UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Determinants of financial inclusion in Namibia: An analysis of the gender
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration FinanceThere is a consensus between many development economists that a well-developed and inclusive
financial system promotes inclusive growth and better livelihoods. Yet the size of the financially
excluded adults in the world is still enormous. Generally, women are disproportionately excluded
from formal financial systems and constitute more than half of the world 's unbanked population.
The gender gap is systematic worldwide and persistent across all income groups in developing
countries. However, it is interesting to observe that more eligible men are financially excluded than
eligible womeri in Namibia. Motivated by this observation, in addition to limited evidence on
gender gap in financial inclusion, this paper examines the determinants of financial inclusion in
Namibia, with particular focus on what explains the observed gender gap.
' We employ the probit model to identify the determinants of financial inclusion and the Fairlie
decomposition to examine the contribution of these factors to the gender gap in financial inclusion.
The results suggest that women are more financially included, however, the observed gap is
insignificant. We find that individual characteristics are important determinants of financial
inclusion in Namibia. Financial literacy, educational attainment and proximity to financial
institutions contribute positively to the observed gender gap. Thus, any policy action geared
towards improving the level of financial inclusion of the disadvantage women should focus on
enhancing their level of education, financial 'knowledge and access (proximity) to financial
institution. However, the contribution of other individual and household characteristics cannot be
completely ignore
An analysis of factors influencing the level of fundraising for Non-Profit Organisations (NPOS) of the Khomas region of Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration FinanceLike the NPOs sector globally, the number of NPOs in Namibia has been increasing yearly.
Most NPOs depend on government subsidies or local and international donor agencies to
finance their operations. This scenario has been threatening their survival and ability to attain
their aims and objectives for social transformation. Donor agencies have reduced their support
for Namibian NPOs owing to the global economic crisis and financial headwinds facing the
Namibia economy.
As a result local NPOs have limited access to funding from both local and international
donors, as well as private philanthropic organisations. This is attributed to factors such as:
global financial crisis, economic recession, the re-classification of Namibia to an upper
middle-income country, the downgrading to junk economic status, and the increase in the
number ofNPOs in Namibia.
Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyse factors influencing the level of fundraising
for NPOs in Khomas Region. Based on the study, this paper explores the influence of sources
of funding on the financial sustainability ofNPOs. A quantitative research design was used as
the principal research methodology for the study. The target population was six hundred and
ninety six (696) NPOs registered with Business and lntellectual Property Authority (BIPA) under
Section 21 of Company Act No. 28 of2004 of the Republic ofNamibia. One respondent per
NPO was selected as per their role in the organization either: managements, administrative or
financial personnel. The study made use of a random sampling methodology of which the, a
total of forty ( 40) of NPOs were sampled each per year from 1950 to 2018. For the purposes
of this study, a quantitative research method was employed and quantitative data were
collected using a questionnaire. Data was processed using Stata software and the coded data
I d t the SiQllificance level of .05% using an ordered logistic regression model
was ana yse a o · ·
I
Significant variables to the study were identified and interpreted accordingly and where
possible compared to the literature review to gain a full understanding from both primary
research data and secondary research. The chi-square test was done to test the model and it is
statistically significant as it has a chi-square value below the 5% level.
The findings of the study showed that there are factors influencing the level of fundraising in
NPOs. These are gender, years of working experience, number of staff members, fund raising
procedures, number of student interns, fundraising through electronic media, local and
international donor's agency and partnership or joint projects with other organizations.
Therefore, this situation has left Namibian NPOs with no options, but to develop alternative
fundraising strategies to access new sources of funding in order to increase the level of
funding to finance their operations.
Jt is recommended that the NPOs should move from being dependent on government subsidies
and local donor agencies for self-sustainability and have a more international outlook and
indeed focus on establishing income generating activities and venture into multiple sources of
funds for their projects. This would improve their financial sustainability. It is further
recommended that there is a need to create and develop alternative fundraising strategies in
order to increase the level of funding and remain competitive in the markets. Furthermore, it is
recommended that NPOs should engage individuals, corporate sectors, government and local
and international donors to develop interest in their activities for future donations.
