The potential groundwater reserve in alluvial aquifers and sandy river beds has not been well studied, and yet their benefit in meeting rural water supply demands cannot be underestimated. A three-dimensional steady-s...The potential groundwater reserve in alluvial aquifers and sandy river beds has not been well studied, and yet their benefit in meeting rural water supply demands cannot be underestimated. A three-dimensional steady-state finite difference numerical groundwater flow model was used to assess the groundwater resource potential on a one-kilometre river stretch scale along the Motloutse River catchment in eastern Botswana. The model area is a single-layer unconfined aquifer system. A uniform grid was laid over this phreatic aquifer, and an overall size of 50 columns x 54 rows was developed. The model yielded calibrated K values of 145 m/day and 11 m/day for the riverbed and riverbank sediments, respectively, and calibrated recharge and evaporation of 172 mm/yr and 120 mm/yr, respectively. A sustainable groundwater yield of 120 m3/day with the potential to irrigate an area of 2.4 hectares was determined. The result also shows that the Motloutse alluvial aquifer yields a safe yield of 29,400 m3 for a kilometre of river stretch.展开更多
This study evaluated the potential of Botswana’s sustainable energy production using ERA5 reanalysis data of solar irradiance variability on an optimally inclined plane from 1971 to 2020. Spatial-temporal solar irrad...This study evaluated the potential of Botswana’s sustainable energy production using ERA5 reanalysis data of solar irradiance variability on an optimally inclined plane from 1971 to 2020. Spatial-temporal solar irradiance fluctuations were the focus of the study, and the relation to cloud cover and aerosol optical depth was investigated. The key findings suggest that the summer/rainfall season (November to March) is the peak season with average monthly solar irradiance of 313 - 445 W/m2 across southern, central, and northern parts of Botswana, the Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi Pans being identified as prime sites for solar energy projects. The long-term trend analysis showed a decrease in solar irradiance in December but a consistent increase from August to October, indicating a potential shift in solar resources toward an earlier season. Contrary to other studies that found that aerosol optical depth dominates effects on long-term trends and year-to-year variability of solar irradiance, for this case, cloud cover, particularly mid-level clouds, is found to have a more dominant role in Botswana. Solar irradiance characteristics of three distinct regions were identified through K-means clustering. Moreover, Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) analysis showed the commonality and time scale linkage between solar irradiance and cloud cover between the identified regions. These results highlight the importance of including cloud-related weather patterns under the global warming scenario in solar energy planning and emphasize the secondary role of aerosols in Botswana, thus providing critical information for the region’s solar energy development and policy formulation.展开更多
The fourth assessment report of the IPCC highlights that the global average surface temperature is projected to increase by 1.8 to 4.0℃ by the year 2100 compared to current climate. Given that climate is the most imp...The fourth assessment report of the IPCC highlights that the global average surface temperature is projected to increase by 1.8 to 4.0℃ by the year 2100 compared to current climate. Given that climate is the most important driver of the hydrological cycle, the rise in temperature could cause changes in occurrence patterns of extreme hydrologic events like streamflow droughts. An increase in frequency and severity of these events could pose serious challenges for sustainable management of water resources particular in arid regions. However, the understanding of water resources dynamics and the possible impacts of climate change on these dynamics is hindered by uncertainties in climate change models and complex hydrological responses of streams and catchments to climatic changes. Therefore observational evidence of streamflow dynamics at the local scale could play a crucial role in addressing these uncertainties and achieving a fuller reconciliation between model-based scenarios and ground truth. This paper determines spatial and temporal changes in stream- flow volumes and their association with climatic factors based on the non-parametric Mann-Kendall test and ANOVA to determine possible changes in streamflow over the years and their relation to climatic factors. Streamflow is generally stochastic highlighting the importance of factoring in temporal flow variability in water resources planning. There is no clear evidence that changes in climatic variables are related to streamflow behaviour.展开更多
Background: Botswana is regarded as a leader of progressive HIV/AIDS policy, as the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to establish a free, national antiretroviral therapy program. In light of such programmatic succe...Background: Botswana is regarded as a leader of progressive HIV/AIDS policy, as the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to establish a free, national antiretroviral therapy program. In light of such programmatic successes, it is important to evaluate the potentially changing relationship of HIV/AIDS to the wellbeing of individuals, households, and institutions in the country. Methods: We evaluate the effects of HIV-related illness on absenteeism and earnings several years after the start of the national treatment program among a random sample of adults in Botswana using survey data from 3999 individuals aged 15 to 49, using quasi-experimental methods. We compare absenteeism between individuals with and without HIV-related illness, using a propensity score matching approach. We then estimate the effect of HIV-related illness on earnings using a Heckman selection model to account for selection into the workforce. We stratify our analyses by sex. Results: Men and women with HIV-related illness were absent by about 5.2 and 3.3 additional days, respectively, in the month prior to the survey compared to matched controls, and earned approximately 38% and 43% less, respectively, in the month prior to the survey compared to those without HIV-related illness. Conclusions: HIV-related illness appears to increase absenteeism in this sample and dramatically reduce earnings. The findings suggest a need for policies that confer greater financial security to individuals with HIV/AIDS in Botswana.展开更多
