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Begin New Search Content Type Working Paper Publishing Institution Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis

41. 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

42. Impact of Internationalization on Firm Performance in Botswana

Author:
Goitseone Khanie
Publication Date:
08-2018
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
Internationalization can affect a firm’s performance. This study determines how a firm’s engagement in international business activities affects its performance in Botswana. The study uses the Ordinary Least Squares method to regress firm performance over the degree of internationalization index (DOI), a composite variable of export intensity, import intensity and FDI intensity and control variables, size of the firm and the industry in which the firm operates. The results show that there is a positive relationship between firm performance and the degree of internationalization. This implies that among other growth strategies, internationalization can be considered as an important strategy to improve firm performance. The policy implication of these results is that efforts should be made to assist firms to internationalize their operations as a way of improving their performance.
Topic:
Economy, Business, Internationalization, and Firm Growth
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

43. Financial Development and Economic Growth in Botswana

Author:
Kedibonye Sekakela
Publication Date:
03-2018
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
The study examines the interrelationships between financial development, economic growth, capital accumulation and productivity growth in Botswana over the period 1980-2014. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound test technique, we find that financial development, measured by private credit, has a negative and significant impact on economic growth both in the long and short run. In contrast, we observe that financial development, measured by liquid liabilities, has a positive and significant impact on economic growth in the short run. Furthermore, the empirical results show that the interrelationship between FD (private credit) and economic growth support the supply leading hypothesis while the interrelationships between FD (liquid liabilities) and economic growth support the demand-following hypothesis. On a positive note, the empirical evidence also suggests that financial development (private credit) leads to higher output level in Botswana through promoting the accumulation of assets. Thus, for financial development to promote economic growth through both the accumulation of capital and productivity growth, it is useful to further develop Botswana’s financial market. Efficient financial institutions may encourage innovation by mobilising resources to finance promising investment projects, evaluating prospective entrepreneurs and allowing investors to diversify the risks related to uncertain innovative activities. It is also crucial to improve the investment environment in Botswana which will encourage lending activities by the financial sector, especially towards the business sector. Furthermore, if diversification of the Botswana economy continues, we can expect the financial development to play a more prominent role in the country’s overall economic performance in the future.
Topic:
Development, Finance, Economic Growth, Productivity, and Capital Accumulation
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

44. Determinants of Tourism Demand in the SADC Region

Author:
Johane Moilwa Motsatsi
Publication Date:
03-2018
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
This study estimates the determinants of tourism demand in Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region using Generalised Least Squares (GLS) estimation procedure and panel data for the period 1997-2015. The results obtained suggest that the elasticities of tourism demand with respect to real capital investment on the tourism sector, real exchange rate, real gross domestic product (GDP), proportion of population with access to internet and global peace index are positive, while that with respect to inflation rate is negative. These results imply that for any country in the SADC region to attract more arrivals of tourists: it should invest significantly on the tourism sector, in terms of upgrading tourism infrastructure; implement exchange rate policy that is favourable to international tourists; and promote a reputation of being a peaceful and less corrupt country. Since tourism has strong linkages with other economic sectors, it is an ideal prospect for economic diversification.
Topic:
Development, Tourism, Diversification, and Regional Economy
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

45. Determinants of Service Sector Growth in Botswana

Author:
Mpho Raboloko
Publication Date:
03-2018
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
This study examines the factors affecting service sector growth and development in Botswana. Using annual time series data from 1980 to 2015, the study employs the auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) estimation technique to identify the factors that contribute to service sector growth. The results show that gross national expenditure, domestic credit to the private sector and gross fixed capital formation contribute positively to the growth of the service sector in Botswana. However, trade openness is found to negatively impact the growth of service sector in the country. The policy implication of the results is that in formulating service oriented policies, government should focus on factors that augment the growth of services sector. Specifically, government should increase spending on the service sector and its sub-sectors. Also, the banking sector should avail credit to the private sector as this is essential for the growth and development of the service sector.
Topic:
Development, Economic Growth, Services, and Capital Formation
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

