Communities In Botswana Research Articles

Microbial diversity in the arid and semi-arid soils of Botswana.

To date, little research has been conducted on the landscape-scale distribution of soil microbial communities and the factors driving their community structures in the drylands of Africa. We investigated the influence of landscape-scale variables on microbial community structure and diversity across different ecological zones in Botswana. We used amplicon sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and a suite of environmental parameters to determine drivers of microbial community structure. Bacterial communities were dominated by Actinomycetota (21.1%), Pseudomonadota (15.9%), and Acidobacteriota (10.9%). The dominant fungal communities were Ascomycota (57.3%) and Basidiomycota (7.5%). Soil pH, mean annual precipitation, total organic carbon, and soil ions (calcium and magnesium) were the major predictors of microbial community diversity and structure. The co-occurrence patterns of bacterial and fungal communities were influenced by soil pH, with network-specific fungi-bacteria interactions observed. Potential keystone taxa were identified for communities in the different networks. Most of these interactions were between microbial families potentially involved in carbon cycling, suggesting functional redundancy in these soils. Our findings highlight the significance of soil pH in determining the landscape-scale structure of microbial communities in Botswana's dryland soils.

Double Colonization Theme in the Selected Stories from the Novel “The Collector of Treasure” of Bessie Head

The most significant writer in Botswana and South Africa was “Bessie Amelia Emery Head.” The double colonization of women in Head’s works, which represents racial and gender subjugation, is mostly the result of her early experiences and her own battle to overcome social prejudice against a lady of colour like herself. She makes frequent references to her problematic non-black and non-white identity. Through her writing, she explores a variety of topics, including racism, sexism, feminism, and double colonization. Total thirteen stories contain in the novel “The Collector of Treasures and Other Botswana Village Tales.” It is an assortment of tales from a community in Botswana.

High-risk human papillomavirus diversity among indigenous women of western Botswana with normal cervical cytology and dysplasia

BackgroundCervical cancer remains a public health problem despite heavy global investment in health systems especially in low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC). Prophylactic vaccines against the most commonly detected human papillomavirus (HPV) types in cervical cancers are available and decisions on the selection of vaccine design depends on the prevalence of high-risk (hr) HPV genotypes for a particular region. In 2015, Botswana adopted the use of a quadrivalent HPV vaccine as a primary prevention strategy. Secondary prevention includes cervical smear screening whose uptake remains notably low among indigenous and marginalized communities despite efforts to improve access.AimTo determine the prevalence of hrHPV genotypes and cervical lesions’ burden in women from the indigenous and marginalized communities of Botswana.MethodsThis prospective survey enrolled 171 non-HPV vaccinated women aged 21 years and older. Face-to-face interviews, Pap smear screening, hr-HPV and Human Immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) testing were carried out. Conventional Papanicolau smears were analyzed and cervical brushes were preserved for hrHPV testing using the Ampfire Multiplex HR-HPV protocol which detects the following genotypes: HPV 16, 18, 31, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59 and 68.ResultsIn this study, 168/171 (98.6%) of the women consented to HIV testing; 53/171 (31%) were living with HIV and self-reported enrolment on antiretroviral therapy. Among the women examined, 23/171 (13.5%) had cervical dysplasia with most presenting with Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance 8/23 (35%), Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions 8/23 (35%), Atypical Squamous Cells-High Grade 4/23 (17%), Atypical Endocervical Cells 2/23 (9%) and Atypical Endocervical Cell favoring neoplasia 1/23(4%). However, no High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were detected. Overall hrHPV prevalence in this study was at 56/171 (32.7%). The most commonly detected hrHPV genotypes in women with cervical dysplasia were HPV39 (6.25%), HPV51 (14.5%), HPV52 (12.5%) and HPV56 (4%). Notably, HPV 16 and 18 were not found in women with cervical dysplasia.ConclusionsOur study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of hrHPV genotypes in indigenous and marginalized communities in Botswana, and the need for further investigation of their potential role in cervical carcinogenesis in this population. These results may also serve as baseline data to facilitate future evaluation of the HPV vaccine needs.

Molecular Characterization of Hepatitis B Virus in People Living with HIV in Rural and Peri-Urban Communities in Botswana.

