Thesis Sci 2020 Mogende Emmanuel.Pdf

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Thesis Sci 2020 Mogende Emmanuel.Pdf Africa’s ‘miracle state’? the intersection of political leaders and non-state actors in the greening of Botswana through wildlife Emmanuel Mogende Thesis presented for the Degree of DOCTOR of PHILOSOPHY Department of Environmental and Geographical Science University of Cape Town February 2020 University of Cape Town The copyright of this thesis vests in the author. No quotation from it or information derived from it is to be published without full acknowledgement of the source. The thesis is to be used for private study or non- commercial research purposes only. Published by the University of Cape Town (UCT) in terms of the non-exclusive license granted to UCT by the author. University of Cape Town DECLARATION I, EMMANUEL MOGENDE, declare that the work contained in this thesis is my own original work and that it has not been previously submitted for a degree or any other qualification at this University or any other institution. Signature: Date: 10/02/2020 i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS It would have not been possible to complete this dissertation without the support and assistance of a number of individuals who deserve to be mentioned. I am greatly indebted for the enormous support and wisdom of my supervisor and mentor Prof. Maano Ramutsindela who provided the much-needed guidance throughout the PhD journey. Maano always offered constructive feedback on my writing and ideas and more often encouraged me to sit back and be reflective as I write. This has greatly helped me to improve on my writing as well as strengthen the argument of the thesis. Special thanks also go to the Faculty of Science in the University of Cape Town and the University of Botswana for generously funding my PhD. In addition, the University of Botswana (UB) granted me a study leave of three years to enable me to undertake a Doctoral degree in the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science at the University of Cape Town of which I am grateful. This study leave enabled me to solely focus on the PhD without worrying much about work related stuff. I would to like to appreciate the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resource Conservation and Tourism (MENT) in Botswana for granting me a research permit to conduct research in the country. This research permit enabled me to access respondents with ease. Special thanks go to Dr. Michael Flyman who guided me through the process of acquiring a research permit in the Ministry. Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge the assistance of Mrs. Anastacia Makati from the Okavango Research Institute (ORI-UB) in the Geographical Information System (GIS) unit for helping out with the production of maps that have been used in this study. Also from ORI, I would like to thank Mr. Thebe Kemosedile who took his precious time to assist with driving during data collection in Khwai village in the Okavango Delta. My thanks also go to Mr. Maduo Mpolokang who assisted with transcribing some of the interview data and Ms. Dorcas Chalashika at the Botswana National Archives and Records services for generously assisting with guiding and searching for archival data. Many thanks also go to the various respondents that participated in the study ranging from government representatives, dikgosi (chiefs) in Ngamiland, academics, the local community of Khwai, members of parliament and the private tourism sector in Ngamiland who shared their time, knowledge and expertise during data collection. Special thanks go to the former President ii of Botswana Lt. Gen Ian Khama who afforded me an opportunity to interview him in his busy schedule. Indeed, it was a great privilege to interview the former statesman who is a rare source to access. My family, pastor, partner Popagano Khumoetsile Moses deserve a special mention for consistently encouraging me and giving me emotional and spiritual support whenever I needed it. Above all, I thank the Almighty God for giving me the strength, power and intelligence to complete this PhD study. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION...................................................................................................................... I ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................... II LIST OF APPENDICES ..................................................................................................... VII LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................... VIII LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................ IX ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................................. X ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................................... XII CHAPTER ONE ...................................................................................................................... 1 THE STATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE ................................................ 1 1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 ‘Re-insertion of the state’ in environmental governance ................................................. 3 1.3 Statement of the research problem ................................................................................... 7 1.4 Aim and objectives of the study ....................................................................................... 9 1.5 Significance of the study ................................................................................................ 10 1.6 Botswana and wildlife conservation .............................................................................. 10 1.7 Thesis structure and overview of the chapters ............................................................... 13 CHAPTER TWO ................................................................................................................... 16 TOWARDS THE GREEN STATE IN AFRICA ................................................................ 16 2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 16 2.2 Theories of the green state ............................................................................................. 17 2.2.1 Normative approach ................................................................................................ 17 2.2.2 Empirical approach ................................................................................................. 