Alternatively, NPOs should give timely reports, thank you letters, issue donation certificates
and offer a free luncheon for donors even once a year. With regard to media, it is advisable for
NPOs to partner up with the media for marketing purposes as well as forming joint ventures
with business and universitie
An evaluation of mobile banking as a tool for enhancing financial inclusion in Namibia: A case of FNB Namibia
No full textA research thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business AdministrationFinancial inclusion is a multi-dimensional concept of financial development that
enables affordable access through availability and equality of opportunities to access
financial services, especially among previously disadvantaged social groups. Namibia
has one of the most developed financial systems in Africa, and is blessed with a well run payment system. Yet, Namibia has failed to fully leverage its mobile penetration
rate of 97% to deploy financial solutions that can provide an interoperable platform
for financial inclusion. As such, this study uses data from a population of the more
than 1,2 million mobile banking customers on the FNB Cell phone banking and E wallet platforms in the period July 2012 to December 2019 (89 months). However, the
sample size was restricted by privacy concerns, which saw the study using 74% (66/89
months) of data in the period July 2012 to December 2017 (66 months). The study
used a cross-sectional time-series econometric analysis to test Granger causality
relationships between mobile banking and financial inclusion. The study found that at
the 95% level of confidence, there were significant mean differences (MD) between
the unbanked and banked platforms, in terms of value-added services, cash out ratios
and financial inclusion channels on the mobile banking platforms. The study also
found that among the four identified financial inclusion channels, only Profit
Incentives and Financial Penetration channels could be enhanced with mobile banking.
While, the other two channels: Financial Access and Account Ownership, influenced
the rate of mobile phone adoption. The study concludes that the charge-based value added services provide the critical intermediation link as to how profit incentives can
enhance both mobile banking services and financial inclusion in Namibia. The study
recommends that regulators should provide profitability incentives to the banks and
other e-money service-providers, as profitable mobile banking platforms can be used
as effective tools for enhancing financial inclusion of the unbanked populatio
A perfect storm? The impact of COVID-19 on community-based conservation in Namibia
No full textWe report on a rapid survey of five communal-area conservancies in Namibia to understand initial impacts on community-based conservation of national and international policies for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Namibia’s Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) programme has been growing for over 30 years, with high economic reliance on tourism and conservation hunting. We review the interrelationships between COVID-19, CBNRM, tourism and hunting, and discuss our findings under eight interlocking themes: 1) disruption to management and regular operational processes of conservancies, including 2) effects on conservancy wildlife patrolling and monitoring; 3) losses of revenue and cash flow in conservancy business operations; 4) impacts on Joint-Venture Partnerships; 5) impacts on employment opportunities and local livelihoods; 6) effects on community development projects and social benefits, including 7) disruption to funded projects and programmes; and 8) lack of technical capacity regarding communication technologies and equipment. In our conclusion we discuss tensions between an assumption that normal business can or will be resumed, and calls for the COVID-19 pandemic to create an opportunity for global choices away from ‘business-as-normal’. It is too early to tell what mix of these perspectives will unfold. What is clear is that communal-area conservancies must derive benefits from conservation activities in their areas that are commensurate with their role as key actors in the conservation of Namibia’s valuable wildlife and landscapes
The experiences of Namibian senior primary school teachers in curriculum design: The case of Khomas region
No full textResearch submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education (Curriculum and Assessment Studies)This study aimed to investigate the experiences of Namibian senior primary school teachers in curriculum design in the Khomas region, with emphasises mainly being placed on roles and responsibilities of teachers in curriculum design. The involvement of teachers in curriculum design is one of the most important aspects that ensure the successful implementation of the curriculum and effective pedagogy in schools. The study sought to answer the following questions: (1) What are the roles and responsibilities of senior primary school teachers in curriculum design in the Khomas region? (2) Why is it important to involve senior primary school teachers in curriculum design? (3) To what extent are teachers influential in curriculum design? (4) What challenges are faced by senior primary school teachers in exercising their roles in curriculum design in the Khomas region? (5) Which strategies can be employed to enable the effective participation of senior primary school teachers in curriculum design in the Khomas region? The study employed a qualitative research design where seven (7) senior primary school teachers from the Khomas region who were involved in curriculum design were selected by means of a purposive sampling strategy. The study also included four (4) members of the Programme Quality Assurance (PQA) and four (4) curriculum developers to represent National Institute NIED. Data were collected by means of in-depth, face-to-face interviews with the participants. The findings of the study show that senior primary school teachers are essential, and assume different roles and responsibilities at NIED during the curriculum design process but only the teachers that are part of the curriculum panels, therefore not all the senior primary school teachers are involved. The research findings also show that there are challenges for senior primary school teachers in the curriculum design process, and the participants have suggested a few strategies to overcome those challenges. From the findings, the following recommendations were made: more senior primary school teachers should be involved in the curriculum design process, the selection of the participants for curriculum panels at NIED should remain fair and transparent, curriculum developers and other stakeholders should create an inclusive environment for teachers to become fully involved, and their opinions should be regarded as of equal importance as those of other participants. Therefore, as much as senior primary school teachers are the curriculum implementers, they should be equally involved in curriculum design. This study contributes to the academic literature in the field and raises awareness of the significant roles that senior primary school teachers play in the curriculum design process
