OpenUCT :: Browsing by Subject "Botswana"

Browsing by Subject "Botswana"

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Open Access
Access to assistive technology in two Southern African countries
(BioMed Central, 2018-10-19) Matter, Rebecca A; Eide, Arne H
Background Millions of people in Southern Africa are deprived of basic human rights such as the right to education and work because of the large and growing unmet demand for assistive technologies (AT). Evidence is needed to better characterize the lack of AT access. Methods This study serves to identify the sociodemographic factors that are associated with access to AT in two countries in Southern Africa, Botswana and Swaziland. To achieve this aim, logistics regression was applied to a subset of variables from two Living Conditions Studies, nationally representative surveys that were conducted in Southern Africa (2014 and 2010). Results In Botswana, 44% of people who needed AT did not receive it, while in Swaziland the unmet need was 67%. Among the sociodemographic variables tested, the type of disability was the most important factor in determining AT access in both countries. The likelihood of AT access was highest in both countries for those who had mobility limitations (i.e., difficulty walking/climbing stairs) [Botswana: 6.4 odds ratio (OR) = 6.4., 95% confidence internal (CI) (3.6–11.3); Swaziland: OR = 3.2, CI (1.4–7.3)], in comparison to those with non-mobility types of disabilities. Conclusions These findings provide support for governments and other stakeholders in the AT sector to prioritize AT to address the large unmet demand, and expand the range of AT products provided so that people with hearing, seeing, self-care, communication and cognition difficulties have equal access to AT as those with mobility impairments. A step toward achieving these aims is to inventory AT product types that are commonly covered through the public sector in each country, and identify common gaps (e.g., daily living aids). Advancing the AT sector as a whole within Southern Africa will require large scale qualitative studies that achieve a comprehensive understanding of the bottlenecks in regional AT supply, procurement, and delivery systems.
Open Access
Africa's ‘miracle state'? the intersection of political leaders and non-state actors in the greening of Botswana through wildlife
(2020) Mogende, Emmanuel; Ramutsindela, Maano Freddy
The premise of the thesis is that attention to the processes that produce the green state opens up avenues for analysing African states from the perspective of the green state. This study engages the theory of the green state within the African context to understand the complex processes that enabled the greening of the state in Botswana. I draw on the example of wildlife conservation policies and practices in post-independence Botswana to argue that the greening of the state entails processes by which the state interacts with non-state actors to enact environmental reforms over a long period of time. Such interaction maybe initiated by the state or by non-state actors who are determined to pursue an environmental agenda or to implement environmental strategies through organs of the state. To account for the processes that enable the greening of Botswana, the study employed an interpretive approach that is dependent on qualitative data. The study primarily draws from archival research and key informant interviews with academics, environmental consultants, representatives of civil society, relevant government departments and ministries, the private sector in Botswana's tourism, and an interview with former President Ian Khama. To understand the greening processes, the thesis analysed the qualitative data between 1966 and 2018. These historical periods cover the presidency of Seretse Khama (1966 – 1980), Ketumile Masire (1980 – 1998), Festus Mogae (1998 – 2008) and Ian Khama (2008 – 2018). The four key findings of the study are that, first, the collaboration between authorities in Botswana and international agencies and actors enabled the greening of Botswana. These agencies and actors, financed environmental related programmes, facilitated the development of green institutions, and influenced the country's conservation policies. Second, the study demonstrates that political leadership is instrumental in the greening of Botswana. The four presidencies paid attention to environmental protection though there were variations in each presidency. The presidency of Ian Khama stands out as an important period in greening of the state as he strengthened the greening process by realigning the wildlife economy with political power. Third, the study found that the greening process necessitates the internal restructuring of the state through the establishment of green institutions, which serve to realign state activities with the green agenda. Fourth and lastly, the study reveals that the greening of the state in Botswana is accompanied by negative state-citizen relations in the wildlife sector. These relations played out through the marginalization of the local people in the ecotourism enterprise within the context of community-based natural resource management initiative.
Open Access
Banks, stock market and economic growth in Botswana: a time series analysis
(2018) Malebye, Nthabiseng; Chamisa, Edward
This study examines the relationship between banks, stock market and economic development in Botswana using quarterly data from 1995 to 2016. To find out if there is a link between financial development and economic growth, the three measures of stock market development used are stock market capitalization, total value of shares traded and turnover. For bank-based financial development, the proxy is bank credit to private sector and the measure of economic growth is real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. To analyse the long run and short run relationships among the variables of interest, this study implements the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) cointegration technique and the Granger causality technique to find the direction of causality. The findings indicate that there is a positive short and long run relationship between stock market variables and economic growth when turnover and market capitalization are used as proxies and value traded is significant and negatively related to economic growth. The study found that bank credit to private sector is negatively related to economic growth both in the short and the long run. There is bidirectional causality between stock market financial development and economic growth and no causal relationship between banking financial development and economic growth in Botswana. This study recommends that there should be appropriate reforms to develop the financial sector in Botswana to help promote economic growth. Botswana should also have reforms to promote economic growth to foster stock market financial development. This study also offers a comprehensive and detailed overview of the state of the economy, banking system and the financial markets system of Botswana which can help foreign investors as well as individual and institutional investors in making sound investment decisions.
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Contextualising journalism education and training in Southern Africa
(2007) Banda, Fackson; Beukes-Amiss, Catherine M; Bosch, Tanja; Mano, Winston; McLean, Polly; Steenveld, Lynette
In this article it is argued that journalism education in Southern Africa must contend with defining a new academic identity for itself, extricating itself from dependency on Western oriented models of journalism education and training, as this has been a perennial challenge in most of Africa.
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Energy Sector Reform and the Poor: Energy Use and Supply: a Four Country Study: Botswana, Ghana, Honduras & Senegal (ESMAP)
(2006-03) Prasad, Gisela
The Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) is a global technical assistance partnership administered by the World Bank and sponsored by bi-lateral official donors, since 1983. ESMAP's mission is to promote the role of energy in poverty reduction and economic growth in an environmentally responsible manner. Its work applies to low-income, emerging, and transition economies and contributes to the achievement of internationally agreed development goals. ESMAP interventions are knowledge products including free technical assistance, specific studies, advisory services, pilot projects, knowledge generation and dissemination, trainings, workshops and seminars, conferences and roundtables, and publications. ESMAP work is focused on four key thematic programs: energy security, renewable energy, energy-poverty and market efficiency and governance.
Open Access
Exchange rate policy and the responses to exogenous shocks : the case of Botswana : 1976-1994
(1996) Dimpe, Utlwanang; Kahn, Brian
The main objective of this paper is to discuss exchange rate policies in Botswana from 1976 to 1994. It is also an attempt to find out how Botswana has responded to exogenous shocks and whether such responses could be used in the future when shocks recur. The paper contends that Botswana's record in responding to shocks has been impressive. This is not to say that previous policy actions in response to shocks would be adequate when shocks occur again. Experience shows that it is difficult to respond to exogenous shocks when they take time to subside.