(1) Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) sequencing data are important for monitoring HBV evolution. We aimed to molecularly characterize HBV sequences from participants with HBV surface antigen-positive (HBsAg+) serology and occult hepatitis B infection (OBI+). (2) Methods: We utilized archived plasma samples from people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) in Botswana. HBV DNA was sequenced, genotyped and analyzed for mutations. We compared mutations from study sequences to those from previously generated HBV sequences in Botswana. The impact of OBI-associated mutations on protein function was assessed using the Protein Variation Effect Analyzer. (3) Results: Sequencing success was higher in HBsAg+ than in OBI+ samples [86/128 (67.2%) vs. 21/71 (29.2%)]. Overall, 93.5% (100/107) of sequences were genotype A1, 2.8% (3/107) were D3 and 3.7% (4/107) were E. We identified 13 escape mutations in 18/90 (20%) sequences with HBsAg coverage, with K122R having the highest frequency. The mutational profile of current sequences differed from previous Botswana HBV sequences, suggesting possible mutational changes over time. Mutations deemed to have an impact on protein function were tpQ6H, surfaceV194A and preCW28L. (4) Conclusions: We characterized HBV sequences from PLWH in Botswana. Escape mutations were prevalent and were not associated with OBI. Longitudinal HBV studies are needed to investigate HBV natural evolution.

Wretched Lives in a Westernised African Country: the Obstacles Towards Development of Communities in Botswana

This paper is necessitated to advance the narrative that due to westernisation of the economy of Botswana, which is an African country that is glorified for its economic success, rural development has been grossly compromised. The infiltration of westernisation has led to the undermining and removal of economic activities that were pivotal for the development of rural communities. Due to westernisation the economic, political and social performance of rural communities were taken as not germane for western development and consequently discarded by the newly independent government. The paper promulgates the view that communities in Botswana through rural development could improve their living conditions economically, politically, technologically and socially, but are submerged in poverty because of the strong believe that indigenous knowledge was an impediment to economic, political, technological and social progress. The imperialist forces have persistently and aggressively presented western knowledge as a panacea for rural development despite its inappropriateness in some cases. The rural areas that cherished indigenous knowledge systems that were tested and utilised over a period of time, allowed the communities the opportunities to perfect them and pass them from generation to generation. The westernisation process has denied the rural communities in Botswana to promote the advancement of what sustained them before they got colonised and Christened. The discarding of traditional schools for instances, incapacitated the rural communities, as they lost the system that enhanced skills transfer, promoted industriousness and self-efficacy amongst the recipients. The importation of western religions detached the rural areas in Botswana from the traditional values that were inculcated on young adults from generation to generation. The traditional leaders got disempowered, leading to their non-participation on matters of community importance, such as land distribution and control of other valuable resources such as the rapacious annexation of livestock from rural communities by urban livestock rustlers. The paper takes particular interest in the role the traditional leaders used to play in fighting poverty amongst the communities through protecting resources from unbridled greed by politicians and foreigners. The invasion of communities through the enforcement of inherited western laws disempowered traditional leaders by placing them under full control of politicians and foreign corporations. The independence of Botswana meant the replacing of colonisers with western trained leaders, who invidiously upheld western values, with the deliberate effort to transform communities into becoming Eurocentric.

Hepatitis B Virus Prevalence among HIV-Uninfected People Living in Rural and Peri-Urban Areas in Botswana.

(1) Background: we determined the prevalence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) amongst people without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in rural and peri-urban areas in Botswana. (2) Methods: We screened for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) from archived plasma samples of people without HIV (n = 2135) randomly selected from the Botswana Combination Prevention Program (BCPP) (2013-2018). We sequenced 415 bp of the surface region using BigDye sequencing chemistry. (3) Results: The median age of participants was 31 (IQR: 24-46) and 64% (1360/2135) were female. HBV prevalence was 4.0% (86/2135) [95% CI: 3.3-4.9]) and ranged between 0-9.2%. Older participants (>35 years) had increased odds of HBV positivity (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: [1.32-2.86]; p = 0.001). Thirteen samples were sequenced and seven (53.8%) were genotype A, three (23.1%) were genotype D and genotype E each. Clinically significant mutations were identified in the surface region, but no classic drug resistance mutations were identified. (4) Conclusions: We report an HBV prevalence of 4.0% (95% CI 3.3-4.9) among people without HIV in rural and peri-urban communities in Botswana with varying rates in different communities. A comprehensive national HBV program is required in Botswana to guide HBV prevention, testing and management.

