UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Stock separation of the shallow-water hake Merluccius Capensis in the Benguela using otolith shape analysis and parasite infestation
No full textA research thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences)The fishing industry is an important sector in Namibia with hake contributing about one third of the total commercial catch. Merluccius capensis, the shallow water hake, forms the bulk of this resource. Studies on the distribution of spawners and juveniles, spawning areas and genetics have proposed three stock structure hypotheses of M. capensis in the Benguela: (1) one stock throughout, (2) one in the northern and one in the southern Benguela or (3) three stocks: one in the northern, one in southern Namibia and the Orange River (border between Namibia and South Africa), and one in the southern Benguela. This study aimed to investigate these hypotheses of M. capensis stock structure within the Benguela using otolith shape analysis and parasite infestation, and to identify parasite species as potential biological tags. M. capensis otolith samples were collected during demersal trawl surveys along the Namibian coast in 1992, 2004 and 2005 and along the South African West coast in 2005. The Benguela ecosystem was divided into three areas, northern (17.00-25.29 S), central (25.30 - 29.05 S) and southern Benguela (South African waters, 28.86 - 35.81 S), for this study. A total of 1628 otolith images were analyzed using the ShapeR package in R. Otolith outlines from Wavelet transformations and ANOVA permutation tests indicated no significant differences between the northern and central Benguela for the years 1992, 2004 and 2005 (p > 0.05 for all) but showed significant differences between the northern and southern Benguela in 2005 (F = 14.81, p < 0.001). Comparing otolith size descriptors and otolith shape indices showed that otoliths from the southern Benguela were significantly more elongated (longer, narrower and less round) than those from the northern and central Benguela. 80 M. capensis were collected off Namibia and examined for parasites and compared with a study done on M. capensis parasites in South Africa in the previous year. A total of 10 parasite species were found on Namibian M. capensis. Prevalence (number of infected fish/number of fish examined)*100 and abundance (total number of parasites/total number of fish examined) were compared between areas. The following species have the potential to be used as biological tags (1) Chondracanthus merlucii indicating significant differences in abundance between the northern and central Benguela, and northern and southern Benguela; (2) Parabrachiella australis, only present in the northern and central Benguela, and (3) Stephanostomum multispinosum, only present in the southern Benguela. Otolith shape analysis and parasite infestation levels therefore revealed one M. capensis stock in the northern Benguela and another in the southern Benguela, with a possible separation further north than the Orange River, as shown by parasites, supporting stock structure hypothesis number (2). Further studies should include sampling for parasites conducted seasonally and adding stock identity methods such as otolith microchemistry along the Benguela
Dependency of rural communities on non-timber forest products in the dry lands of Southern Africa: A case of Mukwe constituency, Kavango East region, Namibia
No full textThis paper examines the relationship between socio-economic and demographic factors and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) dependency among the rural communities of the Mukwe Constituency, Kavango East Region, Namibia. The study employed interviews of households using semi-structured questionnaires and personal ob- servations during July 2019 covering 102 respondents. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square (X 2 ) to test the association between socio-economic and demographic factors with NTFPs depen- dency. Results showed that wild-fruits, mushroom, honey-bees, mopane worms, insects, medicinal plants, wild meat, ropes, reeds, thatching grasses and devil’s claw were the NTFPs prevalent in the study area. The results further showed that 71 % of the respondents were reliant on NTFPs for their diverse livelihoods. The Chi-square revealed no significant association between age, gender, marital status, number of people in the households, and NTFPs dependency ( P > 0.05). However, a significant association was found between NTFPs reliance and occupation, number of years in the village, number of people employed in the household, highest qualification, and employment status ( P < 0.05). The intra-community differentiation in the reliance on NTFPs, as revealed in this study, enables more effective targeting of forest management interventions and informs efforts to reconcile the goals of poverty reduction and sustainable forest management in Namibia and other countries with similar socio-economic and environmental condition
A survey of the common small animal surgical procedures at a regional state veterinary clinic in Namibia
