UNAM Gā-aisib Repository

The UNAM Gā-aisib Repository serves as a central platform to preserve and showcase the university's scholarly output.

Gā-aisib, a term from the local Khoekhoegowab language meaning “wisdom".
 

Recent Submissions

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Omayeletumbulo [wisdom sayings] as a pathway to school engagement for young mothers in rural Namibia
(University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 2022) Nashandi, Ndilimeke; Haight, Wendy
School leaving is a significant social problem that undermines the short and long-term developmental goals of young mothers and their children. Informed by the ubuntu perspective, an Afrocentric philosophy, I employed a qualitative, postcolonial indigenous research paradigm to explore the experiences of young mothers who successfully reentered school, postpartum, in rural Namibia. My aim was to better understand their experiences of challenges and facilitators to school engagement to inform culturally relevant interventions. This study was conducted in two, rural, public high schools with a sample of 13 young mothers (17-23 years), of the Aawambo ethnic group, in 8th to 12th grade levels. A personal history questionnaire characterized participants and talking circle interview guide identified omayeletumbulo [wisdom sayings] for school engagement. The conversational individual interview guide elaborated, contextualized, and provided in-depth understanding of school engagement experiences. Using thematic analysis, adolescent and emerging adult young mothers revealed common and culturally distinct experiences. They described school engagement challenges across sociocultural contexts including vulnerabilities due to lack of caregiver support, loss of ohungi [evening-talk], sexual coercion, and othering through stereotypes. Young mothers’ descriptions included sources of resilience facilitated by extended family including fathers of the baby, educators, and peers. Subsequent analysis focused on wisdom sayings as a pathway to school engagement through four emerging themes: self-efficacy around school engagement, assertion of identity, successful parenting, and spirituality. I conclude with a discussion of implications for culturally relevant social work to promote high school completion of young mothers who reenter school following childbirth
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Gluten free crackers from germinated and fermented cowpea pulses flours: Their thermal, physicochemical and consumer sensory evaluation
(ScienceDirect, 2025) Kanime, Wilhelmina Vulikeni; Embashu, Werner; Nantanga, Komeine Kotokeni Mekondjo; Wei, Yiyun; Zhu, Fan
Cowpea fermentation and germination improve nutrients and reduce antinutrients of resulting flours but flours of fermented or germinated cowpea pulses are not what consumers eat. Therefore, this study investigated the nutritional and consumer sensory evaluation of crackers made using fermented or germinated Bira and Nakare cowpea grain flours. Compared to common wheat crackers, cowpea crackers had a higher protein content that ranged between 21.84 and 25.14 g/100 g. The iron contents of cowpea crackers were 78 % more than those reported in common wheat crackers. The crackers’ enthalpies ranged between 2.70 and 7.83 J/kg. A strong 7–9 ratings on a 9-point hedonic scale were given by 45 % of consumers for the germinated Bira crackers. At least 84 % of consumers rated at least 4–9 all the cowpea crackers. This study demonstrated the development of high protein, shelf-stable, fermented and germinated cowpea crackers, thereby diversifying the forms of consumption of the under-utilised cowpea pulses
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An analysis of relationship between research, innovation, and teaching in higher education in readiness for the 4IR
(University of Namibia, 2023-11-26)
The presentation is about the relationship between research, innovation, and teaching in higher education in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
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An analysis of relationship between research, innovation, and teaching in higher education in readiness for the 4IR
(University of Namibia, 2023-11-26) Mbangula, Daniel K
The presentation is about the relationship between research, innovation, and teaching in higher education in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
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An analysis of relationship between research, innovation, and teaching in Higher Education in readiness for the 4IR
(University of Namibia, 2023-11) Mbangula, Daniel K
The document is about the relationship between research, innovation, and teaching in higher education in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
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An analysis of relationship between research, innovation, and teaching in higher education in readiness for the 4IR
(University of Namibia, 2023-11) Mbangula, Daniel K
The presentation is about the relationship between research, innovation, and teaching in higher education in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
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A cadaveric and magnetic resonance imaging study of the anatomical variations of levator scapulae
(University of Namibia, 2025) Iita, Ester Ndagwedha; Wessels, Quenton
