Feasibility of entrepreneurship development as a secondary method of social work practice: food for thought

Abstract

This paper considers the feasibility of entrepreneurship development as a secondary method of social work practice. This is an area where social work profession plays a pivotal role in Botswana. The paper is based on the narrative approach and documentary research methodology to explain this phenomenon. It examines the evolution of social work in Botswana and other African countries and highlights the lessons learnt from the primary and secondary social work methods. It argues that as long as social work remains principally involved in remedial and custodial services, the profession will increasingly find itself marginalized. Hence, it concludes that although entrepreneurship development in social work practice has not yet been fully attained in Botswana, the current situation where a significant number of the social workers are employed in entrepreneurship development sectors should be fully applauded, recognized, encouraged and emulated. Therefore, the paper advocates for adoption of entrepreneurship development in social work on a wider scale across Africa and other regions to address the twin challenges of rising youth unemployment and high levels of poverty. The paper recommends that for positive change to be realized and/or for social work to meaningfully address socioeconomic challenges in Botswana and elsewhere in Africa, it must reappraise its curriculum to give it radical-transformative dimensions that include entrepreneurship development as part of its methods.