UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Serological evaluation of the effectiveness of reactive focal mass drug administration and reactive vector control to reduce malaria transmission in Zambezi region, Namibia: Results from a secondary analysis of a cluster randomised trial
No full textBackground Due to challenges in measuring changes in malaria at low transmission, serology is increasingly being used to complement clinical and parasitological surveillance. Longitudinal studies have shown that serological markers, such as Etramp5.Ag1, can reflect spatio-temporal differences in malaria transmission. However, these markers have yet to be used as endpoints in intervention trials.
Methods Based on data from a 2017 cluster randomised trial conducted in Zambezi Region, Namibia, evaluating the effectiveness of reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive vector control (RAVC), this study conducted a secondary analysis comparing antibody responses between intervention arms as trial endpoints. Antibody responses were measured on a multiplex immunoassay, using a panel of eight serological markers of Plasmodium falciparum infection - Etramp5.Ag1, GEXP18, HSP40.Ag1, Rh2.2030, EBA175, PfMSP119, PfAMA1, and PfGLURP. R2.
Findings Reductions in sero-prevalence to antigens Etramp.Ag1, PfMSP119, Rh2.2030, and PfAMA1 were observed in study arms combining rfMDA and RAVC, but only effects for Etramp5.Ag1 were statistically significant. Etramp5. Ag1 sero-prevalence was significantly lower in all intervention arms. Compared to the reference arms, adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) for Etramp5.Ag1 was 0.78 (95%CI 0.65 − 0.91, p = 0.0007) in the rfMDA arms and 0.79 (95%CI 0.67 − 0.92, p = 0.001) in the RAVC arms. For the combined rfMDA plus RAVC intervention, aPR was 0.59 (95%CI 0.46 − 0.76, p < 0.0001). Significant reductions were also observed based on continuous antibody responses. Sero-prevalence as an endpoint was found to achieve higher study power (99.9% power to detect a 50%
reduction in prevalence) compared to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) prevalence (72.9% power to detect a 50% reduction in prevalence).
Interpretation While the observed relative reduction in qPCR prevalence in the study was greater than serology, the use of serological endpoints to evaluate trial outcomes measured effect size with improved precision and study power. Serology has clear application in cluster randomised trials, particularly in settings where measuring clinical incidence or infection is less reliable due to seasonal fluctuations, limitations in health care seeking, or incomplete testing and reporting
Comparative study on oyster mushroom grown on composited substrate:The effect on yield, growing period and fruiting body size
No full textCultivation of the oyster mushroom on horse manure and wheat straw compost without nutrient supplementation was investigated. The growing, yield and fruiting body size effects on open trays and substrate bags were determined. Incubation and fruiting period on trays and inoculated bags were compared. The bagged compost yielded higher mushroom growth rate and yield than the tray compost. The fruiting bodies of the mushroom on trays were smaller, pile and thinner as compared to the mushrooms on the bags, which were bigger, fresh and strong. However, it was found that when oyster mushroom are grown on trays, the yield decrease, there is less moisture in the tray and substrate is exposed to heat, the pin head dries as they develop and those that succeed to grown further will grow as thin with a little head due to lack of oxygen. Comparing compost in bags with compost substrate in trays, bags yielded about 20% more mushrooms than tray sunder the same cultivation conditions. Conversely, the incubation period of compost in bags took longer, as compared to the incubation of compost in trays. Trays gave their first flash 10% earlier than the bags
Digital innovations for transitioning to circular plastic value chains in Africa
No full textThe paper analyzes the current state of plastic value chains in Africa and the potential of digital innovations adopted by African entrepreneurs to contributing to a circular plastic economy. We provide an overview of plastic waste trade to African countries and an assessment of existing digital solutions that can support
the transition to a circular plastic economy. The findings show that various digital innovations are being applied by entrepreneurs including web-based solutions, mobile apps and 3D printing. The case studies also show that multinational
companies, especially consumer facing brands, are major players in the national plastic value chains in African countries, acting as seed funders for start-ups as well as buyers of recycled plastics. Current initiatives that are underway are positive signs that changes are in progress to address the environmental and social impacts of plastics value chains in Africa. However, to achieve a transition to sustainable circular value chains, changes at policy level will be required to enable scaling-up of local start-up businesses, address regulatory barriers to digital solutions, create
markets for recycled plastic materials and implement extended producer responsibility regulations
The role of social capital in adaptation to drought: A case study of Osheedhiya village Omusati region Namibia