Arts education for enhancing holistic child development in resource-challenged pre-primary schools in the Kunene region
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education (Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Studies)Arts education has been acknowledged as a subject that enhances holistic child
development as it helps children to develop creative problem-solving skills, motor skills, language skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking and creativity. However, a lack of resources, particularly in pre-primary mobile schools may constrain the effective teaching and learning of arts. This study aimed at investigating both the challenges that pre-primary teachers experience in teaching arts education in resource-challenged, mobile schools in Kunene region as well as ways in which to enhance the prevailing practice of teaching and learning. The study employed a qualitative approach, using a collective/multiple, and unique case study research design. A total number of six preprimary, mobile government schools three from Epupa and three from the Opuwo circuit were selected as the sample for the study. Interviews and observation were used to collect the requisite data while a purposive sampling technique was used to select the interview participants. The study found that, in order to ensure the holistic development of a child, it is essential that all the various types of arts, namely, music, dance, visual arts and drama, are taught effectively through the levels of Bloom taxonomy and effective teaching methods. However, the study discovered the following challenges; inadequate teaching and learning resources, teacher factors, socio-economic factors and financial constraints. Finally, the study also found that the teaching of arts may be enhanced through the use of a variety of creative arts activities using local materials found in the environment that may be used to supplement any lack of the resources needed. The findings include, training workshops, support from the regional office and other stakeholders as well as the appointment of advisory teachers for non-promotional subjects such as arts education
Examining price setting behaviour in Namibia: Evidence from the manufacturing sector
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in EconomicsPrice-setting behavior is a key variable to any central bank, as it determines the nature of price stickiness and the effect of monetary policy on inflation and real variables. As a result, this study examines the price setting behaviours (behavioural mechanisms) of companies in the manufacturing sector in Namibia by establishing the decision process companies followed in their price setting practices.
The study used an in-depth price setting behaviour questionnaire survey on 20 manufacturing companies based in Windhoek. It used quantitative analytical approach using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to tests propositions and hypothesis related to the linkages between the price setting practices and the manufacturing firms’ pricing decisions. The study found significant positive relationships between Price Review Strategies and Product Sales Pricing (beta = 0.282). The findings also revealed a direct positive relationship between Price Decisions and Price Review Strategies (beta = 0.539) while Market Structure was found to have a direct positive relationship with Price Decisions (beta = 0.607). This concludes that price decisions were linked to price setting behaviours by way of price review strategies that forces companies to make fixed price increases influenced by the market structure. The study recommends that managers should not only stick to one particular pricing approach. They should use a mix of cost based and value-based approaches that ensure that their price decisions process incorporates the distribution channels, cost effects, price hindrances, price setting methods, price review strategies, price elasticity and market structure
Evaluating public stigma towards mental illness in Windhoek
No full textA mini- thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Clinical PsychologyPublic stigma towards mental illness is associated with various negative implications for those struggling with mental illness and plays a significant role in help seeking behaviour as well as treatment adherence. The aim of this study is to quantify the degree of public stigma that exists and to understand attitudes towards mentally ill people held by people residing in Windhoek, Namibia. Finally, it seeks to identify whether there are any demographic variables associated with higher degrees of public stigma towards people with mental illness. This study utilises a mixed method approach, utilising the Community Attitudes towards the Mentally Ill (CAMI) scale, surveying 150 participants through a non-probability sampling technique. Data from the surveys were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SSPS) (Version 24.0) with inferential statistics used to identify any variables that could contribute to higher degrees of public stigma. In addition, three focus-group discussions with groups drawn from three different socio-economic areas within the Windhoek district were conducted. Each group consisted of eight participants and views held by the group members around mental illness were discussed. These discussions were analysed to allow for the identification of themes present in the data. Findings from this study revealed an overall level of public stigma towards mental illness of 41% from the CAMI Scale. Older adults, men and people with lower levels of education appeared to possess higher levels of public stigma towards the mentally ill. In addition, results revealed that lower socioeconomic groups had more misconceptions and misinformation around mental illness than middle- and higher-socioeconomic groups In addition to further research and development of mental health treatment services, strategies to address public stigma, namely contact, protest and education would appear to be applicable in the Namibian context
Improving general health and reducing burnout of nurses in Namibia
No full textOrientation: Nurses make up 80% of Namibia’s healthcare workforce, and they are considered as the backbone of the industry. Because of the lack of other healthcare providers nurses are exposed to high levels of job stress.
