UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
Not a member yet
3204 research outputs found
Sort by
Does quality assessment matter in an academic library?: A case study of the University of Namibia library
No full textReliable tools for measuring service quality and demonstrating the impact of services are becoming more and more important in library sector development. Measuring quality is not only an administrative factor. In-depth quality assessment is also needed for a library to inclusively identify and respond to current and emerging needs of its stakeholders and various user groups. In this context, the paper analyses quality assessment methods used in the University of Namibia (UNAM)
Library from 2012 – 2019 with the main focus on the international standardised customer satisfaction LibQUAL+ survey, carried out in 2012 and 2014. The paper provides an analytical assessment of the use of LibQUAL+ at UNAM library, describing challenges, benefits and outcomes of the use of the method. The authors conclude that LibQUAL+ proved to be a very informative tool providing
critical information for strategic planning. The use of a scientifically developed standardised tool had the additional advantage that the institution’s management trusted the results. The paper further discusses the practical implications of how the results of LibQUAL+ informed strategic planning and improvement of services, presents an analysis of the reasons for discontinuation the use of LibQUAL+
instrument, and concludes with a brief description of complementary methods that can be used to assess aspects that customer satisfaction-based methods do not cover, namely external quality reviews and benchmarking. The purpose of the paper is to provide an analytical view of challenges and benefits of quality assessment processes in one academic library for the benefit of strategic planning
processes in other librarie
Ganoderma research activities and development in Namibia: A review
No full textMedicinal mushrooms have provided a natural source of bioactive compounds since ancient times. Ganoderma is such a mushroom, which has worldwide recognition as a medicinally important mushroom. In this review, the authors provide a detailed summary of indigenous Ganoderma research in Namibia, looking at the ethnomycology, biological activity, physicochemical properties, food quality and safety, as well as cultivation of this mushroom. In this paper, all available records of Ganoderma research in Namibia were retrieved from the University of Namibia Institutional Repository with the keyword “Ganoderma”. Ten theses and four peer
reviewed articles with a total of 10 authors and 12 subjects, including ethnomedicinal plants, domestication, active compounds, medicinal and AIDS were reviewed. The main objective of this review is to guide researchers on the direction for future research and product development of Ganoderma in Namibia. The literature review highlights the potential to establish research and development activities of indigenous Namibian Ganoderma species. The study identifies an important knowledge gap on Ganoderma research, such as the complete morphological and molecular description of species, regulation and standardization of metabolites and characterization of novel compounds identified in indigenous Namibian Ganoderma. The domestication and cultivation of medicinal and edible mushrooms provide an excellent opportunity to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of promoting good health and well-being (SDG 3), nutrition (SDG 2: Zero Hunger), and income generation (SDG 1: no poverty)
The implementation of gender mainstreaming in a correctional service facility: A case of Elizabeth Nepemba correctional facility in Kavango west region
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Gender and Development Studies)This study primarily aimed at investigating the implementation of gender
mainstreaming in the Namibian Correctional Service, specifically Elizabeth
Nepemba Correctional Facility in Kavango West Region. The study was guided by
the following specific objectives: to explore the progress made in the application of
gender mainstreaming practices; to examine the progress made in the application of
gender mainstreaming and to identify the challenges associated with the application
of gender mainstreaming in the Namibian Correctional Service. The study employed
a qualitative research design and a case study method. The population of the study
consisted of development planners and correctional officers. The study sample was
made up of 17 participants, 2 development planners from the Ministry of Gender
Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, 13 correctional officers from
Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility as well as 2 correctional officers from the
Namibian Correctional Service Headquarters. Primary data was gathered using an
interview guide through face-to-face interviews and the data was analysed using
thematic analysis. This study found that, while the policy framework for gender
mainstreaming is in place in the Conectional Service; the implementation is still
lacking. In fact, gender mainstreaming is being considered an add-on function, and
not part of the organization's primary functions. Thus, by making public managers
only talk about gender mainstreaming and not being able to act towards its proper
implementation, gender mainstreaming initiatives are not organization-driven. The
study recommends that, leadership in the Namibian Correctional Service should
refrain from addressing gender mainstreaming as an add-gender-and-stir approach,
should instead acknowledge the role of both sexes as development, sound
governance and democratization partners of all times. Gender inequality cannot be
adequately addressed by viewing it based on improvements in women's work and
representation, but rather when it is seen within the broader framework of sound
social welfare, development, democracy, and governance. Therefore, the Namibian
Correctional Service next Strategic Plan of Action need to be gender responsive and
well in line with Namibia's international and national commitments towards
realizing a zebra crossing of 50-50 gender equality across all economic, social and
political settings
Provision of relevant information by the Parliament library of Namibia to meet the information needs of members of Namibian Parliament
No full textThe Parliament of Namibia library is a legislative and a legal deposit library of the
