UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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The impact of job satisfaction on employee retention in the power sector
No full textThe main subject of this research was to explore the impact of job satisfaction on employee retention in Oshakati Premier Electric. Forty-four respondents were selected for this research by employing a simple random sampling strategy. A self-administered survey questionnaire was designed to collect data from the respondents. The key findings from this research were that of extrinsic and intrinsic factors that impact employee job satisfaction on employee retention. Furthermore, the research reveals that factors such as training and developmental opportunities, employee benefits, rewards and salaries, conducive working environment, a good relationship with co-employees, and fair treatment from management and supervisors were ranked as the utmost important factors that led to employee job satisfaction and employee retention. It is recommended that management should afford an atmosphere for the attainment of high sensation of employee job satisfaction with the main responsibility of employee retention in the long-term period of the organizatio
Exploring mechanisms to improve female parliamentarians’ participation in decision-making: Case study of Namibian National Assembly
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts in development studiesThe study aimed to explore mechanisms to improve female parliamentarians’
participation in decision-making, propose way to assist female parliamentarians to
effectively participate in substantive decision-making and explore measures that can
facilitate women’s active role in participating in legislative processes. The study
employed a qualitative research approach using a case study design. This research
design provided a contextual, in-depth information on the why and how questions that
could provide great insights and was useful for understanding mechanisms in place to
assist female parliamentarians to effectively participate in substantive decision making. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data for the study. The
data was analysed using thematic data method, which was accomplished by searching
a data set for repeated patterns, analysing them, and reporting them using themes. The
study findings revealed that there some mechanisms in place (such as: as framework
laws, governmental programs, national action plans, and the establishment of gender
equality committees) to improve female parliamentarians’ participation in decision making. However, despite these mechanisms, female parliamentarians continue to face
obstacles when attempting to table, defend, and pass motions in parliament. The
obstacles identified include lack of confidence, language barriers (low level of fluency
in official language), lack of exposure to national and international debates, and party
structures (how members are ranked in the party). The study therefore concluded that
the system needs to ensure that female parliamentarians are on party lists. Female
parliamentarians require a strong women's movement as well as collaboration between
civil society organisations and political parties, to advocate for women. The study also
suggests that female parliamentarians be exposed to exchange visits in order to learn
from other female legislators. A critical recommendation is for female
parliamentarians to avoid political affiliation as a ground rule for opposing female
ideas or motions, and political party rules/agenda should not interfere with a country's
national platform to solve national issue
Structural credit risk modeling using Merton model and its default probability: A case study of commercial banks in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Applied MathematicsThis research work presents a comprehensive study on commercial banks in Namibia, focusing on
three main banks over the period from December 2011 to December 2021. The primary objective
is to assess the credit risk position in the light of the Merton Structural credit Risk Model. The
financial statements of these banks are analysed, specifically the balance sheets and statements of
income, to extract relevant information for the computation of various ratios. The ratios examined
include the working capital, total assets, retained earnings before interests and taxes ratio, and sales
over total assets ratio. These ratios serve as risk factors for both the Merton Model and within the
logit model framework. The Merton approach is utilized to estimate the default risk for the three
commercial banks in Namibia, and the accuracy of these estimates is assessed using a range of
different techniques. The efficiency of the estimates is assessed by testing the extent to which the
predictive power of the estimates could be improved by incorporating other information publicly
available in company accounts. The event of default is determined by the market value of the
bank’s assets in conjunction with the liability structure of the bank. When the value of the assets
falls below a certain default point, the firm is considered to default. Through this research, valuable
insights into the financial performance and default risk of the commercial banks in Namibia are
gained, contributing to a deeper understanding of the banking sector in the countr
Analysing the effect of financial inclusion on income inequality in Namibia
No full textThesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of science in economicsWhile there is growing evidence on the effect of financial inclusion on household income
and well-being, much is not known about the distributional effects across the different
income quintiles. This study contributes to the literature by examining the effect of
financial inclusion on household well-being and income inequality in Namibia, using
the 2017 nationally representative household financial inclusion survey. Household
per capita income and household asset index were created using the UNDP approach
and considered as proxies for household income and well-being respectively. Financial
inclusion is proxied by access and use of formal bank accounts, savings, and credit
