Doctoral Degrees (DPMPS)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (DPMPS) by Subject "Namibia"

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    An evaluation of the social and economic impact of Non-Governmental 0rganisations in Namibia: A case study of Katutura youth enterprise centre and women’s action for development
    (University of Namibia, 2024) Shililifa, Wycliff; Riruako, Hoze
    Since gaining her independence, Namibia has witnessed steady growth in economic performance, expansion of industries and impressive expansion of social services. However, there remain wide disparities between income and wealth leading to extensive hunger and poverty. There has been an explosion of NGO activities aimed at alleviating poverty and reducing the gap between the poor and the rich, more importantly, shifting from welfare to sustainable skills development-oriented programmes directed at marginalised communities. Despite these developments, very little is known about the overall impact of NGO activities and very few details of specific project interventions are accessible in the public domain. This study is a meta critical evaluation of the socio-economic impact of the Katutura Youth Enterprise Centre (KAYEC) and Women Action for Development (WAD) training programmes on targeted youth in Namibia. This research unfolded within the context of the realisation that NGOs play a significant role in enhancing development among the youth in Namibia. A mixed methodological approach consisting of questionnaires, interviews and document analysis was employed to determine the effects of KAYEC and WAD training programmes on beneficiaries’ socio-economic development. The intellectual premise of this research was buttressed by viewpoints solicited from a sample of 100 students, comprising 25 participants from each of the four regions selected for this study. Structured questionnaires were administered with the selected participants, based on course, gender and age. Interviews were used to understand the impact of the training programmes as well as the challenges faced by beneficiaries of the KAYEC and WAD training programmes. The research employed descriptive and regression analysis to analyse the data. The results of the study established that KAYEC and WAD vocational and skills training programmes in bricklaying and plastering, ICT, office administration, needlework and tailoring contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of the beneficiaries. Moreover, the study reveals there is a significant improvement in financial status and improved access to social amenities (public buildings and other ii infrastructural facilities which are shared and become convergence spots for the local communities) as a result of the beneficiaries’ gainful employment after completing the training programmes. However, the results show a moderate impact on mechanic and horticultural skills
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    Local authorities and the implementation of sustainable development in Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2005) Wienecke, Martin A.
    Sustainable development has in the last three decades become a widely debated notion. Nevertheless the objective of achieving a state of sustainability has so far not been attained. The study examines reasons for this condition by investigating activities on the global, national and local levels, and examining various philosophies and approaches, to determine what constitutes sustainable development and sustainability. In the first chapter, the research problem, the objectives of the study, the hypothesis and the methodology are described. Chapter 2 conceptualises the concept sustainable development by evaluating theoretical and philosophical perspectives, the meaning and understanding of the concept. A variety of philosophies and discussions are associated with the concept sustainability, such as autopoiesis, ethics, utilitarianism, eco-philosophies, and an empirical literature review. Chapter 3 investigates the relationship between sustainable development and human settlements. Empirical and normative issues, as well as international agendas are explored as they incorporate various aspects which are related to the achievement of sustainable development. The role of local authorities in the implementation of sustainable development details the contributions of good governance and the generic administrative functions. In Chapter 4 the hypothesis is tested. The latter is based on the premise that the concept sustainable development is not understood. The hypothesis is divided into four sub-hypotheses in order to examine the components necessary for the implementation of sustainable development, the generic administrative functions, good governance, and practical factors in the implementation such as local agendas 21 in Windhoek and Walvis Bay. In this way a more holistic picture of the objectives of sustainable development is obtained. Chapter 5 describes a framework for the implementation of sustainable development. This includes normative as well as empirical issues, the role of local authorities, preconditions for the implementation of a conceptual framework, for example, political will, ethics, carrying capacity and dematerialisation. In addition three scenarios are presented to show different outcomes of such a transformation process from non-sustainability to sustainability. The final chapter concludes with the findings of the study. They underline that local authorities in general and in Namibia in particular have not been able to implement sustainable development on the local level by means of a Local Agenda 21. This agenda lacks one of the main requirements of sustainability, namely a holistic approach. Instead, sectoral approaches and attempts to manage crises have become the hallmark of these initiatives. An ethic and the political will, to support genuine attempts to achieve sustainable development, is absent.