A Critique of Supervisory Practices of Doctoral Student Research in Emerging Higher Education Context, Botswana

The science community in Botswana holds a broad consensus that not enough quality PhDs are being produced to meet the needs of societal developments in the country. There appears to be a connection between the level of knowledge advancement of a nation and its economic wealth. The role of supervision in the quest for a leap towards quality and quantity knowledge output therefore, cannot be overemphasised. This paper provides a critique of supervisory practices of doctoral student research in emerging higher education context of Botswana. The study adopted a desk top research methodology which focused on a scoping view of studies related to the phenomenon of study. The areas interrogated included the initial stage of student recruitment and selection, allocation of supervisors, proposal development, and management environment for research, implementation of the proposal, and document compilation for examination.

Transboundary COVID-19 response on health communication in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe

A global COVID-19 pandemic caused untold community disruptions, a huge toll on lives and placed major burdens on the economies of developing countries. It spread worldwide within a short period of time before nations could mobilise evidence for the best responses. Communities in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe were heavily disrupted. This article focuses on exploring the transboundary differences in COVID-19 responses, plus the implications for improving the health communication strategies in a pandemic age. Health practitioners and governments were ill-prepared to inform the general public about the pandemic and enforced complete shutdowns of economic and social activities. With the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging communities, there was a dearth of focused health communication on COVID-19’s end. New tools of communication and dissemination of information were embraced in the southern Africa country-specific cases. For example, content on precautionary lifestyles, individual or personal responsibility and utilisation of community health workers in the pandemic era was prioritised to prevent or minimise infections and avoid recurrence of the disease. New communication methods were important for addressing uncertainty and can be applied for any future pandemic. This health communication topic addresses the neglected, but important gap on the efficacy of processes towards better health communication strategies. The transdisciplinary methods include improved health communication strategies informed by the experiences of three Southern African Development Community countries. While such measures to arrest COVID-19 proved plausible, these countries’ projections for the future are a concern, suggesting an urgent need to enhance and strengthen health communication in southern Africa.Transdisciplinary contribution: This is a transdisciplinary exploration of health communication and its implications for COVID-19 and future pandemic responses in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

High Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Drug Resistance Mutations to Lamivudine among People with HIV/HBV Coinfection in Rural and Peri-Urban Communities in Botswana.

(1) Background: We aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) in people with HBV and human immunodeficiency virus (HBV/HIV) in Botswana. (2) Methods: We sequenced HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from participants with HBV/HIV from the Botswana Combination Prevention Project study (2013-2018) using the Oxford Nanopore GridION platform. Consensus sequences were analyzed for genotypic and mutational profiles. (3) Results: Overall, 98 HBV sequences had evaluable reverse transcriptase region coverage. The median participant age was 43 years (IQR: 37, 49) and 66/98 (67.4%) were female. Most participants, i.e., 86/98 (87.8%) had suppressed HIV viral load (VL). HBV RAMs were identified in 61/98 (62.2%) participants. Most RAMs were in positions 204 (60.3%), 180 (50.5%), and 173 (33.3%), mostly associated with lamivudine resistance. The triple mutations rtM204V/L180M/V173L were the most predominant (17/61 [27.9%]). Most participants (96.7%) with RAMs were on antiretroviral therapy for a median duration of 7.5 years (IQR: 4.8, 10.5). Approximately 27.9% (17/61) of participants with RAMs had undetectable HBV VL, 50.8% (31/61) had VL < 2000 IU/mL, and 13/61 (21.3%) had VL ≥ 2000 IU/mL. (4) Conclusions: The high prevalence of lamivudine RAMs discourages the use of ART regimens with 3TC as the only HBV-active drug in people with HIV/HBV.

Self-reported cardiovascular disease risk factor screening among people living with HIV vs. members of the general population in Botswana: a community-based study.

Morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are high and increasing in low- and middle-income countries. People living with HIV (PLWH) are more likely to experience CVD than members of the general population. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether PLWH were more likely to have previously been screened for cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRFs) than people without HIV. A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals aged 16 to 68 years across 22 communities in Botswana from February to August 2017 as part of a larger community-based cluster randomized HIV treatment-as-prevention trial. Participants were asked if they had been screened for and counselled on cardiovascular disease risk factors (history of hypertension or blood pressure check, blood glucose and cholesterol measurements, weight check and weight control, tobacco smoking and cessation, alcohol use and physical activity) in the preceding 3 years. HIV testing was offered to those with an unknown HIV status. Multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for age and sex was used to assess the relationship between CVDRF screening and HIV status. Of the 3981 participants enrolled, 2547 (64%) were female, and 1196 (30%) were PLWH (93% already on antiretroviral therapy [ART]). PLWH were more likely to report previous screening for diabetes (25% vs. 19%, p < 0.001), elevated cholesterol (17% vs. 12%, p < 0.001) and to have had their weight checked (76% vs. 55%, p < 0.001) than HIV-uninfected participants. PLWH were also more likely to have received counselling on salt intake (42% vs. 33%, p < 0.001), smoking cessation (66% vs. 46%, p < 0.001), weight control (38% vs. 29%, p < 0.001), physical activity (46% vs. 34%, p < 0.001) and alcohol consumption (35% vs. 23%, p < 0.001) than their HIV-uninfected counterparts. Overall, PLWH were more likely to have received screening for and/or counselling on CVDRFs (adjusted odds ratio 1.84, 95% CI: 1.46-2.32, p < 0.001). PLWH were almost two times more likely to have been previously screened for CVDRFs than those without HIV, indicating a need for universal scale-up of integrated management and prevention of CVDs in the HIV-uninfected population.

Understanding cultural values, norms and beliefs that may impact participation in genome-editing related research: Perspectives of local communities in Botswana.

Gene-editing research is a complex science and foreign in most communities including Botswana. Adopting a qualitative deliberative framework with 109 participants from 7 selected ethnic communities in Botswana, we explored the perceptions of local communities on cultural values, norms, and beliefs that may motivate or deter likely participation in the use of gene-editing related research. What emerged as the ethnic community's motivators for research participation include the potential for gene-editing technologies to promote access to individualized medications, and the possibility of protecting family members from genetic related diseases. Deterrents for research participation include cultural values such as implications of lineage for chieftainship, trust, fear or anxiety, uncertainty, and sensitivity on the use of gene-editing. Findings of our study have implications for continuous engagement with local communities to explore potential ways of addressing cultural sensitivities that can further deter their participation in future gene-editing related research.

Nutritional composition and mineral profile of leaves of Moringa oleifera provenances grown in Gaborone, Botswana

Although Moringa is an important vegetable crop elsewhere, its nutritional and non-food uses are not widely known in Botswana community. This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition and mineral contents of leaves of Moringa oleifera trees grown in Gaborone, Botswana. The leaf samples were collected from Moringa trees grown in the backyards of six different households in Gaborone city. They were dried separately at 55 ºC for 24 h and then ground to obtain a powder for analysis. The data on the proximate composition of the Moringa samples were subjected to Analysis of Variance to determine statistical differences among the mean values. The overall mean values of moisture, fat, protein, ash, fiber and total available carbohydrates of the leaves were 6.93 ± 0.16, 7.78 ± 0.13, 27.1 ± 0.43, 7.34 ± 0.31, 9.1 ± 1 and 46.5 ± 3%, respectively. The Moringa leaves contained average values of 520 ± 96.0, 7.7 ± 1.3, 30.1 ± 15.5, 0.8 ± 0.1, 82.6 ± 6.4, 1.7 ± 0.2, 1.6 ± 0.2 and 0.02 ± 0.00 mg/100g of Calcium, Iron, Sodium, Zinc, Magnesium, Aluminum, Manganese and Chromium, respectively. Significant differences were observed for moisture, fat, protein and ash contents among the six Moringa samples. The results showed that the leaves are rich in nutrients, particularly with high amounts of protein and ash. This suggests that Moringa leaf could serve as an important protein and mineral supplement in the diet and can be consumed as a vegetable in Botswana. The difference in composition observed between the Moringa leaf samples suggests a possible genotypic difference between the Moringa trees used in this experiment. Thus, there is a need for further study to verify this.Graphical

Hopes and Realities: Local Perspectives on Participation in Community-Based Tourism

Tourism development has been promoted as an alternative major source of income for countries and local communities. This perspective has further underscored local communities as critical stakeholders in tourism development. As such, community-based tourism gained momentum as a viable community participation approach for sustainable tourism development. However, even though community participation is said to be critical in sustainable tourism development, relatively little is known about how locals perceive community-based tourism as an alternative for sustainable livelihood, let alone the kind of local participation expected. The purpose of this article is to determine how the Mmadinare community in Botswana perceives community-based tourism and their own participation. The radical empowerment theory provides a theoretical framework. A qualitative multiple-case study approach using semi-structured interviews and focus groups was applied to gather data. The findings suggest that, in reality, community participation in tourism initiatives remains a challenge attributed to the lack of funding, a lack of capacity building, the limited involvement in decision-making platforms, the low awareness level of tourism development, and an unsuitable policy framework.

