Destiny Career Skills Academy

Tutoring & Career Skills Development Centre

BGCSE SOCIAL STUDIES: REVISION QUESTION & ANSWERS

1(a) Explain three causes of rural-urban migration (6)

(b) Discuss two effects of rural-urban migration on rural areas (6)

(c) Examine the impact of rapid population growth on available resources (8)

2 (a) Describe the three roles of Government in addressing the problem of rural-urban
migration

(b) Discuss how the youth can help to address the problem of Unemployment in rural areas (6)

(c) Evaluate the contribution of the NGO’s in the process of nation building (8)

3 (a) State three advantages and three disadvantages of Botswana’s ‘First Past the Post’ electoral
system (6)

(b) Explain why there is Voter Apathy in Botswana (6)

(c) Evaluate the characteristics of a good governance (8)

4 (a) State three examples of material aspects of culture and three examples of non-material
aspects of culture
(6)

(b) Discuss how culture promotes Gender disparities in Botswana (6)

(c) Assess how Globalization has affected the economy of Botswana (8)

5 (a) Explain the importance of the Desert to the human life in Botswana (6)

(b) Discuss the impact of Desertification on the environment (6)

(c) Assess ways in which the Government of Botswana is encouraging peace and harmony
among different ethnic groups (8)

1. (a) Explain three causes of rural-urban migration (6 marks)

Rural-urban migration is mainly caused by several factors. First, people migrate due to lack of
employment opportunities in rural areas. Most rural regions are dependent on subsistence farming,
which provides low income and is vulnerable to drought and other challenges. Secondly, there is often
limited access to social services such as quality education, health care, and clean water in rural areas,
leading people to move to towns and cities in search of better facilities. Lastly, poor infrastructure,
including bad roads, lack of electricity, and inadequate housing, pushes people to migrate to urban areas
where such facilities are more developed.

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(b) Discuss two effects of rural-urban migration on rural areas (6 marks)

Rural-urban migration negatively affects rural areas in several ways. Firstly, it leads to depopulation,
especially of the youth and able-bodied individuals who move to towns, leaving behind the elderly and
children. This reduces the workforce and productivity in rural areas. Secondly, it causes
underdevelopment, as there is reduced investment and participation in local economic activities,
leading to poverty and stagnation in development.

(c) Examine the impact of rapid population growth on available resources (8 marks)

Rapid population growth puts significant pressure on the available resources. Firstly, it leads to overuse
of natural resources such as water, land, and forests. For example, increased demand for firewood
contributes to deforestation. Secondly, it results in land fragmentation, where land is divided into
smaller, less productive plots, reducing agricultural output. Moreover, rapid population growth strains
social services like hospitals and schools, leading to overcrowding, poor service delivery, and low quality
of life. Additionally, it contributes to unemployment due to limited job opportunities, especially among
the youth.

2. (a) Describe the three roles of Government in addressing the problem of rural-urban migration (6
marks)

The government plays a key role in reducing rural-urban migration. Firstly, it provides rural
development programs such as building roads, schools, and clinics to improve living conditions in rural
areas. Secondly, it creates employment opportunities through initiatives like the Economic
Diversification Drive and support for small businesses in rural communities. Lastly, it ensures policy
implementation and supports agricultural development through subsidies and training, encouraging
people to remain in rural areas.

(b) Discuss how the youth can help to address the problem of Unemployment in rural areas (6 marks)

The youth can help reduce unemployment by engaging in agriculture and entrepreneurship, starting
small-scale farms or businesses that create jobs for themselves and others. They can also participate in
community development projects such as building infrastructure, which boosts economic activity.
Additionally, the youth can form cooperatives or youth groups that seek government funding or NGO
support to start income-generating activities.

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(c) Evaluate the contribution of NGOs in the process of nation building (8 marks)

NGOs contribute significantly to nation building by providing essential services in areas like health,
education, and poverty alleviation, especially where government support is limited. They help in
empowering communities through skills training and awareness programs, particularly targeting
vulnerable groups like women and youth. NGOs also play a role in advocacy and governance, promoting
democracy, human rights, and accountability. Furthermore, they assist in disaster relief and
environmental protection, contributing to sustainable development and peace in the country.

3. (a) State three advantages and three disadvantages of Botswana’s ‘First Past the Post’ electoral
system (6 marks)

Advantages:

1. It is simple and easy to understand and implement.

Disadvantages:

1. It can exclude minority voices, as only the winner is represented.

(b) Explain why there is voter apathy in Botswana (6 marks)

Voter apathy in Botswana is caused by several factors. Firstly, many people feel that their vote does not
make a difference, especially in areas dominated by one political party. Secondly, there is a lack of civic
education, resulting in people not understanding the importance of voting. Lastly, lack of trust in
politicians due to unfulfilled promises and corruption also discourages people from participating in
elections.

(c) Evaluate the characteristics of a good governance (8 marks)

Good governance is characterized by several important features. Firstly, it involves transparency and
accountability, where leaders make decisions openly and are answerable to the public. Secondly, it
promotes rule of law, ensuring that all people, including leaders, are subject to the law. Thirdly, it

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ensures participation of all citizens in decision-making, especially through democratic elections. Good
governance also focuses on responsiveness, where the government addresses the needs of the people,
and equity, ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for all.

4. (a) State three examples of material aspects of culture and three examples of non-material aspects
of culture (6 marks)

Material aspects:

1. Traditional clothing
2. Musical instruments
3. Houses and tools

Non-material aspects:

1. Beliefs and values

(b) Discuss how culture promotes gender disparities in Botswana (6 marks)

Certain cultural practices in Botswana promote gender disparities. For example, patriarchal beliefs
consider men as heads of households and decision-makers, limiting women's roles in leadership.
Additionally, some traditions encourage early marriage for girls, which affects their education and
future opportunities. Also, inheritance customs often favor males, leaving women economically
disadvantaged and dependent.

(c) Assess how globalization has affected the economy of Botswana (8 marks)

Globalization has had both positive and negative impacts on Botswana’s economy. Positively, it has led
to increased trade and investment, especially in diamonds and tourism. It has also improved access to
technology and education, boosting productivity. However, globalization has also resulted in loss of
cultural identity and increased competition, which can negatively affect local businesses. Additionally,
the economy becomes vulnerable to global market changes, such as price drops in diamonds, which can
hurt national income.

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5. (a) Explain the importance of the desert to human life in Botswana (6 marks)

The desert plays a vital role in Botswana. It provides grazing land for livestock, supporting traditional
farming. It also offers medicinal plants used in traditional healing. Additionally, deserts are a source of
tourism, attracting visitors with their unique landscapes and wildlife, which supports the economy.

(b) Discuss the impact of desertification on the environment (6 marks)

Desertification leads to several environmental problems. It causes loss of fertile land, making it difficult
for people to farm. It also contributes to biodiversity loss, as plants and animals die due to harsh
conditions. Furthermore, desertification results in dust storms and soil erosion, which damage
infrastructure and reduce air quality.

(c) Assess ways in which the Government of Botswana is encouraging peace and harmony among
different ethnic groups (8 marks)

The government promotes peace and unity through various efforts. It encourages equal representation
of all tribes in governance and national events. The education system teaches tolerance and the
importance of cultural diversity. The government also supports cultural festivals and languages,
allowing all groups to celebrate their heritage. Additionally, national policies promote non-
discrimination and equal rights, creating a peaceful and united society.