BOTSWANA  OPEN  UNIVERSITY  

BGCSE  REVISION  NOTES  

GEOGRAPHY  

BOOK  2  
 

                                                                                       

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Acknowledgements

This revision booklet is a product of many people who worked hard to see it ready for use by BOU Open
Schooling learners. BOU wishes to acknowledge contributions from the following:

Subject Specialist Programme Developer

J. Dikinya

Writers

U. Tafa

J.N Henguva

Editor

Lobakeng Eric Setabo

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Revision Book 2

Introduction
Welcome to the second revision booklet of the BGCSE Geography programme. In this booklet you will
learn about the importance, utilisation and conservation of natural resource of Botswana. Botswana is
blessed with a lot of natural resources. Natural resources are things that people can use for their own
benefit. Resources need to be conserved for people to benefit from them. These resources include water,
forests, rangelands, veld products, minerals, sunshine and wild animals.

Through revision booklet you will develop an appreciation for sustainable utilisation and management of
natural resources. The concept of sustainable development came about as a tool for the wise use of
resources globally. Sustainable development is defined as the wise use of resources by the present
generation without jeopardizing the changes of the future generations to use the same resources.

Exam hints
Final Exam questions on the topic “Utilization and management resources” mostly appear in section B of
Paper 2 BGCSE Geography. This section has two questions. Candidates are required to choose one
question from this section.

Contents List
Lesson 1: Water Resources

Lesson 2: Utilisation and Management of Animals in Botswana

Lesson 3: Utilisation and Management of Forests and Veld Products

Lesson 4: Rangelands

Lesson 5: Utilisation and Management of Water, Coal and Sun as Sources of Energy

Resources and Learning Approaches

In order to promote active learning, we engage you in several activities and by asking you questions and
asking you to share your own experiences. This is meant to give you a chance to demonstrate and enhance
your critical thinking skills. The notes are in point form and you may consult further to seek for clarity in
cases you don’t understand. You are also guided to some resources useful for learning. Most libraries in
your country do have some information on natural resources such as water.

Assessment
As you work through the revision booklet, you will come across some activities in some lessons. These
activities are meant to help you interact with your study material, reinforce what you have learnt and also

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to reflect and apply your experiences. It is therefore very important for you to do all these activities. On
completion of each topic, you are advised to go to the assignment section found at the end the unit. You
will find a self-assessment exercise for each topic. Do the exercise for the topic you have completed. This
will help cement your learning or understanding of the whole lesson or topic. Feedback for all the self-
assessment exercises is provided at the end of the booklet. If you score lower marks you must not be
discouraged, appreciate the marks and try again by going over the topic and the exercise.

The assignment self-assessment exercises are followed by a tutor-marked assessment. This should be
done after you have satisfactorily completed and marked the assignment. Submit or post your assessment,
to be marked by your tutor. You are advised to take note of and act on your tutor’s comments. You may
ask your tutor for more information or look at other resources to correct your work. If you are satisfied
with the feedback received from the tutor, you can then go on to the next booklet.

Glossary

A glossary of words that have been used in the booklet is given where necessary. These are words which
might be difficult for you to understand. The words are explained in simple ways or terms. You are also
encouraged to refer to dictionaries available in the local libraries and study centres.

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Lesson 1
Water Resources

Introduction
In the previous lessons you learnt that Botswana depends on two main water sources. These are surface
and ground water. This lesson deals with water as an important natural resource. Water is used in
agriculture, mining, manufacturing wildlife, energy as well as for domestic purposes. Note that one of its
uses is providing energy.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this unit you will be able to:
• describe the process of the hydrological cycle or water cycle.
• identify the sources of water in Botswana.
• explain the significance of water resources to human activities
• discuss the factors that make water a scarce resource while the demand is high in Botswana
• assess the negative impact of human beings on water resources
• discuss water management strategies adopted in Botswana and at a regional level to ensure water
conservation in the region
• discuss the role of Environmental Impact Assessment in environmental conservation especially in
relation to water conservation

1.0 The hydrological cycle / Water cycle

The water cycle otherwise called the hydrological cycle is the continuous recycling of water between the
sea, air and land. The following diagram (Fig 1) shows the water cycle.

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Fig 1: Water cycle

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Water_cycle.png

Water in the atmosphere reaches the earth mainly in the form of precipitation which could either be rain,
snow, fog, mist and hail . The water falling on the earth‘s surface is distributed in various ways. Some of
the water runoff the earth’s surface as rivers and streams and empty into lakes or the sea. Some of the
water sinks into the ground. The rest of the water on the land is partly absorbed by vegetation and some
lost to evaporation. From plants water is lost through transpiration. Water then returns to the atmosphere
as water vapour. The amount of water in the cycle always stays the same, neither increasing nor
decreasing.

Evaporation: Change of water from a liquid to a gaseous state due to high temperature.

Evapo-transpiration: This is a process whereby plants loose water through their leaves.

Condensation: The process whereby water changes from a gaseous state to a liquid due to a fall in
temperature.

Infiltration: A process whereby water seeps / sink into the ground.

Percolation: The flow of water underground filling the spaces between the rocks. Percolation forms
underground water

Through flow: The movement of water sideways. It normally forms a spring on a valley side

Precipitation: forms of water droplets such as fog, hail, snow, rain.

2.0 Sources Of Water

There are two main sources of water. These are:

• Surface water
• Ground water

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2.1 Surface Water

This is water that settles on the surface of the earth e.g. dams, rivers, oceans, lakes and streams. Study the
map Fig 2 below showing surface sources of water in Botswana. .

Fig 2: Surface Water

The circulation of water is influenced by either perennial or seasonal rivers.

a) Perennial Rivers

These are rivers that contain water all year round. In Botswana there are few perennial rivers. These are
the Chobe, Okavango and Boteti rivers. This means that for most of the time the country depends on
underground water by sinking or drilling boreholes. This makes water a scarce resource in Botswana that
needs to be used sustainably.

b) Seasonal Rivers

These are rivers that contain water for a short period of time especially after heavy rainfalls e.g. Tati,
Motloutse, Lotsane, Notwane etc.

c) Dams and lakes

Apart from rivers there are also dams which provide surface water (see fig3 below)

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Fig 3:Botswana Dams

2.2 Underground Water

This is water that comes from infiltration and percolation. It is water found underground in rocks called
aquifers (rocks that contain water). It is retrieved from wells and boreholes which are scattered all over
Botswana.

3.0 Authorities that Supply Water in Botswana

• Water Utilities
• Department of Water Affairs
• Local Government (Councils)

3.1 Ways in Which Local Authorities Encourage Water Conservation.

• The encourage people to re-use water.
• They have introduced pre-paid meters
• They undertake public awareness on water conservation
• They encourage people to recycle water
• They encourage people to reduce the consumption of water

3.2 Demand for Water

There are many different types of water consumers in Botswana. For this reason water as an important
resource is used for some of the following purposes.

• Construction
• Industries
• Irrigation
• Watering livestock
• Domestic use

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3.3 Reasons for Increasing Water Demand

• Increasing population
• Growth of industries such as mining
• Increase in livestock
• Growth of farms which need irrigation
• Improved lifestyles e.g. use of Jacuzzi and construction of swimming pools
• Urban growth / expansion of towns and cities
• Increase in the construction of infrastructure e.g. roads, schools etc.

4.0 Reasons for Water Scarcity in Botswana

Despite an increase in water demand in Botswana, there is a problem of water scarcity due to the
following reason:

• Semi-arid conditions of the country

• Rainfall in Botswana is unreliable
• There is a low level of underground water recharge due to high temperatures
• There are higher rates of temperatures
• Topography of the country is flat making dam construction difficult and expensive
• Many rivers are shared with other countries so it is not easy to draw water from them as a water is
an internationally shared resource e.g. Okavango, Chobe etc.
• Soils in Botswana are porous and sandy.
• Most underground water is saline rendering most boreholes not usable
• Deep water table which makes it difficult to explore underground water.

4.1 Factors that can Limit Water Supply to Different Areas

There are various factors that make it difficult for water to reach certain areas around the country. These
factors can either be physical / natural or man manmade / human.

Physical factors Human factors

Semi-arid conditions. High drilling and installation costs of

boreholes.

Unreliable rainfall Vandalizing or theft of water pipes

Low rainfall Bursting of pipes during road works.

Porous nature of soils / sandy soils International conventions limiting water usage
as a shared resource.

Salinity of underground water

Most rivers are seasonal rivers.

Deep water table

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4.2 Measures for Improving Water Supply

• Increasing water supply from other areas e.g. North – South Water career project, Molatedi dam,
Ntimbale etc.
• Education on water conservation
• Collecting and harvesting rain water e, g, water catchment tanks, wells
• Desalinisation of salty water.
• Uses of water bowsers by local government to water villages.

4.3 National Water Master Plan

North – South Water Master Plan (North South Water Carrier Project)

The government of Botswana came up with a project that was to solve the problem of water shortage. The
project was started in 1990 and is to run till 2020. The estimated cost of the project wad 1.3 billion pula.
It had two phases, phase 1 and phase 2.

Phase 1

The first phase of the project was to build Letsibogo dam on Motloutse river near Mmadinare. Under this
project water was to be piped from dams in the north of the country towards the southern part of the
country where there is a large population and industries.

Phase 2

It covers the construction of the second dam known as Dikgathong at Robelela village, The dam was
completed in 2011, This is the largest dam in Botswana with a capacity of 400 000 000 cubic metres.

The second place ended in 2013 with the construction of the second pipeline to double the supply of
water from the dams.

Advantages

• It provides water to the communities in the south of the country

• Created jobs
• Construction of dams resulted into development of infrastructure
• Water supply stimulated development of industries

5.0 Water Conservation

Water resources in Botswana are limited and the cost of developing water resources is high and will
become even higher as the population grows and human activities increase. People must therefore start
conserving water. Conserving means consuming a resource in such a way that the level of the resource is
not lowered or eventually diminished. Conservation implies that a resource is consumed forever without
being depleted. To archieve this, the motto re-use, recycle and reduce is adopted in most countries
including Botswana.

5.1 How to Conserve Water

• Reuse waste water- private households can use waste water to water their garden

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• Recycle water- harvesting effluents from sewage water works and treating them to be used again
• Installation of water catchment systems e.g wells, basement water catchment system
• Construction of dams
• Public education on water conservation
• Reduce leakages in the system by mending pipes
• Introduce pre-payment method
• Growing drought resistant plants
• Fencing/protecting water sources
• Use of water tariffs

6.0 Wetlands
Wetlands are all places in which water remains on the ground permanently or temporarily thus
affecting the physical characteristic of an area e.g Okavango delta (see Fig 4 below), Makgalagadi
pans, rivers, and dams

Fig 2: Okavango Delta

Source:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okavango_Delta#/media/File:Okavango_Delta_map.png

Importance/value of wetlands

• Source of water for irrigation, domestic use

• Source of food e.g fish, water lilies
• Source of raw material e.g reeds for building and for basket weaving
• Attracts tourists
• Used for recreational purposes e.g fishing, swimming
• They are habitat for animals e.g fish, crocodiles, hippos

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• They are means for transport

• They control floods
• Source of medicinal plants

6.1 Problems Faced by Local/Communities Living around Wetland

• Flooding
• Difficulties in transport
• Danger from wild animals
• Water borne diseases

6.2 Human Activities that Could Lead to the Destruction of Wetlands

Human Activities Destructions

• Industrialization • Pollution

• Fishing • Over fishing

• Agriculture • Over abstraction of water

• Overstocking • Over grazing

• Basketry • Over harvesting of reeds and thatch grass

• Construction • Over abstraction of sand

• Damming of rivers • Reduce water down stream, disturbs

movement of marine life and their breeding

6.3 The National Wetland Policy

It was developed to appreciate the value of wetlands and the threats facing wetlands, the aims of the
policy are as follows:

• Promote the conservation and use of Botswana’s wetlands

• Sustain the social and economic value of Botswana’s wetlands.
• Maintain the ecological functions and benefits of Botswana’s wetlands

Convention On Wetlands Of International Importance (Ramsar Convention, 1971)

The RAMSAR convention is concerned with the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands
especially water flow habitat. The convention does not dictate policies on member states, but serves as a
forum for fostering objective discussion in matters of bilateral and multi-lateral benefits to the concerned
member states on conservation and sustainable use of the source base of wetlands. The aims of the
convention are as follows

• Stopping the progressive loss of wetlands now and into the future

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• Recognize the ecological functions of wetlands

• recognize the economic, cultural scientific and recreational value of wetlands
• Encourage international cooperation
• Encourage wise use of wetlands
• Encourage research
• Take all stake holders on board on all matters pertaining to conservation and sustainable use of
wetlands

Advantages to Botswana as Party to Ramsar Convention

• Botswana has the privilege and opportunity of participating in global environmental debates and
the conservation and wise use of resources
• Botswana has access to international research funding
• Botswana will gain international expertise on wetland conservation

7.0 Water as an Internationally Shared Resource

From the water cycle and drainage patterns of rivers it is quite evident that rivers flow across boarders and
this makes water an internationally shared resource. This calls for countries to cooperate in order to share
these resources for the benefit of all. Rainfall patterns across the globe vary and this gives rise to rivers
that transcends boundaries depending on relief and altitude of the landscape. Damming or abstraction of
water from internationally shared rivers need the consent of the concerned countries.

Self-assessment Exercise 1
Time: 1 hour Total: 55 Marks

Instructions

1. Answer all the questions on a lined paper

2. The number of marks for each question is given in brackets [ ]

Section A

1. Study Fig 20. which is a photograph showing part of the ecology of the Okavango Delta,
in the northern Botswana.
 

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Fig:20  

Source:  https://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/explore/okavango-­‐delta  

(a) State two natural processes that can cause the water level of the delta to drop [2]
(b) How do people living around the delta benefit from the natural vegetation? [2]

2. Describe four human activities that could lead to the deterioration of the delta. [3]

3. It is essential to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before large projects are
developed.

  (a)  Why  is  it  necessary  to  carry  out  an  EIA?      (2)      

4. Fig. 3 below represents the water cycle.

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Fig 3: Water Cycle

(a)Write down A, B,C, and D as a list and name each of the process represented by the
letters. [4]
(b) Give any three forms of precipitation. [3]

(c) Describe the problems associated with the use of groundwater in Botswana. [3]

(d) Describe five water conservation strategies used in Botswana? [5]

Section B

5. Wetlands are common features in some parts of Botswana.

(a) Define the term wetlands. [1]

(b) Name one wetland of international recognition. [1]

(c ) Give five importance of wetlands to Botswana. [5]

(d) Describe three human activities that threaten existence of wetlands in Botswana.

(e) State three objectives of Botswana’s wetlands policy. [3]

(f) Name any three international protocols that govern the use of shared water resources.
[3]

6. Study the map of Water System in Botswana below and answer

the question that follow.

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(a) Name the surface water storage labeled 1 and 3. [2]

(b) State the difference between a perennial and seasonal rivers [2]

(c) Give two examples of perennial rivers found in the Northern Botswana. [2]

7. Water is a scarce resource in most parts of Botswana.

(a) Give five reasons why water is scarce. [5]

(b)Name three sources of ground water in Botswana. [3]

8. The amount of water used in urban areas in Botswana has increased

in recent years.

(a) Give five factors that have led to high water demand in urban areas

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[5]

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Lesson 2
Utilisation and Management of Animals in Botswana
Introduction
Welcome to lesson 2 of the BGCSE Geography Revision booklet 2. In this lesson, you will learn about
the utilisation and conservation of yet another important natural resource of Botswana wildlife and in
particular, wild animals. Since historic times, animals have been highly useful to us in providing food,
clothing and a source of income. Animals also play an important role in the ecological and biological
processes. Botswana is one of the famous African countries known for its variety of wildlife. About 90%
of the country is covered by the savannah type of vegetation which supports a great variety of wild
animals. In 2002, at least 164 species of mammals and 550 species of birds were recorded. Botswana has
also recorded the highest number of elephants in the world. The government has availed thousands of
square kilometres of land for wildlife protection. In this lesson we will discuss protection of wild animals
in these areas. We will also discuss the role of stakeholders in the sustainable utilisation and management
of wild animals in Botswana.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this unit you will be able to:
• identify and locate on a map areas of wildlife management- case study: Botswana
• discuss the importance of wild animals as a resource to Botswana’s economy
• discuss the impact of wild animals on the environment
• discuss the conflicts between the management of wild animals and other land use activities
• evaluate the role of the stakeholders (Government, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s)

1.0 Definition of Terms and Concepts

Wildlife: A country’s flora (plant life) and Fauna (Animal life)

National Park: Protected areas in which animals and plants are reserved

Game reserve: A protected area in which only animals are reserved

Endangered Species: Animals and plants that are on the brink of extinction

Photographic Tourism: Tourist activities where tourists take pictures of animals after having paid a fine

Eco-tourism: Tourism that promotes the aesthetic use of use of animals and plants

Community Based Natural Resource Management Programs: Projects set for local communities and
designed for proper management of wild life resources

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2.0 National Parks, Game Reserves and Hunting Areas in Botswana

As already mentioned in the introduction of this Unit, Botswana is one of the few countries in the world which is
still endowed with a variety of wild animals. Most of these animals are protected by the laws of Botswana in areas
called national parks or game reserves. Some of the wild animals are found in areas called Wildlife Management
Areas (WMAs) and Controlled Hunting Areas (CHAs).