accounts. The study employed a two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression to estimate
the effect of financial inclusion on household well-being and a quantile regression to
investigate to estimate the effect of financial inclusion on income inequality. The study
elicits some interesting results. First, the study finds that financial inclusion has a
positive and significant effect on household income and well-being. Second, the
magnitude of the effects was found to vary between rural and urban households with
effects generally higher among urban than rural households. Third, financial inclusion
was found to have a positive and significant effect across all quantiles of the income
distribution, with greater effects in the higher quantiles when access to formal credit
is considered and greater effects in the lower quintiles when access to formal banks
and savings accounts is considered. Finally, the study finds that household
socioeconomic characteristics such as education and gender of the household head,
urban residence, and household size are important determinants of household income
and well-being. The study recommends that national and international agencies
continue improving access to formal financial services to narrow the gap between the
wealthy and the poor, primarily in rural areas and low-income quintile household
A study on the medicinal potential of Artemisia afra, a traditionally used herb in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in BiologyThe use of plants as medicines to relieve various symptoms, as well as to manage and
cure ailments has been recorded since ancient times. Much interest in these
ethnomedicinal plants stems from their long-standing use in traditional medicine. They
are still regarded as making important contributions to health care even though great
advances have been made in modern medicine. Traditionally, Artemisia afra (‘Wilde
als’) is used to treat the common cold, flu and coughs, as well as nasal congestion.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, communities in Namibia used ‘Wilde als’ as a
treatment for the disease. Little is known about the efficacy and safety of ‘Wilde als’
found in Namibia. This study aimed to identify the bioactive classes of compounds
for ‘Wilde als’; as well as to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and
antiviral activities and the cytotoxic properties of the plant. Extracts of ‘Wilde als’
were prepared by aqueous and organic extraction methods, using water and a mixture
of methanol and dichloromethane (1:1 v/v). The phytochemical profile was determined
using thin-layer chromatography. The total flavonoid content within the extracts was
also determined. The albumin denaturation assay was used for determining the in vitro
anti-inflammatory response of the extracts of ‘Wilde als’ using egg albumin derived
from a fresh hen’s egg as the protein source. The DPPH antioxidant assay was used to
determine the radical scavenging activity of the plant extracts using 2,2-diphenyl-1-
picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate also known as DPPH, and the MTT cytotoxicity assay was
used to determine the cellular reduction of the tetrazolium salt, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-
2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, also known as MTT. The Vero E6 cell line, a
kidney epithelial cell line was used to determine cell proliferation and survival during
the MTT assay. The in vitro antiviral effects of the plant extracts against a pseudovirus
of SARS-CoV-2 were determined by calculating the reduction of the SAR-CoV-2 in
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the Vero E6 cells. The extracts of the ‘Wilde als’ possessed flavonoids, coumarins,
saponins, steroids and terpenoids, with TFC with the highest at 19.89 % for the organic
extracts of the twigs. The extracts of A. afra exhibited significant antioxidant activities
ranging from 0.1029 to 9.4197 μg/ml with the highest activity observed for the
aqueous extract of the leaves. The extracts of A. afra also exhibited significant anti-
inflammatory activity. The highest anti-inflammatory activity of the plant extracts was
observed for the organic extract from the combination of the leaves and twigs (87.5 %
at 100 μg/ml). The plant extracts displayed antiviral potential against the beta-strain
of the SARS-CoV 2 virus, with the organic extracts exhibiting higher inhibition of the
viral load with EC50 values of 48.84 μg/ml (leaf extracts), 24.65 μg/ml (twig extracts)
and 251.67 μg/ml (combination of the leaves and twigs extracts). The results of the
MTT cytotoxicity assay indicated that the aqueous extracts showed little to no
cytotoxicity; the organic extracts on the other hand showed high cytotoxicity with IC50
values of 134.12 μg/ml (leaves and twigs), followed by 151.53 μg/ml (twigs) and
182.31 μg/ml (leaves). The findings of this study suggest that ‘Wilde als’ has the
potential to be used as an antiviral agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
activities as the possible mechanisms of action, with low cytotoxic effects for the
aqueous extracts. The organic extracts, however, were cytotoxic, but when used in the
correct doses, they can have significant health benefits. This study also provides
evidence that the use of ‘Wilde als’ an herbal remedy in the south of Namibia is
rational and consistent with research from other regions of Afric
Evaluation of the Moringa oleifera leaf meal effects on milk yield, milk quality and the helminthic load of saanen dairy goats in rangeland conditions at Neudamm farm
