Masters Degrees (DES)
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Item Die Kavango-gebied(1991) Smit, Pierre;Item Local knowledge of natural resources in rural Namibia(1998) Mosimane, Alfons W.Item The effect of gracilaria verrucosa on the growth rate of pacific oyster (crassostrea gigas)(University of Namibia, 2002) Hipandulwa, GabrielIn natural aquatic systems, there are ecological balances between different species of organisms and individuals. However in culture conditions the systems are usually meant to favour the preferred organisms, but still other organisms might invade and share in the utilization of resources. Gracilaria verrueosa i an unwanted plant that grows in marine cultured beds along the Namibian coast and this experiment showed that it adversely affects the growth performance of the Pacific oyster ( Crassostrea gigas). The decrease in growth of the oyster in rafts was directly linked to the presence of Graci/aria verrucosa. This experiment quantitatively showed that invasion quantities of Graci/aria verrucosa influences the percentage growth reduction rates of oyster. The various seeding rates (0, 400, 800 g) of Graci/aria verrucosa resulted in significantly (P>0.05) reduced growth rates of oysters by 21 % and 37¾ in medium and high seeding rates of the seaweed, respectively. This was shown to be significant using the t-test and Wilcoxon Sum Rank Test (P>0.05). Although conducted over a short growing period of 6 weeks, the experiment demonstrated detrimental invasion of Graci/aria verrucosa in oyster raftsItem Working toward church unity?(2002) Gurirab, Gerhardt;Item The pre-colonial costumes of the Aawambo significant changes under colonialism and the construction of post-colonial identity(University of Namibia, 2004) Shigwedha, VihloPre-colonial Oshiwambo costumes played a significant role in ensuring the continuity of the socio-cultural and ethico-moral principles of the Aawambo. This study aims to record, document, describe and analyse the circumstances that caused aspects of Aawambo traditional heritage to disappear. The thesis analyses the meaning of traditional costumes before European influence and the impact that the change from traditional costumes to European fashion has left on the community today. It is strongly argued that Christianity and colonialism should be held accountable for influencing the community to abandon its traditional costumes. The thesis examines the following central questions; what was the impact of cultural imperialism on the material culture of the northern kingdoms? In what ways did material culture change during the initial period of contact and subsequent conquest by colonial forces? Why did new forms of material culture so rapidly displace traditional items? To answer these central questions the thesis is divided into four main chapters with an introduction (Chapter One) and conclusion (Chapter Six). Chapter two examines traditional fashion and identity among the Aawambo. This chapter exhibits a number of photographs that compliment the text and argues that these traditional costumes reflected the value systems of the society that produced it and significantly contributed to the construction of the identity of that society. Chapter three examines the significant influences that led to changes in traditional costumes, the new fashions and the initial community response to these introduced changes. This chapter argues that changes in material culture in the seven kingdoms of northern Namibia were strategically urged by the direct intervention of missionaries and colonialists to get rid of Aawambo traditional costumes and stigmatise them as `primitive’ and `barbaric’. Chapter four examines contemporary ‘traditional costumes’ and the discourse of ‘culture and tradition’ from the perspective of the community. It argues that the new ‘traditional costumes’ demonstrate prominent features of pre-colonial leather costumes, demonstrating that the community is still inspired by their ancestors’traditions. Chapter five examines general public opinion and concerns on the implications of western dress in the community today. It goes further to suggest ways and examine efforts that have been made to preserve our unique cultural heritage and identity. The thesis suggests that the display of costumes and other objects of material culture from the northern kingdoms must be done in more sophisticated ways in Namibian museums and most importantly integrated more into the educational system.Item Drought risk analysis using remote sensing and GIS in the Oshikoto region of Namibia(2009) Persendt, Fans C.Drought is a recurrent climatic process that occurs with uneven temporal and spatial characteristics over broad areas and over an extended period of time. Therefore, detecting drought onsets and ends as well as assessing drought severity using satellite-derived information is essential. This should be especially the case in an arid country like Namibia where drought is part of Namibia’s climatology. It is believed that proper planning and research using near real-time data can curb the devastating environmental and socio-economic impacts of drought. Weather data used currently are often from a very sparse meteorological network, incomplete and/or not always available in good time to enable delineating accurately and