No full textA mini thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Masters of Arts (Development Studies)Rainfall variability and drought events have become increasingly common for the past five years in Namibia, this has a more significant impact on subsistence farmers living in the communal areas who highly depend on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods. Communal farmers are already experiencing other challenges such as land degradation, unproductive soils. Scarce water resources and poor land tenure systems and drought are an additional pressure on their livelihood. This research analyses the role that social capital plays in the adaptation to drought amongst farmers living in the communal areas of Namibia using the case study of Osheedhiya village in the Omusati Region. Social capital is used herein to refer to the flow of knowledge, connections, and group membership. The objectives of the study were: to identify strategies used to adapt to drought among the communal farmers; to analyse the impact of social capital; to identify the types of social capital and its level of importance in adaptation to drought. The study used the qualitative research methodology through which the data was collected using key informant interviews and semi-structured interview guides. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The results reveal that social capital, such as social ties with family, neighbours, friends, and community members, the spirit of working together to achieve a common goal, and government intervention has enhanced the chances of farmers living in communal areas to adapt to drought. Farmers, who are retired civil servants, Traditional Authority members linked to associations such as farmers’ unions and producers’ associations as well as those who own farm machinery, such as tractors and vehicles, adapted to drought conditions better than other farmers
An empirical analysis of the effects of fertility on maternal health status in Namibia
No full textA dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science (Economics)The study examines the effect of fertility on maternal health status in Namibia. Cross-section data from the Namibia Demographic and Health Survey for 2013 was used. Firstly the study estimated the Zero-Inflated Poisson (ZIP) model to analyze the effect of socio-economic factors on fertility. Secondly, the Linear Probability Model (LPM) was employed to examine the effect of fertility on maternal health status. To account for possible endogeneity in the fertility variable in the maternal health status model, the Instrumental variable (2SLS) method was used. The use of contraceptive was used as an instrumental variable for fertility. Moreover, the study made use of Body Mass Index and the probability of a mother being underweight as proxies for maternal health status.
The study findings shows that age of the mother, mother’s marital status, household size and proportion of contraceptive use to positively associate with fertility. On the other hand, urban residence, education and listening to the radio all proved to have a negative relationship with fertility. In the maternal health status model the study results shows that high fertility increases the women’s body mass index and reduces the probability of a women being underweight. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of family planning awareness programs for the country especially the use of contraceptives in order to control fertility. In order to control for and maintain maternal health, the study recommends the investment in maternal education, the promotion of family planning awareness programs and promoting female empowerment. Based on the limited empirical studies on maternal health status, fertility and mortality in Namibia, this study adds to the empirical evidence in this area and also creates room for further research on fertility and maternal health
Implementation of social media policies: A case study of the ministry of information and communication technology and mobile telecommunications company
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Media Studies)This study set out to assess social media usage by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) and Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC). The main objectives of this study were to assess MICT and MTC’s social media policies; to evaluate the implementation of MICT and MTC’s social media policies in the context of best practice as well as to measure users’ attitudes towards MICT and MTC’s social media policies. The study adopted the pragmatism worldview that involved a convergent mixed-method design: Social Media Policies’ document analysis and survey of Windhoek residents. The population for this study consisted of 322 000 residents of Windhoek City. The study adopted multistage cluster sampling to draw a sample size of 200 participants using the Krejcie and Morgan Table. Primary data was collected using structured self-administered questionnaire and a codebook. The data were analysed using SPSS descriptive statistics feature and thematically analysed. The major findings were that MTC’s social media policy was found wanting from an implementation perspective by survey respondents who also indicated preference for the MICT policy in the same index. The document analysis of both MTC and MICT policies from the purpose of best practice uncovered loopholes in the policies that allow for bullying and the posting of inappropriate content. The major recommendations of this study include that a dedicated employee or department be assigned to officially communicate on behalf of the organizations and employees should understand both the professional and personal risks associated with social media management. Also, it is recommended that the organizations draft simplified policies that can be easily understood and implemented as well as review and regularly update policies in this fast-paced technological era