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in AgricultureCapra aegarus hircus (Goats) are popular small ruminants kept mainly for meat and milk. Over time, goat milk became popular and a substitute for cow milk. Researchers have focused their studies on alternative and cheaper methods of increasing milk yield, milk quality and improved animal health. This study aimed to assess the effects of Moringa oleifera inclusion in the diet of Saanen dairy goats on their milk yield and quality as well as the reduction of gastrointestinal parasite egg load. The study used a 3x3 Crossover Latin square Design to determine the effects of 0g, 10g and 30g/day Moringa oleifera leaf meal on the milk yield and quality whilst a completely randomised design was used to determine the effects on the parasite egg load. The evaluation of milk yield was done by hand milking the goats daily, whereas milk quality was conducted using a Lactoscan SP. The parasite egg load was assessed using the quantitative faecal flotation method complemented by the McMaster Egg Counting Technique. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS®) version 27 (IBM, 2020) software was used for data analysis. Milk yield and quality data were analysed using the General linear model and the parasitic egg counts were analysed using the generalised linear model (Poisson regression model). The comparison of means was done using Duncan’s new multiple range test at P<0.05 significance. The goat milk yields significantly differed at P<0.05 in the first period at 3.178 kg/day (30 days) and the yield reduced in the second at 2.848kg/day and 2.831kg/day for the third period (30 to 90 days of the trial). The moringa supplement had no significant effect on the goat milk yield. The treatment did not affect the milk fat, non-fat solids, density, protein, lactose, added water, temperature, freezing point, salts, total solids or pH of the goat milk. The gastrointestinal parasite egg load assessment found the presence of three genera; Strongyloides, Moniezia and Coccidia. The study treatment levels of 10g and 30g of moringa leaf meal/day were effective in the reduction of the egg loads. In conclusion, the study findings showed no positive response in the milk yield and milk quality for the treatment levels of 10g and 30g/day, however, a positive response of parasites to moringa leaf meal was observed due to the reduction of parasitic egg load with 10g and 30g/day treatments. The results from this study show that moringa leaf meal could be used in Saanen dairy goats in the reduction of gastrointestinal helminths. This study would recommend the use of 10g/day moringa leaf meal supplementation for dairy goats for ecological management of gastrointestinal tract parasites
Analysis of predator-prey models with infection in both species and human intervention
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of science in applied mathematicsThe intricate interplay between infectious diseases and predator-prey dynamics holds pivotal
significance. Within this context, our focus centres on the impact of human intervention through
treatment and vaccination. This study delves into a predator-prey system, categorizing the
populations as susceptible, infected with the disease, vaccinated when inoculated against infection,
and under treatment post-infection. We formulate four comprehensive mathematical models that
illustrate varying levels of human intervention: no intervention, intervention in the prey only, inter vention in the predator only, as well as intervention in both species simultaneously. Mathematical
proofs of model positivity are provided. Following the derivation of equilibrium points, we analyse
their stability by examining the signs of the eigenvalues from the Jacobian matrix and using
the Routh-Hurwitz criteria. To verify our qualitative analysis findings, we conduct simulations
using varied parameters in Matlab. We then draw conclusions regarding the impact that human
intervention can have on a predator-prey system with infection. Simulation results indicated that
without human intervention, predators faced extinction, whereas with treatment and vaccination in
either the prey alone or in both predator and prey, the intervention demonstrated a positive effect,
preventing the extinction of any species. Therefore, this study concludes that human intervention
plays a crucial role in preventing species extinctio
Anticoagulation control in a standard of care versus a pharmacist-managed warfarin monitoring service at Windhoek Central Hospital, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Pharmacy in Clinical PharmacyIntroduction: Warfarin remains the drug of choice for treating thromboembolic
diseases in Namibia. A historical control study reported a patient’s mean time in the
therapeutic range (TTR) at the Warfarin Outpatient Clinic of Windhoek Central
Hospital (WCH) to be suboptimal (29.4%). Interventions to improve anticoagulation
control were instituted and they involved a pharmacist-directed warfarin therapy. The
main objective was to improve anticoagulation control in the intervention group and
compare it to the historical control group.
Methods: A prospective cohort design was used. Adult patients who attended the
warfarin clinic on Wednesdays and gave consent were exposed to the intervention
study. The main outcome measure was the TTR computed using the Rosendaal
method. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with poor
anticoagulation control. A between groups comparison of anticoagulation control was
based on the paired and unpaired patient cases. A p value < 0.05 was considered
statistically significant. Results: A total of 330 patients were part of the present study
(control (215) and intervention (115)). The majority (63.4%) of the patients in the
intervention group were females. The mean (± SD) age was 45 ± 17 years. The top
three prevalent clinical indications for warfarin in the intervention study were deep
vein thrombosis (49.6%), mitral valve replacement (13.9%), and pulmonary embolism
(13%). Only the baseline INR (OR 0.34 [95%CI: 0.13-0.86]) and warfarin dosage
adherence (OR 0.17 [95%CI: 0.04-0.84]) were significant predictors of good
anticoagulation control in the intervention group. The Mann-Whitney U test showed
an 18% (p<0.050) improvement in the median %TTR when the unpaired cases
between the groups were compared. The paired t-test showed a 10% (p=0.220)
improvement in the mean %TTR when the paired patient cases between the groups
were compared. Conclusion: Interventions involving a pharmacist-directed warfarin
therapy were associated with improved anticoagulation control at the WCH warfarin
clinic. Baseline INR and warfarin dosage adherence were statistically significant
predictors of good anticoagulation contro