Diarrheal disease is a chronic public health problem in Chobe District, Botswana. Acute diarrheal outbreaks occur annually with a bimodal seasonal pattern coinciding with major hydrological phenomena. Information is l...Diarrheal disease is a chronic public health problem in Chobe District, Botswana. Acute diarrheal outbreaks occur annually with a bimodal seasonal pattern coinciding with major hydrological phenomena. Information is lacking regarding the etiology of reoccurring outbreaks. Cryptosporidium and Giardia are recognized as important waterborne causes of diarrheal disease with Cryptosporidium transmission potentially involving zoonotic reservoirs. In Chobe District, municipal water is obtained from the Chobe River after it exits the Chobe National Park where high concentrations of wildlife occur. Using the Giardia/Cryptosporidium QUIK CHEK rapid antigen cartridge test, we evaluate the occurrence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium among patients (n = 153) presenting to medical facilities in Chobe District with diarrhea (August 2011-July 2012). Cryptosporidium was only identified in children less than two years of age (10%, n = 42, 95% CI 3% - 23%), with positive cases occurring during diarrheal outbreak periods. Infections were not identified in adults despite the high level of human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the region (n = 117). Although not significant, cases were predominately identified in the wet season outbreak (p = 0.94, 25%, n = 12, 95% CI 5% - 57%, dry season outbreaks 3%, n = 30, CI 95% 0% - 17%). Giardia infections occurred across age groups and seasons (7%, n = 153, 95% CI 4% - 10%). This is the first published report of human infections with Cryptosporidium and Giardia in this area of Africa. This study suggests that Cryptosporidium may be a potentially important cause of diarrheal disease in children less than 2 years of age in this region. Further research is required to identify pathogen transmission and persistence dynamics and public health implications, particularly the role of HIV/AIDS and vulnerability to waterborne disease.展开更多
Background: Mortality and morbidity due to trauma are a significant public health challenge. There is paucity of data on the waiting times and length of stay (LOS) of trauma patients in emergency departments in Botswa...Background: Mortality and morbidity due to trauma are a significant public health challenge. There is paucity of data on the waiting times and length of stay (LOS) of trauma patients in emergency departments in Botswana. The aim of this study was to determine the Emergency Department (ED) waiting times and LOS of trauma patients at Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, Botswana. Methods: This was a retrospective medical records review of waiting times (time from triage to review by ED medical officer) and LOS (time from triage to disposition from the emergency department). The waiting times for the different assigned acuities were assessed against the South African Triage System (SATS) standards. All trauma patients seen from 19/11/2018 to 18/12/2018 were included in the study. Prolonged length of stay was defined as duration > 6 hours. Categorical data was summarized with frequencies while numeric data was summarized with medians and interquartile ranges. Results: A total of 187 trauma patients’ files were analyzed. Of these, 72 (38.5%) were females. The median waiting time was 3.8 hours and the maximum was 19.2 hours. The median length of stay (LOS) was 8.8 hours with a maximum of 37.2 hours. Only 53 (28.3%) of the participants had a LOS of less than 6 hours. None of the emergent patients were seen immediately. Only 5 (4.0%) of the very urgent patients were seen within the target of 10 minutes. Finally, only 10 (20.4%) of urgent patients were seen within the target time of 1 hour. Conclusion: The waiting times and length of stay in Princess Marina Hospital were mostly above the recommended standards. Urgent interventions are needed to reduce waiting times and length of stay for trauma patients. More studies are needed to explore the sources of delay and investigate possible solutions to this public health challenge.展开更多
Application of regional geophysical methods for hydrogeological purposes has increased over the last two decades especially in arid and semi-arid areas. A project to map the Kraaipan granite-greenstone terrain in sout...Application of regional geophysical methods for hydrogeological purposes has increased over the last two decades especially in arid and semi-arid areas. A project to map the Kraaipan granite-greenstone terrain in southeast Botswana has recently been undertaken using regional aeromagnetic and gravity data with the aim to map the rocks at depth to understand the geology while the secondary objective was to subsequently assess the mineralization and groundwater potential in the area. An integrated analysis of the aeromagnetic and gravity data and their derived/processed products is hereby investigated for groundwater for drinking and agricultural purposes. The studies include: subsurface characterisation and delineation of structural framework suitable for groundwater exploration and determination of petrophysical relationships used to link the geophysical properties (e.g., density) to hydrological properties (e.g., porosity). The results of interpretation indicate that the rocks are under ~50 m of Kalahari cover and the study area is composed of three aquifers: the extensive hard rock aquifer (granitic and volcanic), the important (fractured) karst aquifer and the minor sedimentary aquifer. The area is dissected by an ENE-to-EW-trending dyke swarm visible on the regional aeromagnetic data and much clearer on high resolution aeromagnetic data. Minor fault and/or dyke elements of NW-SE and NE-SW trend are observed. Spectral analysis reveals three main average ensample interfaces at depths of 0.7 km, 1.99 km and 4.8 km. The linear Euler solutions maps reveal that the majority depths to top of magnetic bodies range from 40 m to 400 m throughout the survey area. The shallowest depths are the most significant one in this case as they probably relate to depth of bedrock and thickness of regolith or thickest sediments. For 2695 existing boreholes analysed, maximum borehole depth is 482 m (mean 108 m), and almost half (1263) were dry with another 972 having low yield (1 - 5 m3/hr) and 432 yielding 6 - 49 m3/hr and only 28 above 50 m3/hr (maximum ~160 m3/hr) and an average water strike of 64 m. There is very little correlation between interpreted hydrogeological features and the existing borehole locations. The study shows the importance of preliminary geophysical investigations before ground borehole siting and drilling in order to improve borehole success rates and/or reduce costs inherent in groundwater projects.展开更多
The goals of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) can be achieved by embracing the principles of distributive governance, which places both customary and statutory water institutions on the same pedestal in th...The goals of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) can be achieved by embracing the principles of distributive governance, which places both customary and statutory water institutions on the same pedestal in the governance of water resources. As culture and traditions constitute intangible aspects of water resources management in rural Africa, the recognition of water governance systems grounded in local norms, which correspond better with the aspirations of local water users as against the expert-knowledge systems is desirable. Following the introduction of the statutory institutions in postcolonial Africa, customary institutions, which were once effective in regulating water resources became relegated to the background in those countries, including Botswana . Adopting a critical literature review approach, this article employs the concept of legal pluralism to analyze the institutional factors that create the disharmony between cultural and statutory water governance and management institutions. Findings indicate that water has been abstracted from its social nature and transformed into a tradable economic good. Ultimately, the local meanings and images encoded in water as a nature-given resource are overlooked, thus generating conflicts in water governance. The paper recommends the adoptions of legal pluralism under which water institutions need to embrace both customary and statutory institutions.展开更多