19 2.3 The exclusion of states in Africa in green state debates………………………………….22 2.3.1 Weak states ............................................................................................................. 23 2.3.2 Environmentalism as post-materialist ..................................................................... 27 2.4 The greening of the state in Africa ................................................................................ 29 2.5 Regulation by territorialisation ...................................................................................... 30 2.5.1 Protected Areas/Fortress conservation .................................................................... 32 2.5.2 Green militarisation ................................................................................................ 35 2.5.3 Decentralised environmental governance .............................................................. 36 2.5.4 Transfontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) ............................................................. 39 2.6 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………..43 CHAPTER THREE ............................................................................................................... 44 METHODOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING BOTSWANA AS A GREEN STATE ................................................................................... 44 3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 44 3.2 Setting ............................................................................................................................ 44 3.3 Research design and methodology ................................................................................. 49 3.4 Data Collection............................................................................................................... 51 3.4.1 Interviews ................................................................................................................ 52 3.4.2 Informal interviews ................................................................................................. 56 3.4.3 Observation ............................................................................................................. 57 iv 3.4.4 Archival data and document review ....................................................................... 57 3.5 Data analysis and interpretation ..................................................................................... 59 3.6 Ethical considerations .................................................................................................... 60 3.7 Study limitations ............................................................................................................ 61 3.8 Conclusion.....................................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Botswana As a Role Model for Country Success
    A Service of Leibniz-Informationszentrum econstor Wirtschaft Leibniz Information Centre Make Your Publications Visible. zbw for Economics Robinson, James A. Working Paper Botswana as a role model for country success WIDER Research Paper, No. 2009/40 Provided in Cooperation with: United Nations University (UNU), World Institute for Development Economics Research (WIDER) Suggested Citation: Robinson, James A. (2009) : Botswana as a role model for country success, WIDER Research Paper, No. 2009/40, ISBN 978-92-9230-211-5, The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), Helsinki This Version is available at: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/45082 Standard-Nutzungsbedingungen: Terms of use: Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Documents in EconStor may be saved and copied for your Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch gespeichert und kopiert werden. personal and scholarly purposes. Sie dürfen die Dokumente nicht für öffentliche oder kommerzielle You are not to copy documents for public or commercial Zwecke vervielfältigen, öffentlich ausstellen, öffentlich zugänglich purposes, to exhibit the documents publicly, to make them machen, vertreiben oder anderweitig nutzen. publicly available on the internet, or to distribute or otherwise use the documents in public. Sofern die Verfasser die Dokumente unter Open-Content-Lizenzen (insbesondere CC-Lizenzen) zur Verfügung gestellt haben sollten, If the documents have been made available under an Open gelten abweichend von diesen Nutzungsbedingungen die in der dort Content Licence (especially Creative Commons Licences), you genannten Lizenz gewährten Nutzungsrechte. may exercise further usage rights as specified in the indicated licence. www.econstor.eu Research Paper No. 2009/40 Botswana as a Role Model for Country Success James A.
    [Show full text]
  • Youth and Electoral Participation in Botswana
    The African e-Journals Project has digitized full text of articles of eleven social science and humanities journals. This item is from the digital archive maintained by Michigan State University Library. Find more at: http://digital.lib.msu.edu/projects/africanjournals/ Available through a partnership with Scroll down to read the article. Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, Vol.14 NO.1 (2000) Youth and electoral participation in Botswana Tidimane Ntsabane & Chris Ntau Democracy Research Project University of Botswana Abstract This article focuses on the changing trends and patterns in the yoU/h's participation in the electoral process. It examines trends in electoral participation in general and that of the youth in particular and attempts an explanation. It draws on the results of accumulated surveys and opinion polls that have been conducted over the years by the Democracy Research Project (DRP) of the University of Botswana. The article argues that the reasons for the lower participation rates among the youth are to be found in traditional Tswana society's political culture that does not consider public affairs a domain for women and the yoU/h. This culture is reproduced by the major agencies of socialisation such as the family, school system, political parties and the media. Introduction Botswana's constitution embraces a liberal democratic system of government. This system enshrines in it among other principles participation by the general population, at least, in the electoral process. The country has experienced three decades of uninterrupted electoral democracy. It is against this background that this article assesses youth participation in the electoral process.