No full textA retrospective study to investigate the nature of surgical cases presented to Katima Mulilo State Veterinary Office in Namibia was conducted on 167 small animals between 2011 and 2016. Overall, significantly more dogs (87.4%) than cats (12.6%) were presented for surgical procedures (p0.05). A greater proportion of male (58.2%) than female dogs (41.8%) were presented for surgical treatment (p<0.05). Significantly more non-elective (65.8%) than elective procedures (34.2%) were performed in dogs (p<0.05; n=146); however, significantly more elective (90.5%) than non-elective procedures (9.5%) were performed in cats (p<0.05; n=21). All the adult cats were presented for elective procedures (n=16). A significantly greater proportion of adult dogs were presented for non-elective (60%) than for elective (40%) procedures (p<0.05). A significantly greater proportion of pure breed dogs were presented for non-elective (71.4%) than for elective (28.6%) procedures (p<0.05; n=14). The results of the study revealed that state veterinarians in rural/semi-urban state offices should better stock their clinics more for dogs than cats. As for dogs, these clinics should be more stocked for bite wounds, castrations, bone fractures and ovariohysterectomies and to prepare for castrations and ovariohysterectomies when they prepare surgical materials for cats
An investigation into informal cross-border trading at the Rundu-Calai urban bridgehead
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in GeographyThis study was conducted at Sarusungu Border Post, a socio-economic conduit at Rundu-Calai Bridgehead in Kavango East Region. The research investigated Informal Cross Border trade patterns, pro-poor benefits and hindrances of Informal Cross Border Trade (ICBT). The investigation used a qualitative approach in form of semi-structured interviews and field observation. The study had a sample of 55 participants consisting of informal traders, money exchangers, border officials and key informants from Rundu and Calai. Findings reveal that 71% of the traders are youth with 61% of them responding that they have been attracted by more buying power in Rundu and devaluation of Kwanzas leading to cheaper goods in Calai. Most (53%) traders exchange vegetables, corn and re-exports such as sugar and rice. It emerges that up to 85% of informal trading occurs in the street (38%), open markets (26%) and home-based stalls (21%). The unemployment rate in Rundu and vicinity as well as customs’ charges waiver on primary goods and household re-exports motivates trading. Benefits of ICBT include income to pay for children’s education, household amenities and reinvestments or expansion of residences. Hindrances of ICBT are ranging from distance to the Border to competition with formal traders. The research concludes that pro-poor ICBT activities are carried out at the Rundu-Calai Bridgehead and recommends that the Border Post return to the old site linking Rundu and Calai’s CBD to curb transport costs for traders
Assessment of risk factors associated with Cervical cancer amongst women attending the oncology centre and health facilities in Windhoek, Khomas region
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Applied Field EpidemiologyCervical Cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in women worldwide. These deaths are unnecessary, as there is evidence that Cervical Cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early and managed effectively. Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is a well-known cause of Cervical Cancer with HPV genotypes 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of all Cervical Cancer worldwide. However, there are other risk factors. Current estimates indicate that every year 527,624 women are diagnosed with Cervical Cancer and 265,653 die from the disease. In Namibia with a population of around 2.1 million, 632,000 women aged 15 years and above are at risk of developing Cervical Cancer. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with Cervical Cancer among women in Khomas region, Namibia. The researcher conducted an unmatched 1:1 case control study. A sample size of 402; 201 cases of Cervical Cancer and 201 appropriate controls were chosen using a simple random sampling method. Data was analysed using Epi info 7. Bivariate analysis was done using odds ratio to determine association between suspected risk factors and Cervical Cancer. Significant associations at 5% on bivariate analysis was loaded into a logistic regression model to determine predictors of Cervical Cancer. The multivariate logistic regression analysis found that after adjusting for HIV status, the following variables were significant risk factors of Cervical Cancer: family history of cancer (AOR:2.55; 95% CI, 1.64-3.95; p = 0.0004), unemployment (AOR: 2.56; 95% CI, 0.26-0.59; p = 0.0001), marital status (AOR: 1.90; 95% CI, 1.25-2.89;p=0.003), living in rural areas (AOR: 2.77; 95% CI, 1.26-4.21; p= 0.000002), use of contraceptive (AOR: 1.64; 95% CI, 1.08-2.49; p = 0.03), lack of secondary education (AOR: 2.49: 95% CI, 1.50-4.13; p = 0.0005) and not attending Pap smear screening (AOR: 1.92; 95% CI, 0.33-0.82; p = 0.007). These risk factors associated with Cervical Cancer in our environment could be the basis for targeted screening and treatment programme. The introduction of routine HPV vaccination could reduce Cervical Cancer