Namibian Parliament (National Assembly and National Council). The purpose of the study was to investigate the roles of the Parliament Library of Namibia in the provision of relevant information to the Namibian Parliamentarians. The main research question of this study was, “To what extent does the Parliament of Namibia library effectively provide relevant and accurate information to the Namibian Members of Parliament to make laws and informed policies?”. The study took place from the was collected through questionnaires from the Members of Parliament and interviews from the two librarians. The total sampled population comprised of 23 Members of Parliament, 10 respondents from the National Assembly and 13 participants from the National Council. The Descriptive Statistical Analysis was used to analyse quantitative data from the questionnaires and SPSS was used for
data entry. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data from the interviews. The findings show that Members of Parliament of the National Council are not aware that the Parliament library exists, and they mostly depend on the general public from their constituencies to provide them with information. National Assembly Members of Parliament are aware of the library’s existence but due
to time constraints, they are unable to visit the library to access the services. The study came up with recommendation on how to improve the library services
Perceptions of primary teachers on the effect of implementing universal primary education in selected schools in Ohangwena region of Namibia
No full textA mini thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education (Leadership, Management and Policy Studies)Universal primary education (UPE) was introduced in Namibia in 2012 to increase access to primary education and eliminate inequalities in participating by reducing the cost to improve retention rate and thus increase literacy. Enrolment has been a success story in Namibia, but an influx of learners has become an obstacle to teaching, learning resources and physical facilities against a stagnant teacher population. In view of these challenges, it was deemed necessary to conduct a study on class teachers who shoulder the greatest responsibilities in the teaching and learning process. This study aimed to find out perceptions of primary teachers on the effect of implementing UPE in selected schools in the Ohangwena Region of Namibia. The research questions were as follows. What are the primary school teachers’ perceptions of the effect of implementing universal primary education in the selected schools in Ohangwena Region? What challenges do teachers in the selected schools face in teaching due to the introduction of universal primary education? What support mechanism should be put in place to help primary teachers overcome the above challenges? This was a qualitative research study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and document analysis. Interviewees were principals, head of departments, and teachers. Collected data were analysed with Atlas ti software by assigning verbatim quotations, coding and categorising. Findings were: government must employ more teachers; teacher-learner ratio influenced quality of education negatively since there is a shortage of teachers to counter the massive increase in enrolment levels due to the introduction of UPE. Government funding is inadequate and is not disbursed on time to schools. Some schools, therefore, request parents to provide top-up fees to meet school needs. The researcher recommends that physical facilities should be proportional to the enrolment of learners and should be harmonised to avoid overcrowding in schools. In view of increased workloads teachers should be offered monetary incentive to motivate them
Optimization of biodegradation and nutrient release in food waste and goat manure vermicompost amended with seaweed-biochar
No full textA dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Master Science in Agriculture (Crop Science)Vermicomposting has been gaining momentum as a technology capable of generating a nutrient rich organic fertilizer. However, for effective nutrient release, there is need for the optimization of this biological process to allow repeatable production of organic nutrient sources. This study aimed to generate an optimized vermicompost produced from food waste, goat manure and seaweed biochar. This study was guided by the following specific objectives, (i) to characterise biochar produced from two seaweed species at different pyrolysis temperatures (ii) to optimize different combination of Food Waste (FW) and Goat Manure (GM) vermicompost (iii) to optimise the seaweed biochar incorporation into food waste-goat manure mixtures for enhanced biodegradation and nutrient mineralization. Biochar from G. funicularis had the highest macro elements with a total of C 38.3%; N 4.3% and P 6.3 g/kg contents, whilst L. pallida had the highest cations. A pyrolysis temperature of 400°C resulted in the best quality biochar in terms of macro elements, pH, and total C. G. funicularis biochar had significantly higher nutrient concentrations with a great potential for soil quality improvement. The 75 FW: 25 GM and 50 FW: 50 GM vermicompost combinations had significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) the highest final concentration of Olsen phosphorus of 0.98 and 0.96 g per kg of compost, respectively. Biochar incorporation of 4% may be the most optimal, as it enhanced biodegradation and nutrient release than all other treatments with biochar incorporation. Our study clearly indicated that local Namibian waste biomass can be used to develop nutrient rich organic fertilizer. However, the study was done under laboratory conditions further studies will need to evaluate the actual amount of beach cast biomass harvested as well as food waste produced in various industries in order to assess the actual feasibility of producing such fertilizers in practical terms
A transition support programme to facilitate the competencies of newly qualified registered nurses at public hospitals in Namibia
No full textA research dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Science in NursingGlobally, competencies among newly qualified registered nurses (NQRNs) during
transition have been described as a worldwide concern. Health care systems are becoming more demanding with patients and communities becoming more aware of their rights to health care. Therefore, NQRNs are expected to be competent to deliver quality and safe care. It is, therefore, important that transition support programmes are put in place to provide a baseline for the guidance and support of newly graduated nurses. The study was aimed at determining the competence of NQRNs and to develop a transition support programme to facilitate their competencies at public hospitals in Namibia. The objectives of the study were: to determine and describe the self-reported competence of newly qualified registered nurses, determine and describe the views of newly qualified registered
