattle sector to system severe failure is also determined. Lastly, the effects of climate change on return period of drought are investigated. Results indicate that the reliability index of rainfall in the Kgatleng District is 0.5. The vulnerability index of the cattle is estimated at 8000 per year. Lastly, using SimCLIM computer model climate change will shorten the return period of mild drought from 2 years to 1.6 years by 2050. These findings have serious implications on the recovery period of the cattle to withstand the next drought period. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/542 Files in this item: 1
Masike_JGRP_2008.pdf (555.0Kb) -
Mbaiwa, J.E. (Elsevier http://www.doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2005.03.007, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper uses the concept of sustainable development to examine the utilisation of wildlife resources at Moremi Game Reserve (MGR) and Khwai community area (NG 18/19) in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Using both secondary and primary data sources, results show that the establishment of MGR in 1963 led to the displacement of Khwai residents from their land; affected Basarwa’s hunting and gathering economy; marked the beginning of resource conflicts between Khwai residents and wildlife managers; and, led to the development of negative attitudes of Khwai residents towards wildlife conservation. Since the late 1980s, a predominately foreign owned tourism industry developed in and around MGR, however, Khwai residents derive insignificant benefits from it and hence resource conflicts increased. In an attempt to address problems of resource conflicts and promote sustainable wildlife utilisation, the Botswana Government adopted the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme, which started operating at Khwai village in 2000. The CBNRM programme promotes local participation in natural resource management and rural development through tourism. It is beginning to have benefits to Khwai residents such as income generation, employment opportunities and local participation in wildlife management. These benefits from CBNRM are thus having an impact in the development of positive attitudes of Khwai residents towards wildlife conservation and tourism development. This paper argues that if extended to MGR, CBNRM has the potential of minimising wildlife conflicts between Khwai residents and the wildlife-tourism sectors. This approach may in the process promote the sustainable wildlife use in and around MGR. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/439 Files in this item: 1
Mbaiwa_JEM_2005.pdf (2.041Mb)
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