A pilot study was conducted to examine the prevalence, use, and nature of noncommercial alcohol in the Nkoyaphiri district of Gaborone and Mogobane. Because of its limited geographic scope, the pilot study was not a measure of countrywide noncommercial alcohol, but rather an attempt to provide a representative snapshot of the Botswana situation. The study included high-level informant interviews, rapid situation assessment, and a diary method on noncommercial alcohol consumption, sales, and effects. To complement the study, a concurrent chemical analysis of beverage samples collected from the study sites was conducted by a specialist team.
 

The study showed that noncommercial beverages are fairly widely available, and the traditional practice of informal home-based taverns (shebeens) producing and selling noncommercial beverages is widespread. In the two study locations, traditional sorghum beer (bojalwa jwa Setswana) and khadi (a generic term for wines produced from berries, fruits, roots, and/or honey) were prevalent. However, noncommercial beverages were generally perceived to enjoy an inferior social status to commercial drinks, and financial considerations were paramount in driving consumers to these beverages.
 

For more information on the study and its findings, please click here.