UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Cadmium and lead levels in three freshwater fish species from the Zambezi region, Namibia
No full textMuscle tissue from three-spotted tilapia (Oreochromis andersonii) (n = 11), sharp tooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
(n = 14) and tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) (n = 12) were sampled from a market in the Zambezi region, Namibia
in June 2018 and analysed for cadmium and lead. Cadmium was not detected in the three fish species. Mean lead levels in all three fish species (0.09–0.19 mg kg−1) were below the recommended safe level of 0.3 mg kg−1. Catfish had the highest mean lead concentrations, followed by tigerfish and tilapia in descending order. However, the differences in mean lead concentrations between the three fish species were not statistically significant (ANOVA, p = 0.18). These results show that the fish tested were safe for human consumption with respect to the metals tested. It is recommended that more metals and other contaminants, such as pesticides, be monitored robustly in water, sediment and fish, using the recommended protocols, in order to generate data that can be reliably used for
human health risk assessments in the future
Microbiological quality, safety, mycotoxins and heavy metals levels in underprized Kalahari truffle, Termitomyces schimperi and Ganoderma mushroom species
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (Agriculture)In many African countries, edible mushrooms are used as a source of food and income. In Namibia, Ganoderma mushrooms are barely utilised. Kalahari truffles and Termitomyces schimperi are the common harvested for domestic consumption and/or selling in the informal markets. Though truffles in western markets fetch very high prices, the cost of truffles in Namibia is barely reported. The microbial quality, safety and heavy metal level in the edible Namibian mushrooms is not known. This study investigated the cost of truffles at a select informal market in north-central Namibia and assessed the effect of washing and drying of truffles on the microbial quality, safety, mycotoxin and heavy metal levels. The microbial quality, safety, mycotoxin and heavy metal levels were also determined in the Ganoderma and Termitomyces schimperi mushrooms collected from the wild. Microbial analyses were carried out using culture techniques. Mycotoxin analysis was carried out using ELISA kits. Heavy metal analysis was done using the ICP-OES. The price of Kalahari truffle ranged from N 71 per kg. Truffles in Namibia are underpriced than in developed nations and has no objective price consistent with a unit mass. Generally, all mushrooms samples had total aerobic counts that are mostly within the acceptable total aerobic count limit of <5.7 log cfu/g. No yeast and Salmonella detected in Ganoderma samples. The levels of fumonisin B1 (17.4 to 142.1 µg/kg) in truffles irrespective of washing were within the permissible limits (200-300 µg/kg). The levels of all the analysed mycotoxins in Termitomyces schimperi were above the permissible limits. Nickel and mercury were not detected in truffles or Termitomyces schimperi. There is a need for appropriate processing to take place before consumption of majority of the studied mushrooms
Public debt dynamics and fiscal sustainability in Namibia: An intertemporal budget constraint analysis
No full textThe paper examines Namibia’s salient issues of public debt-dynamics and fiscal sustainability from 1980 to 2018. Time series data for the same study period was used. Of interest is the aspect of demystifying the dearth surrounding the trend of increasing public debt in Namibia when it is economically concerning that the existing capacity to mobilise needed resources is inadequate. The inter-temporal budget constraints model was used to examine the various fiscal reaction functions, debt dynamics and fiscal policy adjustment to debt. The study found that the intertemporal budget constraint does not hold for Namibia. This is for the period under review, confirming that no surplus exists or somewhat too little to offset the accumulated debt from the previous period. The fiscal reaction functions are consistent with the intertemporal budget constraint with resounding results for both fiscal reaction and extended fiscal reaction functions. The debt dynamics function exposition is that in the short-run, Namibia’s public debt is unsustainable. The government can address debt and fiscal sustainability issues by adjusting its expenditure through resources-wise matching. While government expenditure-containment amidst a global down turn could be complicated there is scope to design workable approaches for generating needed revenues while seeking to balance up expenditure concerns
The status of web 2.0 tools in the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and University of Namibia (UNAM) libraries
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Library and Information ScienceThe introduction of Web 2.0 tools within libraries has become increasingly common and is being incorporated in many libraries’ services worldwide. This study investigated the status of Web 2.0 tools at the Namibia University of Science Technology and the University of Namibia main campus libraries. The study population comprised of library staff and students. The study adopted a mixed-methods research approach, employing a case study research design, with surveys and interviews as data collection methods for the quantitative and qualitative research contexts respectively. For the qualitative part of the study, library staff were selected through non-probability sampling technique applying purposive sampling. Five staff members were selected from NUST library and five from UNAM library. Furthermore, students were selected using the stratified sampling method, where students were divided according to their respective faculties for the quantitative study method. This was followed by convenience sampling that