Masters Degrees (DES)
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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 serviceItem Assessing the potential of agritourism at Neudamm, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2023) !Gaeb, Manfred DonavonThe share of the agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Namibia is lower than that of the average Sub-Saharan Africa. Correspondingly, is the share of agricultural labour force, which has also, been declining since the country’s independence (Mushendami, Biwa and Gaomab 2008). The University of Namibia (UNAM) experienced this reality, primarily, through potential of income generating opportunity at Neudamm Campus. As a result of this precarious condition, and the declining of UNAM’s government subsidy, the university had to explore alternative income streams. One such alternative avenue is the agritourism opportunity at Neudamm. Very few studies have so far assessed agritourism factors of success in global north whilst global south lack such studies. This gap in literature in assessing agritourism factors of success in the global south necessitated this study. The research concluded firstly, that economic factors are not the only determining factors of successful agritourism but also social factors. Secondly, the findings established that Neudamm suffers from several shortcomings and therefore, potential viable agritourism cannot be achieved without addressing those shortcomings. Thirdly, critical success factors of agritourism were found to be natural bonding dynamics of various forms of capital. As a result, the study recommended nomination of Neudamm as a place of heritage importance due to its historical importance. Furthermore, policy directives such as Affirmative Action Loan Scheme (AALS) and National Agricultural Credit Program (NACP) need urgent review thirty two years after Namibia’s independence, to foster national reconciliation. Additionally, the implementation of agritourism concept at farm Neudamm is fervently advised by addressing shortcomings and adding tangible visionary stage for the TALC model during agritourism destination development process is proposed.Item Assessment of floodwater harvesting infrastructures in the Namibian Cuvelai-Etosha basin(University of Namibia, 2020) Niipare, EmerithaThe Cuvelai-Etosha Basin lies in north-central Namibia and due to the prevailing climatic situation, the basin is dominated by strong seasonal and annual variations of either very dry conditions with drought or heavy flooding in certain years. A growing population in the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin has resulted in increased demand for water for daily use and agricultural activities. Floodwater Harvesting Infrastructures are considered to be a more effective way to solve those problems. Hence the current status of the initiatives taken to harvest floodwater for use in the dry seasons needs to be determined by means of remote sensing, secondary data and field validation. The main objective of the study was to assess the condition and performance of Floodwater Harvesting Infrastructures in the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry constructed 34 earth dams in this Basin from 2008 to 2011. Out of these newly constructed earth dams, 18 were randomly selected for the study. The research design was based on using both qualitative and quantitative data on a completely randomised basis. Sentinel data was used to identify the water bodies by means of remote sensing. Information was gathered by means of structured interviews from the locals or people acquainted with the sites. The results from the interviews taken among 96% of the participants showed that the highest usage of earth dams is livestock watering while few people use them for irrigation purposes. Due to sedimentation in the earth dams, depth has reduced and surficial area has increased; hence the dams can no longer retain the quality and quantity of water they were designed for. In conclusion, the method developed from GIS successfully identified 94% of the existing earth dams.Item An assessment of the trends in population abundance and spatial distribution of roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) and sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) in the greater Waterberg plateau complex, North-central, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Alfeus, MarthaUnderstanding factors affecting the demographic status and spatial distribution of large mammals is of major relevance in wildlife conservation and management. This is particularly the case for the roan (Hippotragus equinus) and the sable (Hippotragus niger) populations in the Waterberg Plateau Park (WPP) whose growth appears to have been suppressed since 1994, after being introduced in 1975 and 1980, respectively. The lack of scientific assessments on potential factors influencing their growth and spatial distribution has been a major challenge confronting their management in the WPP, which is the aim of this study. The study used the Generalized Additive Modelling and State Space Models to assess trends in the abundance of roan and sable between 1975 and 2019 in the WPP based on historical aerial count data. Additionally, occupancy modelling and detection probability was conducted to assess the influence of site and detection covariates on their spatial distribution in the Waterberg Plateau Farm based on the camera trapping data collected during the wet and dry seasons. The study estimated with uncertainty a negative population growth for roan (r = - 0.02 ± 0.06, CI95 = -0.13 – 0.09) and a zero-population growth for the sable (r = 0.00 ± 0.08, CI95 = -0.14 – 0.16). These growth trajectories tend to be positively influenced by annual rainfall, and the occasional auctioning, and the introduction of individuals. Contrary, it was insignificantly but negatively influenced by the low-lagged rainfall and the increase of the buffalo population. Occupancy modelling showed that roan distribution is significantly influenced by the co-occurrence of sable both during the wet and the dry seasons. Sable distribution was positively influenced by forage and the presence/absence of leopard during the wet season while positively