Prevalence and control of hypertension in a high HIV-prevalence setting, insights from a population based study in Botswana

In a population-based representative sample of adults residing in 22 communities in Botswana, a southern African country with high HIV prevalence, 1 in 4 individuals had high blood pressure. High blood pressure was less prevalent in adults with HIV than without HIV. Sixty percent of persons with high blood pressure had not previously been diagnosed. Among individuals with a prior diagnosis of high blood pressure who reported being prescribed anti-hypertension medications, almost half had elevated blood pressure, irrespective of HIV-status. One-third of adults in this setting (mainly men) declined free non-invasive blood pressure assessments in their households. In conclusion, our study highlights alarmingly high hypertension rates in the community, with low levels of awareness and control, emphasizing the urgent need for community level BP screening and active management to reach recommended targets.

A Review of the Use of R Programming for data Science Research in Botswana

R is widely used by researchers in the statistics field and academia. In Botswana, it is used in a few research for data analysis. The paper aims to synthesis research conducted in Botswana that has used R programming for data analysis and to demonstrate to data scientists, the R community in Botswana and internationally the gaps and applications in practice in research work using R in the context of Botswana. The paper followed the PRISMA methodology and the articles were taken from information technology databases. The findings show that research conducted in Botswana that use R programming were used in Health Care, Climatology, Conservation and Physical Geography, with R part as the most used R package across the research areas. It was also found that a lot of R packages are used in Health care for genomics, plotting, networking and classification was the common model used across research areas.

High Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among People With HIV in Rural and Periurban Communities in Botswana.

We aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) in rural and periurban communities in Botswana. PWH from a previous population-based study, the Botswana Prevention Combination Project, which enrolled adults in 30 communities across Botswana (2013-2018), were screened for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV core antibody (anti-HBc). HBsAg-positive (HBsAg+) samples were further screened for HBV core immunoglobulin M antibodies (anti-HBc immunoglobulin M [IgM]) and HBV e antigen (HBeAg). We quantified HBV viral load on participants who tested positive (n = 148) and negative for HBsAg (n = 381). Of 3304 participants tested, 271 (8% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 7%-9%]) were HBsAg+ while 1788 (56% [95% CI, 54%-57%]) of 3218 PWH whom we tested had positive anti-HBc. Approximately 88% of HBsAg+ participants were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), 40% and 56% of whom were receiving lamivudine- and tenofovir-containing ART, respectively. Male sex (relative risk ratio [RRR], 1.8 [95% CI, 1.2-2.7]) and the northern geographic region (RRR, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.4-4.7]) were independent predictors of HBV infection (HBsAg+). Of 381 persons with negative HBsAg who were tested for occult HBV, 126 (33% [95% CI, 29%-38%]) had positive HBV DNA. Eleven participants were highly viremic with high HBV viral load while on a lamivudine- or tenofovir-containing regimen. Ten (91%) of these participants also had positive HBeAg serology, while 4 (36%) had positive anti-HBc IgM serology. The prevalence of HBV was high among PWH in Botswana while on ART regimens with activity against HBV.

HIV Incidence in Botswana Rural Communities With High Antiretroviral Treatment Coverage: Results From the Botswana Combination Prevention Project, 2013-2017.

