UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Quantification and characterization of nutrients in Senegalia mellifera milled biomass, feed intake and nitrogen balance in female Boer goats fed with Senegalia mellifera bush-based feeds
No full textThe overall objective of the research study was to
quantify and characterize the nutritional content of
Senegalia mellifera bush based feed and to determine
the intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance of Boer
goats fed with S.mellifera bush-based feedsThe objectives of this study were to quantify and characterise the nutritional content of milled
Senegalia mellifera milled biomass obtained from nine blocks at Neudamm Farm and to determine the dry
matter intake (DMI), apparent digestibility and nitrogen retention in female Boer goats fed with Senegalia
mellifera bush based feeds. Wood ash (WA), polyethylene glycol (PEG, 6 000) and biochar were evaluated as
tannin deactivation methods. The milled biomass of S. mellifera was mixed using a clean concrete mixer with
the following ingredients: yellow maize meal, liquid molasses; Marula oil press cake and coarse salt to
formulate a complete diet with 14% CP and 11MJ ME/kg. Detannification treatment methods were added at
a level of 5 g per day during feeding time. We used eight (8) female Boer goats weighing an average of 31.5
kg (± 2.5 kg) for the feeding experiment. We penned the goats individually in metabolic cages. Clean water
was available ad libitum to the goats during the entire feeding experiment. The goats were fed in a 4x4 cross
over Latin square design with four periods of experimental feeding. Each period lasted for 17 days, resulting
in 68 days of experimental feeding. The goats were fed twice daily at 09:00h and 16:00h. The level of dry
matter (DM) of feed offered was 4% of body weight. The results obtained in this study showed that there
was a significant difference (p <0.05) in the chemical composition of Senegalia mellifera milled biomass
harvested from the nine blocks at Neudamm Farm. The CP content of Senegalia mellifera milled biomass
ranged from 9.39 to 9.68 %DM while the NDF and ADF ranged from 59.17 to 64.33%DM and 43.77 to
48.01%DM, respectively. The condensed tannins (CT) content from all blocks did not differ (p >0.05) and had
a mean of 0.02 to 0.03%DM as leucocyanidin equivalent (LE Absorbance at 550 nm). The apparent digestibility
coefficients of DM, OM and NDF were not significantly different among treatments and the control diet (p
>0.05). Goats fed biochar treated diet had the highest nitrogen intake of 13.74g/d (p <0.05), faecal nitrogen
of 8.43g/d (p <0.05) and nitrogen retention of 5.11g/d (p <0.05), while goats fed the control feed (CNT), PEG
and WA were similar (p >0.05). All treatments resulted in a positive nitrogen retention (p >0.05) with mean
values ranging from 3.79 to 5.11 g/d. The study concluded that, there was a significant difference (p <0.05)
in the chemical composition of S. mellifera milled biomass collected from nine blocks at Neudamm Farm.
Given the high CP content of the S. mellifera, this fodder resource can be considered a suitable supplement
for poor quality (low N content) natural pastures and crop residues such as grass hay, straw and stover. The
study also concluded that, there was a significant difference (p <0.05) in the DMI, and nitrogen balance in
Boer goats fed with A. mellifera feeds treated with Wood ash (WA), Polyethylene glycol (PEG, 6 000) and
Biochar (BIO). The study therefore recommends that each detannification method should be tested at
different rates of inclusion in S. mellifera bush based feed resource
The evaluation of in vitro repellency and acaricidal efficacy of Aloe ferox and Acokanthera oppositifolia crude extracts against Amblyomma hebraeum ticks
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the acaricidal and repellent effects of solvent extracts from Aloe
ferox and Acokanthera oppositifolia in the control of Amblyomma
hebraeum ticksfluenced the repellency and acaricidal activity against adult engorged female Ambylomma hebraeum ticks. The researchers analyzed
the acetone, methanol, and ethanol extracts of both plant species. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with a
factor arrangement of 2 (plant species), 3 (organic solvent extraction methods: acetone, methanol, ethanol), and 3 (concentration
levels: 15%, 30%, 50%). Distilled water and Dazzel dip (15% and 30%) were employed as negative and positive controls, respectively.
