UNAM Open Access Journal University of Namibia
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Towards safer roads: A study on road safety knowledge and practices among public transport users in Namibia
Full text linkRoad crashes pose a significant burden on the social and economic growth of developing countries, where over 90 % of the world’s road traffic fatalities and injuries are recorded. The increasing vehicle population has subsequently led to an increasing number of road traffic crashes, which has brought to the fore the importance of investigating road safety awareness, attitudes and perceptions to combat the issue of road safety. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on respondents in six Namibian regions identified to have the most hazardous national rural road sections, to assess their knowledge, attitudes and road safety practices. Public transport (long distance busses) was observed as the most common mode of transport on the national rural roads. The study identified an inadequate level of road safety knowledge and poor road safety practices among the teenager and young adult population (15 to 29 years) using and operating public transport modes. These poor practices predispose the young road user population to higher crash risk. The poor practices were attributed to an inadequate level of road safety knowledge, which was reported by most of the respondents. Despite teenagers and young adults exhibiting poor road safety qualities, the statistical odds ratios found that the level of desirable road safety knowledge and practices increased with age. The study found that the poor road safety status quo is exacerbated by a low regularity of road safety campaigns, traffic rules enforcement and poor road safety practices by public transport operators. The study identified possible shortcomings in existing road safety programmes and recognised areas that need attention to effectively promote proactive road safety reforms. Furthermore, the study established baseline measures for the levels of awareness, attitudes and perceptions on national rural roads. The baseline measures developed in the study can be used as a base comparison tool for future studies, to guide the development of pro-active safety measures as advances and transformations take effect in road safety
A systematic literature review on blockchain-based titles registries for transparent land administration
Full text linkTraditional land registration processes in many countries are vulnerable and lack transparency, resulting in fraud, delays, and costs, especially in developing countries, and blockchain integration has been proposed as a potential solution in land administration systems. This paper addresses the challenges of the conventional system in its examination of this integration. Sweden stands out for its successful implementation of blockchain in land registry, owing to its advanced digital landscape. In contrast, developing countries such as Namibia face limited internet access, particularly in rural areas, which can hinder blockchain adoption. Georgia, Honduras, and Ghana have had success combating corruption through blockchain in land titling, while Kenya, Dubai, and several other countries are all actively exploring various blockchain applications in land administration. Despite its potential, this systematic literature review identifies a few challenges, such as identity verification, contract legality, co-ownership management, and adaptation to legal frameworks, that must be addressed before widespread blockchain implementation. The successes of Sweden, Georgia, Honduras, and Ghana illustrate both the potential and limitations of utilizing blockchain technology for land registry purposes. This study concludes that while blockchain's potential in land administration is evident, its realization requires careful consideration of legal, technological, and governmental complexities.
 
Exploring Methodologies for Assessing Land Degradation: A Comprehensive Review with Insights from Namibia
Full text linkLand degradation represents a significant global environmental challenge, posing threats to ecosystem integrity, food security, and sustainable development. In this comprehensive review, we examine the methodologies employed for assessing land degradation, drawing insights from studies conducted in various regions, with a particular focus on Namibia. The study conducted a systematic literature search to gather information on land degradation assessment methods applied, 159 publications were reviewed. Utilizing the Mann-Kendall trend test, the study discerns notable trends in the publication landscape, providing valuable insights into the evolving research trajectories within this field. A prominent finding of this review is the dominance of remote sensing as the primary method utilized for assessing land degradation. In conclusion, this review underscores the imperative for future research endeavours to prioritize an in-depth exploration of land degradation processes, mechanisms, impacts as well as advocates for the adoption of innovative technologies and monitoring methods, the advancement of theoretical frameworks, and the promotion of multidisciplinary integrated system research. By embracing these recommendations, stakeholders can effectively address the multifaceted challenges posed by land degradation and advance towards sustainable land management practices
Gravimetric characterization of Pyrite carbothermic reduction in the presence of lime