The map provided below (Fig 2) shows national parks, game reserves, Wildlife Management Areas
and Controlled Hunting Areas in Botswana. Study the map carefully.

3.0 Importance of Wild Animals to Botswana

Economy Other Benefits

• Source of employment as people can be • Source of food for local communities

hired in the national parks and game
reserves
• Source of tourist attractions • Promotes relations between countries
globally

• Source of government revenue from the • Tourism promotes the influx of foreign
tourist industry currencies that boost the economy

• Source of foreign exchange • Locals sell their crafts to tourist hence

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improve their lively hoods

• It diversifies the economy • Instead of relying on the mining sector,

Batswana make a living in tourist related
activities

• Leads to the development of other • Infrastructure in the country is develop e.g.

industries e.g. service industries such as roads, hospitals, schools etc
banking, lodges, recreation etc

4.0 Impacts of Wild Animals to the Environment

Positive Negative

• Animal excretion add manure to the soil

• As animals forage and graze the rejuvenate • Animals destroy vegetation especially
vegetation elephants

• Animals create a balance on the ecosystem • Animals can cause soil erosion

• Contributes to breaking down of rocks to • They cause loss of soil structure

form soil (biological weathering)
• Movement of animals leads to soil cracks

• Animals destroy the habitat for other

creatures

5.0 Conflicts between Wildlife and other Land Users

• Conflicts between wildlife and some Batswana (Basarwa) who see wildlife as source of meat not
to be reserved or preserved.
• Conflicts between wildlife and some people who feel that dangerous animals are a constant threat
to their live, therefore it is better to kill them.
• Conflicts between wildlife and farmers – because wild animals destroy their crops and kill their
livestock but they are not allowed to kill the wild animals.
• A land that is reserved for wildlife is considered to be a loss for agricultural activities
• Conflicts between wildlife and firewood and firewood and wild fruit gatherers – all the flora and
fauna in reserved areas are not to be harvested.
• Conflicts between wildlife and expansion of settlements – land reserved for animals is a loss to
settlement expansion.

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6.0 Role of Stakeholders in the Sustainable Use of Wildlife

a) Government Role

The role of the government lies in the national conservation strategy. Conservation is encouraged through
the department of wildlife and national parks which aims at:

• Increasing education and participation by all members of the society in improving the
environment (through the Community Based Natural Resource Management)
• Protecting endangered species
• Conserving major ecosystems like the Okavango Delta
• Improving the distribution of income rewards from conservation (e.g. people whose livestock are
killed by wild animals are compensated)
• Established a balance between population growth and supply of natural resources
• Sells and advertise the country’s tourism locally and abroad
• Promote wildlife clubs in schools
• To minimize conflicts between human and wildlife population
• Controlling the wildlife population etc

b) Non-Governmental Organisations

NGO’s like Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS), Association of Wildlife Clubs of Botswana and
Somarelang Tikologo encourage conservation education through:

• Provision of funds/sponsorship for trips, research projects and environmental projects

• Provision of personnel
• Education to the locals on wildlife conservation
• Promotion of policies of conservation of wildlife
• They do research on wildlife

c) Local Community

• Directly get involved in the management and conservation of wildlife in their areas
• Promote wildlife based rural development e.g. resources based management
• Educate each other about wildlife conservation

d) Local Authority

• Allocate land for wildlife conversation e.g. land boards

• Establish rules and regulations on access and control of resources e.g rangelands
• Provide facilities such as boreholes e.g councils

e) Private Sector

• Provides guidelines in proper hunting of animals by tourists e.g safari hunters

• Provides sponsorships for community projects
• Provides training to the locals

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6.1 Ways/Methods Used to Encourage Sustainable Use of Wildlife

• Introduce anti-poaching laws
• Using hunting seasons
• Issuing of hunting licenses
• Use of conservation and national parks Act
• Public education on the importance of wildlife conservation
• Protection of endangered species

7.0 Impact of Fences (Buffalo Fence and Cordon Fences) on Animals

and the Environment
• Cause restriction of movement
• Affect the breeding of wild animals
• Vegetation along the fence get destroyed/overgrazing occurs
• Animals may get caught by fence and some may die
• It affects distribution of animal species
• Controls the spread of animal diseases e.g. foot and mouth

Self-assessment Exercise 2
Time: 1 hour Total: 30 Marks

Instructions
1. Answer all the questions in each section on a lined paper
2. The number of marks for each question is given in brackets [ ]

Section A
1. The map below shows National parks and game reserves in Botswana

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i) What is the name of the game reserve numbered 3, 5 and 5 [3]

ii) What are the names of National Parks numbered 1, 4 and 8 [3]

2. Name any two surface water sources that can be used by wild animals [2]

3. Describe the benefits of game reserves to the local communities [3]

- Creates employment
- Promotes/creation of local craft industries
- Source of income

4. Suggest why conflicts might arise between local communities and wild life management [3]

5. Discuss the negative impact of wildlife on the environment [4]

6. Suggest any two positive impact of wildlife on the environment [2]

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7. What is the role of government and local communities in the sustainable use of wild animals in
Botswana [6]

8. Describe four factors that make wildlife important to the economy of Botswana [4]

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Lesson 3
Utilization and Management of Forests and Veld
Products
Introduction
Forests and veld products are wildlife goods found naturally in an area and can be harvested by locals’ for
consumption or commercial purposes. Did you know that “almost 6 billion people from all over the world
use some product or service derived from forests every day” and that “woodlands cover approximately
one third of the earth’s land surface”? What do these figures show? They reflect the importance of forests
to humanity. In this lesson you will learn about veld and forest products that we use every day. You have
probably had a great taste of wild fruits or well fried or boiled mophane worms. These are some of the
products that we can harvest from the veld. Some products are tangible like fruits, wood and tubers.
However, some of the benefits are not tangible such as biodiversity. Check what biodiversity is in the
vocabulary section. Forests help regulate climate, help in the protection of soil and water resources and
are home to millions of plant and animal species. Forest and veld products are very important in reducing
poverty among people who live particularly in rural areas that make a living by selling these products.
Can you imagine a world without trees?

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this unit you will be able to:
§ explain the term veld and forest
§ locate areas of forests and veld in Botswana
§ identify veld and forest products
§ locate where forests and veld products are concentrated in Botswana
§ explain ways of commercialising veld and forest products
§ explain the importance of the commercialisation of veld and forest products
§ assess the environmental impact of the commercialisation of forests and veld products
§ discuss the role stakeholders can play in the sustainable use of forests and veld products.

1.0 Geographical Distribution

Forests products are mainly found in the North East (especially phane) and South East (especially morula)
because of higher rainfall in these areas meaning more trees grow here as compared to the rest of the
country. The higher rainfall areas of the East have many products e.g Lengana mosukujane, moretlwa and

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mogwana while the West have fewer but some very important ones such as sengaparile. The Okavango
Delta has many products including tswii (water lily).