Repellency was assessed over a six-hour period, while acaricidal activity was measured over seven days. The results of the study
demonstrated that the solvent extracts of Aloe ferox and Acokanthera oppositifolia exhibited a repellent effect ranging from 6% to
89%. Acetone extracts, overall, displayed lower repellency activity compared to methanol and ethanol extracts, with percentages of
58%, 66.5%, and 80.5% for acetone, ethanol, and methanol, respectively. At a concentration of 15% for all solvents, the repellency
effect was observed to be 14% for acetone, 9.5% for ethanol, and 11% for methanol. Irrespective of the solvent extraction method
used, a higher repellency activity was observed at the 50% concentration level, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The acaricidal
activity of Aloe ferox and Acokanthera oppositifolia significantly increased with the concentration of the extracts. It was concluded
that Aloe ferox and Acokanthera oppositifolia plants possess repellent and acaricidal activities, particularly at a 50% concentration for
acetone and methanol extracts, respectively. Additionally, Acokanthera oppositifolia demonstrated a higher repellency activity, while
Aloe ferox exhibited stronger acaricidal activit
Promoting sustainable development Goal 4 through ICT integration into geography advanced subsidiary curriculum in selected secondary schools, Ohangwena region
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Degree of Masters of Arts in Development studiesThis study aims to explore how Information Communication Technology (ICT) promotes
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 in the teaching of the Geography Advanced
Subsidiary (AS) curriculum at selected schools in the Ohangwena region. The study
employed a qualitative approach, using a multiple-case study design. A purposive
sampling was used to select four secondary schools offering the AS level. Two Geography
teachers, four Heads of Departments (HoD), and four school principals participated in this
study. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis were used to collect data. Data
were thematically analysed. Findings revealed that different ICT tools were used in
teaching Geography to promote Goal 4, which calls for quality and inclusive education.
These ICT tools included computers, projectors, laptops, and multimedia projectors. All
schools selected have dedicated computer laboratories. However, some school
laboratories were not operational and accessible to AS learners. Some schools allowed
their learners to bring their own devices, such as laptops and tablets, for internet access,
while others did not permit learners to bring any devices to school. Most participants had
a positive perspective toward ICT usage in their teaching for quality education. However,
some participants needed to be more comfortable integrating ICT tools into their teaching
due to the time-consuming nature of setting up devices like projectors. This might hinder
the attainment of Goal 4 of Sustainable Development in terms of quality and inclusive
education. The study recommends introducing compulsory and examinable Information
and Communication subjects in the primary school phase. The study recommends training
teachers on using ICT for quality teaching, providing ICT tools in schools and improving
internet accessibility and connectivit
The role of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in junior primary phase: A case study of environmental studies in selected grade two rural classrooms
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education( Early Childhood Education)This study aimed to explore the role of Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) in the Junior Primary phase in the Omusati region of Namibia. The study targeted
Grade Two teachers from the Omusati Region, mainly those in rural schools responsible
for teaching Environmental Studies. A case-study-based qualitative research method was
used. The study used purposive and convenience sampling to select ten teachers and four
schools. Ten Grade 2 Etayi Circuit teachers were observed and interviewed. The study
highlighted several ICT roles in Environmental Studies instruction. ICT enhances learners'
attention and memory, making abstract subjects easier to teach. With ICT, teachers can
personalise learning. ICT use in Junior Primary was hindered by many factors. These
included a lack of projectors, computers, internet connectivity, teacher ICT training,