Ethnomathematics: An exploration of the mathematics embedded in basket making by Aawambo women in the Oshana region, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education( Mathematics Education)The practice of ethnomathematics has been deeply embedded in the tradition of ethnic
groups but its concepts remain untapped in the teaching of Mathematics in schools. In
the Namibian context, it seems that curricula are still rooted in colonial policy with
little or no integration of indigenous knowledge (IK) in schools. Although the
Namibian National Curriculum for Basic Education (Namibia Ministry of Education
Art and Culture, 2016) claims that it “embraces traditional knowledge” it does not
specify how. It is against this background that the current study focuses on the
Mathematics embedded in basket making by Aawambo women in the Oshana Region,
Namibia, particularly identifying the mathematical content at the junior secondary
level that is applicable. The study examines how Mathematics teachers can integrate
geometrical constructs of basket-making into the teaching and learning process of
Mathematics. Employing Vygotsky’s Socio-Cultural Theory as an analytical lens, I
used an ethnographic research design that enables the development of a deeper
understanding of how people make sense of the contexts in which they live and to
generate data from interviews, observations and artefacts. I selected participants
purposively to meet the objectives of the study and took a thematic approach to
generate common sub-themes which I combined to form themes. The findings from a
Focus Group Discussion with teachers revealed that basket weavers used various
methods to form geometrical terms and relationships, geometrical shapes, geometrical
transformation and symmetry. Workshop was an apt approach for training teachers in
integration of IK. Recommendations based on the findings include training
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Mathematics teachers on the co-development of lesson plans to integrate
ethnomathematics in the school curriculu
Rich resources from poor communities: An analysis of Namibia’s access and benefit-sharing legislation
No full textIn this paper, an ABS-value chain framework to analyse the implications it has on enhancing the economic and social
benefits for ILCs involved in NTFP production was developed. Due to its critical role in influencing benefit-sharing outcomes, value chain analysis
attracts considerable interest from policymakers, scholars, and funding organisations (Gereffi and Lee, 2016). Global value chains
(GVCs) analysis, in particular, could offer insights into the international trade patterns between the Global South and the Global North
(Najarzadeh et al., 2021). In addition, the governance structures are complex and multifaceted, encompassing national and inter national regulations as well as different types of public, private, and social governance (Gereffi and Lee, 2016). Therefore, we evaluate
the monetary and non-monetary benefits that Namibia’s NTFP producers gain from their integration into global and regional value
chains as well as the effects of governance structures in ensuring benefit-sharing. Our hypothesis indicates that impactful agreements
are more likely to be established when all ABS and value chain partners, including the government, communities, firms, and NGOs,
negotiate collectively. As such, the paper discusses reasons for the inefficiency of benefit-sharing legislation in so far addressing income
inequalities between users of genetic resources and NTFP harvesting communities. Our study, thus, contributes to broader debates
concerning economic inequalities in the use of natural resources, with particular emphasis on quantitative and qualitative data that
highlight the value of plant genetic resources.
This paper comprises five sections, including this introduction. Section 2 defines ABS and BioTrade concepts and presents our
integrated ABS-value chain framework. Section 3 outlines our data collection methods. In section 4, we present empirical findings on
the impact of ABS in Namibia, including its influence on the valuation of NTFPs for indigenous and/or local producers, the status of
benefit-sharing agreements, as well as a case study on the impact of Devil’s Claw on indigenous San communities. Finally, in Section 5,
we summarise the significance of ABS legislation and propose an approach for ILCs to enhance their position in benefit-sharing
negotiations.Since pre-independence, Namibia has faced wealth disparities and unfair distribution of benefits
arising from natural resources. Producers, who hold traditional knowledge related to genetic
resources, continue to endure poverty. In response, the Government of Namibia collaborated with
various stakeholders to develop access and benefit-sharing policies and regulations. This study
aimed to investigate the effectiveness of access and benefit-sharing legislation in distributing
monetary and non-monetary benefits from users of non-timber forest products to indigenous and
local communities who produce them. To achieve this, we integrated the access and benefit sharing approaches with the value chain framework to identify gaps in the implementation of
benefit-sharing. We employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating semi-structured in terviews, participation in symposiums, and statistical data analysis. Our findings revealed that
despite the established legislative measures aimed at improving the benefits for Namibian pro ducers, the actual sharing of the benefits remains unsatisfactory. Only a few communities that
harvest non-timber forest products had benefit-sharing agreements or joint patent ownership with
global or regional industries. Moreover, the San communities, who received incentives from the
Devil’s Claw manufacturer in 2021, did not enter into any benefit-sharing agreements until March
2023. We suggest that the recently implemented access and benefit-sharing regulations may not
fully address the benefit-sharing issues overlooked by previous policies and initiatives. Therefore,
we recommend further studies in exploring the potential of establishing efficient non-timber
forest product processing facilities to economically empower communities. This, will ultimately
contribute to national economic growth and the achievement of sustainable development goals