2.0 Importance and Economic Benefits of the Commercialisation of

Forests and Veld Products to Stakeholders
a) Government

• Create employment
• Generate revenue which help to reduce rural- urban migration
• Diversify the economy
• Foreign exchange as some are commercially exported

b) Private Sector

• There is an organization that oversees the harvesting and the packaging of sengaparile as it is
bought from the locals and manufactured into tablets for export
• Mophane is bought by a commercial company called Worldwide Commodities and exported to
Republic of South Africa

Many small vendors are involved in the selling of veld products on the local markets

c) Local Community

• It is a source of food
• Can be used for medicinal purposes
• Way to supplement income

Examples are:

- Collection and selling of phane by thousands of people in the northern district

- Communities in Kweneng West, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi and Ngwaketse South harvest and
sells sengaparile to Thusanyo lefatsheng
- Musukudu and Musukujane are used as tea substitutes and medicinal purpose
- Mokola has helped in the development of basket making industry in Ngamiland district
which gives some type of employment or income to an estimated 2000 women
- Motshikitshane and motshikiri are prized thatch grass

d) NGO’s

• Involved in the gathering of these products

• Mainly concerned with making these activities sustainable

Examples are:

- Council for scientific and industrial research of Republic of South Africa which is trying to help
develop phane silk production
- Thusano Lefatsheng which employs extension workers to try to show people how to harvest
sengaparile without destroying the plant so it remains sustainable. It is also put quotas on
individual sellers to try to prevent overheating.

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3.0 Environmental Impact of Gathering Veld Products

• Phane trees are often destroyed by harvesters wishing to get all the worms even at the
highest level
• Extinction of some products in some areas caused by a combination of over harvesting
and draught
• Depletion of products closer to the village
• Poor harvesting methods leading to the destruction of sengaparile plant and leaving of
deep holes that can be further eroded destroying the local environment.
• Destruction of mokola palm by harvesting all its leaves
• Over harvesting thatch grass leading to range land degradation
• Fencing of land and the prevention of gatherers from entering and the overgrazing of
cattle destroying the areas of grasses and veld products.

4.0 Roles that Stakeholders and Play to Make Forests and Veld
Products Sustainable
a) Government

• Bring in legislation under the National Conservation Strategy that will make the utilization of
these resources sustainable
• Gatherers should be registered and monitored
• Quotas should be set to restrict overharvesting
• Develop commercial cultivation of these products
• Carry scientific research into these products as their not well known
• Government should give recognition to veld products as a distinct land use activity under
National Development Plans and so monitor their use more closely

b) Local Authorities

• Must look pass their needs to the future and practice selective harvesting
• Learn more about the products they are using especially proper ways of harvesting and better
ways of cultivating the product
• Set up organisations that organize education for locals, place local quotas, decide on areas to be
harvested and areas left for recuperation and market the product

c) N G O’s

• Lead the way in research and development

• Provide funding geared towards the promotion of forests and veld products

d) THUSANYO LEFATSHENG is an NGO whose objectives entail the following:

• Develop methods of cultivation, processing and marketing of indigenous trees and medicinal
plants
• Harvesting such plants in a sound and ecological manner
• The protection and cultivation of endangered plant species
• The introduction of sustainable agricultural methods
• The creation of rural employment

  27  
  

Examples of Veld Products

• Devils claw (sengaparile)

• Mosithane
• Herbal trees
• Morula
• Berries
• Morotologa
• Phane worm
• Motshikiri
• Honey

6.0 Human Factors Leading to the Destruction Of Forests

• Expansion of settlements leading to deforestation thus a reduction in the size of range lands
• Overstocking leading to overgrazing
• Overharvesting of thatch grass
• Clearing of land for agriculture
• Occurrence of veld fires
• Construction of infrastructure
• Air pollution which leads to acid rain which can kill plants
• Mining / Industries
• Lumbering

7.0 Solutions to Problems of Forests Destruction

• Afforestation – growing trees where forests has been cut
• Reforestation – planting of trees in areas with few trees
• Public awareness on forests conservation
• Use of alternative sources of energy e.g. use of gas instead of firewood
• Use of government laws/ policies e.g. use of permits for firewood collection for commercial
purposes

8.0 Forests Reserves in Botswana

Large forests occur in Chobe and some areas there have been declared forest reserves. There are 6 forest
reserves which are protected by law namely:

- Chobe forest reserve

- Kasane forest reserve
- Kasane forest extension
- Maikaelelo forest reserve
- Sibuyu forest reserve
- Kazuma forest reserves

  28  
  

Map showing forests reserves in northern Botswana

Source: COL BGCSE Geography Grade 12

The following are prohibited in these areas:

- Unauthorized cutting of trees

- Burning of grass
- The grazing of livestock
- The removal of trees to make fields

9.0 Organisations Concerned with Conservation of Forests in

Botswana
Organisation Brief Objectives Programmes

Forest It is a non- - To promote public awareness 1. Community

Association governmental and education on the based woodland
Of Botswana organization which importance of trees and natural management
(FAB) is non-profit resources 2. Home tree
making. It was - To assist in the protection of planting
formed in 1983 by forests, bush trees and shrubs 3. School
individuals - To promote forest industries programmes
concerned about and related employment 4. Agro forestry
the depletion of throughout the country
- To assist organization involved

  29  
  

natural in tree planting and fencing

extension work
- To act as a focal point for all
NGO’s forestry activities
Thusano A non- - Processing and marketing of
Lefatsheng governmental indigenous trees and medical
organization in the plants
field of forests and - Harvesting of medical and
veld products aromatic plants in a sustainable
manner
- Protection and cultivation of
endangered plants species
- Creation of rural employment

Self-assessment Exercise 3
Time: 1 hour Total: 40 Marks

Instructions
1. Answer all the questions in on a lined paper
2. The number of marks for each question is given in brackets [ ]

1 (a) In recent years Botswana has been experiencing a decline in the abundance and variety of veld
products

i) State two examples of veld products found in Botswana. [2]

ii) Account for the decline of veld products in Botswana. [4]
iii) Describe the challenges local communities are facing as the veld products decline. [3]
iv) Explain how veld products can be used in a sustainable way. [4]
v) Explain why commercialization of veld products is important for local communities [4]
vi) Suggest why commercialization of veld products may be harmful to the environment [3]

(b) The government of Botswana conserves resources such as Wildlife and forests in protected
areas.

i) Name and locate on a sketch map of Botswana two areas where wild animals are protected. [4]
ii) Name any four forests reserves in Botswana [4]
iii) Explain why forests reserves are mainly found in northern part of Botswana [2]
iv) Describe how government protects forests and wildlife [4]
v) Suggest why it is very important to conserve natural resources such as forests and wildlife [6]

  30  
  

Lesson 4
Rangelands
Introduction
Rangelands are a very important natural resource because they provide grazing land for both livestock
and wild animals. Rangelands are found all over the world. In some countries they cover large areas and
are known by names such as the prairies, savannas, pampas, scrublands and woodlands. We will discuss
the uses of range resources and look at factors causing rangeland degradation. We will also consider what
the government, the private sector; non-governmental organizations are doing in an attempt to achieve
sustainable uses of rangelands. Note that most examples will be drawn from Botswana. Studying
rangelands will help you gain insight into environmental management and will develop your ability to
think strategically. As a responsible citizen you will be able to participate effectively in the conservation
of such natural resources.

In this lesson you will be introduced to the terms range, rangeland and rangeland degradation. You will
also learn about the human and physical factors causing rangeland degradation. Finally we will discuss
rangeland management and evaluates the role of stakeholders in the sustainable use of rangelands.

Exam Hints

Utilization and management resources is examined in section B of Paper 2 BGCSE Geography.

This section has two questions and candidates are required to choose one question from this section.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson students should be able to:

• define range and range-land degradation.

• understand human and physical factor that cause rangeland degradation.
• know the effects of range-land degradation.
• understand the role of stakeholders in the sustainable use of rangelands.

1.0 Range and Rangelands

Let us start this topic by understanding the terms range and rangeland. We will start with the term
range. The term range means vegetation, that is, grasses, shrubs, forbs and trees growing naturally
in an area where domesticated and wild animals graze and or browse

It is a stretch of grazing land where animal feed or it is a land that supplies forage/vegetation for grazing
animals. It is often not fenced.

Rangeland degradation/destruction

  31  
  

It is the deterioration or reduction of grazing land for livestock by human and nature/the permanent
decline in the rate at which land yields livestock products due to human action and natural causes.

1.1 Types of rangelands

Communal – rangelands that are used by the community/general public

Commercial – rangelands that are privately owned. Divided into paddocks and the animals are monitored.

An example of a type of rangeland in Botswana is Barolong Farms.