    [Show full text]
  • State Formation and Governance in Botswana James A. Robinsona,1 and Q
    JOURNAL OF AFRICAN ECONOMIES,VOLUME 15, AERC SUPPLEMENT 1, PP. 100–140 doi:10.1093/jae/ejk007 State Formation and Governance in Botswana James A. Robinsona,1 and Q. Neil Parsonsb,2 aDepartment of Government, Harvard University, 1737 Cambridge St., Cambridge MA02138 and bDepartment of History, Faculty of Humanities, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 00704, Gaborone, Botswana Our analysis begins with the puzzle: how did Botswana develop a legal- rational state? We suggest that three key interlinked factors were import- ant. First, during the pre-colonial period the Tswana developed local states with relatively limited kingship or chiefship and with a political structure that was able to integrate people of other ethnic groups such as Kalanga. Second, facing the onslaught first of the Boers, next of the British South Africa Company, and finally of the Union of South Africa, Tswana political elites attempted to maintain a good measure of independence by defensively modernizing. Finally, the political elites in both local states before indepen- dence and the national state at independence heavily invested in the country’s most important economic activity, ranching. This gave them a strong incentive to promote rational state institutions and private property. Moreover, the integrative nature of traditional Tswana political institutions reduced the likelihood that alternative groups would aggressively contest the power of the new unitary state. 1. Introduction The economic performance of African countries since independence has been poor. Despite the many hopes of the independence era many African countries are currently no richer or even poorer than they were in 1960. According to Angus Maddison’s data 1 James A.
    [Show full text]
  • The Big Governance Issues in Botswana
    MARCH 2021 THE BIG GOVERNANCE ISSUES IN BOTSWANA A CIVIL SOCIETY SUBMISSION TO THE AFRICAN PEER REVIEW MECHANISM Contents Executive Summary 3 Acknowledgments 7 Acronyms and Abbreviations 8 What is the APRM? 10 The BAPS Process 12 Ibrahim Index of African Governance Botswana: 2020 IIAG Scores, Ranks & Trends 120 CHAPTER 1 15 Introduction CHAPTER 2 16 Human Rights CHAPTER 3 27 Separation of Powers CHAPTER 4 35 Public Service and Decentralisation CHAPTER 5 43 Citizen Participation and Economic Inclusion CHAPTER 6 51 Transparency and Accountability CHAPTER 7 61 Vulnerable Groups CHAPTER 8 70 Education CHAPTER 9 80 Sustainable Development and Natural Resource Management, Access to Land and Infrastructure CHAPTER 10 91 Food Security CHAPTER 11 98 Crime and Security CHAPTER 12 108 Foreign Policy CHAPTER 13 113 Research and Development THE BIG GOVERNANCE ISSUES IN BOTSWANA: A CIVIL SOCIETY SUBMISSION TO THE APRM 3 Executive Summary Botswana’s civil society APRM Working Group has identified 12 governance issues to be included in this submission: 1 Human Rights The implementation of domestic and international legislation has meant that basic human rights are well protected in Botswana. However, these rights are not enjoyed equally by all. Areas of concern include violence against women and children; discrimination against indigenous peoples; child labour; over reliance on and abuses by the mining sector; respect for diversity and culture; effectiveness of social protection programmes; and access to quality healthcare services. It is recommended that government develop a comprehensive national action plan on human rights that applies to both state and business. 2 Separation of Powers Political and personal interests have made separation between Botswana’s three arms of government difficult.