Job demands and burnout: The moderating effect of psychological capital amongst call centre employees in Windhoek, Namibia
No full textThe call centre industry has been growing each year. Growth in the industry puts pressure on call centre employees as the job becomes highly demanding and their tasks increase. Introducing the positive aspects of psychological capital allows for someone to better deal with the daily challenges of a highly demanding job. The relationship between job demands and psychological capital is lacking in literature as it has not been extensively studied. The paper explores the moderating effect of psychological capital on the relationship between burnout and job demand amongst a selection of call centre employees in Windhoek, Namibia. Questionnaires were distributed to call centre employees and n=156 employees participated in the study. Results showed that job demand was significantly negatively correlated to burnout (r= -1.79; p= 0.028); Psychological Capital (PsyCap) was significantly positively related to job demands (r= 0.425; p= 0.000); psychological capital and burnout (r= 0.013; p= 0.873) did not yield a significant difference; the linear regression model yielded a significant level of F statistics (F= 2.888; df= 2; P=.046; R2=0.39.). The researchers recommend that organisations and human resource managers invest in these intangible resources in order to enhance employee coping mechanisms to counter burnout in highly demanding occupations
Effects of climatic variability and non-climatic factors on mopane worms’ (Gonimbrasia Belina) distribution and livelihood options in North Central Namibia
No full textWith these factors in mind, this study sought to identify the extent to which the availability and distribution of mopane worms are influenced in the Tsandi and Okahao constituencies. The study used structured questionnaires to collect information from households in the study area, to interview key informants, and to carry out group discussions. A total of 70 households and 6 key informants were interviewed, along with 4 focus group discussions that were carried out to elicit perceptions, and to obtain views on the availability of mopane worms, and possible causes of the decline in the study area. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while GIS was used to determine trends in vegetation cover, temperature and rainfall in the area. The rainfall trend indicates variability, with a generally declining trend. A slight increase in temperature has been observed too. Vegetation showed a browning trend in the study area, indicating declining habitats of mopane worms. The results have indicated that more women depend on mopane worms for survival, mainly as a source of income. Thus the decline in their availability greatly affects their food sources and their income diversification opportunities. Trading was found to be an important form of employment for the unemployed rural people, but with the potential to generate higher income levels that can improve their livelihoods. Moreover, despite the climatic factors, human activities seemed to indicate a greater influence on the availability of mopane worms, due to activities such as overharvesting, land clearing for agriculture and household use/fencing. Thus, there is a greater need to control the harvesting of mopane worms and to control tree-cutting activities in order to reduce the impacts of climatic and non-climatic factors on their availability
Assessing the too-causes of underdevelopment in a proclaimed settlement: A case study of Okalongo settlement in the Omusati region
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Public AdministrationThe study assessed the root – causes of underdevelopment in a proclaimed settlement, with a specific focus on the Okalongo settlement in the Omusati region aimed to find possible mitigation to minimise underdevelopment. The study is guided by the following three broad research questions. Firstly, what are the factors contributing to underdevelopment in the proclaimed settlement of Okalongo? Secondly, what are the perceptions of the inhabitants of Okalongo settlement in relation to underdevelopment? And thirdly, how can Okalongo settlement address underdevelopment in the area? The study is foreseen to serve as a resourceful guide to future researches and to the general hindrances of underdevelopment in local government both in Namibia and beyond. The study adopted a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative research approaches and followed an explorative research philosophy. The sample size of this study was 62. It comprised the inhabitants of Okalongo settlement, administrators of Okalongo settlement office, officials of Okalongo Constituency