influenced by the presence/absence of waterhole during the dry season. The cumulative effect of these variables is likely to have resulted in the reduction of the survival and reproduction rate as these antelopes are unable to escape the semi-closed isolated study areas. Future interventions involving the introduction of these species outside their native ranges should be careful thought, and must consider the potential impacts of climate change to improve the success of this management strategy.Item A cross sectional comparison of chemical treatment on plant biodiversity at Neudamm farm, Khomas region(University of Namibia, 2020) Shigwedha, DiinaThis study determined the impacts of chemical application on plant biodiversity in comparison to the control ecosystems over a three-year period at Neudamm farm in Khomas Region, Namibia. In this study, for herbaceous plant sampling, a total of 40 (1m2) quadrats were randomly laid in each of the three chemically treated sites (treated in 2015, 2016 and 2017) and in the control site to record the herbaceous plant density, plant species composition, dry matter production and ground cover. For woody plant sampling, a total of three 250 m2 belt transects were randomly laid in each of the three chemically treated sites and also in the control. All woody plants in the belt transects were identified, measured and recorded for plant height and canopy diameters. For soil sampling, a total of ten soil samples were collected from the three the belt transects in each of the three chemically treated sites and also in the control at a depth of 15 cm using a soil auger. The soil was analysed for pH, soil minerals, organic carbon and organic matter. A total of 20 grass species were identified in all the four sites, of which 55% were perennials and 45% were annuals. The mean total grass tuft density was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in control and the chemically treated sites of 2015 and 2017, but lower in the chemically treated site of 2016. Herbaceous biomass production was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in chemically treated site of 2015 (975 Kg DM ha-1), followed by 2016 (925 Kg DM ha-1) and least in the other two sites. The chemically treated site of 2016 had greater (P < 0.05) ground cover percentage than the other three treatment sites. The total woody plant density was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the control (14 160 TE ha-1) than in all three similar chemically treated sites. The canopy cover percentage and woody plant densities in all woody height categories were higher (P < 0.05) in the control and the chemically treated site of 2017, than in the other two sites. The chemically treated site of 2015 had the highest amount of soil pH (6.06), followed by the control (5.61) and the chemical treatment site of 2017 (5.5), and they were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The organic carbon and organic matter percentages were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the chemically treated site of 2015 than in all the other sites. The soil in the chemically treated site of 2016 had the highest Ca (551 ppm), K (197.3 ppm), Mg (76 ppm), P (23.3) contents, followed by the site of 2015 than in the control. This study concluded that chemical treatments have impacted on the plant biodiversity of the treated rangelands by improving the herbaceous plant species, biomass yields, reduced bush density and enhanced the soil chemical properties.Item Die Kavango-gebied(1991) Smit, Pierre;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 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 The effect of bush clearing on soil properties, at Cheetah conservation fund farm in Otjozondjupa region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2018) Enkono, Angula NahasThe thesis discusses the problem of bush clearing as they affect soil quality, its productivity and environment in the semi-arid areas. In this case, land clearing came as a result of bush encroachment control mechanism. Bush encroachment is a form of land degradation present prominently in semi-arid areas. Namibia is affected by bush encroachment on a massive scale. The phenomenon is currently understood to affect large part of the country, causing severe economic losses for Namibia, in both the commercial and communal farming areas. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the effect of bush clearing on soil quality, particularly the soil macro-nutrients, N, P and K. The study was conducted on one farm, Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) on two experimental fields. Samples were taken from two differentiated (cleared and non-cleared area) ecosystems. Fifty (50) soil samples were collected at depths of up to 30 cm. In each field 25 samples was collected, the samples were collected at 200 metres interval. The soil was tested for selected macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients. Soil texture and composition was also tested as well as electrical conductivity, pH, and soil organic matter. The bush encroached site differed significantly from the cleared site with regards to nitrogen content, where high nitrogen content was recorded in the encroached site. The high occurrence of N content in the bush encroached site explain the nitrogen fixation by leguminous trees. Contrary to the study’s initial hypothesis, which hypothesized that there is no significant difference in SOM between bush-cleared and bush encroached sites, the study found that there is however a significant difference in the median SOM between the two sites.Item The effect of bush clearing on soil respiration in north-central Namibia: Cheetah conservation fund and Erichsfelde(University of Namibia, 2018) Nuule, Wilhelmina K.Changes in vegetation or land use that affects soil respiration are a major concern for global climate change. Bush clearing in north-central Namibia has been used as a solution to problems of bush encroachment. However, the effect of bush clearing on soil processes, such as the carbon cycle and soil CO2 efflux has not yet been quantified in Namibia. The main aim of this study was to determine and compare the amount of soil respiration between the cleared and uncleared sites at different