timely, regional- and local-scale droughts. Consequently, the detection and monitoring efforts are hampered to provide timely and unbiased information to decision makers for accurate drought relief allocation and for land reform purposes. Furthermore, even though, data obtained from satellite-based sensors such as the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) have been studied as a tool for drought monitoring for many years and provides an extensive temporal record for comparison, its coarse spatial resolution limits its effectiveness at detecting local scale variability where severe droughts might go undetected due to these data constraints. The objective of this study was to evaluate satellite-based and meteorological drought indices for the spatial and temporal detection, assessment and monitoring of drought condition to accurately delineate drought characteristics of drought prone areas. The study computed the Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from the 250m resolution NDVI data obtained from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor and one- and three-months Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) data from rainfall stations in the study area. Detailed analyses of spatial and temporal drought dynamics during three seasons (2005/6 - wet, 2006/7 - normal and 2007/8 - dry) have been carried out through index maps generated in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment from the mentioned data. Analysis and interpretation of these maps, which give different drought scenarios, reveal that remotely-sensed drought indices can accurately detect and map the local and regional drought spatial occurrence. Moreover, statistical analysis found strong correlations between the regional crop production data and the remotely-sensed data. However, the results showed that the local and regional drought occurrences detected were not reflected in national crop production data, confirming the suspicion that important local spatial variations are only detected if higher spatial resolution data are used. The study concluded that fine spatial resolution satellite data should be used to aid decision makers in monitoring and detecting drought which will also aid the allocation of millions of dollars in drought relief funds.Item Item Estimation of biomass production in the rangelands of the Caprivi Region(2011) Mulonda, OscarItem Impact of tourism on the landscape and vegetation along tourist roads in Etosha National Park, Namibia(2012) Nakanyala, Jesaya; ;The study describes how mothers and daughters communicate about sex and sex related matters by focusing on four underlying dimensions - content, style, timing, and frequency of communication. A sequential mixed method research design was utilized to gather data from participants. Data analyses of questionnaires were based on a random sample of 32 mothers and 204 teenage daughters from four secondary schoolsItem Land reform in Namibia: Spatial analysis and land degradation in the Otjozondjupa Region(2014) Gilolmo, PabloIn Namibia, the land question remains high on the agenda of Government, which is implementing a land reform programme since 1995. The reform attempts the correction of inherited imbalances in the access to land in order to alleviate poverty and dependency. The research was guided by the theoretical framework known as 'decoloniality'; and configured around the concept of land tenure structure, considered as a central element of any agrarian system. The subject has been widely investigated, but little attention has been paid to the spatial depiction and analysis of land tenure. Overcoming such lack of data, the thesis provides quite an accurate, contextually relevant and updated thematic map of the land tenure structure in the Otjozondjupa Region. The mapping, which is one of the pivotal goals of this investigation, facilitated enquiring about the implications of the current land tenure structure, focusing on significant social outcomes of the land reform. The spatial characterisation of the land tenure structure provided for the possibility to unfold its relationship with environmental degradation, currently a relevant concern in arid and semi-arid countries like Namibia. Outstanding results reveal that: i) access to land strongly remains racially biased; ii) the land reform is apparently benefiting (already) wealthy Namibians; iii) the benefits for the poor derived form the reform are debatable; iv) communal tenure does not imply a higher degree of environmental degradation, as it is often argued. The concluding discussion suggests strengthening communal rights and powers over land, as well as reconsider the suitability of privatization programmes as means to combat desertification, rural poverty and social inequalities.Item Flood risk perceptions and coping strategies of residents in the Kabbe Constituency of the Zambezi Region (Namibia)(2014) Mushabati, Lameck F.This empirical study was conducted in the Kabbe Constituency of the Zambezi Region which is inundated by recurrent floods of varying magnitudes each year. The flood risk perceptions and coping strategies used by the indigenous residents have not been given much academic attention. Although the flood mitigation approaches applied in the Kabbe Constituency seemingly ameliorate the disastrous