Thesis (MAgricAdmin (Agricultural Economics)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / HIV/AIDS has become a major concern globally as it affects different facets of a country’s economy as well as household economics. This study aimed to determine the impact of the disease on household food security. This was done by investigating the impact of the disease on household livelihoods, agricultural production for subsistence purposes and household consumption patterns. The study followed a case study approach, and Bokaa village in Kgatleng district, Botswana was selected as the study area. Data collection was done with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire in multiple households as well as by gathering information from secondary sources. The study focused on the concept of food security as a theoretical base for the analysis, which was mainly a cross-case analysis. The analysis of individual cases is not presented in this thesis; nonetheless, individual cases are presented as illustrations and as backup for the synthesis. Furthermore, the analysis of food security only focused on calorie availability and not on nutritional quality. The study revealed that the impact of HIV/AIDS varied according to the status in which the household was before the onset of the disease or the subsequent death. Coping strategies also varied, depending on household status and the level of contribution the sick family member made to the household’s food budget. Inter-household effects and gender differentials have been observed during the time of caring for the sick family member. Inter-household effects have also been observed during times of food shortages. A high dependence on government safety nets has also been observed among these households, which contributed to some extent to lack of livelihood diversification. The results of this study reveal the need for empowering households through training for income-generating skills and practise of small-scale home gardening in a more sustainable way. The need for nutrition education was also revealed, in order that traditional and nutritious options can be included in the household food consumption patterns and not only be regarded as an option when preferred foods such as meat are not available.

Magister Artium (Social Work) - MA(SW) / Student performance have decreased from 2008-2013 in the Kgatleng District, Botswana, despite efforts to encourage parents to actively be involved in their children‘s school. It is apparent that parents are not involved and leave the responsibility of child nurturing and development to the school with the teachers. Contributing factors to un-involved parents at school are communication; employment; single parenting, and poverty. This lead to the research question: What are the perceptions of teachers about factors that contribute to parental involvement/non-involvement in Public Schools? The aim of the study was to determine teachers‘ perceptions on factors that contribute to parental involvement/non- involvement in public schools. The objectives to arrive at the aim was to explore and describe teachers‘ perceptions on factors contributing to parental involvement in public schools; to explore and describe teachers‘ perceptions on factors contributing to parental non-involvement in public schools and to make recommendations for improving parental involvement in public schools to the Ministry of Education. Social constructivism was used as theoretical framework because teachers‘ perceptions are shaped by their contexts and language. The study used a qualitative research approach and an exploratory, descriptive design. The population was teachers who teach standard seven in all primary schools in the Kgatleng district. There are 35 primary schools in the Kgatleng district. The sample was a non-probability, purposive sample consisting of four (4) urban and four (4) rural schools in Kgatleng district of which from each school, two (2) participants were purposefully selected. Data was collected by in-depth interviews and analyzed by using a thematic approach. The research findings presented key factors that affect teachers and made recommendation on how they can work with the parents and the community to successfully address the issue of non-parental involvement in schools. Tools for identifying specific needs and challenges for the uninvolved parents have to be developed and implemented. All relevant stakeholders should be included. A strong relationship with the social workers to address social challenges faced by the students, yielded positive results, hence recommending the need to have school based social workers. Recommendations include a partnership between the community, schools, teachers, parents and the Ministry of education to improve parental involvement in school

The study sought to investigate on the learning support provision for learners with visual impairment at a senior secondary school in Botswana. The objectives of the study were to describe and explain the learning support provided to the learners with visual impairment at the school and to suggest ways for improving the learning support services to the learners. The study is qualitative in nature. The target population was the school community and its stakeholders. Data was collected using document study, interviews and observation. Qualitative data analysis was employed extensively through descriptions. The research study findings established that there are a variety of learning support programmes provided to learners with visual impairment at the school to enhance their understanding of the academic material. The learning support programmes range from counselling, guidance, advisory, consultancy, assessment, physical orientation of the environment, the school curriculum, tactile orientation of graphically presented learning materials to mention but a few. However, these learning support programmes are not adequate and effective enough to help the learners perform better academically. The shortage of human and material resources especially in the recent past has negatively influenced the performance of learners with visual impairment. There are also main areas of weaknesses such as lack of adequate stakeholder consultation and involvement in the planning and implementation of special educational programmes. The study recommends that partnership between the school and its stakeholders be improved. It is also important that the entire school community and stakeholders be involved in thoughtful, carefully researched learning support programmes. Large class sizes, imbalances in resource provision, counselling services and low production rate of learning and teaching materials at the Resource Centre all need serious attention. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

The study sought to investigate on the learning support provision for learners with visual impairment at a senior secondary school in Botswana. The objectives of the study were to describe and explain the learning support provided to the learners with visual impairment at the school and to suggest ways for improving the learning support services to the learners. The study is qualitative in nature. The target population was the school community and its stakeholders. Data was collected using document study, interviews and observation. Qualitative data analysis was employed extensively through descriptions. The research study findings established that there are a variety of learning support programmes provided to learners with visual impairment at the school to enhance their understanding of the academic material. The learning support programmes range from counselling, guidance, advisory, consultancy, assessment, physical orientation of the environment, the school curriculum, tactile orientation of graphically presented learning materials to mention but a few. However, these learning support programmes are not adequate and effective enough to help the learners perform better academically. The shortage of human and material resources especially in the recent past has negatively influenced the performance of learners with visual impairment. There are also main areas of weaknesses such as lack of adequate stakeholder consultation and involvement in the planning and implementation of special educational programmes. The study recommends that partnership between the school and its stakeholders be improved. It is also important that the entire school community and stakeholders be involved in thoughtful, carefully researched learning support programmes. Large class sizes, imbalances in resource provision, counselling services and low production rate of learning and teaching materials at the Resource Centre all need serious attention. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)