communication challenges, and instructional time for ICT integration. The study suggests
many ways the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture (MoEAC) can address these
concerns and increase ICT integration: Support ICT integration with equipment and
training. Develop ICT-focused in-service professionals. Strategy and collaboration can
overcome ICT integration barriers in rural Junior Primary schools to improve teaching
and learnin
Analysis of seasonal variation in dietary composition and behaviour of wild chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in two habitats of different human influence around windhoek, central Namibia
No full textA Mini thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in biodiversity managementDiet composition of an organism gives a holistic picture of what an organism forages on in
its environment to maximize energy intake for all its essential activities that contribute to
survival and successful reproduction. Chacma baboons have the ability to modify their
broad omnivorous diet and behavior under changing environmental and climatic
conditions. However, the ever-increasing environmental and anthropogenic pressures on
baboon populations are likely to affect both the diet composition and foraging behavior of
these animals. Moreover, Namibia being one of the driest countries in the Sub Saharan
Africa, and coupled with accelerated anthropogenic changes, baboon populations,
especially those thriving in and around the city of Windhoek are facing constant threats of
habitat destruction and fragmentation due to the rapid expansion of the city and are under
pressure to adapt to these changes in order to survive. With limited research carried out on
primates in the central highlands of Namibia, this study was carried out in an effort to
bridge the knowledge gap and obtain insight into the influence humans have on the ecology
of these primates around the city of Windhoek. The study investigated the activity budget
and diet of the baboons using data collected from two contrasting habitats (Dobra and farm
Krumhuk) that are influenced by human activities. A total of 166 baboons were observed
during 2 seasons (wet & dry) at two sites using a focal animal method. Forty-nine (49) scat
samples were collected between the seasons, separated in the laboratory, weighed, and
placed into four categories (fruits and seeds, roots, stems, and leaves, invertebrates, and
others). Results showed that baboons consumed plant materials more than any other food
type and that they maintained their diet profile across the seasons. Furthermore, their
behavior was found to be reactional to seasonal changes. The study further confirmed the
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broad diet and selectivity that exists in the so-called “generalist diet” of these well documented old-world monkeys while also providing an alternative method to enhance
scat analysis techniques in the laboratory. The study noted that the human-disposed food
waste, stable and constant water supply, preserved wild flora and minimal disturbance
regimes around human settlements, all contribute to increased contact with human
Exploring grade 12 learners’ difficulties in solving differential calculus problems at a selected secondary school in Tsumeb, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of education (mathematics education)Differential Calculus is a fundamental topic in Mathematics that deals with the study
of how quantities change over time. Grade 12 learners have difficulties in solving
Differential Calculus questions as per the examiners’ reports year after year. This
study aimed to explore Grade 12 learners’ difficulties in solving Differential Calculus.
One secondary school in Tsumeb was purposely and conveniently selected for this
study. A total population sampling method was used to ensure a representation of all
74 Grade 12 Mathematics AS learners and all 3 grade 12 Mathematics AS teachers.
The research study was based on a mixed methods exploratory approach; i.e., data was
collected from classrooms’ observations, teachers’ questionnaires and learners’
diagnostic test. Only questions involving the learning objectives from Differential
Calculus topic were considered. A pilot study was carried out prior to the main study
in order to test for feasibility and effectiveness of the research design. An analysis was
done in order to determine learners’ common mistakes/misconceptions and errors,
challenges and also the great responses given by the learners.
