UNEP (2001) defined adaptation to include all responses to climate change that
may be used to reduce vulnerability. However, within the context of this chapter,
adaptation is limited to the measures used to cope with the negative consequences of
climate variability and extremes. Identification and adoption of such measures are
considered imperative if poverty reduction and attainment of Millennium Development
Goals are to be realized (Burton, 2004).
Widespread poverty in developing countries such as Botswana is one factor noted
to account for the high vulnerability to climate variability and climate change (Kates,
2000; Desanker and Magadza, 2001; Mirza, 2003; Dube and Moswete, 2003). Lack of
choice to meet basic needs such as nutrition, shelter, and clothing at the household and
individual levels in Botswana is attributed to either low-income poverty and (or)
capability poverty (Jefferies, 1997). Income poverty is the inability to command the level
of income or tangible resources needed to meet basic needs, while capability poverty
involves the lack of basic human capabilities or intangible resources such as education
and good health that enables one to escape poverty (MFDP, 1998; Botswana National
Agenda 21 Coordinating Committee (BNA21), 2002; Whitehead and Lockwood, 1999).
Poverty in Botswana is partly linked to an economy based on mining with limited spinoffs
to other sectors resulting in large polarization (Arntzen and Veenendaal, 1986). The
1996 statistics showed that the poorest 40% of the population received 12% of the total
income; the middle 40% had 29%, while the richest 20% had 59% (BNA21, 2002).
Capability to adapt to environmental and nonenvironmental stresses requires both
tangible and intangible resources