The appropriateness of the girl-child initiation training in the Zambezi region of Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the degree of Master of Education (Adult Education)The study sought to investigate the appropriateness of the conditions during the girl-child initiation training that is hardly documented. This study was conducted in the Zambezi Region in Namibia as the practice of girl-child initiation training is common in that region. This study was guided by the three objectives namely to (1) identify activities performed during girl-child initiation training (2) investigate the appropriateness of the conditions during the girl-child initiation training activities and (3) suggest measures that can help improve the conditions during the girl-child initiation training activities in the Zambezi Region of Namibia The study adopted a qualitative approach methodology to enable the researcher to seek and explore diverse human experiences, feelings, views and subjective positions. That was done by using a combination of case studies or multiple cases and narrative research design. The multiple cases is a design known as collective case studies selected to provide insights into the issues or theme which in this study is the girl-child initiation training activities and conditions supported by exploratory research design. Case studies are very useful to explore topics where there is little knowledge or understanding. The population of the study consisted of initiates (Kumwale), parents of the initiates, mentors and village headmen/women (Induna) from four constituencies in the Zambezi Region. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and then analysed using content analysis. Study findings revealed that there are some common misconceptions about the activities that are done during the initiation trainings. The conditions for the period of the training are also negatively labelled and believed to be leading a girl-child to early girl marriage. The findings attested to the opposite. Instead it was found that girl-child initiation training activities aimed at moulding young girls into womanhood and to encourage them to marry at the appropriate age. The initiation activities involved, making traditional meals, home chores, weaving baskets, making clay pots and being oriented to the role of women in the society. In addition to women roles, they were introduced to the women taboos, local culture, and practices. The study further found out that the initiation training is highly valued by the locals. It is perceived that the girl-child that has not undergone the initiation training is lacking. Study findings alluded to the fact that initiates earn a great respect from the locals by being accepted in the community as women after graduating. They are further perceived as having been equipped with survival skills as they would have learned to use their hands and even make a living by selling their handmade products. The skills imparted during the initiation training are very important for cultural practices and it is believed that they empower the girl-child for the new roles in the society. The study recommends institutionalisation of the girl-child initiation training into the indigenous local education systems. It further recommends recognised formal structures to replace the informal and non-formal ways of initiation training. The study also suggests that the activities and conditions performed during the initiation trainings should be documented for replication and for improvement where necessary. Further studies were also recommended for comparative studies between other regional practices or impact evaluations of the initiation graduates
An assessment of the relationship between money supply and economic growth in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Economics)This study examined the relationship between broad money supply and economic growth in Namibia. The ARDL bounds test approach to cointegration was applied on quarterly data from 2008: Q1 to 2020: Q4. The study employed the Augmented Dickey-Fuller, and Phillip Peron tests to examine the order of integration of the variables, and the results indicated that except for M2, variables are integrated of the first order. The ARDL bounds test approach to cointegration revealed no long-run relationship between the variables under study. The granger causality results found unidirectional causality from the inflation rate to the real economic growth rate, from the real economic growth rate to money supply, from the repo rate to real economic growth rate, and evidence of bidirectional causality between money supply and the repo rate. The study did not find causality between money supply and inflation in Namibia. Taking note of the country’s monetary policy conduct, this study suggests that the Bank of Namibia should initiate products or special vehicles through which money supply may be increased to stimulate growth and reduce unemployment in the short run
Teaching challenges and coping strategies of English second language teachers in senior secondary schools in the Ohangwena region, Namibia