The aim of this research was to investigate the interactions between Prosopis plants and soils in the Kalahari area, south west of Botswana. The underlying assumptions of the research were that Prosopis plants signifi...The aim of this research was to investigate the interactions between Prosopis plants and soils in the Kalahari area, south west of Botswana. The underlying assumptions of the research were that Prosopis plants significantly enhanced the nutrient content and improved the condition of soils in the study area, and that the height and canopy size of Prosopis plants affected the interactions between Prosopis plants and the soils. Firstly, soil samples were collected under 42 randomly selected Prosopis plant canopies and in the spaces between Prosopis plant canopies at the depth of 0 -20 cmand 60 –80 cm. Secondly, soil samples were collected under 45 randomly selected Prosopis plant canopies of three different categories of height and canopy size at the depth of 0 -10 cm. The soil samples were analysed for soil organic carbon, pH, total nitrogen (N), electrical conductivity (EC), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg). Soil collected under Prosopis plant canopies and in the spaces between Prosopis plant canopies showed statistically significant difference in the soil organic carbon content (F = 2.68, P = 0.05, α = 0.05), pH (F = 44.81, P α = 0.05) and electrical conductivity (EC) (F = 3.75, P = 0.01, α = 0.05). Statistically significant difference was also observed in the comparison of soils existing under Classes 1, 2 and 3 Prosopis plant canopies in relation to pH and EC (F = 6.56, P = 0.01 and F = 4.77, P = 0.01 respectively at α = 0.05). Therefore, it was concluded that the fundamental assumptions of the study were valid.展开更多
Hospital admissions among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Botswana are high. Opportunistic infections (OIs) are responsible for most of these admissions. Although leading OIs causing these admissions have been identi...Hospital admissions among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Botswana are high. Opportunistic infections (OIs) are responsible for most of these admissions. Although leading OIs causing these admissions have been identified in the region, their correlates are poorly understood. This study aimed to: 1) evaluate major OIs responsible for admissions among HIV patients at Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) in Botswana;2) estimate the proportion and identify the most frequent admissions attributable to specific OIs;3) characterize major correlates of admissions attributable to each specific OIs and identify populations most at risk as a base for effective policy and resource orientation. HIV infected patients were randomly selected from hospital record lists. Biomedical, sociodemographic and economic data were collected from the records and from face-to-face patient interviews and analyzed. Tuberculosis was the most important OI responsible for 234.6 per 1000 HIV admissions. Cryptococcal meningitis accounted for 162.0 per 1000 admissions. Patients with a CD4-cell count < 350/μL and males were more likely to be admitted for both tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis compared to those with a CD4-cell count > 350/μL and females. The risk of admission due to cryptococcal meningitis was also high among patients with low socioeconomic status (SES). Females were more at risk for Cryptosporidium, Bacterial pneumonia (BP), Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP), Herpes and candidiasis-specific admissions than male and, patients not on co-trimoxazole were more likely to be admitted than those on co-trimoxazole. Comprehensive implementation strategies to address OIs among PLWH are needed. To be effective, such strategies should address not only biomedical factors but should also focus on PLWH’s SES.展开更多
On the 3rd of April 2017, an earthquake of moment magnitude 6.5 occurred near Moiyabana in central Botswana. This paper is aimed at studying the spatial distribution of the foreshock and aftershock sequences associate...On the 3rd of April 2017, an earthquake of moment magnitude 6.5 occurred near Moiyabana in central Botswana. This paper is aimed at studying the spatial distribution of the foreshock and aftershock sequences associated with the Moiyabana earthquake. The foreshocks and aftershocks data used were from the Botswana Geoscience Institute (BGI) and the Seisan software was used to analyze the foreshock and aftershock events. The analyses revealed nine epicenter locations of foreshocks which are spread out across the country and most of them are located in the central and southern parts of Botswana, while the aftershocks are clustered around the mainshock. Although five of the nine foreshocks occurred far from the boundaries of major tectonic units, the other four occurred near key features such as the Zoetfontein, Lecha and Chobe faults. The spatial distribution of aftershocks indicates that the stress released by the mainshock, re-activated the planes of weakness in the vicinity of the mainshock and farther away from the mainshock. Hence, this affected the Zoetfontein fault, the boundary between Passarge basin and Magondi belt and the boundary between the Kaapvaal craton and Limpopo mobile belt. The aftershocks also show a northwest-southeast trend, which probably indicates the rupture plane;and mainly lie within the Limpopo mobile belt that is sandwiched between the Kaapvaal craton to the south and Zimbabwe craton to the north. Furthermore, the aftershocks concentration to the south reveals a close relation in demarcating the boundary of the Kaapvaal craton and the Limpopo mobile belt.展开更多
Recent clinical trials have shown that a daily dose of oral TDF/FTC pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in reducing human immunodeficiency (HIV) risk. Understanding trial participants’ perspectives about ret...Recent clinical trials have shown that a daily dose of oral TDF/FTC pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in reducing human immunodeficiency (HIV) risk. Understanding trial participants’ perspectives about retention and PrEP adherence is critical to inform future PrEP trials and the scale-up and implementation of PrEP programs. We analyzed 53 in-depth interviews conducted in April 2010 with participants in the TDF2 study, a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, place-bo-controlled clinical trial of daily oral TDF/FTC with heterosexual men and women in Francistown and Gaborone, Botswana. We examined participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of the trial, identified facilitators and barriers to enrollment and retention, and compared participant responses by study site, sex, and study drug adherence. Our findings point to several factors to consider for participant retention and adherence in PrEP trials and programs, including conducting pre-enrollment education and myth reduction counseling, providing accurate estimates of participant obligations and side effect symptoms, ensuring participant understanding of the effects of non-adherence, gauging personal commitment and interest in study outcomes, and developing a strong external social support network for participants.展开更多
The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of entrepreneurship education on university students＇ intentions towards entrepreneurship. To test this relationship and attempt to answer the research question ...The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of entrepreneurship education on university students＇ intentions towards entrepreneurship. To test this relationship and attempt to answer the research question ＂to what extent does University-level entrepreneurship education influence students＇ entrepreneurial intentions？＂ a conceptual model supported by the theory of Planned Behaviour was adopted. Data were gathered from 343 final year students at the University of Botswana using a validated Entrepreneurship Intention Questionnaire. The results provide evidence that all three immediate antecedents of entrepreneurial intention; attitude towards entrepreneurship, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control （perceived entrepreneurial abilities） directly influence entrepreneurial intention. Participation in entrepreneurship education was observed to positively influence students＇ intention to become an entrepreneur by changing their attitude towards entrepreneurship and increasing their entrepreneurial abilities. The implication is that the university curriculum should be redesigned in order to stimulate an environment that is conducive for developing positive entrepreneurial attitudes and abilities. Based on the above, it is recommended that （a） entrepreneurship education subjects be offered as core subjects in the first and final years at the University of Botswana and students＇ assessments should incorporate linking projects with small firms, （b） the University of Botswana Business Clinic should establish a venture accelerator programme by providing seed funding and an entrepreneurship-mentorship programme. Policymakers need to understand that government initiatives will affect business formations only if these initiatives affect attitudes, entrepreneurial abilities, and subjective norms, which could motivate young people to start a promising enterprise. The objective of the promotion of entrepreneurship policy in Botswana should be to increase the number of individuals considering business start-ups through more determined entrepreneurship education initiatives.展开更多
Background: To facilitate effective program designs aimed at assisting youth avoid unnecessary negative reproductive health outcomes, there is need to understand determinants of condom use among adolescents. Objective...Background: To facilitate effective program designs aimed at assisting youth avoid unnecessary negative reproductive health outcomes, there is need to understand determinants of condom use among adolescents. Objectives: To determine demographic, socioeconomic and psychosocial factors associated with adolescent condom use in Botswana. Methods: Logistic regression models were employed to analyse a weighted sample of 221 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years from the 2012 Botswana AIDS Impact Survey who had a sexual relationship during the 12 months preceding the survey. Results: A majority of adolescents were current and consistent condom users (81% and 72% respectively). Both current and consistent condom use were positively associated with secondary or higher education, unemployed, high perception of severity of HIV to health and high self-efficacy perception. However, being female, non-Christian, having medium or comprehensive HIV/AIDS related knowledge and high perceived personal risk to HIV infection were negatively associated with both outcomes. Although being 18 to 19 years, having multiple sexual partners and high perception of condom attributes were positively associated with current condom use, they were negatively associated with consistent use. Conclusions: The study showed that in addition to demographic and socioeconomic factors, psychosocial factors are important predictors for condom use among adolescents.展开更多
This study aimed to develop a biomass equation for estimating the total above-ground biomass for Colophospermum mopane (mopane) based on the pooled data from three study sites. The mopane woodlands in Botswana represe...This study aimed to develop a biomass equation for estimating the total above-ground biomass for Colophospermum mopane (mopane) based on the pooled data from three study sites. The mopane woodlands in Botswana represent 14.6% of Botswana’s total area. The woodlands directly or indirectly support the livelihood of the majority of the rural population by providing wood and non-wood products. However, there is limited information on the pattern, trends and distribution of woody biomass production and their primary, environmental, and climatic determinants in different parts of Botswana. All the data were collected by destructive sampling from three study sites in Botswana. Stratified random sampling was based on the stem diameter at breast height (1.3 m from the ground or Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)). A total of 30 sample trees at each study site were measured, felled and weighed. The data from the three sites were pooled together, and the study employed regression analysis to examine the nature of relationships between total above-ground biomass (dependent variable) and five independent variables: 1) total tree height;2) crown diameter;3) stem diameters at 0.15 m;1.3 m (DBH) and 3 m from the ground respectively. There were significant relationships between all the independent variables and the dependent variable. However, DBH emerged as the strongest predictor of total tree above-ground biomass for mopane. The equation lnBiomass=-1.163+2.190lnDBH was adopted for use in the indirect estimation of total tree above-ground biomass for mopane in Botswana.展开更多
The construction industry in Botswana has been identified as an industry with many problems. Currently the Botswana government uses the design-bid-build process, using prequalification and awards to the lowest bidder ...The construction industry in Botswana has been identified as an industry with many problems. Currently the Botswana government uses the design-bid-build process, using prequalification and awards to the lowest bidder for construction services. The government can also use the design-build delivery system. The current delivery system uses an engineering group that delivers designs and construction, uses a procurement group to award the contract and contract modifications. However, the analysis for all actions is done by the engineering group. The model is very similar to the Corps of Engineers traditional processes in the United States. Construction performance （on time and no contract deviations） has not been good. The authors propose that the delivery system and the paradigm of direction, control and decision making by the engineering group causes risk to the project and results in poor contractor performance. The authors suggest making modifications in the process and to use the design-build process. The authors also propose to change the paradigm using best value PIPS/IMT concepts.展开更多
Fires play an essential part in the maintenance of the environment, but amplified fire activity often leads to adverse effects in the environment such as destruction of property and loss of life. Botswana has experien...Fires play an essential part in the maintenance of the environment, but amplified fire activity often leads to adverse effects in the environment such as destruction of property and loss of life. Botswana has experienced wildfires that are caused by humans intentionally and unintentionally. Some of these wildfires grow into mega</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">fires such as the 2008 wildfires. Data of wildfires reported in Botswana from the Department of Forestry and Range Resources and the frequency of occurrence was studied and analyzed. It shows the period of 2006-2017, Ghanzi and Ngamiland districts were mostly affected by wildfires. These districts have protected land such as the wildlife parks which may lead to </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">outbreak of natural wildfires that burns unnoticed due to minimal movements of people. The wildfires reported in each district show an increase over the years and this may affect the smooth running of operations.展开更多
