Hunting ban cripples livelihoods Scientist
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In January 2014 government issued a ban on hunting of wild animal species arguing that the country is experiencing a decline of wild animals. However researchers are worried that the same policy is now defeating government efforts to decrease wildlife poaching and sensitize the public on wildlife conservation.
Two and half years on, the government decision to ban hunting continues to receive serious criticism. The decision is regarded as a retrogressive step that would reduce community buy-in to wildlife conservation and also increase wildlife poaching especially in the northern part of the country.
Relying on a report compiled by Mike Chase of Elephants without Boarders government explained that the cause of the decline of wild animal species was likely due to a combination of factors such as anthropogenic impacts, including illegal off take and habitat fragmentation or loss.
However researchers argue that increased centralization of control over wildlife management; and restrictions on the freedom of communities to derive benefits from wildlife via safari hunting is contrary to sustainable development ideas. They argue that hunting ban will not promote wildlife conservation and rural development as espoused by the country’s Community-based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM).
According to Okavango Research Institute’s Professor Joseph Mbaiwa, the social theory is that for communities to maintain a positive relationship and attitudes towards conservation, the benefits from wildlife must exceed the costs.
Mbaiwa says programmes such as CBNRM which have proven to be collapsing tried to bring communities into conservation as the idea was, “scientific research has proven that when communities benefit from the resources around them, they will be bound to conserve them,” he explained.
“In this regard the ban on safari hunting tourism has resulted in the reduction of income, losses of jobs and community projects, as such communities might not be obliged to support wildlife conservation in their areas,” warned Mbaiwa.
Mbaiwa explains that hunting ban and other initiatives are not adequate enough to promote the livelihoods of people.
Mbaiwa says during the time when CBNRM was in its good base, the livelihoods of people in its areas improved and illegal hunting went down. However according to him the ban is reported to have resulted in increased cases of poaching in the country.
Wildlife officials in Maun have also been quoted confirming that poaching incidents in some areas of Ngamiland district has increased.
According to Mbaiwa, it is from this background that any decision making on ecological issues requires proper scientific studies to be conducted before it is implemented. He is of view that proper consultation was not made with the affected communities before implementing the hunting ban.
“Detailed socio-economic and ecological studies are needed to inform decisions making especially on the ban of safari hunting,” he said.
According to reports, Kenya also banned hunting in 1997 but research shows that between 1977 and 1996, the country experienced a 40% decline in wildlife populations, both within and outside of its national parks.
The Botswana Government has been accused for lack of scientific evidence to support claims that hunting as carried out in the country is detrimental to wildlife populations. The decision to ban hunting has rather been seen as a top-down imposed decision which violated principles of CBNRM and what it stands for.
Exempt elephants, buffaloes from hunting ban
Meanwhile, Community Trusts that have been crippled by the hunting ban and have since pleaded with government to atleast exempt elephants and buffaloes from the hunting ban. A written plea has already been submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism and awaiting response.
Trusts argue the same report government used to ban hunting indicates that the two species are increasing and their increase is a threat to the agriculture sector especially in the northern part of the country.
“Elephants destroy our crops while buffaloes transmit the foot and mouth disease to cattle in Ngamiland,” reads the report.
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BOMU exits to ensure that musicians in Botswana are supported by all platforms and services that are aligned to what they do, which at most times is the production of music.
In 2023, the Union put together grand music awards prized at a whooping P3 million. Indeed, the man working behind the awards, Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group understood the assignment. For the very first time, BOMU awards left an impressive mark, leaving people murmuring.
With that said and done, BOMU became a very important stakeholder in the on-going DBS roadshow. The relationship started in 2022 when the project was initiated. In this massive project, BOMU plays a role of mobilizing and registering new artists.
In the previous years, the Union has been clouded by dispute and back-and-forth. It was accused of being bungling, purposeless and served no interests of its members (artists). Following the effective execution of the eleventh music awards, artists progressively joined BOMU and the DBS roadshow added cherry on top.
Some of the artists who made it to the Top 30 of the DBS roadshows much-admired the platform, saying it played a major part in changing their lives. Some of them started getting booked, changed their mindsets and consider music as a business entity.
These are some of the few nuggets of wisdom they raked from the man behind the roadshow, Thato Sikwane. He is known as DJ Fresh in the music sector and his company, Big Dawg Productions is the brainchild behind the DBS roadshow.
Matter of fact, DJ Fresh and Modibe worked on this concept together with an aim of unearthing new talent in as much as music is concerned. In order to achieve this goal, the duo had to engage BOMU to allow for the artists to have a body that governs them.
When speaking in an interview with WeekendLife, BOMU Secretary General Rasina Rasina said the roadshow is actually a blessing in disguise, as it was initially considered a tall show.
“This is a much-needed platform for a sector that has been deteriorating over the years. We believe it is here to resurrect the music industry. The DBS roadshow cultivate talent from scratch and nurtures it. This will help us as a Union to have a solid foundation and as BOMU, as we are highly appreciative.”
Rasina said BOMU is very much aware of Season One challenges, adding that they too experienced them. “As BOMU, we therefore appreciate that it was the beginning. Naturally, beginnings have challenges but we are optimistic that everything will be in order as together as a team, we can work to solve all pressing matters that delay the progress of artists in Botswana.”
Successful artists during the DBS roadshow will reap from what they sow. BOMU has been allocated a budget to help artists access the roadshow. Rasina has however refused to divulge the total amount but specified that they ensure artist participation and mobilization, as well as feeding.
“We have learnt from past challenges. We do not pay artists but we assist them with transportation funds to mobilize them to attend the roadshow and showcase. What we offer them is not payment. We ensure their participation, transport mobilization and feeding. They compete, showcase and get the platform they need. We partner with them to deliver a product. Essentially, there is a car, a record deal, airtime deal and cohesion.”
Thus far and during the Season 2 roadshow, BOMU has registered an average of five hundred (500) members. In the process, it has managed to rebuild an average of ten BOMU District chapters nationwide.
Rasina commended the government for coming up with a project that caters for the welfare of artists and creative minds in Botswana.
“Our expectations from the next season is that it will be bigger and better. We appreciate the contribution of DBS and the recent focus towards the creative industry by government. Importantly, it is important to note that the creative industry should never be treated from a blanket approach view. Every region, district, village or town has its own talent. The heritage of Botswana is defined by the creative industry talent.”
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The findings of the research paper reveal that children with disabilities face higher levels of deprivation in basic capabilities such as education and health. This means that they are often excluded from essential services and opportunities that are necessary for their well-being and development. The wider gap in education outcomes between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers highlights the systemic barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing quality education.
Moreover, the higher rates of deprivation in health and food security among children with disabilities further exacerbate their vulnerability to illness and malnutrition. This not only impacts their physical well-being but also hinders their overall development and potential. The research paper also highlights the economic disparities faced by children with disabilities, indicating that they are more likely to experience poverty across demographic and economic variables.
The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by children with disabilities. Affirmative action is needed to ensure that policies and interventions are specifically targeted towards addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is crucial to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in all aspects of society to ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.
In conclusion, the link between child poverty and disability is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to come together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination faced by children with disabilities, we can work towards building a more just and compassionate world for all.
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