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment studies)The study investigated the teaching challenges faced by English Second Language teachers (ESL) in Senior Secondary Schools in Ohangwena Region (Namibia), as well as the strategies used by the teachers in order to cope with their specific teaching challenges in the study area. Furthermore, the study surveyed the views of the ESL teachers on the measures that could be used to minimise the teaching challenges they are facing in Senior Secondary Schools in the Ohangwena Region, Namibia. The study used the mixed methods research design to collect data from a sample of 60 ESL teachers currently teaching in the Senior Secondary Schools in Ohangwena Region. The research participants were selected using the purposive sampling method. Data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and observations. The study found that ESL teachers in Ohangwena Region encounter challenges such as lack of resources for teaching and learning ESL (55% of the participants agreed and 25% strongly agreed), overcrowded classes (45% of the participants agreed and 25% of them strongly agreed), absenteeism by learners (60% agreed and 10% of them strongly agreed), lack of parental involvement (60% of the teacher participants agreed), learners’ lack of motivation, learner’s poor attitude, lack of advisory services, lack of refresher workshop, and learners’ lack of exposure to English language programs. In terms of strategies used by the ESL teachers to cope with their specific teaching challenges in the study area, the study found that the teachers mostly motivate their learners, improvise and use different sources when teaching ESL, use learner centered teaching methods, use team work, and made communication in ESL compulsory for the learners to help them develop their vocabulary. On the measure that could be used to minimise the teaching challenges that ESL teachers face in the study area, the participants highlighted the need for the provision of adequate resources such as ESL textbooks and more classrooms to accommodate all learners, involving parents in their children’s education, reducing the number of teacher-learner ratio in the classrooms, organising capacity building workshops for ESL teachers, and changing the medium of instruction for junior primary grades from Oshikwanyama to English language. The study recommended that the government should improve the ESL resources of the Senior Secondary Schools in ii Ohangwena Region, reduce overcrowded classrooms, provide refresher workshops and support from advisory services to ESL teachers, and provide well-equipped libraries to increase the learners’ exposure to English language. In addition, the study recommended that English language should be used as a medium of communication both inside and outside the classroom to increase exposure and vocabulary of the learners
Spatio-temporal characterization of surface water dynamics with Landsat in endorheic Cuvelai-Etosha Basin (1990–2021)
No full textSocio-economic damages caused by extreme floods have been increasing rapidly in recent years, mainly driven by changes in the climate and modulated by increasing human population in deltic areas and floodplains. The Cuvelai-Etosha Basin (CEB) in southern Africa, covering southern Angola and northern Namibia, experiences socially and economically devastating extreme floods. Yet, accurate information on past and current surface water changes and dynamics is lacking. Here, we estimate and map the surface water extents in the CEB and its surroundings (CEB + S) for 32 years (1990–2021) from Landsat data using random forest models to provide long-term baseline information on surface water changes and dynamics. Based on the reference data, a total of 15,677 ± 1080 km2 have been inundated by surface water in the CEB + S during 1990–2021. This extent was accurately mapped by our local water extent product (mapped area = 16,273 km2, user’s accuracy = 91.5 ± 2.5%, producer’s accuracy = 91.1 ± 6%). With user’s and producer’s accuracy of 91%, our overall water extent provides the first most accurate long-term baseline information on surface water inundation in CEB + S necessary for local spatial planning processes to minimise future negative impacts of floods in the basin. Interannual variability of surface water extent is, however, high, with water extent ranging from 520.8 ± 375.7 km2 to 12372.3 ± 1154.7 km2 during the 1990–2021 period. The largest annual water extents (>10,000 km2) were recorded in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2017, whereas the smallest extents (<1000 km2) were recorded in 1992 and 2019. We found that over 40% of the area inundated in the CEB + S during 1990–2021 was inundated less than 9 times. With human population increasing rapidly in the CEB + S, rarely inundated areas with short water residence could become a prime target for human settlements, which may lead to huge socio-economic damages during extreme floods if no preventive measures are put in place. Globally available surface water maps from the Global Land Analysis and Discovery (GLAD) and European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) did not provide realistic surface water extent for CEB + S, especially during years with extreme floods. Therefore, locally adopted product for operational monitoring of surface water in the CEB + S is needed to provide accurate information for informing spatial planning processes and surface water resource management strategies in this endorheic basin and help minimise future negative impacts of floods