01390nas a2200181   4500000000100000000000100001008004100002653000900043653001300052653002200065653001800087653001100105100001900116245007500135856015100210490000700361520084000368       2023                            d10aBeef10aBotswana10aDocument analysis10aFood heritage10aSeswaa1 aD.M. Chatibura00aBeef as intangible cultural heritage in Botswana: a documentary review  uhttps://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85175695474&doi=10.1186%2fs42779-023-00199-y&partnerID=40&md5=040a812467c6bb383fd422404ccdcdbe0 v103 aThis article reviews the critical role of cattle and beef production, consumption practices, and symbolic values, among other elements, in instituting Botswana’s beef heritage. The rise of gastronomic tourism and the dearth of literature on Africa’s intangible food heritage has necessitated such a review. Using a document analysis methodology with Google, Google Scholar, and Web of Science Core Collection, the article narrates how the historical, economic, and sociocultural reliance on cattle led to a distinctive intangible beef heritage in Botswana. In conclusion, the article motivates the recognition of seswaa, a beef-related cuisine, as worthy of inscription under UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage and for the continued documentation of food heritage amidst the limited regional studies of such in Africa.