Open Access
Expectations and Preferences of Parents and Adolescents Regarding Feedback of Individual Genetic Findings in an HIV-TB Genomic Research Project in Botswana
(2022) Ralefala, Dimpho; De Vries, Jantina; Kasule, Mary; Matshaba, Mogomotsi
Background: There has been tremendous progress in the use of genomics1 in biomedical research and medical care since the launch of the Human Genome Project in 1990. However, it has also introduced new ethical challenges regarding the feedback of findings generated in genomic sequencing. While some would argue in support of the return of individual findings generated from genomics research, participants' preferences regarding which findings should be fed back differs. Most literature discusses feedback of findings in high income countries and very few address this issue in lower and middle-income countries (LMICs). As a result, it remains unclear whether and how individual findings from genomic studies in Africa should be fed back, who should provide these results and when. Methods: In order to contribute to addressing this gap, an empirical study was conducted to explore expectations and preferences for feedback of individual genetic findings in an HIV-TB genomics research project in Botswana. A qualitative study methodology involving deliberative focus group discussions (dFGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) was used. Participants for this study were adolescents involved in an HIV-TB genomics study being conducted at the Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence (BBCCCE). Parents and caregivers of children enrolled in that same genomic study were also enrolled in this study. A total of 93 participants (44 adolescents and 49 parents and caregivers) were enrolled in 12 dFGDs (6 groups of adolescents and 6 groups of parents and caregivers). Each group of participants met twice within a week, resulting in a total of 24 dFGD meetings. Participants of the dFGDs and in-depth interviews were selected purposively. Additionally, indepth interviews were conducted with 12 dFGD participants (6 adolescents and 6 parents or caregivers). The dFGDs and IDIs were conducted in Setswana, audio-recorded, transcribed and translated into English. Data were imported into NVivo 12 and analysed using the framework approach for qualitative data analysis. Results: The study findings revealed that participants' desire to receive individual genetic results is underpinned by their cultural values, mainly solidarity and reciprocity. Participants viewed research participation as a mutual relationship and considered the return of research results to be one way of reciprocating their efforts. This seems to be underpinned by the principle of Ubuntu which advocates for solidarity and reciprocity within communities. Participants noted that when reciprocity obligations are respected, participants feel valued and expressed that not respecting reciprocity expectations could undermine participants' trust and participation in future studies. Almost all participants wanted to receive individual genetic results. While parents and caregivers wanted to receive individual genetic results regardless of their severity, preventability or actionability, adolescents were reluctant to receive results for genetic conditions that are severe and non-preventable, especially if they are also unactionable. Participants advanced different reasons for feedback of results including for awareness, improving lifestyle, accepting one's' situation, and preparing for the future. The findings also reveal the importance of taking into account participants' context, relations and empowerment when making decisions about whether and which results ought to be fed back. When asked about practical considerations for feedback of results, both adolescents and parents expressed that they would prefer to receive individual genetic results in person, with adolescents preferring researchers to provide feedback, while parents preferred feedback from doctors associated with the study. Adolescents and parents both expressed that feedback should be supported by counselling, but they differed on the timing of feedback. Most participants shared that they would like to be informed about the possibility of discovering individual genetic results during the consent process and that consent be obtained for feedback during the enrolment process. They further expressed that in cases where prior consent to feedback was not obtained, then participants should be re-contacted where lifesaving genetic information is discovered. Participants emphasized the need for researchers to ensure that participants' decisions regarding feedback of results are well-informed. Autonomy, transparency, and communication were identified as key values to uphold during the consent process. Conclusion: In conclusion, expectations of solidarity and reciprocity could translate into an obligation to feedback selected individual genetic results in African genomics research. Decisions on practicalities for feedback of results should take into account participants' context and considerations of participants' preferences. For example, in settings like BBCCCE it might be feasible for the study team to relay participants' results to treating doctors in the same centre, while also organising counselling services if necessary. However, in cases where a study is done in a public facility with limited resources, that could be difficult to implement. Consequently, researchers may have to take up the responsibility of feeding back individual results as well as providing genetic counselling in such settings. To make these decisions, researchers should engage with relevant stakeholders including policymakers and local Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) so as to make informed decisions regarding the feasibility and acceptability of their approach to feedback of results. Obtaining participants' consent for feedback of results is important to ensure that their rights and wellbeing are protected in research. This is critical in building trust relationships between participants and researchers. Lastly, although this study is focused in Botswana, these findings could also be generalised to similar contexts in Africa and provide an authoritative voice to H3Africa to be able to mandate projects with potential to generate individual genetic results to make provisions to feedback these results to study participants.
Open Access
Genetic diversity in L1 ORF of human papillomavirus in women with cervical cancer with and without human immunodeficiency virus in Botswana and Kenya
(2022-01-27) Tawe, Leabaneng; Choga, Wonderful T; Paganotti, Giacomo M; Bareng, Ontlametse T; Ntereke, Tlhalefo D; Ramatlho, Pleasure; Ditshwanelo, Doreen; Gaseitsiwe, Simani; Kasvosve, Ishmael; Ramogola-Masire, Doreen; Orang’o, Omenge E; Robertson, Erle; Zetola, Nicola; Moyo, Sikhulile; Grover, Surbhi; Ermel, Aaron C
Background The variation of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes shapes the risks of cervical cancer and these variations are not well defined in Africa. Nucleotide changes within the L1 gene, nucleotide variability, and phylogeny were explored in relation to HIV in samples from Botswana and Kenya. Methods A total of 98 HPV-positive cervical samples were sequenced to identify different HPV variants. Phylogenetic inferences were used to determine HPV genotypes and investigate the clustering of sequences between women living with HIV (WLWHIV) and -women not living with HIV (WNLWHIV). Results Out of 98 generated sequences, 83.7% (82/98) participants had high-risk (HR) HPV genotypes while 16.3% (16/98) had low-risk (LR) HPV genotypes. Among participants with HR-HPV genotypes, 47.6% (39/82) were coinfected with HIV. The prevalence of HR-HPV genotypes was statistically higher in the Botswana population compared to Kenya (p-value < 0.001). Multiple amino acid mutations were identified in both countries. Genetic diversity differed considerably among WLWHIV and WNLWHIV. The mean pairwise distances between HPV-16 between HIV and HIV/HPV as well as for HPV-18 were statistically significant. Six (6) new deleterious mutations were identified in the HPV genotypes based on the sequencing of the L1 region, HPV-16 (L441P, S343P), HPV-18 (S424P), HPV-45 (Q366H, Y365F), and HPV-84 (F458L). The majority of the patients with these mutations were co-infected with HIV. Conclusions Genomic diversity and different genomic variants of HPV sequences were demonstrated. Candidate novel mutations within the L1 gene were identified in both countries which can be further investigated using functional assays.
Open Access
Its not you, its me: an analysis of Multilateral Bank Finance in Botswana
(2025) Keseabetswe, Lorato; Alhassan, Abdul Latif
Multilateral Devebelopment Bank debt is hailed for its positive relationship to economic growth, represented by Gross Domestic Product. Botswana has a long history of demonstrating many positive attributes at macro and micro economic level that would typically attract multilateral bank funding, however the country maintains one of the lowest debt to GDP ratios on the continent. This study investigates the whether there is a direct relationship between Multilateral bank finance and key macro indicators in Botswana. Using Qunatitative research methodology, the research uses annual time series data from 1986 to 2023, and estimation techniques such as Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARRDL) cointegration model, Unit Root, Error Correction Model and other diagnostic tests. The study's findings reveal a nuanced relationship between Botswana's macroeconomic conditions and its MDB debt accumulation. In the long run, trade balances significantly impact external borrowing, while economic growth, foreign exchange reserves, and government expenditure remain insignificant. In the short run, economic growth and trade balances exhibit statistically significant effects on borrowing, whereas foreign exchange reserves and government expenditure remain insignificant. These findings reinforce the role of external trade conditions in Botswana's debt accumulation while highlighting the country's cautious fiscal approach. Unlike many developing nations where economic growth, public expenditure, and foreign reserves directly influence external borrowing, Botswana's multilateral bank financing patterns are primarily shaped by its trade balance and counter-cyclical debt policies. The findings of this study have important policy implications and recommendations for Botswana, which are targeted towards diversification of its export base, efficient use of its resources including reserves, and finally, better negotiated positions with MDB loan terms given the country's strong credit rating. Botswana's approach to multilateral bank finance reflects a well-managed and prudent economic strategy that balances the need for external support with long-term fiscal sustainability.
Open Access
Protection of the right of asylum-seeking children not to be unlawfully detained: a look into the laws of Botswana
(2021) Slave, Oratile; Khan, Fatima
Botswana acceded to the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol and entered a reservation on section 26 relating to the freedom of movement of refugees within its borders justified on reasons of national security. As such, Botswana adopts a restrictive detention policy which requires that asylum seekers, whether alone or accompanied by their children, be held at the Francistown Centre for Illegal Immigrants pending transfer to the Dukwi Refugee Camp if their application for refugee status is successful or deportation if unsuccessful. Botswana is therefore notorious for detaining asylum seekers including children for prolonged periods, in undesirable physical conditions, and in the process violating the asylum-seeking children's rights to among others, not to be unlawfully detained, the right to an adequate standard of living, family unity, the highest attainable standard of health, and basic education. The study therefore seeks to explore the laws safeguarding the right of asylum-seeking children not to be unlawfully detained in Botswana in an effort to assess the extent to which such laws comply with the standards set by the Convention on the Rights of the Child as the core international standard for the protection of children's rights, and other relevant international and regional instruments. In addition, the study will assess the extent to which such laws are given effect in practice. The study will also explore best international and regional practices on the protection of the right of asylum-seeking children not to be unlawfully detained with specific emphasis on the laws of Sweden and South Africa. The study concludes with recommendations based on standards set out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant international and regional instruments, and best practices in the laws of Sweden and South Africa which Botswana may draw valuable lessons in order to effectively safeguard the right of asylum-seeking children not to be unlawfully detained.
