VOICED: Botswana's Bushmen thirst for old ways of life

The San Bushman of Botswana's Kalahari Desert, once hunter-gatherers, now face challenges due to water scarcity. An American charity aids them in digging boreholes, but past government actions forced them out of their land, leading to social issues like alcoholism and HIV. Despite winning the right to reopen wells, many Bushmen struggle to return due to health treatments and reliance on modern services. Technical challenges in water extraction persist, leaving the community in a state of 'great thirst.'

What change in lifestyle have the San Bushmen experienced in recent times?

• They have stopped using water from boreholes.

• They have moved to urban areas.

• They have started growing crops and raising livestock.

• They have become nomadic again.

Why were the Bushmen forced out of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve?

• To allow for agricultural development.

• To create a new national park.

• To build a new city.

• To protect the wildlife for tourism.

What social issues did the Bushmen face after being moved to camps?

• Improved healthcare access.

• Increased literacy rates.

• Better employment opportunities.

• Problems like alcoholism and teenage pregnancy.

What legal victory did the Bushmen achieve regarding water access?

• The right to build new homes.

• The right to reopen their wells.

• The right to hunt in the reserve.

• The right to receive government aid.

What are the challenges faced by the Bushmen in accessing water despite their legal victory?

• Insufficient funding for water projects.

• Government restrictions on water usage.

• Technical difficulties in maintaining the wells.

• Lack of interest in returning to the desert.