UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Cost and cost effectiveness of reactive case detection (RACD), reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive focal vector control (RAVC) to reduce malaria in the low endemic setting of Namibia: an analysis alongside a 2×2 factorial design cluster randomised controlled trial
No full textObjectives To estimate the cost and cost effectiveness of reactive case detection (RACD), reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive focal vector control (RAVC) to reduce malaria in a low endemic setting. Setting The study was part of a 2×2 factorial design cluster randomised controlled trial within the catchment area of 11 primary health facilities in Zambezi, Namibia. Participants Cost and outcome data were collected from the trial, which included 8948 community members that received interventions due to their residence within 500 m of malaria index cases. Ntuku H, et al. BMJ Open 2022;12:e049050. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049050 Outcome measures The primary outcome was incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) per in incident case averted. ICER per prevalent case and per disability- adjusted life years (DALY) averted were secondary outcomes, as were per unit interventions costs and personnel time. Outcomes were compared as: (1) rfMDA versus RACD, (2) RAVC versus no RAVC and (3) rfMDA+RAVC versus RACD only. Results rfMDA cost 1.1x more than RACD, and RAVC cost 1.7x more than no RAVC. Relative to RACD only, the cost of rfMDA+RAVC was double (1553 per event). The ICERs for rfMDA versus RACD only were 1472 and $842, per incident case averted, respectively. Using prevalent infections and DALYs as outcomes, trends were similar. the median personnel time to implement rfMDA was 20% lower than for RACD (30 vs 38 min per person). The median personnel time for RAVC was 34 min per structure sprayed. Conclusion Implented alone or in combination, rfMDA and RAVC were cost effective in reducing malaria incidence and prevalence despite higher implementation costs in the intervention compared with control arms. compared with RACD, rfMDA was time saving. Cost and time requirements for the combined intervention culd be decreased by implementing rfMDA and RAVC simultaneously by single team. Trial registration number NCT02610400; Post result
Investigating the perceptions of teachers’ preparedness to teach through e-learning during the covid-19 pandemic lockdown: A case study of a primary school in the Khomas region
No full textA research thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education (Educational technology)This research aimed to comprehend the preparedness of teachers to transfer their existing ICT skills to an e-learning teaching environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study investigated the main issues and challenges that teachers, HODs, and the principal faced during the COVID -19 pandemic, their sudden and unexpected transition from face-to-face to emergency remote education, and their main worries and concerns during this period of implementing e-learning, as well as their perceptions regarding the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process, using a semi-structured interview and clear questions. The study also generated teachers' ideas for strengthening education in the event of future lockdowns and in the post-COVID-19 era, based on their experiences during the lockdown period. Teachers, HODs, and the principal were among the fifteen (15) participants in this study. The qualitative research was situated in a case study design. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using inter-rater reliability analysis to discover labels, codes, and themes from semi-structured interviews. The valuable insights gained from this study illustrate how important it is for teachers' voices to be heard by the management and the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture. It is therefore pivotal for the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture (MoEAC) to include e-learning implementation in their budgeting and steady implementation using a top-down approach
An assessment of landlessness and its impact on social and economic development: A case study of the Omaheke in Namibia, 1990 - 2015
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) (Public Administration)Landlessness has been both the cause and the manifestation of poverty, insecurity, indebtedness and powerlessness of the majority of rural households in most parts of Africa and Asia. This study was an assessment of the degree of landlessness and its impact on the social and economic development in Namibia with special focus on the Omaheke Region. The study examined the correlation between landlessness and socio-economic improvement of communities by employing a quantitative and qualitative (mixed) methods approach, using interviews, a questionnaire and documentary analysis. A purposive sampling method was used to sample a population size of 140 participants.