Open Access
Quality management in the public building construction process
(1996) Rwelamila, Pantaleo Mutajwaa Daniel; Boaden, Bruce
The poor quality of public buildings in the Botswana construction industry has been surrounded by controversy and strongly held opinions. The work reported here attempts to indicate some salient issues affecting the quality management system, with particular reference to the construction phase. Three propositions are addressed by the work. First that quality problems related to public building processes in Botswana are primarily due to an inappropriate project organizational structure. Secondly, that the traditional building procurement system provides a poor quality management system. The third proposition is that the traditional building procurement system does not facilitate derived quality levels as defined by the contract drawings and specifications. Five objectives of this study are identified and various issues which are fundamental to the research are reviewed. The first is the way in which the Botswana public building sector is organized, focussing on the building construction process. The second is the review of quality management theories both in the manufacturing and construction industries. The third is the relationship between the project management structure and project quality management, and the quality of building. The fourth is the proposal of a conceptual framework of an appropriate quality management system. Finally, recommendations about how to deal with organization of public building projects in order to select appropriate quality management systems are given. Information is obtained on the research areas through the use of the following methods: 1. Consultations with quality management practitioners and review of the Quality Management literature. 2. Questionnaires to architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, construction firm executives, contracts managers, site managers, trade foremen and skilled tradespersons, on quality management problems and procurement systems. 3. Case studies investigating approaches to site quality management in general and the adequacy of quality management documents. 4. Semi structured interviews investigating public building clients views on the quality management system and project procurement systems. The data collected are analysed using triangulation (qualitative and quantitative methodologies) methodology and the main results are reported below. The primary conclusion to be drawn is that the quality management system purported to be in use in the Botswana public building sector differs significantly from that recommended in the theory, resulting in poor quality buildings. This is primarily due to the use of an inappropriate building procurement system. In general the traditional building procurement system in the Botswana public building sector is used as a 'default system'. There are indications to suggest that it is used merely because the clients and consultants have failed to consider the issue of appropriateness. An appropriate quality management model for the construction phase is proposed with a proviso that the Botswana public building sector should establish appropriate methods of selecting appropriate procurement systems as a prerequisite in formulating appropriate quality management systems for various projects.
Open Access
Relationship, partner factors and stigma are associated with safer conception information, motivation, and behavioral skills among women living with HIV in Botswana
(BioMed Central, 2021-12-08) Gutin, Sarah A; Harper, Gary W; Moshashane, Neo; Ramontshonyana, Kehumile; Stephenson, Rob; Shade, Starley B; Harries, Jane; Mmeje, Okeoma; Ramogola-Masire, Doreen; Morroni, Chelsea
Abstract Background A significant proportion (20-59%) of people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa desire childbearing, are of reproductive age, and are in sero-different relationships (~50%). Thus it is plausible that some portion of new HIV transmissions are due to attempts to become pregnant. Safer conception (SC) methods that effectively reduce the risk of HIV transmission exist and can be made available in resource-constrained settings. Few studies in the region, and none in Botswana, have quantitatively examined the correlates of information, motivation, and behavioral skills for SC uptake. Methods We surveyed 356 women living with HIV from 6/2018 to 12/2018 at six public-sector health clinics in Gaborone, Botswana. Participants were 18-40 years old, not pregnant, and desired future children or were unsure about their childbearing plans. We examined correlates of SC information, motivation, and behavioral skills using nested linear regression models, adjusting for socio-demographic, interpersonal, and structural variables. Results Knowledge of SC methods varied widely. While some SC methods were well known (medical male circumcision by 83%, antiretroviral therapy for viral suppression by 64%), most