UNAM Open Access Journal University of Namibia
Not a member yet
612 research outputs found
Sort by
Remote sensing-based detection and assessment of vegetation biomass and water content of urban green spaces in Mariental, Namibia
No full textUrban green spaces (UGS) improve air quality and the hydrological cycle, which, in turn, results in a cooling effect on the microclimate. However, the maintenance of UGS in terms of water demand may be costly, particularly in arid and semi-arid environments, thus, achieving a balance is imperative. Mariental is situated in an arid zone and has the highest average temperature variations among the urban areas in Namibia. This study was therefore aimed at assessing biomass and vegetation water content (VWC) of green spaces in Mariental as proxies for gauging its effort towards ameliorating the town’s microclimate in a water-deficient environment. The detection and assessment were based on two indices, the Modified Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index 2 (MSAVI2) and Normalised Differenced Water Index (NDWI), derived from a dry season Sentinel-2 image, acquired in August 2018. Field validation, focusing on the types of UGS, was carried out during the same week as the image acquisition. MSAVI2 depicted UGS and other non-biomass classes better than NDWI. Approximately 1% (6.6 ha) of Mariental is occupied by UGS as estimated using MSAVI2. The NDWI and MSAVI2 recorded mean values of 0.14 (very low) and 0.61 (low), respectively. The maximum values, derived for the central business district (CBD), were categorised as very high for the moisture (0.38)and biomass (0.79) indices. The estimated green space area translates to a per capita of 5m2, with the minimum of the global average ranging between 5m2 and 50m2 per capita. Assessing the water demand for existing vegetation types will complement these resultsfor a knowledge-based decision to expand Mariental’s UGS while maintaining effective water management and improving its microclimate
An Evaluation of the factors affecting land market development in Asaba, Nigeria
No full textBearing in mind that the land market is crucial to urban housing development and that several factors influence urban land market operations, this study examined and prioritised the factors affecting effective land market development in Asaba, Nigeria. Using a purposive sampling technique, the study gathered relevant data through the administration of a structured questionnaire to 277 respondents comprising 101 practising estate surveyors and valuers, and 176 registered estate agents/private property developers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while the Relative Importance Index ranking and factor analysis were employed in the analysis. Findings revealed that location/accessibility, availability of land for development, and security of land title were the three most important factors driving the Asaba land market. Further analysis after factorisation revealed that nine (9) factors (administrative, technical, negative market, financial, legal, positive market, accessibility, and urban) were responsible for 60.597% influence on the market effectiveness. Estate surveyors and landowners were found to be indispensable participants in the market. The study therefore recommends an improved city hub and road network, use of professionals in market transactions, regulation of the activities of land racketeering, application of the rental and fair market value of properties, training and regulation of quarks activities, and improved consultancy for effective land market development
Patterns of and Factors Undermining Female Participation in Hard Trades under Tanzania’s Vocational Education and Training System
Full text linkAbstract
This study reports the findings on female participation in hard trades under Tanzania’s Vocational Education and Training (VET). This qualitative research involved 72 participants including females’ trainees, instructors, employers and principals. It used semi-structured interview and Focus Group Discussion to collect data, which was subjected to content analysis. Participation patterns indicated far lower female participation in hard than soft trades. The study established the main contributory factors to this lopsided female gender representation in hard trades in Tanzania as gender role stereotyping, employers’ reluctance, lack of role models, absence of formal career guidance and counselling services, as well as gender-based curriculum materials. The study, therefore, recommends for the change in mindset among female aspirants in attitude towards hard trades to increase their participation while society should embrace positive perceptions of the abilities of females to pursue hard trades. VET centres should also employ female instructors in hard trades to serve as role models to encourage other females to opt for hard trades. Finally, VET instructors should encourage female trainees to participate in hard trades