However, due to other limiting factors beyond the control of the researcher and unavailability of some respondents, the end result for this study was 113 respondents. The sample consisted of resettled beneficiaries of land reform and other rural and urban households in the seven constituencies. This study adopted the historical and political-economic (HPE) framework because it draws particular attention to politics and economics, understood in terms of contestation and bargaining between interest groups with competing claims over rights and resources. Political economy analysis helps to understand what drives political behaviour, how this shapes particular policies and programmes like those of land reform and land redistribution, who are the main winners and losers, and what the implications are for development strategies and programmes.
This study concludes that the degree of landlessness has an effect on the standard of living, which, ultimately, affects economic development of a region or country. For Namibia in general, and the Omaheke Region in particular, despite gross inequalities, land remains a major factor of production which supports rural and urban economy. However, access to land alone without access to other resources is not a panacea for meaningful socio-economic development. Those without land or, no access to it in the rural areas and lacking an alternative source of income are therefore doomed to poverty and become vulnerable to malnutrition and starvation. It was found that when agricultural land is equitably distributed by the land redistribution programmes, the gap between the landed and the landless becomes narrow. Furthermore, this study reveals that there are various causes of landlessness in different countries of the world but they are similar and related in some parts of Asia and Africa, namely: (a) the intervention of European rule or colonialism; (b) the progressive introduction of monetized transactions and the rise in power of the money-lender which introduced capitalism; and (c), the rapid growth of populations. One of the most important lines of policy to eradicate poverty and inequality is to focus directly on reducing the high concentration and control of assets, the unequal distribution of economic power and the unequal access to income-earning opportunities that characterize the Namibian society.
To overcome landlessness, the government may consider introducing land ceilings as a policy option in the context of implementing a redistributive land reform programme. Land ceilings are in line with the principle of good governance, sharing, equity, inclusivity and eradicating landlessness, which may lead to peace and stability and, ultimately, socio-economic development of the country. In addition, this study supports and recommends the adoption of the three resettlement models to address the three main categories of landlessness, namely: The Commercial Resettlement Model (CRM); The Semi-Commercial Model (SCRM) and; The Subsistence Resettlement Model (SRM)
An analysis of determinants of effective tax administration: Inland revenue department, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science (Accounting & Finance)Tax in Namibia, as is the case in the rest of the world, is a key source of government
revenue, amongst others sources. However, the government of Namibia has not been able to fully exploit this excellent opportunity to generate revenue effectively. The tax is collected at a lower level because of the inefficiency of tax administration in Namibia. The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of tax administration efficiency from the Namibian perspective. This study is based on three variables used to determine factors that affect tax administration efficiency in Namibia. The three variables that are measured in this current study are: 1) organisational processes; 2) organisational resources; and 3) employee skills. This study is underpinned by the goal-setting theory and further supported by the governance theory. The data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires to a sample of 120 employees in Namibia’s Inland Revenue Authority. A total of 81 questionnaires were analysed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Based on multiple regression analysis and other statistical techniques, the results of the study showed a significant relationship between organisational processes, organisational resources, and employee skills development with the efficiency of tax administration. The three variables were therefore found to be crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of tax administration. However, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) in Namibia was found to have ineffective organisational processes, inadequate resources, and a lack of
focus on skills development. This has negatively affected the effectiveness of tax
administration in the country. The study recommended that the IRD should give
importance to the creation of awareness among taxpayers and the continuous
development of employee skills in order to improve their competences in revenue administration. The IRD should also increase the level of automation of an
administrative process to ensure efficiency and minimise the cases of corruption and
fraud. Given the findings from the study, several limitations and suggestions for future studies that can be conducted in this scope in Namibia are suggeste
