The geological framework and depositional environments of the coal-bearing Karoo strata in the Central Kalahari Karoo Basin, Botswana

The investigation of the geological history (i.e., stratigraphy and sedimentology) and the dynamics of coal depositional environments, in particular, the forces responsible for changes in the accommodation space (e.g., subsidence vs. sedimentation rates) in the Permian coal-bearing Karoo strata in the Central Kalahari Karoo Basin (Botswana) revealed new details about the depositional processes and environments. Detailed review of the temporal and spatial stratigraphic variation of the coal-bearing Ecca Group successions via the analysis of facies changes based on core descriptions, gamma logs, field observations and palaeo-current measurements, lead to the identification of two main informal stratigraphic units, namely the Basal and Upper Units. The Basal Unit is characterised by an upward-coarsening succession, and it is interpreted as a product of a progradational deltaic setting (i.e., regressive deltaic cycle). This is followed by five sequences of fining-upward successions of sandstones and siltstones in the Upper Unit, interpreted as deposits of distributary channels (the basal arenaceous member) capped by finer argillaceous sequences of the deltaic floodplains (the upper coal-bearing member). The Upper Unit thus is interpreted as a delta plain facies association which was formed during transgressive phases when conditions for coal-quality peat accumulation (e.g., high water table) were present and the available accommodation space was partly controlled by tectonic uplift (repeated?) at basin margins. Limited palaeo-current analysis indicates deposition by channels flowing from the east, south-east and north-east. The lack of good quality exposures hampers the reconstruction of the plan form of the channel patterns. However, the little available evidence indicates a high-energy fluvio-deltaic system with irregular discharge and a high proportion of bedload sediments. Coal-seam thickness in the upper coal-bearing member reflect the complex control of the geological processes associated with and following peat formation, such as differential compaction of the underlying lithology, and the erosive or protective nature of the immediately overlying lithology

A census of orphaned and vulnerable children in two villages in Botswana

In 2002, the Human Sciences Research Council was commissioned by the WK Kellogg Foundation to develop and implement a five-year intervention project focusing on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in southern Africa. In collaboration with several partner organizations, the project currently focuses on how children, families and communities in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe are coping with the impact of HIV/AIDS. The aim of the project is to develop models of best practise so as to enhance and improve support structures for OVC in the southern African region as a whole. This report forms part of a series that examines the work undertaken as part of the Kellogg OVC Intervention Project from 2002 to 2005

A baseline study on psychosocial support of orphans and vulnerable children in two villages in Botswana

This report provides a baseline study on psychosocial support of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in two villages in Botswana and forms part of a series of reports that examine the work undertaken as part of the Kellogg OVC Intervention Project from 2002 to 2005. The general aim of the project is to assist families and households to better cope with the increased burden of care for OVC. The purpose of this particular baseline psychosocial survey (PSS) was to gather data to facilitate the introduction and evaluation of the effectiveness of orphan care intervention programmes for strengthening community participation and empowerment of OVC in two villages in Botswana. This information will be used in evaluating the effectiveness of the new OVC interventions that will be implemented in the two villages in Botswana as part of the overall OVC project. In 2002, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) was commissioned by the WK Kellogg Foundation to develop and implement a five-year intervention project focusing on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in southern Africa. In collaboration with several partner organisations, the project currently focuses on how children, families and communities in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe are coping with the impact of HIV/AIDS. The aim of the project is to develop models of best practice so as to enhance and improve support structures for OVC in the southern African region as a whole.

Household survey of behavioural risks and HIV sero-status in two districts in Botswana: a baseline study

This report presents the findings of the Behavioural Risks and HIV Sero-Status Survey (BSS) for the Central Serowe Sub-district and Kweneng District in Botswana. The purpose of the survey was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, sexual behaviours, practices, prevention, care and support issues concerning HIV/AIDS among the population in the Central Serowe Sub-district and Kweneng District. Specifically, the survey quantified HIV prevalence, sexual risk behaviours and other practices among adults and children. In 2002, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) was commissioned by the WK Kellogg Foundation to develop and implement a five-year intervention project focusing on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in southern Africa. In collaboration with several partner organisations, the project currently focuses on how children, families and communities in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe are coping with the impact of HIV/AIDS. The aim of the project is to develop models of best practice so as to enhance and improve support structures for OVC in the southern African region as a whole.

Challenges facing people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Botswana: Implications for behavioural risk reduction intervention.

This paper is based on a study carried out between October 2006 and April 2007 with People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) who are currently in support groups based in the Gaborone, Gabane and Gaphatshwa areas of Botswana. The research project was conducted by the University of Botswana research team as part of the SAHARA collaborative study on PLWHA. Using a qualitative approach, the study explored challenges that PLWHA face and identified appropriate intervention strategies. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) were organised with a total of 60 PLWHA, while 17 in-depth interviews were conducted with HIV and AIDS service providers including doctors, nurses and PLWHA support group managers. Challenges such as stigma and discrimination, denial and fear of disclosure, and risky sexual behaviors were found to be common. Underlying these challenges were stigmatising behaviours, primarily associated with fear of HIV rather than with the routeof the infection. The research results will be useful for developinginterventions to reduce fear and stigma among PLWH

Four-country report on formative research into the development of a HIV behavioural risk reduction intervention for PLWHA: Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and Swaziland

AugustThis research project was part of a multi-country study which was conducted in eight sub-Saharan African countries including four in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, namely South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland from 2005 to 2007. The main goal of the overall project was to develop and/or adapt behavioural and supportive interventions to assist people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) reduce their risk of re-infection or infecting others

Defining orphaned and vulnerable children

This research forms part of a broader project aimed at development and evaluation of interventions for orphaned and vulnerable children. The paper aims to provide a definitional framework and an understanding of orphans and vulnerability.

Towards a definition of orphaned and vulnerable children

The HIV epidemic presents challenges including orphans and a large mass of children rendered vulnerable by the epidemic and other societal forces. Focus on orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) is important, but needs accurate definition. Twelve focus group interviews of service providers, leaders in these communities, OVC and their caretakers were conducted at six project sites across Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe to extend this definition. The loss of a parent through death or desertion is an important aspect of vulnerability. Additional factors leading to vulnerability included severe chronic illness of a parent or caregiver, poverty, hunger, lack of access to services, inadequate clothing or shelter, overcrowding, deficient caretakers, and factors specific to the child, including disability, direct experience of physical or sexual violence, or severe chronic illness. Important questions raised in this research include the long-term implications for the child and community, and the contribution of culture systems.