Africa is the most affected continent with energy poverty. Wood fuel is the main source of energy for remote and rural populations. At the same time, most parts of Africa are endowed with abundant solar energy. Togeth...Africa is the most affected continent with energy poverty. Wood fuel is the main source of energy for remote and rural populations. At the same time, most parts of Africa are endowed with abundant solar energy. Together with a highly developed global solar industry and ever declining cost of solar systems, solar has unprecedented potential to combat energy poverty in Africa. However, dissemination of solar systems is faced with a number of barriers and challenges amongst where sustainable financing and lack of technological support for installation, maintenance and repair of systems are the most significant. This paper discusses the cases of Botswana and Namibia where financing schemes based on different partnership models have been successfully implemented. These schemes have the potential for success and adaptation by countries with similar socio-economic conditions. We conclude with recommendations on training programs for different levels of intervention to overcome the lack of technological support.展开更多
Festus Mogae, the third president in the history of the Republic of Botswana, served between April 1998 and March 2008. Before that, he had been the Vice-President for 6 years. During his presidency, Mogae managed to ...Festus Mogae, the third president in the history of the Republic of Botswana, served between April 1998 and March 2008. Before that, he had been the Vice-President for 6 years. During his presidency, Mogae managed to maintain the stability and prosperity of Botswana, thanks to展开更多
文摘The potential groundwater reserve in alluvial aquifers and sandy river beds has not been well studied, and yet their benefit in meeting rural water supply demands cannot be underestimated. A three-dimensional steady-state finite difference numerical groundwater flow model was used to assess the groundwater resource potential on a one-kilometre river stretch scale along the Motloutse River catchment in eastern Botswana. The model area is a single-layer unconfined aquifer system. A uniform grid was laid over this phreatic aquifer, and an overall size of 50 columns x 54 rows was developed. The model yielded calibrated K values of 145 m/day and 11 m/day for the riverbed and riverbank sediments, respectively, and calibrated recharge and evaporation of 172 mm/yr and 120 mm/yr, respectively. A sustainable groundwater yield of 120 m3/day with the potential to irrigate an area of 2.4 hectares was determined. The result also shows that the Motloutse alluvial aquifer yields a safe yield of 29,400 m3 for a kilometre of river stretch.
文摘This study evaluated the potential of Botswana’s sustainable energy production using ERA5 reanalysis data of solar irradiance variability on an optimally inclined plane from 1971 to 2020. Spatial-temporal solar irradiance fluctuations were the focus of the study, and the relation to cloud cover and aerosol optical depth was investigated. The key findings suggest that the summer/rainfall season (November to March) is the peak season with average monthly solar irradiance of 313 - 445 W/m2 across southern, central, and northern parts of Botswana, the Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi Pans being identified as prime sites for solar energy projects. The long-term trend analysis showed a decrease in solar irradiance in December but a consistent increase from August to October, indicating a potential shift in solar resources toward an earlier season. Contrary to other studies that found that aerosol optical depth dominates effects on long-term trends and year-to-year variability of solar irradiance, for this case, cloud cover, particularly mid-level clouds, is found to have a more dominant role in Botswana. Solar irradiance characteristics of three distinct regions were identified through K-means clustering. Moreover, Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) analysis showed the commonality and time scale linkage between solar irradiance and cloud cover between the identified regions. These results highlight the importance of including cloud-related weather patterns under the global warming scenario in solar energy planning and emphasize the secondary role of aerosols in Botswana, thus providing critical information for the region’s solar energy development and policy formulation.
文摘The fourth assessment report of the IPCC highlights that the global average surface temperature is projected to increase by 1.8 to 4.0℃ by the year 2100 compared to current climate. Given that climate is the most important driver of the hydrological cycle, the rise in temperature could cause changes in occurrence patterns of extreme hydrologic events like streamflow droughts. An increase in frequency and severity of these events could pose serious challenges for sustainable management of water resources particular in arid regions. However, the understanding of water resources dynamics and the possible impacts of climate change on these dynamics is hindered by uncertainties in climate change models and complex hydrological responses of streams and catchments to climatic changes. Therefore observational evidence of streamflow dynamics at the local scale could play a crucial role in addressing these uncertainties and achieving a fuller reconciliation between model-based scenarios and ground truth. This paper determines spatial and temporal changes in stream- flow volumes and their association with climatic factors based on the non-parametric Mann-Kendall test and ANOVA to determine possible changes in streamflow over the years and their relation to climatic factors. Streamflow is generally stochastic highlighting the importance of factoring in temporal flow variability in water resources planning. There is no clear evidence that changes in climatic variables are related to streamflow behaviour.
文摘Background: Botswana is regarded as a leader of progressive HIV/AIDS policy, as the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to establish a free, national antiretroviral therapy program. In light of such programmatic successes, it is important to evaluate the potentially changing relationship of HIV/AIDS to the wellbeing of individuals, households, and institutions in the country. Methods: We evaluate the effects of HIV-related illness on absenteeism and earnings several years after the start of the national treatment program among a random sample of adults in Botswana using survey data from 3999 individuals aged 15 to 49, using quasi-experimental methods. We compare absenteeism between individuals with and without HIV-related illness, using a propensity score matching approach. We then estimate the effect of HIV-related illness on earnings using a Heckman selection model to account for selection into the workforce. We stratify our analyses by sex. Results: Men and women with HIV-related illness were absent by about 5.2 and 3.3 additional days, respectively, in the month prior to the survey compared to matched controls, and earned approximately 38% and 43% less, respectively, in the month prior to the survey compared to those without HIV-related illness. Conclusions: HIV-related illness appears to increase absenteeism in this sample and dramatically reduce earnings. The findings suggest a need for policies that confer greater financial security to individuals with HIV/AIDS in Botswana.