    [Show full text]
  • African Union Election Observation Mission to the 2019 General Elections in the Republic of Botswana PRELIMINARY STATEMENT 25 October 2019 I
    AFRICAN UNION UNION AFRICAINE UNIÃO AFRICANA African Union Election Observation Mission to the 2019 General Elections in the Republic of Botswana PRELIMINARY STATEMENT 25 October 2019 I. INTRODUCTION 1. At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Botswana and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat deployed the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to the country’s General Election held on 23 October 2019. The Mission is headed by H.E. Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang, Former Vice President and Minister of Women’s Affairs of the Republic of The Gambia. 2. The AUEOM comprised 30 observers drawn from the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), African Ambassadors accredited to the African Union (AU), Election Management Bodies (EMBs), independent electoral and governance experts and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The observers were drawn from 17 AU Member States namely: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Saharawi Republic, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe. 3. The AUEOM mandate is to observe the 23 October 2019 General Elections in line with relevant AU instruments, especially (a) the African Union Guidelines for Elections Observation and Monitoring Missions (2002); (b) the OAU/AU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (2002); African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (1981) and (c) African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007), among others. The deployment of the AUEOM in the Republic of Botswana demonstrates the AU’s commitment to supporting democratic, credible, inclusive and peaceful electoral processes in its Member States by providing an objective assessment of the process and the political environment within which the elections were conducted.
    [Show full text]
  • 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS REPORT II Keireng A
    REPORT TO THE MINISTER FOR PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS, GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ON THE 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS I REPORT Honourable Justice Abednego B. Tafa Mr. John Carr-Hartley Members of CHAIRMAN DEPUTY CHAIRMAN The Independent Electoral Commission Mrs. Agnes Setlhogile Mrs. Shaboyo Motsamai Dr. Molefe Phirinyane COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER Mrs. Martha J. Sayed Vacant COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS REPORT II Keireng A. Zuze Doreen L. Serumula SECRETARY DEPUTY SECRETARY Executive Management of the Secretariat Keolebogile M. Tshitlho Dintle S. Rapoo SENIOR MANAGER MANAGER CORPORATE SERVICES ELECTIONS AFFAIRS & FIELD OPERATIONS Obakeng B. Tlhaodi Uwoga H. Mandiwana CHIEF STATE COUNSEL MANAGER HUMAN RESOURCE & ADMINISTRATION 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS REPORT III Strategic Foundations ........................................................................................................................... I Members of The Independent Electoral Commission ................................................ II Executive Management of the Secretariat........................................................................... III Letter to The Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration ............................................................................................................... 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.................................................................................................................. 2 ACRONYMS ...............................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • In Search of an Alternative Electoral System for Botswana
    The African e-Journals Project has digitized full text of articles of eleven social science and humanities journals. This item is from the digital archive maintained by Michigan State University Library. Find more at: http://digital.lib.msu.edu/projects/africanjournals/ Available through a partnership with Scroll down to read the article. Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, Vol.14 NO.1 (2000) In search of an alternative electoral system for Botswana Mpho G. Molomo Democracy Research Project University of Botswana Abstract Electoral systems are manipulative instruments that determine how elections are won and lost. Botswana is widely regarded as a frontrunner in democratic politics,but the electoral system that it operates has been wanting in some respects. Tthe First-past-the-post system has helped to consolidate democratic practice, and also provides for an effective link between Members of Parliament and their constituencies, but empirical evidence suggests that it is the least democratic electoral system. Its winner-take-all practic distorts electoral outcomes, and often produces minority governments. The article proceeds to discuss proportional representation (PR) and semi-proportional representation, and outlines their strengths and weaknesses. The paper concludes that since both the FPTP system and PR systems have inherent limitations, the best system would be one that draws on the best aspects of each system. The anicle recommends a variation of the Mixed-Member Proportionality system. Introduction Political institutionsshape the rules of the gameunder whichdemocracyis practised,and it is often argued that the easiest political institutionto be manipulated,for good or bad, is the electoralsystem. [Thisis so] becausein translatingthe votescast in a generalelectionintoseats in the legislature,the choice of electoral systemcan effectivelydeterminewho is electedand whichparty gains power (Reynolds,A.
    [Show full text]
  • Governance and Elections: Enhancing Local Democracy in Botswana
    The African e-Journals Project has digitized full text of articles of eleven social science and humanities journals. This item is from the digital archive maintained by Michigan State University Library. Find more at: http://digital.lib.msu.edu/projects/africanjournals/ Available through a partnership with Scroll down to read the article. Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, Vol.14 No.1 (2000) Governance and elections: enhancing local democracy in Botswana Mogopod; Lekorwe Democracy Research Project University of Botswana Abstract This article discusses the extent to which local government is an institution of choice and voice. It argues that although the Botswana Local government system operates within the multi-party framework, it has severe constraints that limit its effectiveness. One of the major constraints which has been the subject of many government and scholarly documents is the low caliber of local leadership (councillors) as well as the under representation of certain groups in the political system such as women. These issues are highlighted in the paper including some innovations, which may be applied to further strengthen local democracy. The paper begins by examining the conceptual framework within which local democracy operates in Botswana. It then goes into describing that process including some shortcomings. Finally, the paper concludes by advocating some innovations to improve the system. Introduction The objectives of local government are diverse and differ from country to country and from one period to the other within a particular country. Local government as an institution is expected to provide a choice and act as a voice to express the needs and aspirations of the people.
    [Show full text]
  • 40 Years of Democracy in Botswana : 1965
    40 Years of Democracy in Botswana 1965-2005 EDITED BY ZIBANI MAUNDENI 40 Years of Democracy in Botswana: 1965 - 2005 First Published in 2005 by Mmegi Publishing House, P/Bag Br 298, Gaborone, Botswana ISBN: 99912-526-3-0 © Zibani Maundeni All rights reserved. The copyright of all materials in this publication, except where otherwise stated, remains the property of the author and publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of the publishers or in accordance with the provision of the copyright and neighbouring rights act of 2000. Cover design by: Resolution Layout and design by: Resolution Printed and bound by: Mills Litho, Cape Town, South Africa 40 Years of Democracy in Botswana 1965-2005 EDITED BY ZIBANI MAUNDENI ContentsCONTENTS Acknowledgements . .3 Contributors . .4 Introduction . .6 SECTION ONE Chapter One: Botswana’s democracy in a southern African regional perspective: progress or decline? Patrick Molutsi . .10 Chapter Two: Electoral systems and democracy in Botswana Mpho Molomo . .29 Chapter Three: The organisation of elections and institutional reforms Mogopodi Lekorwe and Onkemetse Tshosa . .50 Chapter Four: Transparency and settling of disputes in the Botswana electoral system David Sebudubudu . .59 SECTION TWO Chapter Five: Succession to high office: Tswana culture and modern Botswana politics Zibani Maundeni . .80 Chapter Six: Voters and electoral performance of political parties in Botswana Mpho Molomo and Wilford Molefe . .94 Chapter Seven: Organisation of political parties Mogopodi Lekorwe . .122 Chapter Eight: Funding of political parties: levelling the political playing field Mpho Molomo and David Sebudubudu .