Examples of rangelands

• Grassland
• Shrub lands
• Woodlands

1.2 Factors Influencing Rangelands

• Suitable climatic conditions
• The available soil type
• Duration of grazing in the area

2.0 Rangeland Degradation

Rangeland degradation refers to the decrease in the quality of the rangeland. This is caused by both human and
physical factors. Range degradation results in the decline in the productivity of the rangeland. Animals would lose
weight because the pastures are poor and cannot sustain them.

2.1 Human Factors Causing Rangeland Degradation

• Deforestation
• Overstocking which leads to overgrazing
• Over harvesting of thatch grass
• Veld fires
• Expansion of settlements due to population growth
• Lack of knowledge/education/poor methods of farming

2.2 Physical Factors Causing Rangeland Degradation

• Flooding due to heavy rains

• Drought/lack of rainfall
• Poor/less fertile soils
• Salinization of the soils
• Hot/high temperatures (which may cause veld fires)

2.3 Effects/Results Of Rangeland Degradation

• Soil erosion resulting in gullies and removal of top soil

• Desertification
• Loss of quality of soil

  32  
  

• Loss/low quality livestock

• Increased water run-off
• Poor pasture/lack of grass for livestock

2.4 How Rangelands Can Be Managed/Sustainable Use of Rangelands

• Ranching/fencing/paddocking to control movement of livestock

• Controlled stocking of livestock
• Practicing rotational grazing
• Growing fodder crops
• Construction of fire breaks
• Controlled cutting of vegetation
• Public education and research on rangelands
• Zero grazing
• Afforestation
• Irrigation of fodder crops rather than relying on rainfall

3.0 Government Efforts Towards Management of Rangelands

In 1975, the government introduced the Tribal Grazing Land Policy (TGLP) to prevent rangeland
degradation. The reasons/objectives of the TGLP were:

• To fence grazing areas to control movement of livestock

• To reduce overgrazing and soil erosion
• To divide land into communal, commercial and reserved farming areas
• To educate farmers on sustainable use of rangelands

However, the TGLP later failed and the government stopped its services. Though the TGLP failed it had
some successes.

Success Failures

It controlled overstocking / overgrazing in Poor management of ranges

communal areas

It encouraged use of commercial areas/ ranching Unwillingness to limit / reduce their stock numbers
by farmers

It encouraged growth and commercialization of Lack of monitoring / supervision by relevant

livestock industry authorities / extension workers

It encouraged livestock owners to adopt better Lack of knowledge / education by farmers

methods of herd and range management

  33  
  

Self-assessment Exercise 4
Time: 1 hour Total: 40 Marks

Instructions
1. Answer all the questions on a lined paper
2. The number of marks for each question is given in brackets [ ]

1 (a) Rangelands are in a state of decline in Botswana. Define  the  following  terms:        [4]  

i) Rangeland
ii) Rangeland degradation
iii) Rangeland productivity
iv) Livestock unit

2. State four human factors that cause rangeland degradation. [4]

3. Explain any four principles of good range management. [4]

4. What four things that can be done to improve a rangeland that has deteriorated
in condition. [4]

5. A large proportion of Botswana’s are protected in National Parks and

Game Reserves. The pressure on these areas is increasing because of
conflicting land uses

i) State four land uses other than National parks which are
competing with rangelands [4]  
iii) Explain how climate change and human activities cause
rangeland degradation [6]

6. Explain the role of the government and local communities in the sustainable
utilisation of rangelands in Botswana [4]

7. Describe sustainable range management practices that will keep range in a

good condition. [4]

8. Explain ways by which rangeland destruction can be prevented [6]

 

  34  
  

Lesson 5
Utilisation and Management of Water, Coal and Sun
as Sources of Energy

Introduction

Energy can be produced from natural resources. Such natural resources are water, coal and the sun.

Energy produced from water is called hydroelectric power, from coal is thermal power and from the sun

is solar energy. This lesson will discuss the above-mentioned energy sources.

Learning Objectives

§ discuss factors that influence the location and development of Hydro-Electric power (HEP) schemes
and Thermal power stations in Africa
§ describe the processes involved in generating electricity from water, coal and sun
§ discuss the advantages and disadvantages of generating power from water, coal and sun
§ evaluate the importance of hydro-electric power schemes and thermal power stations to the economy
of a country where they are located
§ evaluate the role of stakeholders such as Government and private sectors in the sustainable use of coal
§ explain the energy conservation strategies in Botswana.

1.0 Hydroelectric Power

Under this topic, the you will learn about:

• discuss factors that influence the location and development of Hydro-Electric power (HEP) schemes and
Thermal power stations in Africa
• describe the processes involved in generating electricity from water, coal and sun
• discuss the advantages and disadvantages of generating power from water, coal and sun
• evaluate the importance of hydro-electric power schemes and thermal power stations to the economy of a
country where they are located
• evaluate the role of stakeholders such as Government and private sectors in the sustainable use of coal
• explain the energy conservation strategies in Botswana.

  35  
  

1.1 The Definition of Hydroelectric power

Turner (1994) defines hydroelectric power as the electricity produced by the force of flowing

water.  

1.2 The factors influencing the location of hydroelectric power schemes

• A hard impermeable rock base.

• A deep narrow valley.
• Availability or close proximity to a perennial river.
• Presence of steep and upland relief or gradient.
• Availability of high amounts of rainfall.
• Availability of a large domestic and industrial market.

1.3 The process of generating power from running water in hydro-electrical power stations

• A lake/reservoir is built by damming a river.

• The lake is built in such a that water flows downstream at high speeds through metal pipes
known as penstocks.
• Water from the penstocks falls downstream at high pressure into turbines, which cause the
turbines to rotate.
• A shaft connects the turbines to a generator.
• As the turbine spins, it rotates the shaft, which rotates in the generator, which in turn produces
electricity by converting kinetic energy to electrical energy.
• Power produced passes through the transformers for stepping up before being transmitted by
power lines in the national grid.
• After use, the water is discharged back to the river through a passage called a tailrace.

Diagram of a hydro power station

(Certificate Physical and human Geography, Goh Cheng Leong, 1994:273)

  36  
  

1.4 The advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric power schemes

i) Advantages

• Water is a renewable resource hence it can be used for a longer period of time.
• HEP schemes are cheap to run
• HEP schemes are clean and have little pollution to the environment.
• They provide fishing and irrigation opportunities.
• Provide the opportunity for recreation and tourism.
• Provide revenue for foreign exchange
• They provide means of flood control.
• The lakes and rivers act as transport routes.

ii) Disadvantages

• It is expensive to construct the dams.

• Adversely affected by climate conditions such as drought.
• Weight of massive lakes can trigger earth tremors, which damage infrastructure.
• Lakes become breeding places for mosquitoes or water borne diseases such as malaria or
bilharzia.
• Variations in rainfall can affect the amount of electricity produced.
• Silt may collect in the dams and affect the ecosystems downstream.

1.5 A case study of an HEP scheme in Africa – Kariba HEP scheme

i) Location factors:

• Located between the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

• There is availability of water from the perennial Zambezi River.
• The Kariba gorge is large enough to provide the required large head of water.
• The base rock in the area is strong and impermeable.
• The area around Kariba receives large amounts of rainfall.
• The Zambezi river does not experience any icing.

ii) Factors that led to the Development of the Kariba HEP scheme.

• An increasing demand of electricity especially in the Copper belt of Zambia.

• Expanding manufacturing industries in the two countries.
• Increasing domestic demand due to an increase in the population.
• The need for a cheaper source of electricity other than coal.
• To reduce the growing demand from Hwange in Zimbabwe hence increasing its lifespan.

iii) Importance of Kariba HEP scheme to Zambia and Zimbabwe:

• Power supply to the industries in Zimbabwe.

  37  
  

• Power supply to the copper belt of Zambia.

• Water transport along the lakes to Mlobizi.
• Flood control to ensure safety of settlements down the valley.
• Source of fish.
• Led to the development of Kariba Township.
• Source of tourism due to water sports and scenic views.

iv) Impact of Kariba Dam on the environment:

• Flooding displaces people.

• Flooding may kill wild animals and destroy vegetation.
• Reduced volume of water downstream affects the ecosystem of the Zambezi flood plains in
Mozambique.
• Massive weight of the Kariba dam on local rocks triggers earth tremors that destroy
infrastructure.

2.0 Thermal Power Production

Under this topic you will learn;

• The definition of thermal power production.

• The factors influencing the location of a thermal power station.
• The location of Morupule power station on a sketch map of Botswana.
• The process of generating power from coal in the Morupule power station.
• The advantages and disadvantages of generating power from coal.
• The role of stakeholders (Government, NGOs, Private sector and local authorities and
communities) in the sustainable use of coal.

1.1 The definition of Thermal power production

It is the production of electricity indirectly through the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum or
natural gas.  
1.2 The factors influencing the location of a thermal power station

• Close proximity to coal supplies mainly a coal mine.

• Close proximity to a large source of water for the condensers and power generation.
• Close proximity to a well-established transport routes and network by either rail or road.
• Near a large market or population to reduce transmission costs.
• Should have a large cheap flat land for expansion.
• Not very, close to human settlements to avoid pollution.
• Placed on solid rock that can withstand the heavy weight of machinery.

  38  
  

1.3 The process of power generation at a thermal power Station

• From the storage plant, coal is delivered to the handling station where it is crushed into
powder.
• The crushed coal is fed into a furnace using a conveyor belt.
• The coal is burnt, and in the boiler, the heat produced changes water into steam.
• The steam is fed into a steam turbine at high pressure and speeds.
• The steam turns the turbine that in turn turns the generator to generate electricity by thermal
energy into kinetic energy then into electrical energy.
• The exhausted steam is passed into the condenser or cooling tower where it is cooled by the
action of cold flowing water.
• Electrical output of the generator is passed to step up transformers before being transmitted on
the national grid.

Diagram of a Thermal Power Station

Advantages and Disadvantages of Thermal Power Stations

i) Advantages:

• Initial installation costs are lower compared to HEP schemes.

• The station can be located anywhere as the coal can be transported.
• Less land is required to set up the station as compared to HEP schemes.
• The station creates large employment opportunities.
• Mining of coal encourages the development of railway lines and roads.

ii) Disadvantages:

• Coal is bulky and dirty to handle.

• It produces more pollution compared to HEP schemes.

  39  
  

• Coal is a no-renewable fuel and will eventually run out.

• The stations create a waste disposal problem from the burnt coal ash.
• The stations are generally more expensive to run compared to HEP schemes.

1.4 A Case-study of Morupule Thermal Power Station in Botswana

i) Location: Along Serowe-Palapye road/Near Palapye/Morupule.

ii) Location Factors influencing the position of Morupule Thermal Power station:

• Far from populated areas of Serowe and Palapye.

• Water is available from nearby Paje boreholes.
• Availability of coal from Morupule Colliery mine.
• Availability of large flat land for expansion East of Palapye.
• Large market available mainly from the mines and emerging industries in the country.
• Hard solid rock that can withstand the weight of machinery in Morupule.

iii) Process of power generation:

• Coal is crushed into a fine powder (Coal dust).

• The coal dust is then fed into a furnace and burns in a continuous flame.
• The burning col produces a lot of heat energy that is used to heat water and turn it into steam.
• The heated steam is forced at high pressure and speed onto the turbine.
• This rotates the turbine connected to a generator which in turn rotates to produce electricity.
• The steam is condensed back to water and discharged or may be used over and over again.
• The electricity produced is taken to step up transformers before being transmitted on the
national grid of high voltages.
• The power generation at Morupule Power Station uses a dry cooling system which uses less
water for cooling.

iv) The benefits of Morupule Power Station

• Allows Botswana to be self sufficient in power production.

• It stimulates the development of other industries.
• Reduced the importation of crude oil which was used for power production.
• Reduced the importation of electricity from South Africa hence saving Botswana’s foreign
exchange.
• It helps create employment for many Batswana.
• It provides a ready market for coal to the Morupule Colliery mine.

v) The problems of Morupule Power Station

• The running costs are high resulting in the electricity being high for customers.
• Causes air pollution which results in acid rain in the surrounding areas.
• The coal used is a non-renewable fuel.

  40  
  

• The coal ash poses a landscape problem as huge heaps on it tarnishes the beauty of the
landscape.

1.5 The role of Stakeholders in the sustainable use of Coal

• The government formulates and implements policies on the sustainable use of coal resources.
• The private sector and parastatals such as the mining companies and suppliers of electricity
ensure that environmental standards are met and observed in the production of electricity from
the mined coal.
• Local communities are encouraged to participate in the decision making on how the coal
resources in their areas will be utilised.
• Local authorities that allocate land to companies for mining coal or thermal power production
should ensure that the land is used on a sustainable way with little destruction to it.
• NGOs carry out campaigns that ensure that coal resources are used sustainable,

3.0 Solar Power (Energy)

Under this topic, you will learn;

• The definition of solar energy.
• The process of generating power from the sun.
• The advantages and disadvantages of generating power from the sun.

1.1 The Definition of Solar energy

Refers to the electricity that is produced using the energy from the sun by the action of solar cells.

1.2 The process of Generating power from the Sun using Solar Panel

• The solar panels are exposed to sunlight during the day.

• The solar panels trap the sunlight energy.
• The solar panels contain PV cells which convert the light energy into electrical energy.
• The electrical energy may be stored in batteries or used immediately.

1.3 The Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar energy

i) Advantages:

• It is relatively cheap to run since it does not require many grid-lines.

• No fuel is required as the sun is freely available.
• It has a long lasting life.

  41  
  

• It is environmentally friendly with minimal pollution.

• Solar energy is a renewable energy source.
• It can be modified to meet any type of electrical demand.

4.0 Energy Conservation Strategies in Botswana

• Policies are being formulated and implemented that ensure the wise use of energy and energy
resources.
• Constant monitoring and pricing of petroleum products to prevent subjection to abuse and
misuse.
• Laws and regulations are set up that control the trade of energy resources.

5.0 Botswana Government’s Attempts to Conserve Energy

5.1 Coal

Policies promotes sustainable use of coal through the ‘Expanded Coal Utilisation Project.’

i) Successes:

• Led to the Development of Morupule Power station for generating electricity.

ii) Failures (Reasons):

• Coal is bulky and a dirty fuel to use.

• Coal burning releases poisonous gases into the atmosphere.
• Coal is a non-renewable energy source.

5.2 Firewood

Government policies aim to encourage the sustainable cutting down of trees for use as firewood.

i) Successes:

• Rural Industries Innovative Centres have developed fuel efficient technology not based on the
use of firewood such as the Bread Oven powered by the sun.
ii) Failures (Reasons):

• People cannot be easily deterred from using firewood because it is freely available, cheap and
also free mostly.

  42  
  

5.3 Biogas

Government policies aim to encourage the use of Biogas from cow dung as an alternate
cheaper energy source.
i) Successes:

• Rural Industries Innovative Centres have developed technology and equipment for harvesting
methane from cow dung to be used as a fuel.
ii) Failures (Reasons):

• People do not know about it.

• Training of potential use has not been extensive.
• Cow dung smells a lot, and is dirty to handle.
• Cow dung is not readily available to everyone.

5.4 Solar Energy

Government encourages the use of solar energy.

Successes:

• Those with money for purchasing and installing Solar panels enjoy an alternate cheaper source
of energy.
Failures (Reasons):

• Most people cannot afford the expensive and fragile equipment.

• There is limited usage due to the varying climatic conditions and cloud cover in the country.

Self- assessment Exercise 5

Time: 1 hour Total: 40 Marks

Instructions
1. This exercise is divided into three sections
2. Answer all the questions in each section on a lined paper
3. The number of marks for each question is given in brackets [ ]

  43  
  

Section A: Thermal Power

1. Name a thermal power station in Botswana? [1]

2. Describe how the thermal power station works to produce electricity [4]
3. State five factors that should be considered when locating a thermal power station. [5].
4. Describe problems associated with the production of thermal power [4]
5. Describe the importance of Morupule power station to the economy of Botswana. [5]

Section B: Hydro Electric Power

6. Give three examples of HEP schemes in Africa [3]

7. Explain how electricity is produced in a hydro electrical power station. [4]
8. Explain the importance of HEP to the area in which it is found. [5]
9. Describe environmental problems that may be created by large hydro electric power stations. [5]
10. State physical factors that are necessary for the development of a hydroelectric power scheme.[4]

11. Why would it be difficult to develop hydroelectric power in Botswana? [4]

Section C: Solar Energy

12. State two other types of energy that are used in Botswana apart from solar energy [2]
13. Describe how electricity is produced from the sun. [4]
14. Give advantages of using solar energy [3]
15. Explain the problems associated with the production of solar energy [4]
16. Suggest Socio-economic problems that may result from shortage of power. [5]
17. Describe different ways in which energy might be conserved [5]
18. Explain what the government of Botswana is doing in an effort to address the problem of power
shortage in the country. [3]
19. Suggest how a power station such as Morupule may negatively affect people living near it. [3]

  44  
  

Answers to Self-assessment Exercise 1

Section A

1. (a) -Evaporation

- Transpiration
- Infiltration [2]

(b)-source of foods

- -source of reeds and grass

- -balances the eco- system
- -provides fuel wood [2]
2. Human activities deteriorating the delta

- pollution
- over- extraction of water
- over harvesting of the vegetation/ overgrazing
- illegal hunting [3]

3. Importance of EIA

- It helps assess the possible impact on the environment that a project is likely to
have
- it prevents environmental destruction of a project.
- it leads to sustainable development which minimizes negative environmental impact
of development [2]

4. (a) A- Infiltration
B-Rainfall
C- Overland flow
D-Evapotranspiration [4]
b) Rain, Ice, Hail, Snow. [3]
c) -Salty/Saline
- Little recharge due to drought or unreliable rainfall
- Too deep to reach/ expensive to extract

d) -reuse water

- recycle waste
- install water catchment system
- construction of dams
- public education

  45  
  

- consumer pays the bills [5]

Section B

5. (a)Wetlands are all places in which water remains on the ground permanently or
temporarily thus affecting the physical characteristics of an area. [1]
(b)The Okavango Delta [1

(c) -tourist attraction

- employment
- recreation
- source of food(fishing)
- Navigation/transport [5]
(d) -pollution

- -overgrazing
- -overfishing
- -over abstraction of water
- -illegal hunting [3]
(e) -education

- -conservation
- -rehabilitation of wetlands [3]
(f) -Helsinki Rules.

- Ramsar Convention.
- The Permanent Commission of the Okavango Basin.
- SADC Protocol. [3]

6. (a) 1-Gaborone Dam

3- Mopipi dam [2]

(b)Perennial river is a river that has water flowing throughout the year while a
seasonal river is a river flows only during the rainy season. [2]

(c)-Chobe river

- Okavango river [2]

7. (a) -semi arid conditions

- unreliable rainfall

  46  
  

- drought
- underground water recharge
- high rate of evaporation
- flat topography makes the construction of dams difficult and costly.
Main water systems are shared with other countries thus it is not easy to interfere with
them. [5]

(b)- wells

- springs
- boreholes [3]

8. (a)-rapid rate of urbanization

- industrialization
- increase in human population
- development of the mining section
- high rate of rural to urban migration and
- the expansion of major villages

Answers to Self-assessment Exercise 2

1. (i) The name of the game reserve numbered 3, 5 and 5 [3]
- 3: Moremi Game Reserve
- 5: Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- 9: Mashathu Game Reserve
(ii) The names of National Parks numbered 1, 4 and 8 [3]
- 1: Chobe National Park
- 4: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
- 8: Kalahari Transfrontier Park
2. Two surface water sources that can be used by wild animals [2]

Rivers and dams

3. Benefits of game reserves to the local communities [3]

- Creates employment
- Promotes/creation of local craft industries
- Source of income
-
4. Why conflicts might arise between local communities and wild life management [3]
- Destruction of crop fields by wild animals – farmers consider compensation as low or very
little
- Attacks and killing of people and livestock by wild animals – Compensation is considered
low or very little
- Conflicts over land for grazing – or expansion of wildlife protected areas into communal
pastoral lands or land for settlements
- Expansion of human settlements into wildlife areas OR of wild life areas into communal
grazing areas

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5. The negative impact of wildlife on the environment [4]

- Soil erosion
- Deforestation
- Pollution of water resources
- Desertification
- Land degradation

6. Two positive impact of wildlife on the environment [2]

- Animal excretion add manure to the soil
- As animals forage and graze the rejuvenate vegetation
- Animals create a balance on the ecosystem
- Contributes to breaking down of rocks to form soil (biological weathering)

7. The role of government and local communities in the sustainable use of wild animals in Botswana
[6]

Government    

- increasing education and participation by all members of the society in improving the
environment (through the Community Based Natural Resource Management)
- Protecting endangered species
- Conserving major ecosystems like the Okavango Delta
- Improving the distribution of income rewards from conservation ( e.g. people whose
livestock are killed by wild animals are compensated)
- Established a balance between population growth and supply of natural resources
- Sells and advertise the country’s tourism locally and abroad
- Promote wildlife clubs in schools
- To minimize conflicts between human and wildlife population
- Controlling the wildlife population

Local communities

- Directly get involved in the management and conservation of wildlife in their areas
- Promote wildlife based rural development e.g. resources based management
- Educate each other about wildlife conservation
- Establish Community-based Natural Resource Management Projects
8. Four factors that make wildlife important to the economy of Botswana [4]
- Employment creation – over 8000 people are employed in wildlife protected areas and
tourism related sectors
- Source of foreign exchange- from gate fees or takings, camping fees, vehicle fees entering
game parks or reserves
- Source of government revenues from visas, taxes, hunting licences
- Development of infrastructure- this includes building of roads, shopping malls and hotels
- Promotion od local craft industry such as baskets, tapestry, pottery, sculpturing

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Answers to Self-assessment Exercise 3

1 i) Two examples of veld products found in Botswana. [2]

• Devils claw (sengaparile)

• Mosithane
• Herbal trees
• Morula
• Berries
• Morotologa
• Phane worm
• Motshikiri
• Honey

ii) Account for the decline of veld products in Botswana. [4]

• Expansion of settlements leading to deforestation thus a reduction in the size of range lands
• Overstocking leading to overgrazing
• Overharvesting of thatch grass
• Clearing of land for agriculture
• Occurrence of veld fires
• Construction of infrastructure
• Air pollution which leads to acid rain which can kill plants
• Mining / Industries
• Lumbering

iii) Describe the challenges local communities are facing as the veld products decline. [3]
• Shortage of their source of food
• Depletion of plants medicinal purposes
• Declining or no supplement income

iv) How veld products can be used in a sustainable way. [4]

• Bring in legislation under the National Conservation Strategy that will make the utilization of
these resources sustainable
• Gatherers should be registered and monitored
• Quotas should be set to restrict overharvesting
• Develop commercial cultivation of these products
• Carry scientific research into these products as their not well known
• practice selective harvesting
• practice proper ways of harvesting and better ways of cultivating the product
• education for locals, place local harvesting quotas
• decide on areas to be harvested and areas left for recuperation

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• Using sustainable methods of cultivation, processing and marketing of indigenous trees and
medicinal plants
• Harvesting such plants in a sound and ecological manner
• The protection and cultivation of endangered plant species
• The introduction of sustainable agricultural methods
• The creation of rural employment

v) Why commercialization of veld products is important for local communities [4]

• Create employment
• Generate revenue which help to reduce rural- urban migration
• Diversify the economy
• Foreign exchange as some are commercially exported

vi) Why commercialization of veld products may be harmful to the environment [3]
• Vegetation is destroyed
• Extinction of some products in some areas caused by a combination of over harvesting and
draught
• Depletion of products closer to the village
• Poor harvesting methods leading to the destruction of some plant and leaving of deep holes that
can be further eroded destroying the local environment.
• Over harvesting thatch grass leading to range land degradation

(b) The government of Botswana conserves resources such as Wildlife and forests in protected
areas.

vi) Four forests reserves in Botswana [4]

• Chobe forest reserve
• Kasane forest reserve
• Kasane forest extension
• Maikaelelo forest reserve
• Sibuyu forest reserve
• Kazuma forest reserves

vii) Why forests reserves are mainly found in northern part of Botswana [1]

Higher amount of rainfall

viii) How government protects forests and wildlife [4]

• Afforestation – growing trees where forests has been cut
• Reforestation – planting of trees in areas with few trees
• Public awareness on forests conservation
• Use of alternative sources of energy e.g. use of gas instead of firewood

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• Use of government laws/ policies e.g. use of permits for firewood collection for commercial
purposes

ix) Why it is very important to conserve natural resources such as forests and wildlife [6]
• wildlife helps in maintaining the eco-logical balance of nature.
• Wildlife/forests provide food for both humans and animals
• Forests help to maintain or mitigate climate change
• Forests help in regulating the hydrological cycle
• Wildlife provide important resources such as wood, medicine
• Forests prevent soil erosion
• Forests provide habitat for animals
• Forests provide jobs for many people across the world
• Wildlife is a source of income from touism and processing industries
• Forests store carbon and release oxygen

Answers to Self-assessment Exercise 4

1 (a) Define the following terms: [4]

 

i) Rangeland : Rangelands are vast natural landscapes or natural open spaces in the form of grasslands,
woodlands, shrublands and deserts.

ii) Rangeland degradation : It is the reduction of land productivity resulting from inappropriate use of the
land.

iii) Rangeland productivity : How much food the range produces for the livestock.

iv) Livestock unit: Livestock Unit- Is the weight of an adult livestock equivalent to about 500kg live
weight

2. State four human factors that cause rangeland degradation. [4]

• Veld fires
• Overstocking
• Deforestation
• Pollution from mines and industries

3. Explain any four principles of good range management. [4]

• Balance the animal population with available forage.

• Use the kind of livestock most suited for the available forage.
• Practice rotational grazing.
• Distribute animals evenly over the entire rangeland.
• Control bush encroachment.

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• Distribute watering points evenly over the rangeland.

• Conserve some forage for dry season feeding.
• Replace dead or old plants with new ones.

4. What four things that can be done to improve a rangeland that has deteriorated in condition. [4]
• practicing correct stocking
• fencing grazing land
• controlling the spread of trees and shrubs
• controlling veld fires
• providing enough water
• controlling soil erosion
• controlling weeds
• controlling grazing.

5. A large proportion of Botswana’s are protected in National Parks and Game Reserves. The pressure on
these areas is increasing because of conflicting land uses

j) State three land uses other than National parks which are competing with rangelands [3]
• Setlements expansion
• Arable farming
• Infrastructure developments such as roads
• Industrial and mining developments

iv) Explain how climate change and human activities cause rangeland degradation [6]

Human causes are:

• Veld fires
• Land clearance for other activities
• Overstocking
• Deforestation
• Poor land management
Climate change factors are:
• Drought
• Bush encroachment
• Increased wildlife populations  
• Veld fires

6. Explain the role of the government and local communities in the sustainable utilisation of rangelands in Botswana
[4]

Botswana Government ensures sustainable utilisation of rangelands through its

policies on land control and management policies like TGLP. The rangelands are
divided into 3 categories namely; commercial, communal and reserved.

Local Authorities
Local authorities in Botswana include, Land Boards, District Councils and District
Administration Officers. They are charged with the responsibility of land use
planning and management in rural areas. They also engage experts to determine
carrying capacities of their rangelands. They are responsible for ensuring that

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members of their respective communities adhere to set stocking rates.

7. Describe sustainable range management practices that will keep range in a good condition.
• fencing grazing land
• controlling the spread of trees and shrubs
• controlling veld fires
• providing enough water
• controlling soil erosion
• controlling weeds
• controlling grazing.

8. Explain ways by which rangeland destruction can be prevented [4]

• Practicing correct stocking.
• Controlled grazing.
• Having enough watering points which are well distributed in the rangeland.
• Using the kind of animals suited for the available forage or vegetation.
• Distributing animals evenly in the rangeland.
• Protect range and rangeland from soil erosion.
• Avoid uncontrolled and indiscriminate burning of the rangeland.

Answers to Self-assessment Exercise 5

Section A: Thermal Power

1. Name of thermal power station in Botswana – Morupule [1]

2. How the thermal power station works to produce electricity [4]

• Coal is burnt
• Water is heated into steam
• Steam turns turbines
• Generator produces electricity
3. Five factors that should be considered when locating a thermal power station. [5]

• Near a coal mine (Morupule).

• Near water sources for water supply (give names of those water sources) for example with
Morupule the water sources are Paje boreholes.
• Flat land
• Along road/railway line
• Large area of land
• Near large centre of population/market
• Near settlements with large labour supply.
4. Problems associated with the production of thermal power [4]

• Pollution
• Dirty

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• Expensive to maintain e.g Transport

• Coal is bulky
• Non-renewable
• Difficulty to dispose of waste
5. The importance of Morupule power station to the economy of Botswana. [5]

• Self sufficient in power production

• Promotion of industries
• Source of employment
• Promotes infrastructural development
• Cheaper local power
• Source of revenue
• Reduces reliance on imports
• Economic diversification.

Section B: Hydro Electric Power

6. Three examples of HEP schemes in Africa [3]

• Akosombo
• Bassa
• Kariba
• Cabora
• Aswan
• Lesotho highlands Water project
• Verwoerd

7. How electricity is produced in a hydro electrical power station. [4]

• Water held in reservoir/lake

• Forced through pipes/penstock
• Turns turbines
• Generator produces electricity

8. The importance of HEP to the area in which it is found. [5]

• Employment
• Tourism/recreation
• Water supply
• Fishing on the reservoir
• Export of electricity
• Cheap labour
• Development of industry
• Controls flooding
• Navigation

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9. Environmental problems that may be created by large hydroelectric power stations. [5]

• Flooding due to wall breaking or overflow

• Deforestation during clearance for the dam/lake
• Species migration/destroys animal habitat
• Earth tremors due to huge volume of water
• Water borne diseases
• Silting/ silt accumulates behind dam wall and fertile soils trapped affecting Agriculture
• Water flow disrupted by dam wall affecting areas downstream
• Displacement of people to give way for the development of the project.

10. Physical factors that are necessary for the development of a hydroelectric power scheme. [4]

• Narrow deep valley

• Hard rock
• Steep gradient/slope
• Large/constant water supply

11. Why it would be difficult to develop hydroelectric power in Botswana. [4]

• Low/ unreliable rainfall

• Flat terrain
• Lack of narrow deep gorges
• Small domestic market
• Few perennial rivers
• Expensive
• International shared rivers
• Porous rocks.

Section C: Solar Energy

12. Two other types of energy that are used in Botswana apart from solar energy [2]

• Thermal
• Fuel wood
• Bio gas
• Wind mills
13. How electricity is produced from the sun. [4]

• Solar panel is exposed to the sun

• Rays from the sun are trapped in photovoltaic cells in the solar panel.
• Photovoltaic cells convert solar energy into electrical energy.
• Electricity is stored in a battery.

14. Advantages of using solar energy [3]

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• Renewable
• Pollution free
• Readily available
• Cheaper to maintain
• Can be installed anywhere.

15. The problems associated with the production of solar energy [4]

• Expensive equipment/lack of capital

• Limited supply-cant run many appliances
• No production of electricity when cloudy
• Fragile equipment-easy to break/costly
• Lack of education/awareness-no exposure
• Theft/vandalism

16. Socio-economic problems that may result from shortage of power. [5]

• Loss of jobs
• Closure of some business
• Increase in crime
• Decline in service delivery
• Slow industrial development
• Interruptions of daily activities
• Decline in quality of life/standard of living

17. Different ways in which energy might be conserved [5]

• Education
• Load shedding
• Use of prepaid meters
• Switch off appliances that are not in use
• Increased tariffs
• Use of low voltage bulbs
• Use of renewable/alternative sources

18. What the government of Botswana is doing in an effort to address the problem of power shortage in

the country. [3]

• Expansion of Morupule power station to increase power supply

• Education on conservation e.g. through media
• Importation of electricity e.g. HEP from Zambia supply Kasane to increase supply
• Introduction of prepaid meters (to ensure users are more accountable)
• Power cuts or load shedding (to temporarily reduce usage)

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19. How a power station such as Morupule may negatively affect people living near it. [3]

• Risk of respiratory diseases (asthma)

• Pollution (Noise, Air)
• Relocation for expansion/ competition for land
• Risk/danger of explosion.

References

Leong, C. G,. (1994). Certificate Physical and Human Geography. Oxford University press: New York

Phillipson, O., & Milner, S,. (2006). Longman Geography for IGCSE. Pearson Education Limited

Waugh, D., (1998). The new wider world. Oxford University Press

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