46. Revealed Comparative Advantage in the Global Citrus Market and Implications for South Africa

Author:
Tebogo Seleka and Ajuruchukwu Obi
Publication Date:
03-2018
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
This paper adopts the Normalized Revealed Comparative Advantage (NRCA) index and data for the period 1961-2013 to examine comparative advantage among the leading citrus exporters in the global market and draws implications for South Africa’s citrus industry. Results reveal that Spain was the most competitive citrus exporter throughout the review period. South Africa (SA) improved steadily over time from position four to position two, surpassing Italy and Morocco in the process. Morocco, which ranked between positions two and four, was also surpassed by Turkey, which improved from position ten during the period 1961-1965 to position three during 2006-2010. Trend analyses of the annual NRCA scores indicate that Turkey is on the verge of surpassing SA in terms of competitiveness. Broadly, the results indicate that SA experienced weakening comparative advantage during the apartheid era, owing partly to trade sanctions by several European countries. With the end of apartheid and the subsequent removal of the sanctions, the situation has vastly improved, further yielding a rise in SA citrus competitiveness in the global market.
Topic:
Global Markets, Economy, Exports, and Competition
Political Geography:
Africa and South Africa

47. 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

48. 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

49. Technology and the Nature of Active Citizenship: The Case of Botswana

Author:
Molefe B. Phirinyane
Publication Date:
10-2016
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
The use of technology in citizen participation has grown phenomenally in developed countries, but is emergent in most developing countries. Accessibility and the functionality of information and communication technologies such as telephone, cellular phone and internet have profound effect on citizen participation in politics, policy making and implementation. This study applies a case study methodology to understand the relationship between technology and the nature of active citizen participation in developing countries, using Botswana as a case example. The penetration and use of the information and communication technologies in politics and the policy-making process in Botswana remains low. Botswana first laid in place the policy, legal and institutional frameworks to guide its development of ICTs in her governance system. The country has since made significant gains on providing ICT infrastructure countrywide, and reducing the costs associated with accessing these where available. The country has registered improvements on all indicators on Technological readiness, further strengthening the country’s path on the adoption ICTs in its governance process.The findings suggest that countries should take the responsibility for, and be committed to, creating a conducive environment for the ICT industry to thrive while not losing focus of the ultimate objective of citizen participation.
Topic:
Communications, Citizenship, Participation, Information Technology, and E-Government
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

50. Strengthening Local Government Service Delivery Systems Through the Open Government Initiative: The Case of Botswana

Author:
Naledi C. Madala and Molefe B. Phirinyane
Publication Date:
09-2016
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
The Government of Botswana has, and continues to promote local government as an instrument of decentralization and public participation for local level governance and service delivery. Local authorities (LAs) are at the forefront of the provision of basic services to the local communities. The LAs are also a major channel for the use of public resources as exemplified by the significant budget allocations committed to them. It is, therefore, important that they conduct their business in the most effective and efficient manner. In order for public sector systems to deliver effective localized services, LAs in Botswana should be gradually transformed from bodies that are mainly concerned with pushing services but to proactively engage their citizens and represent their communities’ interests. Considering the extent of responsibilities of the local government authorities, there is a need to set clear expectations and have structures to ensure that local bodies respond to local needs by conducting local development in a timely, inclusive, open, honest and accountable manner. As some of the many efforts required to improve governance and service delivery in the country this paper proposes the establishment and operationalisation of an Open Local Government Framework, within which local bodies will be supported to make extensive local government information available online as part of an online LA notice board. This paper also recommends for the production of a Local Authority Data Book as a foundation for evidence-based policy-making and policy implementation.
Topic:
Government, Governance, Public Sector, Data, and E-Government
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

51. Examining Evidence of Feminization of Poverty in Botswana

Author:
Khaufelo Lekobane and Keneilwe S. Mooketsane
Publication Date:
10-2015
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
Poverty in Botswana is more pronounced in female-headed households (FHHs) especially those residing in rural areas where employment opportunities are limited. Similarly, the proportion of the FHHs to the total poor increased between 2002/03 and 2009/10. However, no study has so far analyzed whether feminization of poverty has occurred. This paper therefore, examines feminization of poverty in Botswana using the 2009/10 Botswana Core Welfare Indicator Survey and the 2002/03 Household Income and Expenditure Survey datasets. The results indicate no evidence of feminization of poverty (at both national and regional levels). However, the results reveal evidence of feminization of poverty amongst the married couples, the widowed, the divorced, the unemployed, those working in own farms and the self-employed. Therefore, public policy should focus on gender sensitive poverty alleviation strategies, with specific focus on the vulnerable FHHs, especially the divorced/separated and the widowed, in order to fully address the feminization of poverty amongst these groups.
Topic:
Poverty, Women, Economic Development, and Gender
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

