Policy implications of urbanisation patterns and processes in Botswana

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the patterns and trends of urbanisation in Botswana using data obtained from census reports. Information was also sourced from relevant reports from Statistics Botswana and available literature on urbanisation trends and processes. Intercensal data were converted to percent changes and annual rates of increase using the derivative of the geometric population change equation. Primacy indices were calculated and the rank size rule was employed to determine the extent to which the urban settlement system conforms to the normal distribution. Finally, graphs and tables are used to depict and assess the emerging trends of urbanisation. Results indicate that there is rapid urbanisation leading to over-urbanisation, peri-urbanisation and short distance urban-rural migration. The urban hierarchy is dominated by the major metropolitan centre that exhibits megacity tendencies. The capital city is eccentrically located within the national space economy. Recommendations on how to organise and manage urban space to promote sustainable urbanization were then articulated.