The experiences and livelihoods of unemployed graduates in Windhoek, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Degree of Masters of Arts in Development studiesThe experiences and livelihoods of unemployed graduates in Windhoek, Namibia. Graduate unemployment is a global phenomenon and is not only known to the nation of Namibia. There have been numerous research conducted on graduate unemployment worldwide but less research has been conducted on graduate unemployment in Namibia especially focusing on their experiences and livelihoods. This study aimed to examine the experiences and livelihoods of unemployed graduates residing in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. This study sought to find out how the Namibian nation is affected by the high number of unemployed graduates with the main focus being on the unemployed graduate. This study assessed the impact unemployment has on graduates by focusing on the following research questions; what are the experiences of unemployed graduates seeking employment and what are the livelihood activities of unemployed graduates? A qualitative approach has been used using narrative interviews as a method. The total number of participants interviewed was thirty participants selected using purposive and snowball sampling. The key findings of the study were that graduates are finding it difficult to obtain employment, the main reason being graduates lack the number of working years’ experience required by employers. Secondly, unemployed graduates are struggling to earn a living and have engaged in a range of ad hoc and informal activities to survive. The study also showed that for unemployed graduates residing in Windhoek, livelihoods are not sustainable. The participants discussed various strategies that can be implemented to better their experiences and livelihoods and these were considered as recommendations for practice and policy
Mathematical modeling of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Cattle and Buffaloes using vaccination and culling: A Namibia perspective
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science (Applied Mathematics)Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is an acute, infectious viral disease for animals, and it is one of the most rapidly spreading diseases worldwide. Countries worldwide are putting efforts to curb the infection as it has devastating effects on agriculture and wildlife economies. Mathematical models have been used to analyse the transmission and control of FMD to enable better decision making for animal health
policy makers. In this study, we developed and analysed a basic mathematical model of the dynamics of FMD with and without vaccination and culling as control measures replicating the FMD infection in the interface setting of Namibia communal areas and National parks. Furthermore, we fit the model with control measures to the yearly cumulative FMD cases in Namibia and discuss the results in order
to identify the impact of these controls on the Namibian scenario. Vaccination and culling are the control methods mostly used in the Namibian setting for the control of FMD. Mathematical theories for systems of ordinary differential equations were used to establish the existence and uniqueness of model solutions, as well as the stability of equilibrium points and to ensure that the mathematical solutions were biologically reasonable. Important threshold parameters such as the reproduction numbers were
established, which are critical indicators of disease spread. Results from the study showed that the models have two equilibrium points namely; the disease free equilibrium (DFE) and the endemic equilibrium points. The DFE was shown to be locally asymptotically stable when R0 1. The endemic equilibrium point was shown to exist when R0 > 1 and globally stable when R0 > 1. Numerical simulation results, using Namibia data relevant to the transmission dynamics of FMD, were presented to illustrate some of the main theoretical results and model projections. The results from this study suggest that increasing vaccination rate and efficacy has a positive impact on reducing the spread of FMD. Moreover, we have also observed that vaccination is not enough to protect both the cattle and buffaloes, therefore, more efforts from policy makers should be devoted to putting extra measures in place for buffaloes and cattle not to interact more often. Better results were observed when both vaccination and culling were implemented, hence it is advisable to Namibia to practice culling as one of the control measures
Documenting a creative process: rust as means to create innovative textiles for fashion/art
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Visual Arts)This practice-based research follows and documents an individual creative process. Rust was used as a means to create innovative textiles which were used to create a collection of garments and accessories that challenges the dual identity of fashion as art. This research consists of a practical as well as a theoretical component aimed at producing a reference of the creative process for the fashion, textile and art industries in Namibia as there are limited resources and the fashion industry needs to be innovative as well as creative. This study’s creative process was compared to Wallas’ four stages of creativity that includes preparation, incubation, illumination and verification. Wallas’ theory was also compared to other existing theories on creativity. These theories were then compared to this studies documentation of the creative process in order to create a theory that can be applied by Namibian artists and designers from a Namibian perspective.