The Teachers’ perceptions on professional development at selected rural schools in the Ongha Circuit, Namibia
No full textThis study investigated teachers’ perception regarding professional development in Ongha Circuit which is located in Ohangwena Region, Namibia. The rationale of the study was to obtain the views of teachers towards the professional development. The research was mixed method approach therefore, a descriptive survey was conducted in Ongha Circuit. Five schools were selected randomly and a sample of 20 teachers who had previous exposure to professional development were selected purposively from the five schools. Data was collected using interviews and document analysis through analysing the school records on teachers who attended workshop or who completed in-service training and census record. Data was analysed using thematic analysis and descriptive analysis. The study found out that teachers view and perceive professional development differently. Teachers had different views, feelings, attitudes and suggestions on how staff development should be managed to impact positively on learners’ performance. The study recommended that there is need to have a proper and systematic planning of teachers' professional to consolidate the new knowledge and sustain the changes made in teaching practice
Professional Orientation: A new approach to language acquisition, employability (skills) and professional guidance in German modules at the University of Namibia
Full text linkEmployability and employability skills or attributes, such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication or language skills as well as ICT or digital skills, have become important aspects in the context of teaching and learning in higher education. In order to respond to these changes and needs, the German Section at the University of Namibia introduced a new component, namely “Professional Orientation” in their first-year modules to raise students’ awareness about the job market and to increase their language competence. Different professions and careers are introduced by guest speakers to give students insights into various professional careers with German. This is combined with a holistic language training that involves reading, listening, speaking and especially writing. This approach, as observations and evaluations have shown, enhances students’ language competence in speaking, listing, but also reading and especially writing, as one subject specific employability skill, communication skills in general as well as digital skills. Further, it raises students’ awareness about employment opportunities and specific skills especially in a subject that lacks a professional specification.
Keywords: employability – employability skills – digital competence – career guidance – foreign language learning – language competence – communication skills – German Studie
Effect of legume hay supplementation on feed intake, growth, digestibility and volatile fatty acid production of Xhosa goats
Full text linkAbstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sex and supplementing Chloris gayana hay with either Lablab purpureus or Vigna unguiculata on growth, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and apparent nutrient digestibility. Eighteen goats, one-year-old, of average live weight 14.13 ±0.24kg was apportioned in a completely randomized design to three diets which were iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic. Animals were housed individually with 6 animals per treatment composed of three males and three females. Total DM intake was higher (P < 0.05) in T2 (694.8 g/head/day) and T3 (688.1 g/head/day) compared to T1 (607.8 g/head day). The goats gained at a rate of 35.0g/d; 45.0g/d and 38.3g/d for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Goats on T2 showed a non-significantly higher (P > 0.05) growth rate exhibiting total gain of 2.68kg compared to 2.08kg and 2.33kg for T1 and T3, respectively. Animals on T1 (19.16) exhibited a significantly lower FCR (P < 0.05) than T2 (15.44) and T3 (18.11). Apparent DM digestibility were significantly different (P < 0.05) among treatment diets. Sex significantly influenced DM, ADF and NDF digestibilities (P < 0.05). There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in individual VFA molar concentrations among treatment diets and due to sex for acetate, propionate, valerate, iso-butyrate and iso-valerate. However, diets significantly influenced butyrate concentration (P < 0.05) with 0.25, 0.95 and 0.25mM for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The percentage molar concentration for acetate was 75%, 73%, and 77% while the propionate concentration was 12%, 8% and 10.7 % for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The acetate to propionate ratio was 6.2, 9.12 and 7.15 for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that Cowpea and Lablab forages can support growth in goats at the same level of CP as in commercial pellets. 
