A Tracer Study of Home Economics Graduates in Botswana: A Case of the University of Botswana

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to explore career paths of graduates from the Department of Home Economics Education (DHEE) at University of Botswana (UB). This tracer study involved a survey of market demands, perceived training needs and job satisfaction of participants. A purposive sample of 100 DHEE alumni in government schools and district councils were targeted, but only 63% responded. Results indicate that 82.5% and 17.5% of graduates had bachelor’s degree and diploma qualifications from the UB respectively. In terms of occupations of participants, 80% were teachers while 20 % were in extension services. Most graduates specialised in foods & nutrition (60%), followed by textiles & clothing (17.8%), family studies (13.3%) and housing & interior design (8.9%). Two thirds of graduates felt adequately prepared for the market. Of participants with aspirations for graduate training 29.5% preferred masters’ degree training in human nutrition & dietetics, while 27.8%, 21.3%, 13.1% and 6.6% preferred textiles & clothing, foods & nutrition, child development, and general Home Economics respectively. Among other recommendations, the research proffers that the University of Botswana should offer short term training courses that cater for the demands of a technology driven employment sector.