seasons and also to determine the effect of soil temperature and moisture on soil respiration in two farms; Erichsfelde and CCF located in Otjozondjupa region. Soil respiration was measured using a soil respiration chamber connected to the Infrared Gas Analyzer LI-COR 6400 XT. The results showed no significant difference in soil respiration between the cleared and uncleared sites at CCF in both seasons (P>0.05). This could be due to an equal amount of soil respiration between root respiration (as a result of high root biomass of woody vegetation) in the uncleared site and microbial respiration from increased litter decomposition together with root respiration of grass and herbaceous plants in the cleared site. On the other hand, both seasons at Erichsfelde showed that soil respiration was significantly higher in the uncleared site than in the cleared site (P<0.05). This could be attributed to the higher root biomass and litter content in the uncleared site than in the cleared site. Both study areas showed significantly higher soil respiration in the wet season than in the dry season (P<0.05) due to high root activities, high decomposition rate of litter and substrate availability because the soil is wet and vegetation productivity is high and active. Apart from the dry season of Erichsfelde that showed a very weak negative correlation, the rest showed no significant correlation between soil respiration and soil temperature. At the same time, soil respiration exhibited a positive correlation with soil moisture. Despite the negative effect of bush clearing on atmospheric CO₂ absorption, this study concluded that bush clearing itself does not lead to increased soil CO₂ efflux. However, there is a need for ongoing and extended studies on soil CO₂ efflux in different parts of the country and long term soil respiration monitoring, with special emphasis on the times directly after the land.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 Estimation of biomass production in the rangelands of the Caprivi Region(2011) Mulonda, OscarItem An evaluation of human development through renewable energy provision in an offgrid Tsumkwe settlement area of Otjozondjupa region in Namibia(University of Namibia, 2019) Chiguvare, Theodora MutauroProvision of electricity in rural areas enhances the achievement of economic and social development objectives. A photovoltaic mini-grid in the Tsumkwe Settlement Area of Namibia was established to enhance human and community development in the sparsely populated rural areas of Namibia to alleviate poverty. The impact that the mini-grid has had on the target beneficiaries has not been fully quantified and qualified. This study evaluated, and documents such impacts, thus facilitating the motivation for replication on a wider scale. Quantitative data on the community’s perception of energy access and energy poverty was collected through questionnaires administered to 47 household heads in Tsumkwe Settlement Area. In-depth social perceptions on the use of electricity from the mini-grid photovoltaic plant were evaluated through interviews with thirteen key informants, focus group discussions and direct observations. It was established that there is a significant relationship between provision of adequate modern energy services and enhancement of human development opportunities. The provision of electricity has contributed to the improvement in the quality of life of Tsumkwe community members as evidenced by good health, increased small businesses, and decreased crime rates. Replication of such systems countrywide is strongly recommended in order to increase the number of available working hours after sunset, and access to information, thus addressing some of the social and economic needs of the rural population in Namibia.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 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 Implementation of political and socio-economic strategies in urban housing-land delivery within the Municipality of Windhoek(University of Namibia, 2023) Kahungu, Fransina NdateelelaThe Municipality of Windhoek has been faced with challenges relating to the slow pace of the allocation of affordable land to the people and inadequate servicing of housing land. This has, over the years, created and widened the gap between demand and supply, hence the ballooning of the number of people in Windhoek who are on the waiting list for serviced land. It has been suggested that the solution to the provision of serviced land for housing lies in the implementation of multiple strategies. While the City of Windhoek has strategies in place, no studies have been done to understand whether these strategies have been successful. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate and analyse the implementation of the political and socio-economic strategies for land distribution within the Municipality of Windhoek from 2007-2019. The study adopted a qualitative research approach taking the City of Windhoek as the case study for investigating and analysing the implementation of the political and socio-economic strategies for land distribution for housing. The population for this study included stakeholders involved in land distribution in Windhoek. Study participants were selected through purposive sampling, identifying those participants with the capacity to provide information relevant to the study. Data was collected using interviews. Results of the study showed that land allocation delays and land shortages have been caused by factors such as lack of finance, unavailability of serviceable land, rigid municipal procedures and unbalanced demand and supply. The study also found that the Municipality of Windhoek is encountering major problems which include a shortage of serviced land, high land servicing costs, and a cumbersome land allocation process. Given these findings, the study recommends that government avails finance to assist local authorities to increase the supply of serviced residential land. Some of the finance should also target the upgrade of informal settlements so that they reach the stage of security tenure. In addition, the Windhoek municipality should review land distribution methods to ensure that households in dire need of housing are given priority.