Browsing by Author "Yule, Wilson"

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
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    Access and utilisation of knowledge and information by aquaculture farmers in Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2019) Yule, Wilson
    This study on access and utilisation of information and knowledge by aquaculture famers in Namibia investigated the knowledge gap that exists between information and aquaculture production by providing research based evidence on the nature and extent of information utilised by aquaculture farmers in Namibia. The study was driven by the main research question; what is the level of access and utilisation of knowledge and information by aquaculture farmers in Namibia?, and it was guided by two theories: Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory that explained how a new innovation is adopted in society and Kuhlthau’s Six Stage model of the Information Search. The mixed methods research design employed a concurrent triangulation approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Data collection methods used for the quantitative research were surveys, and semi-structured interviews, observation and document analysis for the qualitative. The population comprised of all fish farmers and their managers in Namibia, and the fish farmers’ database at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources was used as a sampling frame. The survey respondents were selected using a multi stage sampling technique, starting with a simple random sample as well as employing convenient sampling technique while key informants (managers) were selected using the purposive sampling technique. The key findings of the study revealed that fish farmers lacked the required information to fulfil their information needs. They needed the information for problem solving, performing tasks and decision making. The study also showed that fish farmers used different types of information which cuts across different disciplines and this information included agricultural information, health information, environmental information, technological information, business and trade information, and government policies and plans. Several information sources used by fish farmers were newspapers, Internet, textbooks, experts, etc. and they shared information on various topics amongst themselves such as fish markets and harvests, weather forecast, types of fish species, modern fishing methods, site of shoal, fish feeds, and fishing regulations and government policies. The study established that fish farmers could not attend information literacy and knowledge competencies training regularly, though this should not be interpreted to mean that they lacked information and knowledge on aquaculture production. The study proposes an information access and utilisation model (Integrated Aquaculture Information System) that can support aquaculture farmers as users of information, and also highlights the importance of information and knowledge for sustainable livelihoods amongst fish farmers.
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    A framework for setting up pastoral information services in Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2014) Matsveru, David; Nengomasha, Cathrine T.; Yule, Wilson
    This paper is based on a study entitled “Information needs and information seeking behaviour of Namibian pastors”. The study aimed to establish the information required by pastors to carry out their work; how they seek information and the problems they encounter in doing so. One of the study’s objectives was to come up with a framework for setting up pastoral information services in Namibia. The study used a mixed methods research design employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In this paper, the authors propose a framework for setting up pastoral information services for Namibian pastors. The framework is based on the premise that information service providers need to analyse the pastors’ contexts, motivating factors, prevailing circumstances, information seeking behaviours and information use.
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    The impact of school libraries on learning and academic achievement
    (University of Namibia, 2012) Nengomasha, Cathrine T.; Uutoni, Wilhelm; Yule, Wilson
    Suclies have shown a strong link between school libraries and academic performance. However for a school library to effectively have an impact on academic achievement, it must fulfill a number of requirements such as, a conducive physical infrastructure, which is well furnished,· be well equipped in terms of computers (with internet facilities) and photocopiers; a strong collection with relevant and up to date materials: and qualified skilled staff to run the library. The school must also effectively integrate the library activities into the school curriculum with a strong programme to enhance information literacy skills amongst learners. This paper is based on a study entitled: "The impact of school libraries on learning and academic achievement: a case study of Caprivi, Omusati, Omaheke, Karas and Khomas regions in Namibia" which was conducted by the University of Namibia's Department of Information and Communication Studies from July 2009 to February 2010. The study employed a qualitative and quantitative research design using a triangulation of data collection methods including surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. The study's main research question was, ''Do well run school libraries make a difference to academic performance in Namibia?" Although the study showed the existence of libraries in all the schools; more than 80% of these were not adequately resourced in terms of reading materials, equipment, staffing and hence the impact on academic petformance was negligible.
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    The role of human rights and documentation centre on the academic performance of undergraduate law students at the University of Namibia
    (2021) Hipangwa, Martin V.; Yule, Wilson
    The Human Rights and Documentation Centre (HRDC) serves the central mission of creating and cultivating a sustainable culture of human rights and democracy. It is a semi-autonomous component of the Faculty of Law of the University of Namibia (UNAM) and it supports staff and students in terms of their information needs. The purpose of the study was to determine the role of the University of Namibia’s HRDC on the academic performance of undergraduate law students at the University of Namibia. The study employed a mixed research approach by using questionnaires and structured interviews to collect data. The target population was the undergraduate law students and staff members of the HRDC. A structured interview was conducted with one of the HRDC staff as the key informant, on the other hand survey questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from students. Purposive sampling technique was employed in selecting the sample size of 1 key informant from the staff members, and convenience sampling technique to come up with a sample size of 50 undergraduate law students who used the centre. The study fi ndings revealed that the collections found in the centre were relevant, helpful and very supportive in support of the academic performance of students. Students found the collections to be old and the centre’s operating hours to be a hindrance for students to fully utilise the centre. The study recommends marketing and user advocacy to raise awareness of the library services. The study further recommends that the centre should update its collections more often and adjust their operating hours to accommodate most students.
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    School libraries and their role in promoting a reading culture: Case study of Caprivi, Omusati, Omaheke, Karas and Khomas regions of Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2012) Nengomasha, Cathrine T.; Uutoni, Wilhelm; Yule, Wilson
    The importance of school libraries cannot be overemphasized. This paper is based on a study on school libraries in Namibia which was conducted by the University of Namibia, Department of Information and Communication Studies from July 2009 to February 2010. The study covered five of Namibia's thirteen regions, namely Caprivi, Omusati, Omaheke, Karas and Khomas. The study employed a qualitative and quantitative research design using a triangulation of data collection methods including surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. Some of the questions the study aimed to answer were, "What is the state of school libraries?" and "What is their role in promoting a reading culture in Namibia?" The World Bank (2008, p. xxi) describes how effective school libraries can be as "they provide additional reading opportunities for students, which in turn improve reading skills, comprehension and writing clarity of expressions, which in turn support student performance in all other curriculum subjects. Although the study showed the existence of libraries in all the schools; more than Bo per cent of these were not adequately resourced in terms of reading materials, equipment, and stafj1ng. The study also established that although learners said that they liked reading there was no strong library programme to inculcate a reading culture in the learners. A number of other factors can contribute to a good or bad reading culture. These include the language of instruction and home/family environment. In Namibia, a 2011 report of the education system audit notes that proficiency in English, the language of instruction is below basic. The study concluded that the majority of school libraries in Namibia are not in a position to provide the benefits described by the Word Bank above. This is evidenced by the fact that there is a high failure rate in Namibian schools. The small percentage of schools with libraries that were well run happened to have a good pass rate but in these cases the libraries were also adequately resourced, equipped and staffed.