Search

Begin New Search Topic Public Policy Publishing Institution Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis

1. Gender and Corruption in Botswana: Perceptions, Participation and Considerations for Anti-Corruption Policy

Author:
Marumo Omotoye
Publication Date:
03-2019
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
Several studies have argued that corruption has a greater impact on women than men and that increasing women’s representation in key decision-making positions has a positive effect in reducing corruption. However, limited scholarly and policy attention has been devoted to understanding the link between gender and corruption in Botswana. This paper explores the gendered differences of perceived and actual participation in bureaucratic corruption in Botswana. By examining Afrobarometer data and undertaking a documentary analysis, the study finds that while levels of perceived corruption by men and women in public institutions were high, participation in bureaucratic corruption (bribery) was considerably lower. Contrary to the notion that corruption has a greater impact on women than men, this study finds that higher levels of participation across all public service categories were reported by unemployed men, in particular, having to give a gift or a favour to avoid problems with the police. Notwithstanding the scant availability of data, the documentary analysis revealed that non-monetary forms of corruption such as sextortion (sexual extortion) have been experienced by female students and undocumented female migrants in Botswana. Nevertheless, this form of corruption has received little policy attention, despite its potential to undermine gender equality efforts. Additionally, the study finds little correlation between higher levels of women’s representation in key decision-making positions (i.e., parliament and cabinet) and lower levels of corruption in Botswana. There is a need for both the gender and anti-corruption policy framework to be synthesised in order to specifically reflect on and respond to the perceived gendered dimensions of corruption. The establishment of an independent police authority or commission might not only increase levels of public trust and confidence in the police service, but also strengthen levels of transparency and accountability.
Topic:
Corruption, Public Policy, Participation, Gender, and Perception
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

2. Public Policy Implementation Prospects and Challenges-in Botswana : A Case of the National Policy on Care for People with Disabilities

Author:
Marumo Omotoye
Publication Date:
03-2018
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
People with disabilities (PWDs) are often subjected to economic and social exclusion. This paper assesses factors that contribute to, and/or hinder the implementation of Botswana’s national disability policy. Despite the Government of Botswana’s efforts to uplift marginalised and vulnerable groups, PWDs remain disenfranchised as a result of social, physical and legislative barriers. Data was collected from secondary data sources and analysed using thematic analysis. The Analysis of Determinants of Policy Impact (ADEPT) approach, which aims to explain and influence policy development and policy impact implementation with four determinants: goals, obligations, resources and opportunities, was adopted. The study’s findings show that 22 years after its adoption, the National Policy on Care for People with Disabilities has not resulted in the desired policy outcomes, let alone achieved its objective of improving the lives of people with disabilities. While the Policy has the potential to be an important tool in achieving social inclusion and protecting the rights of PWDs, implementation gaps remain, essentially limiting its effectiveness.
Topic:
Disability and Public Policy
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

3. Financing SMEs In Botswana: Factors Influencing Access to Credit

Author:
Goitseone Khanie
Publication Date:
03-2018
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
This study examines factors influencing access to credit by SMEs in Botswana. Using the 2010 World Bank Enterprise Survey, and employing logit model for analysis, we find that access to credit is influenced by gender, citizenship and experience of the entrepreneur; as well as firm-size, sector of business,sales and land ownership. Therefore, public policy must pay attention to the diversities of SMEs’ socio-economic characteristics as well as the business environment in which they operate when implementing finance assistance progammes. Measures to develop SMEs must be carefully focused, aiming at providing incentives for financial institutions to play an active role in SME financing. Government must formulate policies that will make finance institutions relax their requirements and lending procedures which tend to discourage borrowing. Similarly, public policy must be focused on strengthening the business acumen of SMEs through trainings and workshops, such that they are perceived attractive to financiers.
Topic:
Finance, Entrepreneurship, Business, Public Policy, and Credit
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

4. Determinants of Self-Employment in Botswana

Author:
Tshepiso Gaetsewe
Publication Date:
03-2018
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
The global market is rapidly recognizing the importance of entrepreneurship and selfemployment, especially in growing the economy, creating jobs and reducing poverty. This paper employs the logit regression model to investigate the determinants of selfemployment in Botswana, using the 2009/2010 Botswana Core Welfare Indicator Survey (BCWIS) data. The results reveal that individuals who are male, citizens, educated and living in cities are less likely to be self-employed than their counterparts. On the other hand, the age of the entrepreneur positively influences the likelihood of self-employment, as well as being a widow. Public policy needs to empower females and rural dwellers in terms of skills and entrepreneurship training in order to enhance their success in their self-employment activities. In addition, government should continue with its efforts of providing assistance to the youth for entrepreneurial development in order to reduce unemployment.
Topic:
Entrepreneurship, Public Policy, Economic Development, and Self-Employment
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

5. Public Policy Implementation Prospects and Challenges in Botswana: Case of the National Policy on Care for People With Disabilities

Author:
Marumo Omotoye
Publication Date:
03-2018
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
People with disabilities (PWDs) are often subjected to economic and social exclusion. This paper assesses factors that contribute to, and/or hinder the implementation of Botswana’s national disability policy. Despite the Government of Botswana’s efforts to uplift marginalised and vulnerable groups, PWDs remain disenfranchised as a result of social, physical and legislative barriers. Data was collected from secondary data sources and analysed using thematic analysis. The Analysis of Determinants of Policy Impact (ADEPT) approach, which aims to explain and influence policy development and policy impact implementation with four determinants: goals, obligations, resources and opportunities, was adopted. The study’s findings show that 22 years after its adoption, the National Policy on Care for People with Disabilities has not resulted in the desired policy outcomes, let alone achieved its objective of improving the lives of people with disabilities. While the Policy has the potential to be an important tool in achieving social inclusion and protecting the rights of PWDs, implementation gaps remain, essentially limiting its effectiveness.
Topic:
Economics, Disability, Public Policy, Exclusion, and Society
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

6. Factors Underlying Communal Beef Cattle Marketing Decisions in Botswana: The Role of Public and Private Transfers

Author:
Tebogo Seleka and David Mmopelwa
Publication Date:
08-2011
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
This article examines factors underlying communal beef cattle marketing at a household level in Botswana, with emphasis placed on the role of public and private transfers. Results show that public and private transfers (pensions, remittances, government food rations, and food supplies from friends and relatives) discourage cattle marketing. Thus, while they are important sources of household food security, cash and food transfers may adversely impact on beef export performance in Botswana. It is therefore fundamental that public transfer programmes are well targeted to needy and poor households, in order to minimize their adverse effects on the cattle industry. On the positive side, the paper argues that public transfer programmes may assist poor farmers rebuild their cattle and other livestock inventory, contributing to transition out of inter-generational poverty.
Topic:
Development, Economics, Public Policy, Economic Development, Private Sector, and Cattle
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana