Dr. Botlhe Matlhodi is the new Programme Coordinator for SASSCAL Botswana Node as of 1 June, 2023. She brings to SASSCAL extensive experience, strong academic background, and a diverse skill set making her a highly sought-after expert in environmental sciences, water resource management, climate change analysis, and disaster risk assessment.
Dr. Matlhodi ‘s passion for sustainable development and community resilience drives her to contribute to meaningful projects and initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate and ensuring a more sustainable future.
She is a highly experienced environmental inter/intra-disciplinary expert specializing in natural resources management, Hydrology, and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).
With over 12 years of experience in research, lecturing, consulting, and the public sector, Dr. Matlhodi has established herself as a proficient professional in various fields related to environment, water sector, disaster risk assessment, climate change analysis/assessment, and land use change impact.
Dr. Matlhodi’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Environmental Science, a Master’s Degree in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), and a PhD in Environmental Science with a specialization in hydrology and water resources. Her strong academic foundation has equipped her with in-depth knowledge and expertise in her respective areas of focus.
One of Dr. Matlhodi’s core competencies lies in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and its application in the context of changing environments and climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation. She possesses a thorough understanding of the concepts and practical implementation of IWRM strategies, making her an invaluable asset in water resource management projects.
Furthermore, Dr. Matlhodi possesses advanced skills in utilizing remote sensing and GIS applications to assess and analyze land use and land cover changes. Her expertise in these technologies enables her to provide valuable insights for environmental monitoring and land management purposes. Additionally, she excels in catchment modeling, showcasing her proven abilities in this specialized field.
Previously, she was involved in the planning and implementation of a community-led climate-resilient IWRM project demonstrating her commitment to enhancing community resilience and adaptation to the impact of climate change.
Furthermore, she participated in Loss and Damage workshops related to climate change in agriculture, livelihoods, and the tourism sector. Through her involvement in these workshops, she has gained insights into the impacts of climate change on these critical sectors, further enriching her expertise in the field.
In addition to her academic qualifications and professional experience, Dr. Matlhodi has authored and published research papers in indexed journals.