was used to identify large classes with full-time students, who were available to participate in the study within the respective departments of each faculty. This type of sampling was chosen because due to the large on-campus University population, it was not possible to include every subject as the population was almost finite. The researcher administered a total of 200 questionnaires, whereby 177 questionnaires were completed. The Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed to obtain descriptive statistics for quantitative data. The qualitative data was analysed by identifying patterns in the data, thereafter creating codes, and categorizing those codes into themes. These themes were then presented in an organized manner. The findings indicate a very slow uptake of the adoption of Web 2.0 tools within the NUST and UNAM libraries, which can be associated with the low level of awareness of such tools. The most used tools by students were Facebook and Instagram. The staff indicated that they were familiar with LinkedIn as a Web 2.0 tool, and suggested that library management should host change management workshops to encourage the adoption of new Web 2.0 tools among students and staff. The provision of adequate services and resources in-line with library users’ information needs is important to ensure that academic libraries remain relevant. The study recommends a comprehensive training programme covering the areas of change management and the introduction of new Web 2.0 tools for the libraries. In addition, the study also recommends that academic libraries develop and implement policies and guidelines to encourage library users to take part in accessing and using Web 2.0 tools. This policy should be aligned with existing IT policies that encourage the advancement of technology use within Namibia as a whole. Areas of further research would examine the status of awareness and adoption of Web 2.0 tools within special and public schools. Further research should also be extended to the investigation of awareness and adoption of Web 2.0 tools by librarians and students in the UNAM and NUST Universities regional centres and other academic institutions on a national level
A postcolonial ecofeminist comparative analysis of war fiction: The case of Arundhati Roy's The God of small and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a yello sun
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in English StudiesThe main focus of the study was to comparatively analyse The God of Small Things (1997) by Arundhati Roy and Half of a Yellow Sun (2006) by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie from a postcolonial ecofeminist perspective. Postcolonialism focuses on issues pertaining to power, culture, and religion in relation to humanity, whilst ecofeminism explores the links between the environment and women, connecting women to the epistemological understanding of nature. The research aimed at exploring the plight of women and the environment in a wartime postcolonial era through the literary lens. The application of postcolonialism and ecofeminism to the analysis of the texts necessitated the consideration and inclusion of themes such as; hybridity, gender trauma, subjugation, relationships and beliefs. The study is a desktop qualitative research and it employed content analysis in the interpretation and analysis of the two novels. Women were portrayed as destitute who stay in subservient conditions, at the mercy of patriarchal societies, with no voice; sex objects for the husband’s pleasures and that can be exchanged for material wealth. Nature is used as an agent of resistance in The God of Small Things (1997). For instance, Ammu uses the Meenachal River as an escape from patriarchal entrapment and psychological imprisonment where she goes to find peace and listen to her transistor. In Half of a Yellow Sun, Kainene profits from the civil war in the beginning, later becoming conscientious to the needs of the less fortunate and women are subjugated by both white and black male counterparts through exploitation by both the mercenaries and Biafra soldiers. Contrariwise, Roy and Adichie depict women as perceptive and sensible thinkers. In The God of Small Things, Ammu is protective of her naïve children because she is well aware of the evils of this world, most of which she herself has been a victim of. The study found that by reading The God of Small Things (1997) and Half of a Yellow Sun (2006) as contemporaries, there can be testament to some wealthy accounts as the novels provide a coherent shape of the realistic operations of postcolonial ecofeminism in totality. The thrust of this study is to draw interconnections between men’s domination of nature and the subjugation and dominance of women as depicted in the selected creative works. The study concluded that future studies need to consider the use of ecofeminism as a theory in the analysis of novels; merging ecofeminism with other theories in other genres such as poetry, drama and genocidal literature in the analysis of different literary works
The confluence of rhetoric and science: A rhetorical enquiry of climate change publications in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in EnglishThe thesis explored the dynamics of the rhetoric of the language of science on climate change publications. The arguments presented in this study were drawn from a theoretical framework that saw rhetorical arguments, texts and general discourse as instruments of communication of science publications on climate change in Namibia. Thus, Rhetorical Structure Theory (RST) was used in this study. The theoretical framework of the study was extended to incorporate the Aristotelian rhetorical theory. The study aimed at making a consequential input to an ongoing debate about climate change in Namibia and the world over; the use of rhetorical devices in the
construction of knowledge about climate change; analysis and exploration of rhetorical