Research purpose: This study investigated how job demands-resources and psychological capital impact general health and burnout of nurses in Oshikoto, Kavango East, Oshana, Omaheke and Khomas regions.
Motivation for the study: Improving the work environment by balancing the relationship
between job demands and job resources will result in lower levels of burnout, improved
healthcare services, improved employee performance and patient satisfaction.
Research design/approach and method: Using questionnaires, this study investigated the perceptions of nurses within selected regions of Namibia to understand the relationship amongst these variables. The results were analysed using the SPSS (version 24), Pearson’s product–moment correlation and multiple regression analyses.
Main findings: Emotional exhaustion was found to have a positive relationship with general health and workload. Social dysfunction and anxiety and insomnia were found to be significant predictors of cynicism. Anxiety and insomnia, workload and social dysfunction were found to be significant predictors of emotional exhaustion.
Practical/managerial implications: Healthcare sector needs to invest in health education and stress management programmes for nurses on how to take care of their own health and emotional well-being. Providing training and development opportunities and coping strategies increases nurses’ psychological capital, general health, skills and abilities.
Contribution/value-add: This ground breaking study in Namibia will pave the way for future research regarding the health and well-being of health professionals, add to the already existing knowledge within industrial and organisational psychology and guide interventions to improve the health and well-being
A comparative evaluation of unsupervised anomaly detection techniques in smart water metering networks
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Electronics and Computer Engineering)Advances in electronics and wireless communication technologies have enabled the development of smart water metering networks (SWMNs). These networks enable water utilities to measure the water consumption of the connected households better than the traditional metering. Every household's traditional water meter is replaced by a smart meter. Smart meter communicates the household's water consumption to the utility. Data collected by the smart meters can easily become unreliable due to different data attacks such as data tampering, integrity attacks or flooding. Data
integrity has become a major concern in SWMNs hence this work is motivated by the demand for data integrity in this networks. Thus, different security algorithms and techniques needs to be put in place in order to detect which smart meter is compromised. Anomaly detection techniques are some of the security techniques that can be applied in SWMNs in order to protect all SWMN stakeholders. Although a lot of privacy and security solutions for attacks are proposed in smart grids, there is a dearth in security solutions for SWMNs in literature. This work is a comparative
evaluation of three unsupervised anomaly detection techniques in Smart Water Metering Networks (SMWNs). These techniques are k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN), cluster-based local outlier factor (CBLOF), and the histogram-based outlier score (HBOS). The comparative study aims at providing a better unsupervised anomaly detection technique that can be adopted in SWMNs. This work aimed to find a better anomaly detection technique that can be used in a SWMNs, to track
down the smart meters that are producing anomalies, the time the anomaly occurred, and lastly, to plot the consumer's profiles. Simulations are conducted in OMNeT ++ v5 .0 platform running on the Ubuntu 14.04OS. INET-3.4.0 framework is used on top of OMNeT ++ v5 .0 in order to simulate and model a realistic network. Data collected from the Tsumeb East area is used to configure the normal meter reading. Several scenarios depicting deviations from the normal conditions are
simulated. The performance of each technique is compared with one another. False positive rates (FPR), detection rate (DR) and accuracy rate are used as performance metrics. One-way Anova and Turkey HSD are used for statistical analysis. Simulations runs for 60s; the first 20s aim to build the intelligence for the algorithm and the remaining 40s as a test phase. Simulation results show the kNN achieves almost zero FPR throughout while giving almost 5% for DR in all simulation runs. On other hand, CBLOF achieves the highest DR between 95% - 100%, while
giving the worst performance in terms of FPR. This shows that CBLOF's anomaly score is too stringent as it penalizes even normal data points. The HBOS exhibits intermediate performance in either metrics. HBOS gives out the intermediate results. Statistical results for accuracy rate show that although HBOS gives intermediate results, it tends to run very close to CBLOF. kNN gives a high accuracy rate while CBLOF gives a lower accuracy rate since it struggles to identify normal
data. This works concludes that kNN is a better anomaly detection technique to be used in SWMNs because it has a better DR, low FPR and a high accuracy rate as long as the magnitudes for the anomalous readings are not too close to what is being considered normal. Future work will explore a hybrid anomaly detection technique. Future work will also look at how to distinguish anomalous data from normal changes in customer water usage habits