The document discusses how colonialism negatively impacted rural areas in Botswana. When the British arrived, they took fertile land from the Batswana people, disrupting their ability to farm and be self-sufficient. This forced many Batswana men to migrate to work in South African mines to earn money to pay imposed taxes. Colonialism also destroyed indigenous culture and reduced the power of tribal leaders. Overall, colonialism had mainly negative consequences for rural development in Botswana.