文摘Diarrheal disease is a chronic public health problem in Chobe District, Botswana. Acute diarrheal outbreaks occur annually with a bimodal seasonal pattern coinciding with major hydrological phenomena. Information is lacking regarding the etiology of reoccurring outbreaks. Cryptosporidium and Giardia are recognized as important waterborne causes of diarrheal disease with Cryptosporidium transmission potentially involving zoonotic reservoirs. In Chobe District, municipal water is obtained from the Chobe River after it exits the Chobe National Park where high concentrations of wildlife occur. Using the Giardia/Cryptosporidium QUIK CHEK rapid antigen cartridge test, we evaluate the occurrence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium among patients (n = 153) presenting to medical facilities in Chobe District with diarrhea (August 2011-July 2012). Cryptosporidium was only identified in children less than two years of age (10%, n = 42, 95% CI 3% - 23%), with positive cases occurring during diarrheal outbreak periods. Infections were not identified in adults despite the high level of human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the region (n = 117). Although not significant, cases were predominately identified in the wet season outbreak (p = 0.94, 25%, n = 12, 95% CI 5% - 57%, dry season outbreaks 3%, n = 30, CI 95% 0% - 17%). Giardia infections occurred across age groups and seasons (7%, n = 153, 95% CI 4% - 10%). This is the first published report of human infections with Cryptosporidium and Giardia in this area of Africa. This study suggests that Cryptosporidium may be a potentially important cause of diarrheal disease in children less than 2 years of age in this region. Further research is required to identify pathogen transmission and persistence dynamics and public health implications, particularly the role of HIV/AIDS and vulnerability to waterborne disease.
文摘Background: Mortality and morbidity due to trauma are a significant public health challenge. There is paucity of data on the waiting times and length of stay (LOS) of trauma patients in emergency departments in Botswana. The aim of this study was to determine the Emergency Department (ED) waiting times and LOS of trauma patients at Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, Botswana. Methods: This was a retrospective medical records review of waiting times (time from triage to review by ED medical officer) and LOS (time from triage to disposition from the emergency department). The waiting times for the different assigned acuities were assessed against the South African Triage System (SATS) standards. All trauma patients seen from 19/11/2018 to 18/12/2018 were included in the study. Prolonged length of stay was defined as duration > 6 hours. Categorical data was summarized with frequencies while numeric data was summarized with medians and interquartile ranges. Results: A total of 187 trauma patients’ files were analyzed. Of these, 72 (38.5%) were females. The median waiting time was 3.8 hours and the maximum was 19.2 hours. The median length of stay (LOS) was 8.8 hours with a maximum of 37.2 hours. Only 53 (28.3%) of the participants had a LOS of less than 6 hours. None of the emergent patients were seen immediately. Only 5 (4.0%) of the very urgent patients were seen within the target of 10 minutes. Finally, only 10 (20.4%) of urgent patients were seen within the target time of 1 hour. Conclusion: The waiting times and length of stay in Princess Marina Hospital were mostly above the recommended standards. Urgent interventions are needed to reduce waiting times and length of stay for trauma patients. More studies are needed to explore the sources of delay and investigate possible solutions to this public health challenge.
文摘Application of regional geophysical methods for hydrogeological purposes has increased over the last two decades especially in arid and semi-arid areas. A project to map the Kraaipan granite-greenstone terrain in southeast Botswana has recently been undertaken using regional aeromagnetic and gravity data with the aim to map the rocks at depth to understand the geology while the secondary objective was to subsequently assess the mineralization and groundwater potential in the area. An integrated analysis of the aeromagnetic and gravity data and their derived/processed products is hereby investigated for groundwater for drinking and agricultural purposes. The studies include: subsurface characterisation and delineation of structural framework suitable for groundwater exploration and determination of petrophysical relationships used to link the geophysical properties (e.g., density) to hydrological properties (e.g., porosity). The results of interpretation indicate that the rocks are under ~50 m of Kalahari cover and the study area is composed of three aquifers: the extensive hard rock aquifer (granitic and volcanic), the important (fractured) karst aquifer and the minor sedimentary aquifer. The area is dissected by an ENE-to-EW-trending dyke swarm visible on the regional aeromagnetic data and much clearer on high resolution aeromagnetic data. Minor fault and/or dyke elements of NW-SE and NE-SW trend are observed. Spectral analysis reveals three main average ensample interfaces at depths of 0.7 km, 1.99 km and 4.8 km. The linear Euler solutions maps reveal that the majority depths to top of magnetic bodies range from 40 m to 400 m throughout the survey area. The shallowest depths are the most significant one in this case as they probably relate to depth of bedrock and thickness of regolith or thickest sediments. For 2695 existing boreholes analysed, maximum borehole depth is 482 m (mean 108 m), and almost half (1263) were dry with another 972 having low yield (1 - 5 m3/hr) and 432 yielding 6 - 49 m3/hr and only 28 above 50 m3/hr (maximum ~160 m3/hr) and an average water strike of 64 m. There is very little correlation between interpreted hydrogeological features and the existing borehole locations. The study shows the importance of preliminary geophysical investigations before ground borehole siting and drilling in order to improve borehole success rates and/or reduce costs inherent in groundwater projects.
文摘The goals of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) can be achieved by embracing the principles of distributive governance, which places both customary and statutory water institutions on the same pedestal in the governance of water resources. As culture and traditions constitute intangible aspects of water resources management in rural Africa, the recognition of water governance systems grounded in local norms, which correspond better with the aspirations of local water users as against the expert-knowledge systems is desirable. Following the introduction of the statutory institutions in postcolonial Africa, customary institutions, which were once effective in regulating water resources became relegated to the background in those countries, including Botswana . Adopting a critical literature review approach, this article employs the concept of legal pluralism to analyze the institutional factors that create the disharmony between cultural and statutory water governance and management institutions. Findings indicate that water has been abstracted from its social nature and transformed into a tradable economic good. Ultimately, the local meanings and images encoded in water as a nature-given resource are overlooked, thus generating conflicts in water governance. The paper recommends the adoptions of legal pluralism under which water institutions need to embrace both customary and statutory institutions.