Radionuclide concentrations and radiation hazard assessment in the soil of Otjiwarongo, Namibia
Full text linkThe natural radioactivity and associated hazards in soil samples collected from ten geographical areas in the town of Otjiwarongo, Namibia, have been studied by gamma-ray spectroscopy with an HPGe detector. The mean activity concentrations of the primordial radionuclides ²³ᴽU, and ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K in the ten areas was found to vary from 37.6 ± 7.4 Bq/kg to 97.8 ± 46.2 Bq/kg for ²³ᴽU, from 81.9 ± 16.7 Bq/kg to 852.8 ± 533.0 Bq/kg for ²³²Th and from 498.7 ± 55.7 Bq/kg to 807.1 ± 94.5 Bq/kg for 40K. Most of these mean activity concentrations, especially those of ²³²Th, are much higher than the corresponding worldwide average values. In order to evaluate the associated health hazard, the activity concentrations were used to calculate different radiological parameters. The values obtained for the mean radium equivalent activity (ᴿᵃₑq) in some areas are above the maximum permissible limit. Also, the values obtained for the mean external hazard index (Hₑᵪ) in some areas are above the corresponding maximum permissible limit. However, the mean effective dose rates in the ten areas vary from 0.11 ± 0.01мSν y−¹ to 0.73 ± 0.43мSν y−¹ which are all below the maximum permissible limit of 1.0 mSv y−1 . These results imply that radiation hazard is negligible in the town of Otjiwarong
Freshwater Source Suitability for Aquaculture: A Case Study of Ikpoba Reservoir, Edo State, Nigeria
Full text linkThe study examined the Ikpoba Reservoir water quality suitability as source water for aquaculture. Sixteen (16) water physico-chemical parameters were monitored for a duration of eighteen (18) months from February 2018 to July 2019, and analyzed according to standard methods. Concentration values were compared with the International Standard Water Quality Criteria for fisheries. Results showed that mean water temperature (27◦C), electrical conductivity (100.46 µS/cm), chloride (27.08 mg/L), potassium (3.40 mg/L), calcium (25.16 mg/L), magnesium (15.56 mg/L) values were favourable for aquaculture. While mean water pH (5.78), turbidity (24.59 NTU), total suspended solids (23.70 mg/L), dissolved oxygen (4.36 mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (4.16 mg/L), nitrate (15.67 mg/L) and ammonium (1.63 mg/L), iron (0.95 mg/L), copper (1.37 mg/L) and zinc (1.23 mg/L) concentrations were unsatisfactory for the breeding and survival of fish. The unsatisfactory levels of several physico-chemical parameters and their attendant effects on the development of fishes makes the reservoir water source unsuitable for use in freshwater aquaculture
Impacts of the Agrarian Land Reform Policy on Livelihoods of Resettled Communities Adjust to the Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Full text linkPost-colonial Zimbabwe has seen the implementation of agrarian reform policy. Through a case study of the Chimwara Community in Hwange District of Zimbabwe, It was the purpose of this research to investigate the resultant effects of associated resettlements to the edge of protected areas from the land redistribution processes on community livelihoods. Findings from the study show an increased influx and presence of women in the resettled communities and a diversification of livelihood sources from prior practiced ones, resettled households and farmers changed economic activity sources to suit the demands of the area including the presence of wildlife, with art and craft providing a new source of income for the resettled. 54% of participants shifted to crop productionfrom a 49% prior practice and a slight decline in livestock farming was observed from 42% to 37% of survey respondents. The study highlights key issues pertinent in the promotion of human and wildlife coexistence practices and the need for diversification to alternative livelihood sources with the provision of key technical support for communities living proximal to protects areas with highwildlife densities being a priority need
Enmeshment of Zimbabwean law and literature in Petina Gappah’s Rotten Row (2016)
Full text linkThis article assesses the relationship between Zimbabwean literature and Zimbabwean law. This is done by closely reading two short stories from Petina Gappah’s 2016 anthology Rotten Row. A discussion of the ever-burgeoning literature and law movement is conducted in order to situate the article within the broader law and humanities interdisciplinary effort. Images of legal figures and legal institutions are assessed in order to determine the portraits they produce in the fiction. The close relationship of the Zimbabwean court judgement and the judgement as storytelling method in fiction is highlighted and explained. It is concluded that Gappah’s fiction is strongly connected to the law and that this is a deliberate story telling strategy