The creative process was documented to highlight the challenges and practice that a designer follows in order to create new and authentic design outcomes. For the practical component, this study followed a creative process that involved textile manipulation and rust dyeing that formed part of a collection of garments and accessories that were exhibited in a gallery as fashion/art. The preparation and production of garments and the exhibition were documented through a series of extensive photographs that in turn formed the data that is discussed in the thesis with regards to the creative process. The research highlights the importance of following a creative process in order to create new and authentic Namibian design identities that have an impact locally as well as abroad even though each creative process can be unique to the individual
An explorative study of the role of child social grants in the livelihoods of recipients: A case study of Ondobe constituency, Ohangwena region, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Development Studies)The main aim of this study was to explore the role that the Child Social Grant (CSG) plays in the livelihoods of recipients, using a case study of Ondobe Constituency, Ohangwena Region, Namibia. The Namibian government has taken concrete steps to address child poverty and social exclusion through child social grants. The Child Social Grant has proven to be successful as it has been able, according to a report by the Ministry of Gender Equality Child Welfare (MGECW) and the National Planning Commission (NPC) (2013), to play a vital role in reducing the burden of poverty by helping caregivers to provide for the children’s basic needs, and supporting household economic activities. The study sought to understand the role of the grant from the lived experiences of the recipients and to make some recommendations on the appropriate policy instruments and restructuring on how to improve the well-being of children in Namibia. A qualitative research method was used in the study. Face to face individual in-depth interviews were used for data collection. Interviews took place at participants’ households where they felt comfortable in their natural settings. The thematic data analysis method was used for data analysis. The findings of the study showed that, despite the small value of the grant, it was effective as it raised the livelihoods of recipients, as they explained that the grant made a difference in their lives and that they were able to access the basic needs for their children. The study further revealed that the majority of the participants experienced hardships in terms of employment and financial support. Despite good policies that have been put in place and the government’s efforts at reducing poverty, the backlog of service delivery continues to plague the government's ability to benefit the most vulnerable people in the society. ii Because, as successful as it may be, the Child Social Grant, as a social welfare strategy, seems inadequate. People are still living in poverty due to the lack of job opportunities. It is therefore, important for the country to focus resources on the less privileged and equipping them with skills for them to become self-sufficient and productive citizens
Knowledge and experiences of nurses regarding the preparation of adolescents with congenital heart disease for adulthood at Windhoek central hospital, Windhoek, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Nursing scienceThe purpose of the study was to determine the nurse’s knowledge and explore the experience of nurses regarding the preparation of adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) for adulthood. A convergent mixed method design was used. A descriptive design was applied to describe the nurses’ knowledge on preparation of the adolescents with CHD for adulthood according to the following domains: a) prevention of complications, b) physical activities, c) sexuality and heredity, d) contraception and pregnancy planning for the quantitative data. For qualitative data, a phenomenological descriptive approach was followed to explore and describe the experience of the nurses with regards to the educating, and counselling of adolescents with CHD in preparation for adulthood at Windhoek Central Hospital’s In- and Out-patient cardiac departments. Out of 26 nurses who provide care at Windhoek Central Hospital’s cardiac departments, only 17 nurses who met the inclusive criteria were interviewed. Due to the low numbers, all participants were eligible for both methods. The quantitative data was analyzed and synthesized using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS-version 27) software, which is designed for quantitative data analysis. Descriptive factor analyses were produced using statistical methods using SPSS version 27. The qualitative raw data for this study were analysed through Atlas.ti using the coding system, then the most descriptive words were converted into themes. To achieve the aim of the study, two objectives were set: (a) to determine the nurses’ knowledge on preparation of adolescents with congenital heart disease for adulthood with regard to the prevention of complications, physical activities, sexuality and heredity, contraception and pregnancy planning; and (b) to Explore the nurses’ experience with regards to education, counselling, and preparation of adolescents with CHD for adulthood. ii Objective (a): The study comprised mostly of registered nurses (76.5%), with 17.6% enrolled nurses and only 5.9% of nurses are cardiac specialist nurses. The findings revealed that most nurses (52.9%) who provide direct nursing care to the