Levator scapulae muscle (LSM) is a deep muscle found in the posterior triangle of the neck. It is reported to be a lead cause of neck and shoulder pain and discomfort in patients. The muscle anatomically presents with an average of four muscle slips, originating from the transverse processes of the first four cervical vertebrae (C1-C4) and inserts onto the superomedial border of the scapula. The main function of the levator scapulae muscle is to elevate the scapula. This study aimed to determine the morphometric variation in levator scapulae muscle and its related neurovasculature via cadaveric and MRI studies. There were 20 available cadavers, and their posterior and anterior neck triangles were dissected to expose the levator scapulae and its neurovasculature. The MRI study used randomly selected axial scans (n = 167) to identify accessory attachments of the levator scapulae muscle. The study observed the levator scapulae muscle with two to six muscle slips, with four muscle slips dominating. The average proximal distance was 53.46 ± 13.22 mm, distal distance was 60.63 ± 10.78 mm, anterior distance was 87.10 ± 9.27 mm and posterior distance was 158.08 ± 15.94 mm. The cadaveric study observed the accessory muscle slip attachments to the middle scalene, the first two ribs. The MRI study observed accessory attachments to the serratus posterior superior, serratus anterior, trapezius, rhomboid minor, and splenius cervicis. The levator scapulae muscle was supplied by the dorsal scapular, transverse cervical ascending cervical arteries, and innervated by up to six nerve branches, stemming from C2, C3/C4, and C5 nerve roots. Clinically, the current study is important to medical students, anatomists, radiologists, and physicians, as it confirmed the available data and provided additional knowledge about the levator scapulae muscle and its related neurovasculature, hence voiding misinterpretation of possible muscle anatomy, inaccurate diagnoses and prevent injuries to neurovasculature during surgical procedures. Further research on the levator scapulae muscle is crucial to provide adequate information regarding the levator scapulae muscle variations
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The nature of China’s relations with Africa: A comparative analysis of Sino-Botswana and Sino-Namibia relations
(University of Namibia, 2025) Nawases, Roseta M; Obinna, Richard
This study systematically analyses the nature of China’s relations with Africa from a comparative perspective. It uses Sino-Botswana and Sino-Namibia relations as specific case studies. The necessity of the comparative approach is to draw out similarities and differences of factors that influence the nature of Sino- African relations, with a specific focus on these two southern African states. The systematic study is grounded in the constructivist theoretical paradigm. Constructivism claims that core issues of international relations, national interests, security, identity, norms, and ideas are socially constructed. The foregrounding of the study in constructivism necessitated the adoption of the qualitative research methodology which allowed for a comprehensive data collection, thus advancing the reliability and trustworthiness of data and findings. Botswana and Namibia were found to share several commonalities in terms of foreign policies and relations with China. The two southern African states have established strong and effective foreign policy principles which guide their engagement with other states in general, and with China in particular. Empirical evidence emerging from this study suggests that both Botswana and Namibia are driven by specific foreign policy principles. Despite these commonalities, the dissimilarity of factors influences positive economic and political outcomes for Botswana and Namibia in their ties with China. Firstly, history plays a vital role in the relations between China and Namibia but plays less role in the Sino- Botswana relations. The nature of the Sino-Namibian ties has been constant since the 1950s and is driven by historical linkage, specifically China’s role in Namibia’s liberation struggle. China was not largely involved in Botswana’s struggle for independence. Therefore, Botswana’s relations with China are not largely politically motivated but are economically determined. Secondly, results indicate that a change in political leadership and governance architecture has not entirely influenced the overall nature of relations China has with Namibia and Botswana. The principles of the relationships remain unchanged, however, approaches to the relations differ practically from one leader to another and these diverse foreign policy postures essentially influence the nature of Chinese presence in Botswana and Namibia in general and more so for Botswana. Also, stable and sustainable political leadership is essential in the bilateral relations China shares with Botswana and Namibia. iii Thirdly, Developmental State behaviour is noted. It has been established that while Botswana and Namibia are democratic developmental states, China is largely regarded as an authoritarian developmental state. However, the extent to which the Botswana and Namibian governments exert power and influence to achieve economic development goals in their relations with China vary. Motivated by economic determinism, Botswana exercises significant control and ownership of its natural resources and the mining industry. Motivated by political considerations, Namibia’s natural resources and the mining industry are largely owned by foreign entities, with China particularly in full control of the uranium mines in the Namibian state. Evidence which emerged from this comparative study suggests that patterns of the Sino- African relations duplicate those of neo-colonialism or rather demonstrate a “partially neo-colonising power”. The Asian state tends to take advantage of weaknesses inherent in the political economic system of different African states, as exemplified by Botswana and Namibia case studies. As a result of the historical past, the form of international neo-patrimonialism comes into play, particularly in the case of Namibia. The structure of the Forum of China -Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), in which African states are meant to sign documents containing what China has already decided to offer in terms of development to Africa, is brought forward. This happens without due consultation with African states and the priorities of such offerings in terms of Africa’s development agenda. This is indicative of a tendency of neo colonialism. The study suggests that for Namibia to benefit greatly from the relations with China in terms of economic development, there is a need for a clear distinction between political ties and economic ties, and a break from historic bondage
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A training programme to support social workers in the facilitation of field education supervision
(University of Namibia, 2024) Nghipandulwa, Lovisa Kandali; Ananias, Janet
Supervision of social work interns is a mandatory specialised function that requires additional skills and knowledge to be executed optimally. Little is known about the experiences and needs of field supervisors within a Namibian context. This study explored the needs, experiences, and current practices of student supervision amongst the social workers and student social workers in the Khomas region of Namibia. The outcomes of the exploration led to the development of an evidence-based intervention programme to empower social workers in the field supervision role. This was an intervention research, conducted in three phases. Phase one was a situational analysis embedded in a qualitative approach and phenomenological design, and its data were collected from purposively selected 20 social workers and 10 social work students, using open-ended questions to conduct in-depth interviews. The data was analysed using the Tesch method of qualitative data analysis. This was followed by the design and development of a training programme in Phase Two, and programme evaluation by experts in Phase Three. The main findingsreveal that field supervisorsreceived little prior training in field supervision, are not fully aware of the supervisory functions associated with studentsupervision, have challenges with the integration of theory into practice, and that there are no comprehensive training programmes for field supervisors in Namibia. These findings led to the development of a comprehensive training programme and implementation guidelines , which became the outcome product of this study. The programme was found to be viable and feasible by international and local social work experts in student supervision. They assessed the programme’s feasibility and viability, specifically focusing on adequacy of learning content, appropriateness of facilitation methods and allocated times. They further made suggestions for improving the programme. The experts expressed satisfaction with the programme content and relevancy of topics and acknowledged its potential to put the social work field education at the forefront. This study’s emerging knowledge is solidified through the developed training programme, as well as description of unique experiences of field supervisors and student social workers from a Namibian context. The study’s recommendations underscore the importance of CPD and post-qualifying training in field supervision, and that a supervision framework for Namibia need to be developed urgently, to re-engineer field supervision processes. Future research could evaluate the impact of the developed training programme on field supervisors’ competencies, both from the field supervisors and student social workers’ perspective
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Conservation of endangered species in Namibia: An investigation of factors contributing to the poaching of rhinos in the Etosha National Park
(University of Namibia, 2025) Moongela, Ephraim Auhamba; Shaanika, Theophilia
Rhino poaching remains a critical conservation and security challenge in Southern Africa, threatening the survival of rhino populations and undermining conservation efforts. While extensive research has been conducted on wildlife poaching at the global and regional levels, there is a significant gap in understanding the specific socio economic, legal, and governance-related factors contributing to rhino poaching in the Etosha National Park (ENP), Namibia. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the key drivers of rhino poaching, assessing the weaknesses in existing conservation measures, and proposing effective policy recommendations to mitigate the crisis. The study was underpinned by Routine Activity Theory to explain the motivations behind poaching and Environmental Governance Theory to frame the effectiveness of conservation policies and law enforcement strategies. A qualitative research strategy was employed, focusing on in-depth thematic analysis. The study population comprised employees under the Directorate of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) within the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) as well as business and middle-aged individuals residing within a 150 km radius of ENP. Non probability and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify key informants, resulting in 18 in-depth interviews from an initial target of 20 respondents. The findings reveal that economic desperation, high black-market prices for rhino horns, corruption and bribing within law enforcement agencies, and the exploitation by criminal syndicates are the primary factors driving poaching in ENP. Additionally, weak law enforcement and legal loopholes enable persistent poaching, as inconsistent penalties fail to deter offenders. The study further identified a lack of comprehensive intelligence-sharing mechanisms among regional and international stakeholders, which exacerbates the challenge of controlling the illicit wildlife trade. To mitigate rhino poaching, the study recommends strengthening legislative frameworks to impose harsher penalties, enhancing community-based conservation programs to provide sustainable alternative livelihoods, and integrating advanced technology, including drones, real-time GPS tracking, and CCTV surveillance, into anti-poaching strategies. Furthermore, fostering international cooperation and intelligence-sharing can play a crucial role in disrupting the supply chain of illicit wildlife products. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by bridging the gap in localized research on rhino poaching in Namibia, offering a multidisciplinary perspective that integrates criminology, conservation science, and policy analysis