    [Show full text]
  • Batswana Dikgosi (Chiefs) and the Incorporation of South West Africa Into the Union of South Africa, 1946: What Business Did They Have in the Issue? Brian T
    Journal of Namibian Studies, 13 (2013): 55 – 77 ISSN 2197-5523 (online) Batswana dikgosi (chiefs) and the incorporation of South West Africa into the Union of South Africa, 1946: What business did they have in the issue? Brian T. Mokopakgosi* Abstract The paper recounts the fascinating story of some African chiefs (dikgosi) in what was then Bechuanaland Protectorate (now Botswana) who used their meagre resources in 1946 to block the incorporation of another colonial territory (Namibia) into the Union of South Africa. The paper argues that the action of the Batswana dikgosi was far from being a progressive and selfless act on their part, but a skilful strategy to block the incorporation of their own protectorate. It was in fact part of a long- standing strategy of using anything that would remove the chances of incorporation. The paper further suggests that the campaign may also have been in part the dikgosi’s lawyer Douglas Buchanan, who skilfully weaved the dikgosi’s fear of the incorporation of their own country into the broader regional and international politics. Introduction The close of the Second World War in 1945 brought to an end the League of Nations and in its place was established the United Nations Organisation.1 The government of the Union of South Africa used the collapse of the League of Nations, which had granted it a mandate over South West Africa, as Namibia was then called, as an excuse to request the incorporation of the territory as a fifth province of the Union. The matter had been raised several times before by successive Union governments.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cambridge Dictionary of Christianity, Bibliography D. Patte, Editor, Vanderbilt University
    The Cambridge Dictionary of Christianity, Bibliography D. Patte, Editor, Vanderbilt University BOTSWANA. Fidelis Nkomazana Blaikie, W.G. (1910). The Life of David Livingstone. London: John Murray. Brown, J.T. (1926). Among the Bantu Nomads. A Record of Forty Years Spent among the Bechuana.London: Seely Service. Burns, J.H.L. (1962). Hundred Years of Christianity among the Bangwato. Lobatse: Botswana Book Centre. Campbell, J. (1815). Travels in South Africa Undertaken at the Request of Missionary Society, London: Black & Parry. Campbell, R.J. (1939). Livingstone. London: The Livingstone Press. Chapman, J., (1868). Travels in the Interior of South Africa, 1849-1863. Vol. 1. London: Edward Stanford. Chirenje, J.M. (1977). A History of Northern Botswana, 1850-1910. Associated University Press: London. Comaroff, L. & Comoroff, J.L. (1976). Christianity and Colonialism in South Africa. Dachs, A.J. (1971). Khama of Botswana. London: Heinemann. Goodall, Norman (1954). A History of the London Missionary Society, 1895 – 1945. London: Oxford University Press. Gundani, P., & Mijoga, H., eds. (1998). Theology Cooked in an African Pot. Zomba: ATISCA. Haile, E. (1939). Semane: Queen of the Bangwato. London: Shelton Press. Hepburn, J.D. (1895). Twenty Years in Khama's Country. Ed. C.H. Lyall. London: Hodder and Stoughton. Jeal, J. (1973). Livingstone. London: Heinemann. Kuper, A. (1982). Wives for Cattle: Bridewealth and Marriage in Southern Africa. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul. Lagerwerf, L. (1982). They Pray for You … Independent Churches & Women in Botswana. Interversity Institute for Missiological & Ecumenical Research, Netherlands. Lichenstein, H. (1928). Travels in Southern Africa in the Years 1803 – 1806. Trans. Anne Plumtree. Cape Town: Van Riebeck Society.
    [Show full text]
  • An African Success Story: Botswana1
    An African Success Story: Botswana1 Daron Acemoglu2 Simon Johnson3 James A. Robinson4 July 11, 2001 Abstract: Botswana has had the highest rate of per-capita growth of any country in the world in the last 35 years. This occurred despite adverse initial conditions, including minimal investment during the colonial period and high inequality. Botswana achieved this rapid development by following orthodox economic policies. How Botswana sustained these policies is a puzzle because typically in Africa, “good economics” has proved not to be politically feasible. In this paper we suggest that good policies were chosen in Botswana because good institutions, which we refer to as institutions of private property, were in place. Why did institutions of private property arise in Botswana, but not other African nations? We conjecture that the following factors were important. First, Botswana possessed relatively inclusive pre-colonial institutions, placing constraints on political elites. Second, the effect of British colonialism on Botswana was minimal, and did not destroy these institutions. Third, following independence, maintaining and strengthening institutions of private property were in the economic interests of the elite. Fourth, Botswana is very rich in diamonds, which created enough rents that no group wanted to challenge the status quo at the expense of "rocking the boat". Finally, we emphasize that this situation was reinforced by a number of critical decisions made by the post- independence leaders, particularly Presidents Khama and Masire. 1 We are indebted to many people who gave generously of their time and expert knowledge to help us undertake this project. Our greatest debt is to Clark Leith who helped open many doors in Gaborone and who provided many helpful suggestions.
    [Show full text]