adolescents with congenital heart disease in a transition period qualified for a long time as nurses and they have appropriate experience for preparing the adolescents with CHD for adulthood. The findings from the quantitative data indicated that although nurse demonstrate good knowledge that adolescent with CHD should consult health facilities in case of side effects of medication (94.1%), avoidance of physical demanding occupation (100%) however only 76.5% of nurses agreed that adolescents with CHD in transition should not partake in any competitive sport. While nurses acknowledged that adolescents with CHD may engage in sexual activities that they are capable of performing (70.6%) and that adolescents with CHD are at risk of pregnancy related complications (100%). However, the respondents nevertheless had average knowledge about action adolescents with CHD should take in event of medication side effect (52.9%), poor knowledge about risks incurred by engagement in sexual activities (11.8%), subsequent poor knowledge about risk of hereditary of CHD to the offspring (11.8%) and average knowledge about the choices of contraceptive for adolescents with CHD, most respondents 82.4% correctly recommended the Implanon as the suitable method of contraceptive for adolescents with CHD, however this method of contraceptive is standard for all adolescents with CHD at Windhoek central hospital cardiac department, without considering the specific cardiac lesion, type of cardiac surgical intervention and treatment regimen for an individual adolescent with congenital heart disease, as proposed by Sable et., (2011) and World Health organization (2009). Additionally, the findings indicated that nurses use a holistic approach when preparing the adolescent with CHD for adulthood by focusing on key aspects of preparation such as: iii prevention of complications, physical activities, sexuality, heredity, contraception and pregnancy. Objective (b): Nurses felt that, they encouraged disease acceptance during counselling as this might result in better physical and mental well-being of the adolescents with congenital heart disease. It is worthy to note that most of the participants in the interviews spoke highly on the importance of treatment adherence. Moreover, nurses had the impression that sufficient knowledge is provided to adolescents with adolescents with CHD with regard to International Normalized Ratio training. Although a holistic approach on other matters that affect the adolescents with CHD is used by nurses to ensure a smooth transition, the nurses’ perceive that there is still a need for psychological support to help the adolescents to cope with the disease as CHD requires ongoing medical attention as CHD causes limitations to the patient’s daily activities. Nurses felt that although activities intolerance was mostly discussed with the transitioning adolescents with CHD, nurses’ did not discuss the benefits of exercise. Therefore, adolescents with CHD could risk developing perceived physical activity restrictions. From the qualitative section, the main themes which emerged were Inform patients on the nature of CHD, Extreme physical activities, The future of adolescents living with CHD, Educate on sexual activities, Educate on career choice, Nurses knowledge, Care and empathy psychological support and Policy/guideline. The researcher recommended the implementation of a checklist to guide the nurses in assessing the needs of adolescents with CHD in the transition period as well as in-service training for nurses to initiate an effective and efficient education and counselling to the adolescent with CHD in a transition period
Exploring branding as a strategic marketing management tool for small and medium-sized enterprises sustainability in Mbabane Eswatini
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in business administration management strategyThis study explored branding as a strategic marketing management tool for
small and medium sized enterprises’ sustainability in Mbabane Eswatini. The
interpretivist research philosophy was used. On methodology the study also
used a qualitative approach and case study design. Interviews were used to
collect data from purposively sampled SME owners and employees in
Mbabane Eswatini. Three SME owners and twelve employees were selected
to take part in the study. Literature was reviewed to understand what other
researchers have written on similar and related topics. In the literature Aaker’s
brand equity model that guided the study was discussed. The findings of the
study showed that though SME owners and employees were aware of
branding and that it could be used as a marketing management tool, they don’t
use it often due to time constraints and lack of resources. Findings also
showed that SMEs in Mbabane use limited marketing and customer relations
marketing management strategies. The study recommends that SMEs should
budget for branding and ensure that they often use branding as a marketing
management tool to promote their products and markets and ensure business
sustainability. The study also recommends that SMEs should broaden their
customer relations marketing management strategies and embrace strategies
such as drafting easy customer product return policy, making use of digital
platforms to enhance regular interaction with customers, developing a
customer data base to make it easy to track and interact and give information
to customers. Another recommendation was that, SME owners and
employees should be trained in branding and marketing so that they
understand these concepts and are able to apply them properly and effectively
for the growth and sustainability of SME