nurses competence as rated by their unit managers, to develop a conceptual framework that informs the development of the programme, to develop the transition support programme to facilitate the competencies of newly qualified registered nurses, and to propose guidelines regarding the implementation of the programme. The study was conducted in three phases. Phase one was a situational analysis, followed by the development of a conceptual framework in phase two, and the development of the transition support programme in phase three. A quantitative approach with descriptive, analytic survey design was followed. Data were collected from the two study populations by means of questionnaires. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 24. The study findings were as follows: In relation to professional, ethical and legal competencies (domain 1) of NQRNs, the different items reviewed on the NQRNs indicated that they were not completely competent in this domain. Similarly, the responses from unit managers supported these responses, with the unit managers indicating that NQRNs were not completely competent in the professional, legal and ethical domain, but rather possess basic competencies. Findings on domain 2: Knowledge-based practice This domain summarised the clinical competencies of NQRNs in relation to the provision of nursing care based on knowledge base practice. This study revealed that NQRNs are not completely competent in most clinical areas, but rather possess basic or adequate knowledge. Findings on Domain 3: This domain reviewed the NQRNs competencies in management and leadership. The findings reveal that NQRNs are not completely competent, but rather possess either basic or little knowledge. Recommendations were made to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), education institutions, and suggestions for further research were made based on the study findings
Gender perspectives in Namibia’s communal land: Exploring women’s hindrances to equitable land ownership
No full textAbstract
Rural communities depend on land for socio-economic livelihoods. However, owning land remains a critical challenge in post-independence Namibia for women, despite institutionalised laws and policies designed to redress gender inequalities. This paper discourses on the hindrances to equitable communal land ownership in nine regions among women aged 18–60 years. Findings reveal a high perception among women themselves that women should own land in communal areas. The study concludes that the struggle for equitable land distribution is far from being over, despite various government interventions to address the status quo, and hence recommends the overhaul of existing legal frameworks
A critical legal analysis of the law, principles and practice of transboundary water lar in Southern Africa: The case of Okavango river basin
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Law)The exponential rise in global population and its growing resource needs has led to an inevitable geometric rise in demand for water. At the centre of this growing demand is how nations relate to each other in the management of trans-boundary water resources. In analysing state relations in so far as transboundary water management and allocation is concerned, the central concept of equity becomes very important to consider. This dissertation is based on research on the Okavango River Basin, but also considers international law and other relevant comparative jurisdictions and river basins in Southern Africa and elsewhere. In order to answer the research questions, the literature that is applicable to the other river basins is extensively analysed. The research questions for this study moved from the general to the particular and were centred on the definition of equity and equitable water allocation. Also, the study considered the questions as to whether the inclusion of equitable language in transboundary water management and allocation agreements really makes a practical difference in transboundary water law at the basin level and in this light, whether the signing of the water agreements on the use and management of Okavango waters has led to conflict or cooperation. The concluding question focused on how the regime theory can help in understanding of interstate water co-operation and whether based on this understanding, a typology or model for Okavango River Basin can be constructed. The dissertation records some findings which include that the inclusion of equitable language does not in itself connote lack of conflict or cooperation. Further, the signing of water agreements on the use and management of Okavango waters has not been the sole cause of the apparent cooperation. The cooperation that exists is mainly out of political will or based on expectation of some economic benefit. It is emphasised in the dissertation that differences of opinion between the watercourse states are based not only on their legal views, but also on their material political and economic interests. The dissertation highlights many instances which show conflict.
This study was mainly desk-based and followed a mixed methodological approach. The analysis of data was based on some inductive strategy. The result of these methodologies and research paradigms was the development of a Five Pillar model out of the understanding from the regime theory. Based on this model, two Model Agreements applicable to the Okavango River basin were drafted and attached to the Dissertation as Annexes
Barrier on access to archives by people with disabilities and inclusive solutions: A review of literature
No full textAccess to archives by members of the public is essential in promoting democracy,
accountability, good governance and civic engagement. It is normally provided for by archival legislation. It is also vital in fostering an informed society. The International Council on Archives’ (ICA) Principles on Access to Archives further also nurtures access to archives by all, regardless of their physical health, race and religious affiliation, just to cite a few. However, literature has shown that
people with disabilities (PWDs) are denied access to archives due to existing barriers. These include unfriendly building infrastructure and challenges related to physical disabilities, visual impairment, and hearing impairment or other physical coordination. This study is based on a review of literature, and it seeks to identify barriers on access to archives by PWDs and inclusive solutions geared towards
facilitating access to archives. Qualitative in terms of the research approach, the study uses the ICA Principles on Access to Archives as a theoretical lens to identify barriers on access to archives by People with Disabilities ((PWDs) and to determine the inclusive solutions required to promote access
to archives by PWDs