office, members of OTA and the officials of the ORC. Data were collected through interviews and survey questionnaires. The study found that there is no improvement in the Okalongo settlement in terms of roads, housing, servicing of land, sewage system and other government services that need to be brought closer to the people. The study further recommends, community involvement, servicing of land for construction of houses and business, fair allocation of land, a complete demarcation plan of the Okalongo settlement and the fair compensation of homestead, reduce managerial power from ORC, reduce local business dominance and attract investors, consider employing local people in the Okalongo settlement office,` investigate corruption cases; and last but not least benchmarking and twining with other proclaimed settlements and local authorities
Flood Impacts in Oshana region, Namibia: A case Study of Cuvelai river basin
No full textFloods are among the global natural disasters that are known to have major negative societal effects. The extent of floods can determine the degree of impact to be made. Floods can cause extensive economic losses, consequently affecting livelihoods, businesses, infrastructures and basic services. This study investigated the impact of floods in communities within the Oshana Region in the northern areas of Namibia. Primary and secondary data were collected in efforts to understand the impact of floods, and the causes of vulnerability to such events. Loss of field crops, destruction of houses, destruction of roads and other infrastructure, and loss of human lives were the major flood impacts that have been identified. The study findings revealed that vulnerability to floods is mainly due to lack of resources, poverty, poor infrastructure, limited budget, inactive disaster risk management structures in the region, rapid population change, non-existing Early Warning System (EWS), lack of awareness of the flood impacts, low income, and the fact that many houses are headed by females. In the absence of coping strategies, communities mainly depend on external relief, particularly for temporary shelter and provision of basic needs. It was concluded that the ability of communities and individuals to cope with flood impacts is related to their culture, history, knowledge system, power dynamics and governance. A further conclusion was that, the vulnerability of communities in the Oshana Region resulted in reduced household resilience to flood disasters.
The study recommended a further investigation into other flood prone regions in Namibia. Other notable recommendations included:
• the availing of information on climate variability and best coping strategies in flood prone communities,
• flood hazards awareness,
• developing and implementing mitigation measures for flood disasters,
• development of a policy on the construction of houses in efforts to avoid flood risks,
• and the development of information communication channels for EWS
The evaluation on the trend of existence of unauthorized expenditures in central government of Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Master of Business Administration in FinanceUnauthorised expenditures have been a common dilemma occurring in the central
government ofNamibia and other countries. The objective of this study was to examine
the trends of unauthorised expenditure, determine the root causes, and propose strategies
to reduce this unauthorised expenditure. Unauthorised expenditure patterns by 0 /M/ As
were evaluated using descriptive statistics in the form of charts and tables. Trend analysis
was based on Auditor-General reports for the period of 2004-2014. Qualitative content
analysis included establishment of causes of unauthorized expenditure; controlling and
monitoring mechanisms; awareness of policies and regulations and current fmancial
systems in use.
The study revealed that the unauthorised expenditures were occurring because of non compliance with existing and used acts, policies, laws, rules and regulations. Unauthorised
expenditures were caused by dishonesty and disrespectfulness towards the usage of these
acts, policies, laws, rules and regulations. Existing acts, policies, laws, rules and
regulations should be renewed, amended or else the government introduces other
regulations. This could be done through migrating from the existing fmancial framework
which is the State Finance Act, 1991 (Act 31 of 1991) with its regulations.
Honesty, transparency and accountability should be practiced and promoted in the
development and disclosure of financials to make them easier and user friendly. In
addition the internal controls already in existence surrounding these unauthorised
expenditures need to be adhered to, namely: Virementation, whereby underspending
(savings) should be utilised fully to diminish overspending (unauthorised expenditures) in
support of proper planning and financial management. It further recommends each 0 /M/ A
to develop a monitoring and evaluation policy framework and regularly carry out
monitoring and evaluation on financial systems and books