文摘The aim of this research was to investigate the interactions between Prosopis plants and soils in the Kalahari area, south west of Botswana. The underlying assumptions of the research were that Prosopis plants significantly enhanced the nutrient content and improved the condition of soils in the study area, and that the height and canopy size of Prosopis plants affected the interactions between Prosopis plants and the soils. Firstly, soil samples were collected under 42 randomly selected Prosopis plant canopies and in the spaces between Prosopis plant canopies at the depth of 0 -20 cmand 60 –80 cm. Secondly, soil samples were collected under 45 randomly selected Prosopis plant canopies of three different categories of height and canopy size at the depth of 0 -10 cm. The soil samples were analysed for soil organic carbon, pH, total nitrogen (N), electrical conductivity (EC), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg). Soil collected under Prosopis plant canopies and in the spaces between Prosopis plant canopies showed statistically significant difference in the soil organic carbon content (F = 2.68, P = 0.05, α = 0.05), pH (F = 44.81, P α = 0.05) and electrical conductivity (EC) (F = 3.75, P = 0.01, α = 0.05). Statistically significant difference was also observed in the comparison of soils existing under Classes 1, 2 and 3 Prosopis plant canopies in relation to pH and EC (F = 6.56, P = 0.01 and F = 4.77, P = 0.01 respectively at α = 0.05). Therefore, it was concluded that the fundamental assumptions of the study were valid.
文摘Hospital admissions among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Botswana are high. Opportunistic infections (OIs) are responsible for most of these admissions. Although leading OIs causing these admissions have been identified in the region, their correlates are poorly understood. This study aimed to: 1) evaluate major OIs responsible for admissions among HIV patients at Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) in Botswana;2) estimate the proportion and identify the most frequent admissions attributable to specific OIs;3) characterize major correlates of admissions attributable to each specific OIs and identify populations most at risk as a base for effective policy and resource orientation. HIV infected patients were randomly selected from hospital record lists. Biomedical, sociodemographic and economic data were collected from the records and from face-to-face patient interviews and analyzed. Tuberculosis was the most important OI responsible for 234.6 per 1000 HIV admissions. Cryptococcal meningitis accounted for 162.0 per 1000 admissions. Patients with a CD4-cell count < 350/μL and males were more likely to be admitted for both tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis compared to those with a CD4-cell count > 350/μL and females. The risk of admission due to cryptococcal meningitis was also high among patients with low socioeconomic status (SES). Females were more at risk for Cryptosporidium, Bacterial pneumonia (BP), Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP), Herpes and candidiasis-specific admissions than male and, patients not on co-trimoxazole were more likely to be admitted than those on co-trimoxazole. Comprehensive implementation strategies to address OIs among PLWH are needed. To be effective, such strategies should address not only biomedical factors but should also focus on PLWH’s SES.
文摘On the 3rd of April 2017, an earthquake of moment magnitude 6.5 occurred near Moiyabana in central Botswana. This paper is aimed at studying the spatial distribution of the foreshock and aftershock sequences associated with the Moiyabana earthquake. The foreshocks and aftershocks data used were from the Botswana Geoscience Institute (BGI) and the Seisan software was used to analyze the foreshock and aftershock events. The analyses revealed nine epicenter locations of foreshocks which are spread out across the country and most of them are located in the central and southern parts of Botswana, while the aftershocks are clustered around the mainshock. Although five of the nine foreshocks occurred far from the boundaries of major tectonic units, the other four occurred near key features such as the Zoetfontein, Lecha and Chobe faults. The spatial distribution of aftershocks indicates that the stress released by the mainshock, re-activated the planes of weakness in the vicinity of the mainshock and farther away from the mainshock. Hence, this affected the Zoetfontein fault, the boundary between Passarge basin and Magondi belt and the boundary between the Kaapvaal craton and Limpopo mobile belt. The aftershocks also show a northwest-southeast trend, which probably indicates the rupture plane;and mainly lie within the Limpopo mobile belt that is sandwiched between the Kaapvaal craton to the south and Zimbabwe craton to the north. Furthermore, the aftershocks concentration to the south reveals a close relation in demarcating the boundary of the Kaapvaal craton and the Limpopo mobile belt.
文摘Recent clinical trials have shown that a daily dose of oral TDF/FTC pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in reducing human immunodeficiency (HIV) risk. Understanding trial participants’ perspectives about retention and PrEP adherence is critical to inform future PrEP trials and the scale-up and implementation of PrEP programs. We analyzed 53 in-depth interviews conducted in April 2010 with participants in the TDF2 study, a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, place-bo-controlled clinical trial of daily oral TDF/FTC with heterosexual men and women in Francistown and Gaborone, Botswana. We examined participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of the trial, identified facilitators and barriers to enrollment and retention, and compared participant responses by study site, sex, and study drug adherence. Our findings point to several factors to consider for participant retention and adherence in PrEP trials and programs, including conducting pre-enrollment education and myth reduction counseling, providing accurate estimates of participant obligations and side effect symptoms, ensuring participant understanding of the effects of non-adherence, gauging personal commitment and interest in study outcomes, and developing a strong external social support network for participants.
