Growing old, going hungry: inside Botswana’s invisible elder-care crisis

Botswana’s Unseen Elder Care Challenge

Botswana faces a significant, yet often overlooked, challenge in elder care. A recent national study, “Family Caregiving of Older Persons in Botswana,” reveals a system heavily reliant on family support, particularly women, with limited state intervention or formal infrastructure.

Family at the Forefront of Care

In Botswana, aging typically means remaining within the family unit. Unlike countries with established care homes, elders often stay in family compounds. Many of these settings lack essential amenities like running water, consistent food supplies, or dedicated assistance.

The Burden on Women

The study highlights that family members bear the primary responsibility for elder care. This role disproportionately falls on women, who often navigate these caregiving duties without substantial external support. The absence of subsidized residential care options further intensifies this reliance on familial provision.

System Under Strain

The current elder care landscape in Botswana operates largely out of public view and with minimal government assistance. This informal system places considerable strain on individual families, raising questions about sustainability and the well-being of both caregivers and the elderly.