elements employed by science researchers. The research was inspired by the study of rhetoric. As such the study looked at the progression of persuasive methodical arguments and facts, as a result providing clear understanding of how
scientific publications influence government policy on climate change. The study adopted a qualitative approach. By employing the qualitative approach the emphasis was to discover and understand the epistemological dynamics of rhetoric of science. Rhetorical interpretations of science publications seemed complex, and as such required a research design that enabled such complexity to be analysed and explored. Against this background, this study used the qualitative methodology of desktop research. As a desktop study, the researcher analysed existing climate change sources or publications. The study found that different rhetorical moves and strategies were used by the authors of the analysed documents to try and influence policy
makers and the public. The study revealed the frequent use of scare tactics by the authors to try and persuade the public regarding climate change. Moreover, the study exposed the presence of language forms that seemed to rely on perpetual persuasive techniques in order to persuade the current and future generations. Extraordinarily, the analysed publications made known how writers use visual images in a dramatic fashion to appeal to their peers, followers, and mostly the general public. The study developed a new language filter model of science interpretations because the existing
models seem to be effective only in dealing with large information; they, however, lack the epistemological and ontological interconnections between science and public interest
Towards a strategy for social media implications on human security in Namibia: Case study of Windhoek
No full textA mini thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Security and Strategic Studies)The study reports findings of a qualitative research study that propose a strategy for social media implications for human security in Namibia. The case study used the case study of Windhoek to determine social media implications on human security dimensions that include economic, personal, health, community, food, environmental and political threats. The study further assessed the social media crime situation, as well as types and prevalence of social media crime in Namibia., It also discussed the various challenges faced by the Namibian Police Force and the courts in dealing with cybercrimes and proposed strategies to be adopted to combat social media crimes. Studying the implications of social media is vital to ensure human security of all internet users. In phase 1, data was collected through open-ended questionnaires from 10 purposively sampled members of the public. In phase 2, data was gathered through face-to-face unstructured interviews held with 8 purposively selected respondents. The voice-recorded data was transcribed. Both phase 1 and 2 data were coded and organised in groups to create themes. Thematic Analysis was used to derive meaning out of data. Findings show that there are serious human security threats emanating from Facebook and WhatsApp usage, mostly threats to economic, personal, community and health security of individuals. The cybercrime situation is getting worse in Namibia with prevalent trends of distribution and circulation of obscene and pornographic materials, defamation of character, cyber bulling, internet fraud, hate speech and breach of privacy.
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The least common is cyber terrorism. Namibia does not yet have a cyber legal framework though a draft bill has been crafted. The police currently only deals with cybercrime cases which were defined in common and statutory laws. Lack of awareness, capacity, resources, proper technology, and the transnational and anonymity nature of cybercrimes were identified as challenges faced by the Namibian Police and courts while dealing with cybercrime. Results confirmed findings by previous scholars: Wall (2011), UNODC (2013), UN (2013), Amedie (2015), Council of Europe (2015), Ajayi (2016), Adesina (2017), Dwivedi (2018), and Links (2018). A human security theory coined by UNDP (1994) was adopted to guide this study in a Namibian context. The study recommends a speedy passing and enactment of a cybercrime law, investment in both technology and capacity building of investigators and prosecutors, alongside public education to raise awareness among social media users to combat cybercrimes
Teachers' strategies to combat disruption in classrooms: A case study of Primary schools in the Otjozondjupa region
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education (Inclusive Education)The purpose of this study was to investigate how teachers conceptualize disruptive behaviour and to explore the strategies they use in combating class disruption at senior primary schools in the Otjozondjupa region. A qualitative case study design was used to investigate this phenomenon in the two best-performing schools and two under-performing schools in the Otjozondjupa region. The target population for this study consisted of senior primary school teachers (Grades 4 to Grade7) from selected schools in the Otjozondjupa region. Purposive sampling was used to select the top two performing schools and two under-performing schools as per their respective performances in the National Standardized Tests (MoEAC, 2015). Criterion sampling strategies were used to select the sample of thirteen (13) teachers from the four schools. Semi-structured interviews and observation were used as data collection instruments. The results of the study confirmed growing awareness among primary school teachers of classroom disruption and the effectiveness of classroom management strategies that factor in environmental, structural, and background variables. The study revealed that verbal and nonverbal actions can constitute perceived disruptive behaviour. The study also established that perceived causes of classroom disruption significantly influenced by social and psychological factors. Parental involvement and keeping learners engaged also emerged as strategies teachers most prominently employ in managing classroom disruption. The study concludes that teachers who could leverage teaching experience, understood the importance of social factors, and took a proactive approach in addressing classroom disruption were more successful than those who were passive, inexperienced or did not understand how learning and behaviour are socially influenced. The study recommends broadening the understanding of inclusive education approaches and cultures for addressing classroom behaviour in the Namibian school system