impacts, they have proved inadequate. This study used 150 unstructured interviews and field studies to ethnographically explore flood risk perceptions and coping strategies of the residents in the Kabbe Constituency. Desk-top research analysed to what extent the Namibian National Disaster Risk Management System had incorporated indigenous knowledge in disaster risk reduction policies in relation to the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015. The results of the empirical research revealed that 80% of the residents have advanced levels of flood risk perceptions and 83% showed high sense of belonging and attachment to the floodplain. Significantly, men and women weigh flood risks differently. Men weigh the risks according to the benefits they derive from the floods, while women weigh the risks according to effects on property, children and themselves. To cope with floods, the residents rely on indigenous flood knowledge passed on from previous experiences. During floods, division of labour occurs between men, women and children. Men are usually found on lower terraces fishing while women and children are usually on higher terraces. Residents practice seasonal migration to alternative homes located away from the floodplain when floods are above normal and maintain some resilience by living on fish and lily tubers as alternative foods. An assessment of the Namibian National Disaster Risk Management Policies revealed deficiencies, particularly favouring modern disaster risk reduction approaches over indigenous flood knowledge. In conclusion, the author refers to construction methods applied in the Asian Pacific Region, which could be modified in the Kabbe Constituency to allow people to live with floods. Further recommendations include the development of a policy framework to document and integrate indigenous flood knowledge in the Namibian National Disaster Risk Management Policies and programs.Item Diplomacy in armed struggle: A case of the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO)(2015) Ashipala, Saima N.The end of the Second World War witnessed the establishment of the United Nations Organisation and with it a wave of decolonisation over former colonies and mandated territories. The South African regime, however, refused to recognise the organisation especially with regards to the territory of South West Africa which South Africa wanted to annex and turn it into its fifth province. The South African racial policy and attempts at annexation led to uprisings within the territory of South West Africa/Namibia and the formation of nationalist movements in the 1950s and the 1960s. One such movement was the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) which was established in 1960 in opposition to South African rule. SWAPO adopted a three-pronged strategy with the aim of liberating Namibia from South African rule and this strategy included the political mobilisation of the people of South West Africa, a diplomatic offensive and armed struggle. SWAPO’s diplomatic offensive began with petitions brought, through various means, before the United Nations. Over the years, the targets of SWAPO’s diplomatic campaign diversified with continental and international organisations as well as individual nations being approached for diverse reasons and objectives. The main purpose of this research was thus to illustrate the importance of the diplomatic offensive embarked on by SWAPO in its struggle for the liberation of Namibia. The importance and relevance of the diplomatic campaign to liberate Namibia is often not valued for two reasons: firstly, the role played by Namibians in the diplomatic campaign to liberate Namibia is often ignored in accounts of international diplomacy on the question of Namibia. Secondly, the current political rhetoric on the liberation struggle for Namibia is mostly focused on the armed struggle component of the strategy without taking into account the diplomatic offensive which facilitated the armed struggle.Item Understanding the spatial dynamics of informal settlements: A spatial analysis case study of Oohambo DHA Nehale in the city of Windhoek(University of Namibia, 2016) Mukando, Mountain I.Informal settlements expansion and development continues to be a problem for the government and urban planners. Understanding spatial dynamics of informal settlements may therefore be a key for future success in their effective management. This research explores the possibilities offered by the advancement in Geo-Information science and spatial analysis to improve the understanding of informal settlement spatial dynamics. A geographical information system (GIS) was used to analyse the spatial distribution and expansion of the Oohambo Dha Nehale informal settlement. GIS techniques were applied to aerial photographs taken in 2005, 2008, and 2011 in order to map the distribution of dwellings and spatial patterns, as well as to estimate the spatial expansion. Terrain data was used to determine the suitability of land for building residential purposes. Results show that the number of dwellings in Oohambo Dha Nehale increased from 465 in 2005 to 2,496 in 2011 as did its population, which grew from 1,628 to 8,729 inhabitants. During the same period, the area increased from 226,127 m² to 515,686 m². Additionally, dwellings found along the edge of the area exhibited a linear pattern, while those in the interior exhibited a cluster pattern. Slope analysis indicated that 70% of dwellings were built on unsuitable land, most of which were built on extremely sloping land. Oohambo Dha Nehale informal settlement continues to expand further into the mountains, northeast of Windhoek, despite efforts by the municipality to halt its expansion. With the expansion of the area, dwellings continue to be built on unsuitable land without adhering to the physical building regulations of the Windhoek municipality. The results of this study can assist the municipality, the government, urban planners, and policy makers to make informed decisions with regard to informal settlement.Item Informal food vending in Okuryangava, Windhoek: Entrepreneurial knowledge enhancement strategies and aspirations of the self-employed(University of Namibia, 2016) Hamukoto, Maria K.This empirical study in application-oriented Human Geography examined conditions of entrepreneurial knowledge and skill enhancement strategies practiced by informal food vendors in Windhoek’s Okuryangava suburb, which are apparently required for the achievement of individual aspirations such as socio-economic resilience. Against the analysis framework of the ‘Street Vendors Success and Knowledge Gap’, the research focused on two components, namely the Social and the Human Capital. In pursuit of this approach, the conducted in-depth, semi-structured face-to-face interviews revealed that vendors carefully observe their competitive terrain, communicate verbally face-to-face as well as remote via cell phones with their social networks in order to obtain and exchange entrepreneurial knowledge. Ultimately, findings confirmed the importance of social networks in the improvement of informal food vendors’ business. Simultaneously, the interviews captured the knowledge enhancement aspirations harboured by informal food vendors with few insights into formal entrepreneurial processes such as business management, technical skills and customer care. Interviewees expressed their need for after-hours tuition, delivered through interactive face-to-face teaching modes and / or public media, including learning material. Such expression of interest called for instituted, demand-driven knowledge dissemination systems for informal sector entrepreneurs. The author concluded that the findings of this study could be of assistance to the compilation of syllabi for systematic informal sector education and training in Namibia.Item Analysis of the impact of demographic and economic factors on internet services satisfaction levels in Windhoek, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2018) Tubulingane, Booysen SabehoThe study focused on analysing geospatial internet customer satisfaction levels, using the Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. The aim of the study was to investigate how demographic and economic factors influence satisfaction levels. The study followed a quantitative design and employed the systematic sampling method to select a sample of 248 potential internet users. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from selected samples. The statistical and spatial analyses were conducted in such a way that results were comparable between areas from low, to high income levels. Low income suburbs were represented by Greenwell Matongo Ext 1 (informal settlement) and Grysblock Ext 1 (formal settlement). Moreover, middle to high income areas were represented by Pioneers Park Ext 1 (formal settlement). The study findings revealed that internet users in low income areas especially in the informal settlement experienced high level of dissatisfaction with internet services compared to the middle to high income area. Moreover, males in the middle to high income area made up the majority of internet users. Within the lower income areas, use of the internet was predominantly by users who were less than 30 years old whilst in the middle to high income area, people who were aged between 31 and 40 years used the internet more than people aged less than 30 years. The majority of internet users earned a gross monthly income of less than N$ 5000 (US$ 1 = N$ 11.6) and had a secondary school level education. Satisfaction levels noted differ noticeably across the various demographics. The lowest satisfaction scores were dominated by female internet users who completed grade 12. The highest satisfaction scores were mostly reported by male internet users who had a tertiary education at diploma or degree levels. The lowest satisfaction scores were dominated by internet users earning less than N$ 5000 and were residing in low income areas. The highest satisfaction scores were mostly articulated by internet users residing in the middle to high income area. There is need for Telecommunication Companies in Namibia to introduce more fixed post-paid internet services especially in low income areas of Windhoek and other areas of Namibia. Fixed post-paid internet services were discovered to be associated with higher internet satisfaction levels compared to mobile prepaid internet services. Additionally, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) need to consider introducing an application which assists users to monitor and report poor customer service