Full text linkPyrite carbothermic reduction studies were conducted on pyrite concentrate (40.75 % iron, 48.04 % sulphur, 0.11 % copper) from the Otjihase Mine in the Repubic of Namibia. Additionally, this research included thermal decomposition and ion exchange since they cannot be dissociated from carbo-thermic reduction. The aim was to assess the iron metallization, and the assessement was carried out through mass percent reduction. A factorial research design was adopted, consisting of two factors (time and CaO/C ratio at five levels, and one factor (temperature) at three levels in reducing environment. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for data analysis. At thermal decomposition stage, metallization increased with treatment time, it was flatter at higher temperature but remained consistently higher than at lower temperatures. At ion exchange stage, metallization was random, yet showing much lower magnitude than the metallization at thermal decomposition stage. At carbo-thermic reduction stage, metallization decreased with increased treatment time at 1273K and 1473K for different C/CaO ratio, however the opposite phenomenon occurred at 1373K. In general, higher carbon to calcium oxide ratio triggered more metallization
Analytical and magnetic characterization of the pyrite Carbothermic reduction in the presence of lime
Full text linkThe Otjihase mining and processing design allows the recovery of copper in the first stage of flotation and pyrite in the second. Pyrite production was discontinued in 2001, because of market reasons, since then any pyrite content of the ore, ended at tailings dam. This threatened the financial and operational performances, while compromising environment integrity. An alternative to these challenges, was a value addition to pyrite through iron metallization for industrial applications diversification. Carbothermic reduction of complex sulphides minerals was reported, metallization was effective and sulphur was captured in a solid phase. Therefore this study investigated the iron metallization degree at three stages at: 1273K, 1373K, 1473K and used ANOVA for data analysis focussing on analytical and magnetic results. The study found that sulphur was completely depleted and iron concentration reached 68.59 % at 1473K. At ion exchange sulphur was captured in solid and at carbo-thermic reduction increased C/CaO increased iron concentration but reduces residual sulphur.
 
Application of portable X-ray fluorescence for exploration of carbonate-hosted sulfide mineralisation, Otavi Mountain Land, Namibia
No full textOtavi Mountain Land province forms part of the Damara Orogenic Belt within the Neoproterozoic carbonate platform, which is well-known for its sedimentary-hosted, polymetallic mineralized zones, including the Cu-Pb(-Ag) Kombat deposit. The mineralisation at Kombat is of massive, disseminated, veinlet-controlled and brecciated mineralisation styles it comprises mainly of bornite, chalcopyrite, galena, covellite and chalcocite associated with quartz and calcite as gangue minerals. Mineralized zones are distinctly enriched in chalcophile elements, including Pb, Cu, As and Ag. For the analysis of such rocks, laboratory-based analytical methods, including inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), are well established, in contrast to on-site geochemical analytical methods. This study shows the applicability and limitations of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) in the geochemical exploration of sulfide (Ag, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn) ores in carbonate matrix. By using additional ICP-MS/AAS data and certified reference materials, the applicability of such portable tools can be assessed for Kombat-type ores, resulting in pXRF data of excellent or very good precision for elements like Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn (RSD ≤10%), while other elements (Ag, Sr) show poor precision. The trace element concentrations obtained by pXRF are comparable to ICP-MS results yielding a good correlation (R2 ≥0.85) and acceptable accuracy and precision. Portable XRF is identified as a low-cost tool that can be used successfully in the geochemical exploration for a list of elements in carbonate-hosted sulfide ores
Physico-chemical characteristics of soils at selected water-points in the Etosha National Pan, Namibia
Full text linkNational parks are important systems for protecting biodiversity and ecosystems around the world. In Namibia, approximately 19% of the country’s land surface is proclaimed for protected areas including Etosha National Park (ENP). Managing the protected areas effectively and sustainably requires a great understanding of various components of the park, including the soils. This study aimed to understand the soil properties at different water-points in ENP (at Mushara, Rietfontein and Ombika water-points). Ten plots from each site were sampled, at different soil depths. Soil parameters such as soil texture, pH, electronic conductivity (EC), Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and organic matter content (OM) were measured and analysed. The results show that soils were poorer at Mushara than at Rietfontein and Ombika, in terms of OM, Zinc (Zn), EC, Iron (Fe), and CEC. Furthermore, Mushara had significantly more sand content than both Ombika and Rietfontein. However, there were no significant differences between Rietfontein and Ombika in terms of CEC, Zn, Calcium (Ca), pH, OM, iron, manganese, sodium (Na) and soil texture. All sites were largely dominated by sandy soil. However, Mushara had significantly more sand than both Ombika and Rietfontein, and significantly lower clay and silt content than Ombika and Rietfontein. The study concludes that the soil properties at assessed water-points might be influenced by vegetation communities, soil type and the total annual precipitation. Therefore, the results of this study can be used to refine conservation strategies and develop long-term monitoring programs. We recommend that future studies focus on the link between vegetation composition, above and below ground biomass and soil properties in ENP