文摘The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of entrepreneurship education on university students＇ intentions towards entrepreneurship. To test this relationship and attempt to answer the research question ＂to what extent does University-level entrepreneurship education influence students＇ entrepreneurial intentions？＂ a conceptual model supported by the theory of Planned Behaviour was adopted. Data were gathered from 343 final year students at the University of Botswana using a validated Entrepreneurship Intention Questionnaire. The results provide evidence that all three immediate antecedents of entrepreneurial intention; attitude towards entrepreneurship, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control （perceived entrepreneurial abilities） directly influence entrepreneurial intention. Participation in entrepreneurship education was observed to positively influence students＇ intention to become an entrepreneur by changing their attitude towards entrepreneurship and increasing their entrepreneurial abilities. The implication is that the university curriculum should be redesigned in order to stimulate an environment that is conducive for developing positive entrepreneurial attitudes and abilities. Based on the above, it is recommended that （a） entrepreneurship education subjects be offered as core subjects in the first and final years at the University of Botswana and students＇ assessments should incorporate linking projects with small firms, （b） the University of Botswana Business Clinic should establish a venture accelerator programme by providing seed funding and an entrepreneurship-mentorship programme. Policymakers need to understand that government initiatives will affect business formations only if these initiatives affect attitudes, entrepreneurial abilities, and subjective norms, which could motivate young people to start a promising enterprise. The objective of the promotion of entrepreneurship policy in Botswana should be to increase the number of individuals considering business start-ups through more determined entrepreneurship education initiatives.
文摘Background: To facilitate effective program designs aimed at assisting youth avoid unnecessary negative reproductive health outcomes, there is need to understand determinants of condom use among adolescents. Objectives: To determine demographic, socioeconomic and psychosocial factors associated with adolescent condom use in Botswana. Methods: Logistic regression models were employed to analyse a weighted sample of 221 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years from the 2012 Botswana AIDS Impact Survey who had a sexual relationship during the 12 months preceding the survey. Results: A majority of adolescents were current and consistent condom users (81% and 72% respectively). Both current and consistent condom use were positively associated with secondary or higher education, unemployed, high perception of severity of HIV to health and high self-efficacy perception. However, being female, non-Christian, having medium or comprehensive HIV/AIDS related knowledge and high perceived personal risk to HIV infection were negatively associated with both outcomes. Although being 18 to 19 years, having multiple sexual partners and high perception of condom attributes were positively associated with current condom use, they were negatively associated with consistent use. Conclusions: The study showed that in addition to demographic and socioeconomic factors, psychosocial factors are important predictors for condom use among adolescents.
文摘This study aimed to develop a biomass equation for estimating the total above-ground biomass for Colophospermum mopane (mopane) based on the pooled data from three study sites. The mopane woodlands in Botswana represent 14.6% of Botswana’s total area. The woodlands directly or indirectly support the livelihood of the majority of the rural population by providing wood and non-wood products. However, there is limited information on the pattern, trends and distribution of woody biomass production and their primary, environmental, and climatic determinants in different parts of Botswana. All the data were collected by destructive sampling from three study sites in Botswana. Stratified random sampling was based on the stem diameter at breast height (1.3 m from the ground or Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)). A total of 30 sample trees at each study site were measured, felled and weighed. The data from the three sites were pooled together, and the study employed regression analysis to examine the nature of relationships between total above-ground biomass (dependent variable) and five independent variables: 1) total tree height;2) crown diameter;3) stem diameters at 0.15 m;1.3 m (DBH) and 3 m from the ground respectively. There were significant relationships between all the independent variables and the dependent variable. However, DBH emerged as the strongest predictor of total tree above-ground biomass for mopane. The equation lnBiomass=-1.163+2.190lnDBH was adopted for use in the indirect estimation of total tree above-ground biomass for mopane in Botswana.
文摘The construction industry in Botswana has been identified as an industry with many problems. Currently the Botswana government uses the design-bid-build process, using prequalification and awards to the lowest bidder for construction services. The government can also use the design-build delivery system. The current delivery system uses an engineering group that delivers designs and construction, uses a procurement group to award the contract and contract modifications. However, the analysis for all actions is done by the engineering group. The model is very similar to the Corps of Engineers traditional processes in the United States. Construction performance （on time and no contract deviations） has not been good. The authors propose that the delivery system and the paradigm of direction, control and decision making by the engineering group causes risk to the project and results in poor contractor performance. The authors suggest making modifications in the process and to use the design-build process. The authors also propose to change the paradigm using best value PIPS/IMT concepts.
文摘Fires play an essential part in the maintenance of the environment, but amplified fire activity often leads to adverse effects in the environment such as destruction of property and loss of life. Botswana has experienced wildfires that are caused by humans intentionally and unintentionally. Some of these wildfires grow into mega</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">fires such as the 2008 wildfires. Data of wildfires reported in Botswana from the Department of Forestry and Range Resources and the frequency of occurrence was studied and analyzed. It shows the period of 2006-2017, Ghanzi and Ngamiland districts were mostly affected by wildfires. These districts have protected land such as the wildlife parks which may lead to </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">outbreak of natural wildfires that burns unnoticed due to minimal movements of people. The wildfires reported in each district show an increase over the years and this may affect the smooth running of operations.
文摘Africa is the most affected continent with energy poverty. Wood fuel is the main source of energy for remote and rural populations. At the same time, most parts of Africa are endowed with abundant solar energy. Together with a highly developed global solar industry and ever declining cost of solar systems, solar has unprecedented potential to combat energy poverty in Africa. However, dissemination of solar systems is faced with a number of barriers and challenges amongst where sustainable financing and lack of technological support for installation, maintenance and repair of systems are the most significant. This paper discusses the cases of Botswana and Namibia where financing schemes based on different partnership models have been successfully implemented. These schemes have the potential for success and adaptation by countries with similar socio-economic conditions. We conclude with recommendations on training programs for different levels of intervention to overcome the lack of technological support.
文摘Festus Mogae, the third president in the history of the Republic of Botswana, served between April 1998 and March 2008. Before that, he had been the Vice-President for 6 years. During his presidency, Mogae managed to maintain the stability and prosperity of Botswana, thanks to