other methods were known by less than 40% of participants. Our final models reveal that stigma as well as relationship and partner factors affect SC information, motivation, and behavioral skills. Both internalized childbearing stigma (ß=-0.50, 95%CI:-0.17, -0.02) and perceived community childbearing stigma were negatively associated with SC information (ß=-0.09, 95%CI:-0.80, -0.21). Anticipated (ß=-0.06, 95%CI:-0.12, -0.003) and internalized stigma (ß=-0.27, 95%CI:-0.44; -0.10) were associated with decreased SC motivation, while perceived community childbearing stigma was associated with increased SC motivation (ß=0.07, 95%CI:0.02, 0.11). Finally, internalized childbearing stigma was associated with decreased SC behavioral skills (ß=-0.80, 95%CI: -1.12, -0.47) while SC information (ß=0.24, 95%CI:0.12, 0.36), motivation (ß=0.36, 95%CI:0.15, 0.58), and perceived partner willingness to use SC (ß=0.47, 95%CI:0.36, 0.57) were positively associated with behavioral skills Conclusions Low SC method-specific information levels are concerning since almost half (47%) of the study participants reported they were in sero-different relationships and desired more children. Findings highlight the importance of addressing HIV stigma and partner dynamics in interventions to improve SC information, motivation, and behavioral skills.
Open Access
Running Head: experiences of implementing the balanced score card - middle managers experiences of implementing the balanced scorecard at a public organisation in Botswana
(2019) Mokgatle, Dolly G; Jaga, Ameeta
This study aimed to explore the experiences of middle managers in the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) at a public organisation in Botswana. The BSC is regarded as the most widely used tool in measuring organisational performance globally. The public organisation in Botswana has followed global best practice and implemented the BSC to measure organisational performance; however, the organisation is repeatedly unable to meet its set objectives. To gain an improved understanding of managers’ experiences of using the BSC, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight middle managers at the public organization. Interview data were thematically analysed yielding five key themes: inconsistencies in training, the culture of the organisation, lack of communication, use of information technology and the disparity between individual and organisational performance. Based on the study findings, recommendations are offered to conduct needs analyses prior to introducing new systems, to assess the viability of such a system, and automating the balanced scorecard to reduce fatigue.
Metadata only
The economic impacts of tourism in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa: Is poverty subsiding?
(Natural Resources Forum, 2015-05-28) Muchapondwa, Edwin; Stage, Jasper
Open Access
Understanding vulnerability and adaptation in semi - arid areas in Botswana
(2015-05-01) ASSAR
Semi-arid areas in Botswana are characterised by high rainfall variability, frequent droughts, low soil moisture and extreme events such as flash floods which normally combine with governance shortcomings and structural inequalities to exacerbate the vulnerability of communities. Such communities are generally dependent on primary production and natural resources, rely on rainfed agriculture, have limited livelihood options and employment opportunities, depend on activities that are sensitive to the impacts of climate change, face high levels of poverty, are exposed to high levels of HIV/AIDS, have limited infrastructure and services, and are affected by limited institutional capacity and weak resource governance. The climatic and socioeconomic environment in semi-arid areas in Botswana makes communities vulnerable to food insecurity and unstable livelihoods as well as leading to unsustainable agroecological systems, crop failure and unproductive rangelands.
Open Access
Understanding vulnerability and adaptation in semi - arid areas in Botswana
(2015-05-01) ASSAR, Southern Africa Team
In Botswana, some of the key vulnerabilities in semi-arid areas include limited institutional capacity especially at the local scale, lack of markets to sell products, lack of overarching policy on climate change, fragmented and conflicting policies, conflicting government programmes and programmes that increase dependence, reduced availability of natural resources e.g. reduced distribution of mopane worms and rivers being dammed for domestic and industrial use in Gaborone, prevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease impacting livestock production, lack of parental care of the youth, lack of opportunities for the youth, and lack of incorporation of local practices into national policies. Within this myriad of vulnerabilities women, the elderly, youth and marginalised groups are often more vulnerable than other groups.

Browsing by Subject "Botswana"

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