African Journals Online
Eastern Africa Social Science Research Review
(EASSRR)

Vol. XVII No. 2 June 2001
ABSTRACTS

SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF MINING IN BOTSWANA: A CASE STUDY OF THE SELEBI-PHIKWE COPPER-NICKEL MINE

Bismarck Kwaku Asare*
and
M. B. K. Darkoh

ABSTRACT: The overall aim of the paper+ is to examine the operations of the Copper-Nickel Mine in Selebi-Phikwe and assess its socio-economic and environmental impacts. The specific objectives are to assess the socio-economic impacts of the mine on the local people and examine its environmental effects on soil, water resources, vegetation cover and air quality in and around Selebi-Phikwe. The paper is presented under the broad hypothesis that the Copper-Nickel Mine in Selebi-Phikwe is having deleterious impact on the people and the local environment. To be able to achieve the above objectives, a number of relevant research methods were used, which included primary and secondary data collection. This was done through questionnaires, documentary search, field observations and key informant discussions with relevant individuals, groups and institutions. 
The major findings of the study show that the presence of the mine has led to a rapid growth of the population through migration, which has outstripped the ability and capacity of the town's social services such as housing, to cope with the surging tide of migrants. The result has been the proliferation of squatter settlements at the periphery. Also, important are the effects of air pollution from the mine on human health, soil, water and vegetation in the area. Another effect is the scarcity of land for the development of settlement, as about 40 hectares of land cannot be developed for human settlement due to pollution in the area. The mine is faced with financial difficulties, which have limited its ability to meet environmental quality standards and also to extend assistance to the community within which it operates. There is also no direct linkage between the management of the mine and the community on environmental issues. Socio-economic benefits such as the development of social and economic infrastructure, manufacturing and construction industries, commercial and public sector activities have improved significantly, as the government's commitment to diversify the local economy is high. Employment creation and generation from the various sectors including the mine have improved significantly but the income levels of the people are generally low. 
On the basis of the findings, it is recommended that there should be an independent medical health team to carry out health impact research, comprehensive socio-economic and environmental impact assessment of the mine, to initiate regular community and institutional consultations and set up an independent air quality monitoring team. The mine should explore viable markets, train its employees, diversify and ensure cleaner production and incorporate a management system for sustainable development. The government should enact a legislative instrument that empowers local communities to actively participate in environmental issues that affect them directly.

* Professor and Head, Department of Environmental Science, University of Botswana.


THE NEED FOR A PARTICIPATORY APPROACH TO SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (SWC) IN THE ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS: A CASE STUDY IN CHEMOGA WATERSHED, EAST GOJJAM

Woldeamlak Bewket*

Abstract: Soil erosion by water constitutes a threat even to maintain the subsistence livelihood of the rural population of Ethiopia. Past efforts of SWC, and environmental rehabilitation in general, did not bring about significant results, mainly because of the top-down approach pursued. Currently, replacing this approach with a participatory approach is strongly recommended. The latter approach is also endorsed in the environmental policy document of the country. Nevertheless, it is not seen being put into practice. This paper analyses farmers' participation in SWC works that were underway in 1999/2000 in Chemoga watershed, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional State. Formal household survey, informal and focus group discussions and field observations were used to generate the data. The results indicate that the majority of the farmers participated in the SWC against their will. The most important factor discouraging them from participation was a perceived ineffectiveness of the structures under construction. Awareness of soil erosion as a problem, labour shortage, and land tenure insecurity were found to be less important to provide explanation to the disinterest shown by most of the farmers towards the SWC activities. Therefore, the important factors that need immediate consideration for SWC endeavours in the study watershed or the Region at large are: SWC structures which have to be carefully designed and constructed taking into account the realities on the ground; ground participation of the farmers has to be out of their own conviction through a demonstrated effectiveness and efficiency of the technologies. Alternative SWC technologies will have to be considered in this regard.


*Lecturer, Department of Geography, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 150372.



FOREIGN CAPITAL INFLOW, DOMESTIC CREDIT AND PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN SWAZILAND

Adam B. Elhiraika*

Abstract: Historically, private investment in Swaziland relied heavily on foreign resources, which have been rapidly declining in the 1990s. This article examines the role of domestic credit and interest rate policy in promoting desired and sustainable investment rates in the country, in the context of the common monetary agreement. While foreign capital inflow has a significant effect in the long-run, private investment is found to be always responsive to changes in bank credit to the private sector. The paper argues for increased mobilisation of domestic resources and non-credit support to domestic enterprises as means for stimulating domestic investment and employment.


* Department of Economics, CBE, United Arab Emirates University P.O. Box 17555, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirate. E-mail AELHIRAIKA@UAEU, AC.AE

PUBLIC SECTOR SALARIATS' POVERTY-COPING MECHANISMS: A COMPARATIVE CASE FROM EL-OBEID

Ibrahim M. G. Sahl*

Abstract: This paper attempts to develop a modality through which anti-poverty effects of adjustment mechanisms can be quantified. It compares the salariats in Khartoum with those in El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, in Western Sudan, so as to provide a profile of the living conditions of the salariats in the public sector. Salariats' expenditure was as high as income and reaches about 4-times their salary. All adjustment mechanisms applied by the salariats failed to bridge this gap as they erode resources and increase vulnerability to poverty, while the earnings (salaries) are insufficient to provide a relatively decent life. In most cases, the direct implications are a brain drain out of the country, withdrawal from the public sector or, if salaraiats stayed within it, a resort to corruption and immoral practices, thus further weakening the already beleaguered civil service.


* Research and Policy Officer, ACORD-Sudan, P.O. Box 986, Khartoum, Fax 249-11- 472527. 


GENDER DIFFERENCES IN MATHEMATICS PERFORMANCE 
IN THE ELEMENTARY GRADES: IMPLICATIONS FOR WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL OCCUPATIONS

Seleshi Zeleke*

Abstract: This study was undertaken to examine gender differences in mathematics achievement among fifth and sixth grade students and to identify the factors that account for variations in their performance. The findings indicate a difference in favor of boys among sixth graders. In addition, the regression analysis results suggest three variables as important predictors of boys' and girls' achievement. These are attitudes toward mathematics, the school in which students learn, and peer expectations. Furthermore, parental expectations and frequency of exercise in mathematics account reliably to the prediction of boys' achievement. The implications of these findings for mathematics education as well as for women's participation in scientific and technical occupations are discussed. 


* Department of Psychology, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 150339, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.