Urban food dynamics in Botswana: insights from Gaborone's Central Business District

Abstract

Urbanization is changing the circumstances, livelihoods and lifestyles of people in Southern Africa. In this context, little is known about food available to cities, food sources accessible to urban dwellers, or factors influencing food consumption. Applying a food systems conceptual frame, the article provides empirical findings from Gaborone, Botswana characterizing urban food supply, documenting food sources, and examining consumer food choice. Engaging a qualitative, exploratory approach, the research reveals adequate supply and multifaceted sources from which to acquire food in Gaborone's Central Business District (CBD), and consumer choices grounded in economic factors together with issues of social status and aesthetics. A number of fundamental issues and questions arise from this preliminary research relating to food policies and research agendas in the region. In particular greater attention to urbanization trends, foreign import strategies and food consumption practices is warranted.

Keywords:

• urban
• food
• Botswana

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the Government of Botswana, especially the Ministry of Agriculture, and Department of Environmental Science at the University of Botswana for their support and assistance. We are grateful for the information provided by those who participated in the study as respondents and key informants. Finally, we appreciate insights from our AFSUN colleagues, Dr John Smithers at Guelph Geography, and two anonymous reviewers. The research was generously funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.