Utilization Characteristics and Importance of Woody Biomass Resources on the Rural-Urban Fringe in Botswana |
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Authors: | Musisi Nkambwe Mogodisheng B M Sekhwela |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Environmental Science, University of Botswana, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana;(2) Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Center, University of Botswana, Private Bag 285, Maun, Botswana |
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Abstract: | This article examines the utilization characteristics and importance of woody biomass resources in the rural-urban fringe
zones of Botswana. In the literature for Africa, attention has been given to the availability and utilization of biomass in
either urban or rural environments, but the rural-urban fringe has been neglected. Within southern Africa, this neglect is
not justified; the rural-urban fringe, not getting the full benefits available in urban environments in Botswana, has developed
problems in woody biomass availability and utilization that require close attention. In this article, socioeconomic data on
the importance of woody biomass in the Batlokwa Tribal Territory, on the rural-urban fringe of Gaborone, Botswana, were collected
together with ecologic data that reveal the utilization characteristics and potential for regrowth of woody biomass. The analysis
of these results show that local woody biomass is very important in the daily lives of communities in the rural-urban fringe
zones and that there is a high level of harvesting. However, there is no effort in planning land use in the tribal territory
to either conserve this resource or provide alternatives to its utilization. The future of woody biomass resources in Botswana’s
rural-urban fringe is uncertain. The investigators recommend that a comprehensive policy for the development of the rural-urban
fringe consider the importance of this resource. The neglect of this resource will have far-reaching implications on the livelihoods
of residents as well as the environment in this zone. |
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Keywords: | Botswana Land use competition Plant density Rural urban fringe Woody biomass |
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