Environmental policy and administrative management

To date Botswana has experienced considerable developments in all spheres of life supported by sustained high economic growth including rapid urbanisation coupled with population movements, improvements in the delivery of social services in particular health and education. Despite Botswana s economic achievements over the last 42 years, it still faces serious challenges of poverty compared to countries of similar economic stature. Changate Conservation and Development Trust (CCDT) recognizes that the poverty problem is a consequence of a narrow economic base limiting opportunities for gainful employment; a poor endowment of agro-resources; a small and sparsely distributed population resulting in a small and fragmented internal market. Limited access to information on environmental issues coupled with unemployment and the poverty vicious circle has led to deterioration of the quality of life and environment, the ultimate resources that the communities depend on for their livelihoods. The Changate community practice both arable and pastoral agriculture as a source of their sustenance. However, the decline in agricultural production, over dependence and exploitation of natural resources has led to loss of biodiversity and land degradation. In realizing the challenges brought by the dependence on declining agricultural production, biodiversity loss and land degradation, CCDT has identified alternative livelihood options as an opportunity and a means to diversify agricultural production while utilizing natural resources in a sustainable manner. The establishment of a community forestry nursery and packaging leaf moulds, apiculture and guinea fowl domestication will help bridge the poverty environment interface through provision opportunities for sustainable livelihoods through expansion of employment opportunities and income generation, diversify the rural economy, reduce dependence on government, maintain and improve rural capital.

Botswana