The results revealed that learners had difficulties in 1) applying the product and
quotient law, 2) differentiating trigonometric functions, 3) applying conceptual and
procedural knowledge to solve Differential Calculus problems (like determining the
nature of stationary points), 4) integrating instead of differentiating and 5) just
applying differential rules in general. These difficulties may be caused by 1) lack of
algebraic knowledge (learners fail to substitute values into functions, solve equations),
2) lack of sufficient time (for both teachers and learners), and 3) teachers’ teaching
approaches. The study recommends that teachers should expose learners to a variety
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of algebraic manipulation problems from an early stage, so that learners begin
differential calculus with solid foundations of algebra; and that teachers should do
diagnostic assessments based on algebraic and functions before teaching Differential
Calculu
A critical evaluation of the efficacy of the willing-seller, willing-buyer concept in the Namibia’s land reform policy and legal framework
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of lawsNamibia inherited a skewed land redistribution system in favour of a white minority,
which necessitated the newly elected government to enact measures to redress this
injustice. This study investigated the effectiveness of the willing seller, willing buyer
principle and redistribution policies that were enacted to implement the land reform
programme. The willing-seller, willing-buyer (WSWB) approach, together with the
enacted legislative framework on land have failed dismally in ensuring the equitable
distribution of land and in realising the transformative aims of the Constitution. The
study analysed the legislative framework to deduce reasons why Namibia has failed to
properly address the issue of landlessness 32 years after it attained independence. It
also criticises the path of national reconciliation that the government adopted shortly
after independence in that it deprived the country of an opportunity to holistically
address the inequitable distribution of land. The study found that the major constraints
to meaningful land reform are contained in the legislative framework on land, as well
as the mixed economy order which undermine the government’s efforts to redistribute
land. The study also found that Namibia’s land reform programme does not comply
with widely accepted requirements of a successful land reform programme, such as
rapidness in implementation, and consensus on the political legitimacy and
appropriateness of the mode of land acquisition, which in this case, is the willing seller, willing-buyer policy. Drawing on the experiences of land reforms in South
Africa and Zimbabwe this study also found that there is a need to rethink land reform
in Namibia, by infusing restorative justice in the land debate, by combining it with
other policies that can enhance productivity in agriculture, as well as by easing the
burden on the state as the only party responsible for managing and implementing the
process of land reform
Experiences of patients with chronic renal failure regarding hemodialysis in Oshana region, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of master of nursing scienceMotivation: Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining procedure for the treatment of patients
with chronic renal failure. Long-term hemodialysis therapy is very costly, time extensive and requires adherences to treatment regimens, fluids and dietary restrictions.
This usually results in many limitations such as freedom, social life, physical activities
and loss of financial income. These changes affect the whole person and may also affect
how the patients on hemodialysis experienced it. All health care workers need to
understand the experiences of patients on hemodialysis in order to give proper evidence based quality care. It is against this background that a descriptive study on the patient’s
experiences with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis was undertaken.
Aim: The overall aim of this study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of
patients diagnosed with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis in the Oshana Region of
Namibia with the intention of making recommendations on how to address future
improper administration of hemodialysis procedures.
Methods: The research design was qualitative, explorative, and descriptive in nature.
The population consisted of participants who were diagnosed with chronic renal failure
on hemodialysis, and purposive sampling was utilized. The data was collected through
in-depth interviews conducted at an intermediate hospital in Oshakati. A total of twelve
(12) participants were interviewed, and the data collection ended as saturation was
reached. The sample size was determined by saturation of data as reflected in repeated
themes. Data on participant’s experiences with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis
was obtained through individual interviews. During these interviews, participants were
asked one (1) central question: "What are your experiences as a patient with chronic
renal failure on hemodialysis?” followed by probing questions to encourage the
participants to expand on the given responses. Interviews were tape recorded and field
notes were taken during the interview to ensure that all experiences of the participants
were captured. Interview data was transcribed verbatim. The data was analyzed
according to Tesch’s eight (8) steps of coding.
Findings: The study findings were presented in six (6) main themes namely; diverse
emotions and misconceptions regarding chronic renal failure and hemodialysis as
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experienced by the participants, the effects of hemodialysis, challenges encountered by
participants during hemodialysis treatment, experiences regarding lifestyle modification,
experiences with regard to coping with the condition and strategies for improving the
care of chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis.
Findings revealed that hemodialysis patients have different experiences: experiences of
lifestyle modification, experiences of physical discomfort and physiological body
changes, problems and challenges such as financial burden.