Geochemical and mineralogical characterisation of the INCA Uranium mineralisation in the central zone of the Damara Belt, Namibia
No full textA mini thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Applied GeologyThe Inca uranium deposit is situated about 40 km east of the town Swakopmund in the central Namib Desert within the Erongo region, in western Namibia. It is located within the uranium-endowed Central Zone of the Pan African Damara orogenic belt. The deposit is hosted in amphibolite facies grade metasedimentary rocks of the Lower Swakop Group of the Damara Supergoup. Characterisation of mineralogical and geochemical features of the Inca uranium mineralisation has been conducted to enhance the understanding of formation processes of the deposit. The objectives of the study were to characterise the occurrence of uranium mineralisation and to establish a genetic model of the deposit. This quantitative study has been conducted through whole-rock major and trace element geochemical analytical methods comprising ICP-OES and ICP-MS; and XRD method for mineral identification; as well as scanning electron microscopy and optical petrographic examination of selected drill core samples from three selected boreholes. Major element abundances of most samples are characterised by anomalous silica and iron oxides related to metamorphic and magmatic-hydrothermal alterations. Trace element abundances of some samples such as S, Pb, and Zn depict positive correlation with uranium mineralisation and is postulated to simultaneous and successive distinct processes. REE and uranium enrichment correlation particularly associated with magnetite skarn rocks suggests mobility of REE during hydrothermal uranium mineralisation. Uranium mineralisation is essentially made up of interstitially disseminated euhedral to subeuhedral primary uraninite and secondary, hydrothermal, massive to semi-massive and botryoidal coffinite occurring as fracture infills, veinlets and coatings around grain boundaries of gangue mineral assemblages of host metasedimentary and leucogranite rocks. Uraninite is intimately related to prograde metamorphic assemblages and magnetite skarn rock. Coffinite is derived from partial dissolution of uraninite under hydrothermal conditions and is associated with sulphide and REE mineralisation as fracture infills and along grain boundaries of host mineral assemblages of the iron skarn and calc-silicate rocks as well as leucogranites. Pervasive fracturing associated with secondary mineralisation suggests that fractures facilitated the remobilization of metals and served both as conduit for fluid transport and as deposition sites. The magnetite skarn rock served as a redox boundary for metal rich circulating hydrothermal fluids and triggered precipitation of uranium mineralisation and associated ore minerals such as galena, and xenotime. Botryoidal coffinite mineralisation together with opal and aragonite appear to be associated with late meteoric fluids under hydrothermal conditions. Partial oxidation of magnetite to hematite is suggested to be related to this later event. Further research work in mineral geochemistry, U-Pb geochronology and stable isotope is recommended to advance the understanding of the evolution and quantification of the ore forming processes involved in the formation of the Inca U deposit
Assessment of floodwater harvesting infrastructures in the Namibian Cuvelai-Etosha basin
No full textA mini-thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Water Resources ManagementThe Cuvelai-Etosha Basin lies in north-central Namibia and due to the prevailing climatic situation, the basin is dominated by strong seasonal and annual variations of either very dry conditions with drought or heavy flooding in certain years.
A growing population in the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin has resulted in increased demand for water for daily use and agricultural activities. Floodwater Harvesting Infrastructures are considered to be a more effective way to solve those problems. Hence the current status of the initiatives taken to harvest floodwater for use in the dry seasons needs to be determined by means of remote sensing, secondary data and field validation. The main objective of the study was to assess the condition and performance of Floodwater Harvesting Infrastructures in the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry constructed 34 earth dams in this Basin from 2008 to 2011. Out of these newly constructed earth dams, 18 were randomly selected for the study. The research design was based on using both qualitative and quantitative data on a completely randomised basis. Sentinel data was used to identify the water bodies by means of remote sensing. Information was gathered by means of structured interviews from the locals or people acquainted with the sites. The results from the interviews taken among 96% of the participants showed that the highest usage of earth dams is livestock watering while few people use them for irrigation purposes. Due to sedimentation in the earth dams, depth has reduced and surficial area has increased; hence the dams can no longer retain the quality and quantity of water they were designed for. In conclusion, the method developed from GIS successfully identified 94% of the existing earth dams