Problems of Data Acquisition and Information Management for Planning Peri-urban Settlements in Botswana

This paper discusses some of the major problems that have made it difficult to acquire and manage spatial information in the periurban areas of Botswana. The main problems include the separate historic development of urban and peri-urban settlements; contrasts in land tenure; and the acquisition and organization of data, and management of information on peri-urban areas along sectoral lines. In addition, there is a shortage of personnel to survey and record information on land parcels. Although some of these problems are currently receiving attention, they are likely to play a big role in slowing down the application of geographic information science for planning peri-urban areas in Botswana.