Contribution of indigenous econaming practices in ecosystems conservation: A case of Ekegusii language
Full text linkThis paper aims to explore the role African indigenous languages play in the global campaign against environmental damage. The objective is to examine how linguistic practices impact ecosystems. Econames among the Abagusii community played a key role in preventing ecological destruction. Indigenous linguistic systems were treasured and promoted a variety of plants and animals by naming newborns after them. In this way, the ecosystem earned a special place and was consequently held in high regard. The study compares the meanings and representations associated with the Econaming systems in Ekegusii naming system. Data for this study was drawn from documented Ekegusii econames related to the environment, supplemented by the researcher’s native intuition. The data collection methods included document analysis of existing Ekegusii lexicons, semi-structured interviews with native speakers, and observations of linguistic practices in community settings. The researcher also used his native intuition to collect data. Econames of plant and animal species relating to the environment were inferred for purposes of analysis. This study is based on Evaluation Theory by Stibbe. The indigenous Ekegusii names were correlated with the associated ecosystems among Ekegusii native speakers. Eco-critical analysis of the names under investigation involved semantic and pragmatic analysis of each name collected as well as analysis and discussion of the semantic association of individual names to the related ecosystem. The results showed that the meanings embedded in the Ekegusii econaming system reflect a strategic approach to environmental stewardship, highlighting indigenous practices that could be valuable for sustainable environmental preservation. The data collected showed that indigenous econaming practices are significant and can play a huge role in ecological preservation among rural communities. Consequently, the study recommends that the government and other critical environmental policymakers should focus more on Econaming practices in order to recognise the role played by indigenous communities in environmental conservatio
Nature of Dholuo Metonymy
Full text linkThe emergence of metonymic expressions in Dholuo is a linguistic phenomenon experienced in native-speaking regions overtly and subtly. In their day-to-day conversations, interlocutors make use of metonymy for various linguistic goals. Even so, metonymic expressions have not been given adequate attention by analysts in applied linguistics. This paper examines the nature of Dholuo metonymy, by analysing metonymic patterns based on the ‘how’ question as the guiding principle. The paper focuses on the South Nyanza dialect of Dholuo, because it is considered the standard variety among other dialects. The paper is anchored on the Causal Theory of Reference advanced by Kripke (1980), to investigate how inanimate metonyms are used as reference points for inanimate objects. Data for this study comprised actual metonymies collected using focus group discussions and interviews. The data was collected in Homa Bay County where the researchers reached out to farmers, traders, sportsmen/women, musicians, and travellers. Data was analysed using critical discourse analytical procedures where Fairclough’s (2003) description, explanation and interpretation approach was adopted. The findings revealed that Dholuo metonymy is referential, experiential, humorous and rhetorical in nature. That means the speaker manifests an independent intention to refer to a given object regardless of the particular interpretation of the expressions used; the metonymic concepts are grounded in people’s experience and language; the speaker expresses a certain attitude towards the referent in a humorous way; the speaker uses its figurative force to flower the language. The findings of this paper would be a source of reference to scholars in linguistics and an addition to existing knowledge on metonymy, applied linguistics and African language studies.
An investigation into the phonemic status of vowel length and tone in Khoekhoegowab
Full text linkPrevious studies have suggested that Khoekhoegowab, which represents the Damara, Nama and Haiǁom dialects in Namibia, has phonemic long and short vowel phonemes. The purpose of this paper thus is to closely examine the phonemic status of the vowels to establish whether or not Khoekhoegowab does have long and short vowel phonemes. The paper's premise is the phonetic perception in the production of vowels. Lengthening occurs when a vowel is realised in a continuous manner without the possibility of syllabifying it. The paper followed a mixed research design where data was drawn from a few available sources such as Haacke and Eiseb (2002) and Khoekhoegowab Orthography (2003). This was complemented by data from a few key informants who are mother-tongue speakers of Khoekhoegowab. With the aid of PRAAT software, the study argues that rather than length, tone is the phonemic feature in Khoekhoegowab; it distinguishes meaning in different Khoekhoegowab words. Over the years, because the high and low tones interfered with how speakers perceive the sounds, vowel length has not been sufficiently scrutinised