Ntonghanwah Forcheh

Granulometry, cluster analysis and spatial distribution of manganese contaminated soils, Kgwakgwe, southeastern Botswana

The particle size distribution (PSD) of 400 Mn contaminated soil samples was established, and generated data were statistically analysed and spatially presented. The PSD for the 53 µm – 4 µm size fraction soil samples ranged from 11.05 to 100 wt %, whereas that for < 4 µm was from 0.3 to 30 wt %. Texturally, samples were dominantly silt loam, although silt and sandy loam were also present, as well as loam, loamy sand and clay classes. Six clusters were identified with cluster one being the most dominant occurring in sandy loam, silt loam and loamy sand. The < 53 µm fraction had three dominant areas, and the < 4 µm fraction had several unevenly presented populations as reflected in the maps. Because of its spatial distribution, the < 4 µm fraction may pose hazards to human health. Furthermore, predominance of Mn limits land use to subsistence agriculture with possibly low crop yield.

Trajectories to Making Botswana a Destination of Choice: An Evaluation of the Current Awareness and Perception Levels

This paper presents findings of a study that evaluated the effectiveness of the Brand Botswana coordinating office in creating brand awareness as well as altering perceptions of the target audiences. The purpose of Brand Botswana is to position Botswana to international audiences as an attractive place to visit, work and invest (www.bitc.com). This is achieved through various marketing programs highlighting the country’s assets, including its people, culture, tourist attractions, business potential, exports and its reputation of good governance. The office also attempts to get local audiences to rally behind the brand and raise national pride levels so as to attract appreciation of the country by international communities. Assessment of brand building activities is helpful in understanding a brand’s strengths and weaknesses with a view to focusing future efforts, hence this study. The paper articulates findings of the current perceptions and awareness levels of a public survey conducted in 51 administrative districts of Botswana, across 139 localities covering 1258 individuals. A general conclusion of the study was that 75% respondents were aware of the brand. Perception scores stood at 64% suggesting that the respondents seem not to be clear on the purpose of the brand hence not deriving meaning from it.

Professional, social, and psychological correlates of HIV/AIDS care involvement among nurses in Botswana

This analysis explores the correlates of HIV/AIDS care involvement among nurses in a healthcare system (Botswana) that is severely impacted by the AIDS epidemic. It identifies the antecedents and consequences of recent HIV/AIDS nursing care participation in Botswana and develops testable hypotheses for further study. In 2009 a self-administered questionnaire on nursing practice and related issues was completed by 201 nurses working in different types of facilities in rural and urban areas of Botswana. Nurses who were citizens of Botswana, degree holders, and highly qualified professionals (midwives and specialists) were more engaged in providing HIV/AIDS clinical services. Also, caregivers who had greater participation in maternal and child healthcare duties, or those who felt they were competent to provide care and treatment for patients with HIV illness were more involved. There were also several psychological/mental health correlates. The analyses suggest that HIV/AIDS care in Botswana is mostly provided by highly educated and specialized nurses who because of the complex and often conflicting work demands placed upon them experience stress related to their work flow and scheduling.