The Botswana Combination Prevention Project demonstrated a 30% reduction in community HIV incidence through expanded HIV testing, enhanced linkage to care, and universal antiretroviral treatment and exceeded the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 targets. We report rates and characteristics of incident HIV infections. The Botswana Combination Prevention Project was a community-randomized controlled trial conducted in 30 rural/periurban Botswana communities from 2013 to 2017. Home-based and mobile HIV-testing campaigns were conducted in 15 intervention communities, with 39% of participants testing at least twice. We assessed the HIV incidence rate [IR; number of new HIV infections per 100 person-years (py) at risk] among repeat testers and risk factors with a Cox proportional hazards regression model. During 27,517 py, 195 (women: 79%) of 18,597 became HIV-infected (0.71/100 py). Women had a higher IR (1.01/100 py; 95% confidence interval: 0.99 to 1.02) than men (0.34/100 py; 95% confidence interval: 0.33 to 0.35). The highest IRs were among women aged 16-24 years (1.87/100 py) and men aged 25-34 years (0.56/100 py). The lowest IRs were among those aged 35-64 years (women: 0.41/100 py; men: 0.20/100 py). The hazard of incident infection was the highest among women aged 16-24 years (hazard ratio = 7.05). Sex and age were significantly associated with incidence (both P < 0.0001). Despite an overall reduction in HIV incidence and approaching the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 95-95-95 targets, high HIV incidence was observed in adolescent girls and young women. These findings highlight the need for additional prevention services (pre-exposure prophylaxis and DREAMS) to achieve epidemic control in this subpopulation and increased efforts with men with undiagnosed HIV.

Developing a Pilot Biogas-Solar PV System for Farming Communities in Botswana: Case of Palapye

Palapye is one of the fastest growing urban centers in Botswana. The projection of this urbanization shows a subsequent high rate of waste generation in the future with a composition of over 50 % of organic compounds from discarded foods. Several studies show that there is currently no effective waste management system in this town. For this reason, this paper sought to succinctly propose the design of a pilot 9 kW Biogas-Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Hybrid Mini-grid (BSPVHM) as a tool for an effective waste management plan and an alternative energy and agricultural solution for local farming communities. The designed pilot BSPVHM is composed of four sections which are the power generation section (with a 5-kW biogas and a 4 kWp solar PV power units), the power back-up section (with a 5 kVA diesel genset and a 6-kWh lithium-ion battery), the energy management system (EMS) section (with a 4.6 kW inverter and remote and on-site monitoring instruments) and the power supply section (with a low voltage cable). The town of Palapye was selected as the site of the pilot project because of its high waste generation capacity estimated at an average of 0.20 kg/capita/day from various categories of domestic sources. Additionally, the noticeable presence of farming communities and the yearly solar photovoltaic power potential ranging between 1753 - 1899 kWh were other reasons for this selection. Based on these available ressources, it was assumed that BSPVHM will supply at domestic scale, solar power from panels for 12 hours from 6 AM to 6 PM, power from the biogas generator for 6 hours from 6 PM to 12 AM and power from the back up section from 12 AM to 6 AM. The supply of electricity will be done autonomously by the BSPVHM system under a limited physical monitoring.

GEOSPATIAL ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN-WILDLIFE-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS FOR SPATIAL DECISION SUPPORT

Abstract. Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) is a global concern that requires geospatial data collection, analysis and geovisualization for decision support and mitigation. Bull African elephants, (Loxodonata africana), are often responsible for breaking fences, raiding crops and causing economic hardship in local communities in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Methods for monitoring and understanding elephant movements are needed to mitigate conflict, find ways for coexistence and secure the future of Africa’s elephant populations. Researchers from academia and conservation organizations are partnering with decision makers and scientists of the Zimbabwe Department of National Park and Wild Life Management (PWMA) to track the movement of 15 bull elephants in the general area of Victoria Falls to analyse spatio-temporal patterns of elephant behaviour related to climatic factors, habitat conditions and changing land uses. Spatial decision support for local famers, resource managers and planners will assist in avoiding agricultural expansion and urban development that coincides with elephant corridors and access to water resources.

Cultural Values and Beliefs of Selected Local Communities in Botswana: Implications for Human Subject Research Ethics Practice.

Calls have been made for researchers prospectively and continuously to engage study communities. If done, this typically occurs through a specific research study or collaboration. Rarely are community mores examined in-depth to understand implications for research ethics policy processes. We describe a qualitative study designed to understand local community values, beliefs, and practices that relate to research ethics in Botswana and explore how communities would want their interests represented. Through focus group discussions across two different selected ethnic communities and in-depth interviews with paramount chiefs, we highlight a range of community values and expectations that represent concrete behavioral representations of respect and trustworthiness. Communities are willing to engage in the process of enhancing research and research ethics policies and procedures. We invite future research and training that seek to connect local conceptualizations of substantive and procedural aspects of research ethics.