Recommendations: It was recommended that supportive care toward patients with
chronic renal failure on hemodialysis should be emphasized to reduce the burden from
various experiences. Community mobilization and health education programs as well as
support groups to create awareness should be established to improve the quality of life,
improve their knowledge to foster life style changes. Furthermore, there is a need for
extensive and intensive research in this are
Predictors of treatment outcomes among critically ill COVID-19 patients on remdesivir-based therapy at Windhoek Central Hospital
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Pharmacy (Clinical Pharmacy)Introduction: Corona virus disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was declared
a pandemic by WHO in March 2020, with 575 million cases and 6.4 million deaths to
date globally. Remdesivir, a broad-spectrum anti-viral, was one of the few treatment
options available for the management of severe and critical COVID-19 cases. This
study aimed to evaluate predictors of treatment outcomes among critically ill patients
on remdesivir-based therapy at Windhoek Central Hospital.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study reviewed records of patients treated with
remdesivir in the critical care unit at Windhoek Central Hospital from October 2020
to November 2021. Treatment success was defined as being medically stable enough
to be discharged from the hospital within 14 days or being hospitalized but not
requiring any supplemental oxygen nor receiving medical care related to COVID-19
at day 14. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24 in which Bivariate and
Multivariate regression analyses were performed.
Results: The proportion of males to females was the same (51.9% vs 48.1%). Most
were <65 years old (84.8%), with median age being 53 years. Majority had
undocumented vaccination status (91.1%). About 6.3% had a history of COVID-19.
Some (63.3%) had co-morbidities with hypertension being the most recorded (74%),
followed by diabetes (34%). Majority (86%) required mechanical ventilation at
baseline. Hours before initiation of remdesivir was only recorded in 53 patients. Of
those, remdesivir was initiated within 72 hours in 71.1% of the patients. Fifty-two
percent of the patients were on remdesivir therapy for a duration of 6-10 days while
48% were on therapy for 5 days. Of the 79 records analyzed, there was a 21.5%
treatment success rate. Some (34.2%) had complications with hyperglycemia being the
most recorded (37%) followed by ARDS and anemia both at 33.3%. Bivariate analysis
showed that complications are significantly associated with mortality (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Complications were significantly associated with death among critically
ill COVID-19 patients on remdesivir-based therapy at Windhoek Central Hospital
based on bivariate analysis, although this needs confirmation from multivariate
analysis. Further research on laboratory and radiographic parameters as predictors of
treatment outcomes is essentia
Dynamics of Namibian Defence Force intervention in anti-poaching operations of Etosha National Park (2016 -2022)
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts in security and strategic StudiesThe study sought to re-count the dynamics of the Namibian Defence Force’s (NDF)
intervention in anti-poaching operations in Etosha National Park. Specifically, the
study describes the notion of anti-poaching, and strategies that can be adopted to
prevent poaching in Etosha. To determine whether the NDF’s participation in anti poaching operations has the potential to combat poaching in Etosha, a sample of 20
members of the NDF, Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL), and the Ministry of
Environment, Forestry and Tourism (METF) Anti-Poaching Unit who served in anti poaching operations was selected. The study involves three interview sessions with 20
participants, comprises 5 females and 15 males. The gender dynamics revealed that
there is a higher level of male participation in anti-poaching operations compared to
female participation due to the nature of operations. A non-probability purposive
sampling technique was employed to select participants for the study. The main
research instrument for this study was an interview guide, with a semi-structured
interview schedule comprised of open-ended questions. The researcher also utilised
official records and statistics for additional information and support. The study
established that the Namibian Defence Force’s intervention in Etosha National Park
led to a decrease in rhino poaching. Before the NDF intervention, 82 rhinos were
poached in 2015. However, by 2016, the number decreased to 58 rhinos, and further
to 34 in 2017. Between 2019 and 2022, the number of poached rhinos fluctuated
between 24 and 52. The study recommends that the Namibian government allocates
resources towards establishing a fully-fledged Anti-Poaching Unit, address the park's
vulnerabilities by repairing and electrifying fence perimeters. Creating permanent
monitoring bases along the perimeter will also likely improve surveillance capabilities
and allow for the timely detection of suspicious movements. It is essential to employ
stringent access control measures and sniffing dogs to regulate entry into the park.
Additionally, modern technologies, such as surveillance cameras and long-range drone
cameras are essential for combating poaching. The NDF and NAMPOL should extend
their operations and increase personnel deployment. By adopting these comprehensive
recommendations, Etosha National Park can potentially strengthen its defence against
poaching and safeguard its wildlife for future generation