Academic literature on the topic 'San (African people) – Botswana – Ghanzi District'

In Botswana, there is limited data available on the health and nutritional status of the San People (also known as the Basarwa or Bushmen), an Indigenous minority group primarily living in the Ghanzi District. Our aim in this study was to assess anemia prevalence among and anthropometric indices of women and young children in Ghanzi District through a cross-sectional survey. We recruited 367 mother–child pairs (women 15–49 years and children 6–59 months) in nine randomly selected areas. A capillary blood sample was collected, and weight and height were measured. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was measured with use of a hemoglobinometer (HemoCue, AB), as per global recommendations. Overall, adjusted anemia prevalence was 12% in non-pregnant women (Hb < 120 g/L), 26% in pregnant women (Hb < 110 g/L), and 42% in children (Hb < 110 g/L), but it varied widely depending on whether or not the controversial factor of ethnicity was adjusted for (range of 6–26%, 22–30%, and 35–68% prevalence, respectively). Thirty-nine percent (n = 133/344) of non-pregnant women and 52% (n = 12/23) of pregnant women were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). In children aged 6–23 months, 41% were underweight (weight-for-age z-score < −2 SD), 13% were wasted (weight-for-height z-score < −2 SD), and 65% were stunted (height-for-age z-score < −2 SD); in children aged 24–59 months, 57% were underweight, 13% were wasted, and 66% were stunted. Fifty-six percent (n = 205/367) of women self-reported smoking in any form (rolled cigarettes or snuffing). The high prevalence of smoking among women, underweight status among pregnant women, and anemia, stunting, and wasting among children is of the highest concern for public health and should be addressed in future health and nutrition programming.

Abstract Objectives Globally, Indigenous women and young children disproportionately face increased nutritional risks, which may have serious adverse health consequences. In Botswana, data is limited on the health and nutritional status of the San People, an Indigenous minority group primarily living in the Ghanzi District. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia and undernutrition among San women and young children in Ghanzi District. Methods We recruited 367 mother-child pairs (women 15–49 years and children 6–59 months) from San households from nine randomly selected areas. A capillary blood sample was collected, and weight and height were measured in both mothers and children. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was measured using a hemoglobinometer (HemoCue, AB). As per global recommendations, Hb concentrations were adjusted for altitude, smoking (in women), and ethnicity. Results Fifty-six % (n = 205/367) of women self-reported smoking in any form (rolled cigarettes or snuffing). Overall, adjusted anemia prevalence was 12% in non-pregnant women (Hb &lt; 120 g/L), 26% in pregnant women (Hb &lt; 110 g/L), and 42% in children (Hb &lt; 110 g/L); but ranged widely based on the controversial factor of whether or not adjustments for ethnicity were applied (range of 6–26%, 22–30% and 35–68% prevalence, respectively). Thirty-nine % (n = 133/344) of non-pregnant women and 52% (n = 12/23) of pregnant women were underweight (BMI &lt; 18.5 kg/m2). In children 6–23 months, 41% were underweight (weight-for-age z-score &lt; -2SD), 13% were wasted (weight-for-height z-score &lt; -2SD), and 65% were stunted (height-for-age z-score &lt; -2SD); in children 24–59 months 57% were underweight, 13% were wasted and 66% were stunted. Conclusions The high prevalence of smoking among women, underweight status among pregnant women, and anemia, stunting, and wasting among children were of the highest public health concern and should be addressed in future health and nutrition programming. These findings will inform and guide targeted nutrition and health policies for the San People and potentially motivate more research with other Indigenous groups. Funding Sources International Development Research Centre (Doctoral Research Award), Botswana International University of Science and Technology (Ph.D. Fellowship), and University of British Columbia (Public Scholar Initiative).

This thesis looks into the land use and natural resource management systems of Basarwa communities in Ngamiland in the northwest of Botswana. The study specifically focuses on Basarwa communities living in and on the edges of the Okavango Delta. The link between these communities and their natural resources is explored using the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Framework and the Adaptive Renewal Cycle. The core assumption in this thesis is that livelihood strategies are constantly renewed and adapted to promote resilience in ecological and social systems. Fieldwork data collected between May 2000 and July 2001 and secondary data is used to deliberate on this point. The thesis confirms that the Basarwa’s livelihood strategies were adaptive only in as far as traditional livelihoods are concerned. The thesis traces the changes that the Basarwa have experienced as a result of policy restrictions through the different phases of the adaptive renewal cycle. The period following Independence in Botswana saw a policy shift which resulted in the Basarwa becoming landless. With mainly land-based livelihood strategies, the Basarwa were faced with new forms of crises and vulnerability which their traditional adaptive strategies were not designed for. It comes to the conclusion that the Basarwa are currently stuck in a reorganisation phase; however, the CBNRM Draft Policy of Botswana offers a glimpse of hope as it provides an opportunity for the Basarwa to progress through the full cycle of reorganisation, renewal, conservation and release.

The objective of this thesis is to examine the need for people and communities to develop liquid assets through a savings programme and to work productively with these savings. It had to be taken into consideration that at least some members of the population could be considered non-monetary in their orientation. In order to achieve this objective a participatory and culturally sensitive micro-finance programme was designed through an Action Research methodology. By combining mainly quantitative baseline information, detailed and more qualitative work with some of the participants and routine output from the programme activities, the study aimed to arrive at concrete conclusions concerning the way a micro-finance programme has worked in San conununities and make recommendations regarding its future. lt was found that the programme has made at least some of the participants more conversant with the handling of cash and also contributed to increased self-respect. Developing liquid assets was most difficult for the poorest participants and the majority of these poorest are women. The San people are the poorest; even among other marginal rural minorities and should receive special assistance. The programme was moderately successful in helping participants to save towards larger needs and to even out income flows. It could not be established whether the programme could make a contribution to the development of long~term assets. Initiatives to establish microenterprises with the capital met with only limited success. The programme was not successful in establishing a savings programme as an alternative to cattle farming and should rather be seen as a complementary strategy for increasing household assets. It was found that the emphasis on savings mobilisation, rather than the creation of debt through credit was valid. Increased incomes will lead to increased indebtedness. A higher influx of cash in a San community is likely to be unevenly spread and is also likely to increase the gap between the wealthier and poorer community members. It was concluded that projects that meet basic and immediate needs such as food, shelter and housing, should be integrated with programmes that address larger needs such as loss of culture and land. A process of empowerment cannot be supported when rural poverty is not addressed.
Development Studies
D.Litt. et Phil. (Development Administration)