52. Public Transfers and Subsistence Producer Disincentives in Botswana

Author:
Tebogo B. Seleka and Khaufelo R. Lekobane
Publication Date:
03-2014
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
This paper investigates the disincentive effects of public transfers on subsistence producers in Botswana. Comparative statics analyses indicate that public transfers would not affect farm production when profit and utility maximization decisions are recursive, with the profit maximization decision made first. However, when such decisions are interdependent, public transfers would lead to a reduction in farm output. Empirical results reveal that social pensions have impacted positively on cultivated area, but have had no impact on cereal yields and output. However, government food rations have impacted adversely on cultivated area, yields and output; they are a disincentive to crop production because they are relatively more sizable, consistent and certain. This, it is argued, is because food packages are directly substitutable for subsistence crop production. Therefore, public policy in Botswana should consider moving away from food to cash transfers to minimize such disincentive effects.
Topic:
Agriculture, Welfare, Safety Net, Work, and Public Transfers
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

53. Determinants of Household Welfare and Poverty in Botswana, 2002/03 and 2009/10

Author:
Khaufelo R. Lekobane and Tebogo B. Seleka
Publication Date:
05-2014
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
This paper investigates household determinants of welfare and poverty in Botswana. Using the 2002/03 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) and the 2009/10 Botswana Core Welfare Indicator Survey (BCWIS), and employing regression analysis, we identify education level and employment status of the household head, as some of the key determinants of household welfare and poverty in Botswana. Moreover, we find that residing in rural areas increases the likelihood of being poor and negatively relates to welfare. Therefore, public policy must continue to emphasize on education and job creation amongst the strategies for poverty reduction in Botswana. Still, initiatives for rural development are also critical for poverty reduction.
Topic:
Development, Poverty, Welfare, Consumption, and Income
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

54. Integrated Results Based Management in Botswana: Institutions, Documentation and Progress to Date

Author:
Gape Kaboyakgosi and Lillian Mookodi
Publication Date:
09-2014
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
National and international pressure on governments to provide tangible and demonstrable results for public action has become a major preoccupation of many governments and international donors (Kettl, 1997; Norman, 2002; Moynihan, 2006; Mayne, 2007). The Integrated Results Based Management (IRBM) system has been found to be a very powerful instrument for achieving this aim (World Bank, 2001; Koshy and Thomas, 2007; OECD, 2009). This paper analyses Botswana’s efforts at implementing the IRBM system. IRBM is a way of reforming public sectors through helping governments focus on proper, well-timed achievement of relevant goals and objectives. Such reform is carried out through the utilisation of strategic planning, systematic implementation and resource usage, performance monitoring, measurement and reporting as well as systematic use of performance information to improve policy decision making and programme performance at all levels (Koshy and Thomas, 2007). IRBM is, therefore, a way of improving implementation by linking budgetary and human resources systems, and producing timely quality information that is linked through entire government organs.
Topic:
Governance, Institutions, Management, and Strategic Planning
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

55. The Impact of Trading with China on Botswana’s Economy

Author:
Kedibonye Sekakela
Publication Date:
09-2014
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
The objective of this paper is to examine the impact of trading with China on Botswana’s domestic and third markets. The paper also assesses the structure and magnitude of Botswana-China bilateral trade. Botswana’s trade balance with China has been widening over the past decade, with Botswana mainly exporting primary products and importing intermediate and capital goods, which are mainly used as inputs in the development of infrastructure in the country. The increased import penetration from China is associated with Botswana’s reduced total manufacturing output. China’s Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) exports gained market share from Botswana’s TCF exports in the third markets, that is South Africa. There is a need to consider ways of enhancing Botswana’s export competitiveness and there are also lessons to be learnt from China in relation to enhancing productivity in the TCF and other exporting industries.
Topic:
Development, Markets, Bilateral Relations, Infrastructure, and Exports
Political Geography:
Africa, China, Asia, and Botswana

56. Towards a Diversified Economy: A Preliminary Assessment of the Potential, Prospects and Challenges for Electricity Exports from Botswana

Author:
Margaret Sengwaketse
Publication Date:
07-2014
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
The paper assesses the prospects and challenges of coal-fired power exports in Botswana. Specifically, the study analyses how supply factors, that is, resource availability; environmental concerns; infrastructure and technology as well as demand factors are likely to affect the development of thermal power exports in Botswana. The study concludes that coal resources are sufficient to support exports of thermal power and that technology on coal-fired power plants is available, reliable and mature. However, environmental concerns associated with coal-fired power generation; the high costs of construction and maintenance of power plants; regional demand factors, including the increasing competition from renewable sources of energy are major factors in the feasibility of the development of coal-fired electricity exports in Botswana.
Topic:
Development, Environment, Science and Technology, Infrastructure, Diversification, Exports, and Electricity
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

