http://repository.tml.nul.ls:80/handle/123456789/176 2006-01-02T13:02:51Z http://repository.tml.nul.ls:80/handle/123456789/1138 Managing Technological Innovations for Sustainable Development: Lessons From the Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) Latrine and Biogas Technologies in Lesotho Hlalele-Leduka, Moliehi G.; Leduka, Resetselemang C. Widespread concern with the concept and practice of sustainable development since the1980s has given rise to debates on how new green technologies, often cherished for theirenvironmental sustainability, might be nurtured and promoted, and how the transition processfrom one technology to another might be efficiently managed. We draw on the StrategicNiche Management (SNM) literature to highlight these debates, focusing on the managementof technological change through the promotion of new and environmentally sustainabletechnologies. Using archival material and limited interviews, we then compare and contrastexperiences with two technologies that were introduced in Lesotho in the early 1980s. Theseare the Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrine and biogas technologies. We argue that the VIPtechnology was successfully introduced because its promoters adopted an approach similar tothe SNM, especially by creating a vibrant ‘community of practice’ and the sustainedinvolvement of the public sector. However, the same cannot be said of the biogas technology.Technical and cultural problems apart, we note significant flaws in how the technology wasintroduced, which was heavily donor-driven and top-down. We conclude that the introductionof a new technology requires deliberate transition management, with the public sector takingthe lead in nurturing the technology and creating a ‘community of practice. 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.tml.nul.ls:80/handle/123456789/1137 Effects of pine trees on soil properties and spatial variation of plant species Seithleko, Monyane E. Scattered trees within a range have been observed [in other climatic regions] to improve soilfertility and to influence the distribution and number of plant species in an area. Littleresearch has been done on the impact of trees within a forest ecosystem [especiallyconiferous trees such as pine trees] on soil properties in Lesotho.In this study, three woodlots of pure stands of pine trees (Pinus patula), established abouttwenty years ago were selected in the foothills of Lesotho. Twenty (20) trees were selected inthe outskirts of each woodlot. Transects, six (6) meters long, were run from each tree into theopen areas. Soil samples to a depth of 15 centimetres were collected at distances of 0.5metres, and six meters away from the tree trunks. In the analysis, exchangeable acidity andthe cation exchange capacity, (CEC) were observed to be significantly higher closer to thetrees than at a distance of 6 metres away from the trees. While the soil pH showed reverserelationship. Percent organic matter and percent moisture were significantly lower close tothe trees. The amounts of available phosphorus, and exchangeable calcium were alsosignificantly higher close to the tree trunks. The other soil characteristics showed nosignificant differences with distance from the tree trunks. Cover was lowest close to the treesand increased with distance from the tree trunks. The highest number of plant speciesoccurred close to the tree trunks. The results confirm the importance of pine trees ininfluencing some soil properties and plant distribution. 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.tml.nul.ls:80/handle/123456789/1136 Evanescent Exiles: The Story of Diverse Groups of Émigrés in Lesotho Nyawo-Shava, V. Z. Statistically, worldwide, an estimated 90 million migrants live and work outside their countryof origin, having left their homes in search of protection, security, greener pasture and asustainable livelihood, (Mattes, et al 2000:1). In the same breath, immigrants or foreignershave poured and trickled into Lesotho from different nations for political, economic, social,cultural, religious, professional and other reasons, over a long period of time. This paper is anattempt at a comprehension of different categories of émigrés, (people who leaves their owncountry to live in another) in Lesotho. The paper seeks to trace and find out the complexionof the immigrants, reasons for migration, choice of country and the story behind people whoimmigrated into Lesotho at different political, economic and such peak periods and finallydecided not to return even after governments back home changed. Through interviews, library sources and internet literature, the research analyses the cause of the non-return. Thecentral discourse of the paper, nonetheless, rests on the thesis that Lesotho has a legacy oftolerance that seems to attract and absorb foreigners, white and black 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.tml.nul.ls:80/handle/123456789/1135 A Dechristenized Concept of Molimo as an Object of Worship in Basotho IndigenousReligion. Rakotsoane, Francic C.L. When the first Christian missionaries arrived in Lesotho and discovered that Basotho calledthe object of their worship Molimo, they immediately identified this being with the Divinitythey had come to preach to Basotho about and so they adapted this name as a local name fortheir Christian God. This was done even though no systematic studies had been carried out tofind out more about the being called Molimo. They were so completely convinced of theuniversality of the existence of the Celestial Supreme God that they thought all they neededwas to find His name among the Basotho. No effort has since been made either by the local orforeign authors to find out how justified the missionaries’ identification of their ChristianGod with this local deity called Molimo was. Everybody seems to have assumed that themissionaries were correct and so they all today talk of Molimo as a celestial being. Thispaper’s task is to challenge this uncritical assumption. Through a critical analysis of variousBasotho cultural elements and what the early Basotho told the missionaries, the paperproceeds historically and argues that Molimo of Basotho is more of a subterranean being thana celestial being or Sky-Divinity 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z