57. Public Transfers and Subsistence Producer Disincentives in Botswana

Author:
Tebogo Seleka
Publication Date:
03-2014
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
This paper investigates the disincentive effects of public transfers on subsistence producers in Botswana. Comparative statics analyses indicate that public transfers would not affect farm production when profit and utility maximization decisions are recursive, with the profit maximization decision made first. However, when such decisions are interdependent, public transfers would lead to a reduction in farm output. Empirical results reveal that social pensions have impacted positively on cultivated area, but have had no impact on cereal yields and output. However, government food rations have impacted adversely on cultivated area, yields and output; they are a disincentive to crop production because they are relatively more sizable, consistent and certain. This, it is argued, is because food packages are directly substitutable for subsistence crop production. Therefore, public policy in Botswana should consider moving away from food to cash transfers to minimize such disincentive effects.
Topic:
Agriculture, Labor Issues, Food, Welfare, and Safety Net
Political Geography:
Botswana and Africa

58. SACU Revenue Sharing Formula: Towards a Developmental Agreement

Author:
Roman Grynberg and Masedi Motswapong
Publication Date:
07-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
The South African Customs Union (SACU) Revenue Sharing Formula (RSF) has been revised substantively twice; once in 1969 and in 1994-2002 since the creation of the customs union in 1910 and each time the changes in the treaty were a reflection of the historic changes occurring in Southern Africa. The apartheid regime created a RSF that served to increase the share of revenue of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland (BLS), leaving the South African share as a residual of revenues. As this made South Africa a residual claimant it was unsustainable and required reform in the post-apartheid era. The 2002 formula increased the share to the Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland (BNLS) and removed South Africa as a residual claimant but did not change the fundamental economic relationship between members. While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) supports orthodox fiscal adjustment imbalances this paper argues that the order of magnitude makes those adjustment implausible and a new political arrangement is needed between South Africa and Lesotho and Swaziland to create a viable way forward for Southern African Development Community (SADC). It is argued that even in the case of Botswana and Namibia a new developmental formula, based on investing SACU revenues for regional and national development projects is needed to relieve those countries that have suffered the effects of polarization.
Topic:
Development, Economics, Customs, and Revenue Sharing
Political Geography:
Africa and South Africa

59. SACU Revenue Sharing Formula: Towards a Development Agreement

Author:
Masedi Motswapong and Roman Grynberg
Publication Date:
07-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
The South African Customs Union (SACU) Revenue Sharing Formula (RSF) has been revised substantively twice; once in 1969 and in 1994-2002 since the creation of the customs union in 1910 and each time the changes in the treaty were a reflection of the historic changes occurring in Southern Africa. The apartheid regime created a RSF that served to increase the share of revenue of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland (BLS), leaving the South African share as a residual of revenues. As this made South Africa a residual claimant it was unsustainable and required reform in the post-apartheid era. The 2002 formula increased the share to the Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland (BNLS) and removed South Africa as a residual claimant but did not change the fundamental economic relationship between members. While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) supports orthodox fiscal adjustment imbalances this paper argues that the order of magnitude makes those adjustment implausible and a new political arrangement is needed between South Africa and Lesotho and Swaziland to create a viable way forward for Southern African Development Community (SADC). It is argued that even in the case of Botswana and Namibia a new developmental formula, based on investing SACU revenues for regional and national development projects is needed to relieve those countries that have suffered the effects of polarization.
Topic:
Development, Regional Cooperation, Regional Integration, Economic Development, Integration, and Economic Cooperation
Political Geography:
Africa, South Africa, and Botswana

60. Do Public Transfers Discourage Farmer Participation in Subsistence Crop Production? Empirical Evidence from Botswana

Author:
Khaufelo R. Lekobane and Tebogo B. Seleka
Publication Date:
08-2011
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
We analyze the impact of public food and cash transfers on farmer participation in Botswana’s subsistence arable agriculture. The results indicate that publicly provided social pensions and food packages (rations) reduce the probability of participation in subsistence crop farming. Engagement in paid off-farm employment, which is sometimes facilitated through a public works programme (PWP), also discourages farmer participation in the subsistence economy. Therefore, public food and cash transfers and the PWP yield work disincentive effects in Botswana’s subsistence agriculture. This is because transfers are usually consistent and regular in Botswana, impacting on household behaviour. The design of social protection policies should therefore consider such potential disincentive effects on the agricultural sector.
Topic:
Agriculture, Poverty, Labor Issues, Farming, Safety Net, Cash Transfers, and Dependency
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana