Multidisciplinary Research Centre (MRC)

Permanent URI for this community

http://hdl.handle.net/11070/687

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 183

Analysis of factors influencing teenage pregnancy in Namibia
(Medical Research Archives, 2020) Indongo, Nelago
Abstract Teenage pregnancy (TP) is a worldwide phenomenon affecting both developed and developing countries; it is a universal problem. Teenage pregnancy is the result of the fact that teenagers are sexually active. It has not only become a public health issue, but also a media focal point. It is one of the main issues in every health care system since early pregnancy can have harmful implications on girls’ physical, psychological, economic and social status. In 2014 the World Health Organization reported that 11% of all births were due to women aged 15-19 years and approximately 95% of teenage pregnancies occur in developing countries [12]. This paper aims to assess spatial differentials of factors influencing teenage pregnancy in Namibia to help policy makers, program managers and health care authorities make better targeted decisions in planning and problem solving. The study used secondary data from the 2013 NDHS. The units of analysis were teenage girls aged between 15 and 19 years. Univariate and bivariate analysis entailed description of all sampled teenagers followed by ever pregnant respondents by individual and household variables. Multilevel binary logistic regression established the association between independent variables and teenage pregnancy using backward stepwise regression at 5% significance level. The results show that a total of 1857 teenage girls were successfully sampled. Of these 378 (20.4%) had experienced teenage pregnancy. Spatial distribution of teenage pregnancy indicated that TP is more prevalent in Kavango region with 15.6% followed by Ohangwena region with 11.6%. The region with the least teen pregnancy prevalence was Oshana with 3.4%. The results also revealed significant spatial association with contraceptive use and age at first sexual debut. Ohangwena region recorded the lowest level of contraceptive use among teenage girls. There are also spatial variations with regard to type of contraceptive use. The majority of regions showed high proportion of teenage girls had their first sex before the age of 15. Overall, the study concluded that teenage pregnancy in Namibia is significantly influenced by use of contraceptives, age at which teenage girl had first sex, education level, and household wealth status. It is therefore important for the country to scale up and expand adolescent friendly health services especially in regions highly affected. Innovative and education programmes in the form of drama or movie series targeting teenagers should be used as advocacy and information sharing strategy. Keywords: teenage pregnancy, spatial, regions, Namibia
Antimicrobial and antiplasmodial activity displayed by actinomycetes isolated from soils from Kavango and Hardap regions in Namibia
(2018) Iikasha, Albertina M.; Dushimemaria, Florence; Mbewe, Maria; Eiman, H.; Mumbengegwi, Davis R.
Plasmodium falciparum and multidrug resistant bacteria such as Mycobacterium avium, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are among the top causes of morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. These pathogens are responsible for the reported antibiotic resistance incidents globally. Due to the increase in antibiotic resistance worldwide, there is an urgent need for new bioactive compounds. This study aimed at determining the antiplasmodial and antimicrobial activity of secondary metabolites produced by soil actinomycetes. Soil samples were collected from Kavango and Hardap regions and cultured on various media to isolate and identify actinomycetes. Secondary metabolites produced were extracted using different solvents. The antimicrobial activity of different isolated secondary metabolites was determined against M. avium, S. aureus and E. coli. Antiplasmodial activity of four bioactive fractions with potent antibacterial activity was further determined against a chloroquine resistant (D10) P. falciparum strain at various concentrations. Bioactive compounds from two isolates displayed activity against M. avium, whilst another two showed activity against E. coli. None of the secondary metabolites displayed activity against S. aureus. A concentration dependent reduction in parasitaemia for P. falciparum was observed across all four fractions both after 24 and 48 h. These results display a vast potential antibacterial and antiplasmodial activity and should be considered for future drug development.
Assessing malaria risk at night-time venues in a low-transmission setting: A time-location sampling study in Zambezi, Namibia
(2011) Jacobson, Jerry O.; Smith, Jennifer L.; Cueto, Carmen; Chisenga, Mukosha; Roberts, Kathryn W.; Hsiang, M.; Gosling, Roly; Mumbengegwi, Davis R.; Bennett, Adam
Background:Identifying efficient and effective strategies to reach and monitor populations at greatest risk of malaria in low-transmission settings is a key challenge for malaria elimination. In Namibia’s Zambezi Region, transmis-sion is ongoing yet its drivers remain poorly understood. A growing literature suggests that night-time social activities may lead to malaria exposure that is beyond the reach of conventional preventive interventions, such as insecticide treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying.Methods:Formative research was conducted with community members in March, 2015 in the catchment areas of six randomly selected health facilities in the western Zambezi Region to identify night-time locations where large numbers of individuals regularly congregate. Using time-location sampling, a survey was conducted between March and May, 2015 at community-identified venues (bars and evening church services) to develop representative esti-mates of the prevalence of parasite infection and risk factors among venue-goers.Results:When compared to a contemporaneous household survey of the general population aged 15 and older (N =1160), venue-goers (N =480) were more likely to have spent the night away from their home recently (17.3% vs. 8.9%, P =0.008), report recent fever (65.2% vs. 36.9%, P < 0.001), and were less likely to have sought care for fever (37.9% vs. 52.1%, P =0.011). Venue-goers had higher, but not significantly different, rates of malaria infection (4.7% vs. 2.8%, P =0.740). Risk factors for malaria infection among venue-goers could not be determined due to the small number of infections identified, however self-reported fever was positively associated with outdoor livelihood activi-ties (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =1.9, 95% CI 1.0–3.3), not wearing protective measures at the time of the survey (AOR =6.8, 9% CI 1.4–33.6) and having been bothered by mosquitos at the venue (AOR =2.7, 95% CI 1.5–4).Conclusions:Prevention measures and continued surveillance at night-time venues may be a useful complement to existing malaria elimination efforts.
Assessment of microbiological properties, mycotoxins, and heavy metals in underprized raw Kalahari truffles sold in Namibia
(Journal of Food Quality and Hazards Control, 2022) Hainghumbi, T.A.
Kalahari truffle (Kalaharituber pfeilii) is found in the Kalahari desert and nearby regions (Africa). This study assessed the microbiological quality and safety, mycotoxins, and heavy metals contents of raw Kalahari truffle sold in Namibia. Methods: Batches of Kalahari truffles were purchased from informal markets and different vendors in Namibia. Total aerobic, coliform, yeast, and moulds counts, and Salmonella were assessed. Also, some mycotoxins and heavy metals were determined. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics Software, Version 25. Results: Total aerobic count of unwashed truffles ranged from 4.4 to 7.3 log Colony Forming Unit (CFU)/g. Total coliform counts detected in truffles were 6.0 log CFU/g. Salmonella was not detected. Doxynivalenol was the most prevalent mycotoxin. Fumonisin B1 levels ranged from 17.4 to 142.1 µg/kg. Ochratoxin A levels in unwashed truffles ranged from 0.1 to 48.5 µg/kg. Total aflatoxin levels were 26.3 to 27.5 µg/kg, while zearalenone levels ranged from 45.0 to 9,680 µg/kg. The iron content was up to 746.72 mg/kg. Cadmium and zinc were detected in the studied samples, but mercury and nickel were no detectable in any samples. Conclusion: The studied truffle samples were safe in terms of Salmonella, mercury, and nickel. However, some of the detected microorganisms, mycotoxins, and heavy metals in underprized Kalahari truffles may impair the safety, shelf life, and human health. Thus, they should be subjected to appropriate processing before consumption. © 2022, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences. This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Baseline characterization of entomological drivers of malaria transmission in Namibia
(MBC, 2023) Lukubwe, Ophilia; Mwema, Tabeth; Joseph, Rosalia; Maliti, Deodatus; Litula, Litula; Katokele, Stark; Uusiku, Petrina; Walusimbi, Dennis; Ogoma, Sheila B.; Gueye, Cara S.; Vajda, Elodie; Tatarsky, Allison; Thomsen, Edward; Tambo, Munya; Mumbengegwi, Davis; Lobo, Neil F.
Background Namibia’s focus on the elimination of malaria requires an evidence-based strategy directed at understanding and targeting the entomological drivers of malaria transmission. In 2018 and 2019, the Namibia National Vector-borne Diseases Control Program (NVDCP) implemented baseline entomological surveillance based on a question-based approach outlined in the Entomological Surveillance Planning Tool (ESPT). In the present study, we report on the findings of the ESPT-based NVDCP on baseline vector species composition and bionomic traits in malaria endemic regions in northern Namibia, which has the aim of generating an evidence base for programmatic decision-making.Methods Nine representative sentinel sites were included in the 2018 entomological surveillance program (Kunene, Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Kavango West, Kavango East and Zambezi); the number was reduced to four sites in 2019 due to limited funding (Ohangwena, Kavango West, Kavango East, and Zambezi). In the 2018 baseline collections, multiple sampling methods (human landing catches, pyrethroid spray catches, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention light traps [CDC-LTs], resting boxes [RBs] and larval sampling) were utilized to evaluate indoor/outdoor human biting rates, resting behaviors and insecticide resistance (IR). CDC-LTs and RBs were not used in 2019 due to low and non-representative sampling efcacies. Results Overall, molecular evidence demonstrated the presence of three primary mosquito vectors, namely Anopheles arabiensis, rediscovered Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto and Anopheles funestus sensu stricto, alongside Anopheles squamosus and members of the Anopheles coustani complex. Vectors were found to bite throughout the night (1800 hours 0600 hours) both indoors and outdoors, with An. arabiensis having the highest biting rates outdoors. Low numbers of indoor resting Anopheles point to possible low indoor residual spraying (IRS) efcacy—with An. arabiensis found to be the major vector species resting indoors. The IR tests demonstrated varying country-wide resistance levels to the insecticide deltamethrin, with the resistance levels confrmed to have increased in 2019, evidence that impacts national programmatic decision-making. Vectors demonstrated susceptibility to the insecticides dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, bendiocarb and Actellic 300CS in 2018, with mosquitoes from only one site (Kavango West) demonstrating possible resistance to DDT. Targeted and question-based entomological surveillance enabled a rapid and focused evidence base to be built, showing where and when humans were being bitten and providing entomological data on long-lasting insecticidal nets, IRS efcacy and insecticide resistance, which the Ministry of Health and Social Services-Namibia can use to further build a monitoring and evaluation framework for understanding the drivers of transmission. Conclusion Identifcation and characterization of species-specifc bionomic traits allows for an understanding of where and when vector human contact may occur as well as the potential impact of interventions. Low indoor resting rates as well as the presence of insecticide resistance (and the increase in its frequency) point to the need for mosquito-behavior-directed and appropriate interventions as well as the requirement for a resistance mitigation strategy. The ESPT-based question- and minimal essential indicator-based operational research strategy provides programs with directed and focused data for facilitating decision-making while requiring limited funding and capacity. Keywords Entomological drivers, Malaria, Namibia
Becoming reflective practitioners: Mathematics student teachers' experiences
(Journal of Research and Advances in Mathematics Education, 2021) Ngololo, Elizabeth Ndeukumwa
The level of quality reflective practice remains low among student teachers majoring in Mathematics education. This paper aims to identify the levels of reflective practice possessed by Mathematics education student teachers in a teacher training program at higher learning institutions in Namibia. The professional status requires that teachers become reflective practitioners to develop their effectiveness- a skill they can acquire during their training. A reflection framework was used to identify levels of reflective practices among Mathematics student teachers. This study is qualitative and employed a narrative inquiry approach to assess the effectiveness of reflective practice as experienced by student teachers. A total of ten third-year undergraduate students majoring in Mathematics Education participated in the study by generating reflective journals. The results show that student teachers have insufficient reflective skills which are limited to the first two levels of the reflection framework: technical reflection and reflection-in-andon-action. This could be due to little guidance offered on developing reflective skills and its use by student teachers. This study's findings will be used to improve the rationality, social and educational practices among the student teachers. Keywords: Reflective practice, student teachers, Mathematics, teacher training program
Benguela community/ UNAM wind power demonstration project—Experiences in implementation
(David, 2014) Davidson, Innocent
Abstract: The government of Namibia has committed itself to promote the use of economically viable RE (renewable energy) technologies, as a complement to grid electrification, and to improve energy provision to rural areas. This paper presents the implementation of the Benguela Community-UNAM Wind-Power Demonstration Project, which is a community-run wind-power mini-generation pilot plant in Luderitz, Namibia. Luderitz is located in South-Western Namibia along the Namib Desert. The region experiences abundant south-westerly winds and the coastal weather conditions make it a suitable location for wind energy. This project is an initiative from the community of Luderitz and a first of its kind in Namibia. It demonstrates the application of small-scale wind energy systems in Namibia and contributes to the growing national awareness of RE and use of wind power in the country. Through its activities, the project has created a dialogue between the local authorities, business community, schools and the greater community. The balance of the paper discusses lessons learned; envisaged future development plans; highlights technical, administrative and management activities; as well as potential for replication and barriers encountered during the project implementation including institutional constraints. The solution-methods developed are presented and discussed.
Breastfeeding and complementary feeding patterns in Namibia
(UNISA Press, 2019) Indongo, Nelago
Breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices have significant implications for the child's health status. In Namibia, the Maternal and Child Health programme has teamed up with the WHO and UNICEF to improve feeding practices of infants and young children. The main objective of this paper is to examine practices of breastfeeding and complementary feeding among mothers with infants and young children aged 0–24 months. The paper focuses on examining the period of breastfeeding cessation by mothers and the time of the introduction of complementary foods. Information was obtained from 9 176 mothers of 16 237 infants and young children aged 0–24 months interviewed during the 2013 Namibia Demographic and Health Survey. A survival analysis was used to explore the effects of different variables on the time course of breastfeeding. Although breastfeeding initiation is quite high, most mothers do not continue to breastfeed to 24 months. Among children aged between 0 and 24 months, only 28.2 per cent were still breastfed, and continued breastfeeding is lowly practiced with only 6.1 per cent of children between 20 and 24 months still breastfed. A significant proportion of infants were introduced to solid foods before the recommended age of six months with 31.3 percent given some solid foods. Developing a breastfeeding culture that involves increasing the duration of maternity leave for working mothers should be considered.
Challenges to Implementing environmental-DNA monitoring in Namibia
(Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2022) Perry, Iain
By identifying fragments of DNA in the environment, eDNA approaches present a promising tool for monitoring biodiversity in a cost-effective way. This is particularly pertinent for countries where traditional morphological monitoring has been sparse. The first step to realising the potential of eDNA is to develop methodologies that are adapted to local conditions. Here, we test field and laboratory eDNA protocols (aqueous and sediment samples) in a range of semi-arid ecosystems in Namibia. We successfully gathered eDNA data on a broad suite of organisms at multiple trophic levels (including algae, invertebrates and bacteria) but identified two key challenges to the implementation of eDNA methods in the region: 1) high turbidity requires a tailored sampling technique and 2) identification of taxa by eDNA methods is currently constrained by a lack of reference data. We hope this work will guide the deployment of eDNA biomonitoring in the arid ecosystems of Namibia and neighboring countries.
Chapter 4 - Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) polysaccharides
(Elsevier, 2022) Cheikhyoussef, Ahmad
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry) is an essential herb with well-documented health beneﬁts. Carbohydrates were detected in the ethanolic bud extract of S. aromaticum. Two antithrombotic polysaccharides were isolated from the ﬂower buds of clove by anion-exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction column chromatography, and size exclusion chromatography with molecular weight ranging from ca. 34,000 to ca. 103,000 Da. Clove polysaccharides have the backbone of type I rhamnogalacturonan, and the side chain of arabinan with the sulfate is being positioned at 6 of 3-linked galactosyl residues. Although polysaccharides from cloves have an antithrombotic ability, their activities in vitro are lower than that of heparin. Sulfated polysaccharides from cloves show a slightly lower salt concentration due to their relatively low sulfate/sugar ratio, which gives distinctive structural characteristics compared to other polysaccharides such as algae polysaccharides. The anticoagulation action with no toxicity in vivo of low molecular weight sulfated polysaccharide may represent a valuable and safe antithrombotic agent. This chapter gives an overview of polysaccharides from S. aromaticum, their characteristics, and their potential applications.
Characterization of schinziophyton rautanenii (Manketti) nut oil from Namibia rich in conjugated fatty acids and tocopherol
(Elsevier, 2018) Cheikhyoussef, Natascha
The Schinziophyton rautanenii tree is an important food source for many communities of the African continent. Oil extracted from the Manketti nut is of great economic value, due to its unique composition and properties. In this study, the physical and chemical characteristics of the oil obtained from three extraction methods – cold pressed, traditional and Soxhlet extraction – were investigated and compared. Oil yield of the nut was found to be 42.6 ± 0.84%. Good quality characteristics, including saponification values (184–189 mg KOH/g), iodine values (120–131 g/100 g), acid values (0.959–2.44 mg KOH/g) and peroxide values (1.80–3.98 meqO2/kg) were found for the Manketti nut oil. The total tocopherol content was in the range of 144–206 mg/100 g of oil, with γtocopherol as the dominant tocopherol. The oil was rich in conjugated fatty acids, α-eleostearic (9Z,11E,13Eoctadecatrienoic acid) (24–36%) and linoleic acid (9Z,12Z-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid) (31–32%), making it a potential candidate in the nutraceutical and cosmetics industry.
Children with Plasmodium vivax infection previously observed in Namibia, were Dufy negative and carried a c.136G>A mutation
(BMC, 2021) Haihambo, Daniel H
In a previous study, using a molecular approach, we reported the presence of P. vivax in Namibia. Here, we have extended our investigation to the Dufy antigen genetic profle of individuals of the same cohort with and without Plasmodium infections. Methods: Participants with P. vivax (n=3), P. falciparum (n=23) mono-infections and co-infections of P. vivax/P. falciparum (n=4), and P. falciparum/P. ovale (n=3) were selected from seven regions. Participants with similar age but without any Plasmodium infections (n=47) were also selected from all the regions. Dufy allelic profle was examined using standard PCR followed by sequencing of amplifed products. Sequenced samples were also examined for the presence or absence of G125A mutation in codon 42, exon 2. Results: All individuals tested carried the − 67 T>C mutation. However, while all P. vivax infected participants carried the c.G125A mutation, 7/28 P. falciparum infected participants and 9/41 of uninfected participants did not have the c.G125A mutation. The exon 2 region surrounding codon 42, had a c.136G>A mutation that was present in all P. vivax infections. The odds ratio for lack of this mutation with P. vivax infections was (OR 0.015, 95% CI 0.001–0.176;p=0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that P. vivax infections previously reported in Namibia, occurred in Dufy negative participants, carrying the G125A mutation in codon 42. The role of the additional mutation c.136 G>A in exon 2 in P. vivax infections, will require further investigations.
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) phenolics: Extraction, compositions, and biological activities
(Elsevier, 2022) Cheikhyoussef, Ahmad
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) is a dried ﬂower bud belonging to the Myrtaceae family indigenous to Indonesia. Recently, it has been farmed in diﬀerent places worldwide with potential food and nutraceutical applications. Clove volatile compounds contribute to the smell and unique aroma; meanwhile, nonvolatile compounds in the clove are mainly responsible for the taste. Clove is well known for its high level of antioxidants because of the ﬂavonoids, hydroxy benzenes, phenylpropanoids, and other reducing substances. Clove phenolics comprise between 8% and 12% (w/w) gallic acid equivalents and are mainly composed of hydrolyzable tannins, phenolic acids, ﬂavonoids, and eugenol, major bioactive molecules in this valuable herb. Gallic acid is the highest among the phenolic acids in clove and other gallic acid derivatives such as hydrolyzable tannins, which are also present in higher concentrations. Other phenolic acids found in the clove are ellagic, ferulic, caﬀeic, and salicylic acids. In addition, ﬂavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol were reported. This chapter will focus on clove phenolics’ structure, composition, and biological activities.
Co-cultivation and matching of early- and late-maturing pearl millet varieties to sowing windows can enhance climate change adaptation in semi-arid sub-Saharan agroecosystems
(MDPI Open access journal, 2023) Awala, Simon Kamwele; Hove, Kudakwashe; Valombola, Johanna Shekupe; Nafuka, Helena Nalitende; Simasiku, Evans Kamwi; Chataika, Barthlomew; Horn, Lydia Ndinelao; Angombe, Simon; Akundabweni, Levi S.M; Mwandemele, Osmund
In semi-arid regions, climate change has affected crop growing season length and sowing time, potentially causing low yield of the rainfed staple crop pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) and food insecurity among smallholder farmers. In this study, we used 1994–2023 rainfall data from Namibia's semi-arid NorthCentral Region (NCR), receiving November–April summer rainfall, to analyze rainfall patterns and trends and their implications on the growing season to propose climate adaptation options for the region. The results revealed high annual and monthly rainfall variabilities, with nonsignificant negative trends for November– February rainfalls, implying a shortening growing season. Furthermore, we determined the effects of sowing date on grain yields of the early-maturing Okashana-2 and local landrace Kantana pearl millet varieties and the optimal sowing window for the region, using data from a two-year split-plot field experiment conducted at the University of Namibia-Ogongo Campus, NCR, during the rainy season. Cubic polynomial regression models were applied to grain yield data sets to predict grain production for any sowing date between January and March. Both varieties produced the highest grain yields under January sowings, with Kantana exhibiting a higher yield potential than Okashana-2. Kantana, sown by 14 January, had a yield advantage of up to 36.0% over Okashana-2, but its yield gradually reduced with delays in sowing. Okashana-2 exhibited higher yield stability across January sowings, surpassing Kantana’s yields by up to 9.4% following the 14 January sowing. We determined the pearl millet optimal sowing window for the NCR from 1–7 and 1–21 January for Kantana and Okashana-2, respectively. These results suggest that co-cultivation of early and late pearl millet varieties and growing early-maturing varieties under delayed seasons could stabilize grain production in northern Namibia and enhance farmers' climate adaptation. Semi-arid agro-region policymakers could utilize this information to adjust local seed systems and extension strategies.
Combining survey data, GIS and qualitative interviews in the analysis of health service access for persons with disabilities
(2018) Eide, Arne H.; Dyrstad, Karin; Muthali, Alister; Van Rooy, Gert; Braathen, Stine H.; Halvorsen, Thomas; Persendt, Frans C.; Mvula, Peter; Rod, Jan Ketil
Background: Equitable access to health services is a key ingredient in reaching health for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. So far, research on access to health services in low- and middle-income countries has largely relied on self-reported survey data. Realizing that there may be substantial discrepancies between perceived and actual access, other methods are needed for more precise knowledge to guide health policy and planning. The objective of this article is to describe and discuss an innovative methodological triangulation where statistical and spatial analysis of perceived distance and objective measures of access is combined with qualitative evidence. Methods: The data for the study was drawn from a large household and individual questionnaire based survey carried out in Namibia and Malawi. The survey data was combined with spatial data of respondents and health facilities, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. To analyse access and barriers to access, a model is developed that takes into account both measured and perceived access. The geo-referenced survey data is used to establish four outcome categories of perceived and measured access as either good or poor. Combined with analyses of the terrain and the actual distance from where the respondents live to the health facility they go to, the data allows for categorising areas and respondents according to the four outcome categories. The four groups are subsequently analysed with respect to variation in individual characteristics and vulnerability factors. The qualitative component includes participatory map drawing and is used to gain further insight into the mechanisms behind the different combinations of perceived and actual access. Results: Preliminary results show that there are substantial discrepancies between perceived and actual access to health services and the qualitative study provides insight into mechanisms behind such divergences. Conclusion: The novel combination of survey data, geographical data and qualitative data will generate a model on access to health services in poor contexts that will feed into efforts to improve access for the most vulnerable people in underserved areas.
Communal land tenure security for widows in the Eenhana constituency of the Ohangwena region, Namibia
(Journal of International Women's Studies, 2020) Nakanyete, Ndapewa Fenny
Namibia is characterized by a history of discriminatory customary practices against women with regards to access to land, rights over land, and security of land tenure. Since independence in 1990, the country has adopted policies and legislative frameworks to bring about gender equality in all spheres of life, including the transformation of land tenure rights. These policies and acts give effect to the constitutional provisions that accord both men and women equal opportunities for access to land, rights over land and security of tenure. Widows are a particularly singled-out social group for legal protection, land security and rights to land enjoyed during their spouses’ lifetimes, and are granted protection, at least on paper, from discriminatory practices such as unlawful land evictions. This article evaluates and analyses the current status of land tenure security for widows in the Eenhana Constituency of the Ohangwena Region in Namibia. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods through questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions with widows, as well as key informant interviews with Communal Land Board representatives, members of the traditional authorities, as well as the Ministry of Land Reform’s regional office officials. Through this case study, the findings establish that even though Namibia acclaims progressive policies and legislative frameworks on gender equality, there are still pockets of discrimination against widows where they continue to be at risk of losing their land rights in some of Namibia’s communal areas. Addressing the land tenure insecurities and a guarantee of legal land rights for widows is key to reducing vulnerabilities within female-headed households in the communal areas. Traditional authorities remain a key governance structure in communal areas, particularly in relation to access to land, and land rights inheritance issues, amongst others. Similarly, the Communal Land Boards are statutory institutions mandated to ensure implementation of the provisions of the Communal Land Reform Act of 2002, including the protection of land rights for widows. The study, therefore, recommends three main measures: the removal of all forms of discriminatory customary practices against widows; continued awareness-raising initiatives on the rights of widows; and full implementation of legal provisions for the protection of widows’ land rights and security of tenure.
Community acceptance of reactive focal mass drug administration and reactive focal vector control using indoor residual spraying, a mixed‐methods study in Zambezi region, Namibia
(MBC, 2021) Roberts, Kathryn W.
Abstract Background: In Namibia, as in many malaria elimination settings, reactive case detection (RACD), or malaria testing and treatment around index cases, is a standard intervention. Reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA), or treatment without testing, and reactive focal vector control (RAVC) in the form of indoor residual spraying, are alternative or adjunctive interventions, but there are limited data regarding their community acceptability. et al. Malar J (2021) 20:162 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-021-03679-1 Malaria Journal Methods: A parent trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of rfMDA versus RACD, RAVC versus no RAVC, and rfMDA + RAVC versus RACD only. To assess acceptability of these interventions, a mixed-methods study was conducted using key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) in three rounds (pre-trial and in years 1 and 2 of the trial), and an endline survey. Results: In total, 17 KIIs, 49 FGDs were conducted with 449 people over three annual rounds of qualitative data collection. Pre-trial, community members more accurately predicted the level of community acceptability than key stakeholders. Throughout the trial, key participant motivators included: malaria risk perception, access to free community-based healthcare and IRS, and community education by respectful study teams. RACD or rfMDA were offered to 1372 and 8948 individuals in years 1 and 2, respectively, and refusal rates were low (< 2%). RAVC was offered to few households (n = 72) in year 1. In year 2, RAVC was offered to more households (n = 944) and refusals were < 1%. In the endline survey, 94.3% of 2147 respondents said they would participate in the same intervention again. Conclusions: Communities found both reactive focal interventions and their combination highly acceptable. Engaging communities and centering and incorporating their perspectives and experiences during design, implementation, and evaluation of this community-based intervention was critical for optimizing study engagement. Keywords: Malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, Malaria elimination, Namibia, Mass drug administration, Indoor residual spraying, Reactive case detection, Community acceptability, Qualitative and Mixed Methods
Community perspectives of empowerment from trophy hunting tourism in Namibia’s Bwabwata National Park
(Routledge, 2022) Thomsen, Jennifer Marie
Trophy hunting (TH) tourism plays an important and often controversial role in wildlife conservation and community livelihood in many African countries. Despite its potential social and economic benefits, TH can have a negative impact among the locals and pose critical challenges in governance. However, research on the local community perspective of TH and how it is linked to empowerment of locals and wildlife conservation in Namibia remains limited. Therefore, to address these gaps, our study explores how communities of Namibia’s Bwabwata National Park perceive TH and how TH supports or hinders empowerment of local communities and their relationship with wildlife. Through semistructured interviews with community members, this study elucidates the economic benefits and inequities, cultural impacts from lack of traditional hunting, perceived relationship to poaching, and limitations of governance and distrust among stakeholders. This research innovatively applies empowerment theory to TH tourism and thus, can strengthen and inform sound governance and sustainable practices of TH at local, national, and international levels by providing the local perspective that has largely been absent from the TH debate.
Community perspectives of empowerment from trophy hunting tourism in Namibia’s Bwabwata National Park
(Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 2021) Thomsen, Jennifer M
Trophy hunting (TH) tourism plays an important and often controversial role in wildlife conservation and community livelihood in many African countries. Despite its potential social and economic benefits, TH can have a negative impact among the locals and pose critical challenges in governance. However, research on the local community perspective of TH and how it is linked to empowerment of locals and wildlife conservation in Namibia remains limited. Therefore, to address these gaps, our study explores how communities of Namibia’s Bwabwata National Park perceive TH and how TH supports or hinders empowerment of local communities and their relationship with wildlife. Through semistructured interviews with community members, this study elucidates the economic benefits and inequities, cultural impacts from lack of traditional hunting, perceived relationship to poaching, and limitations of governance and distrust among stakeholders. This research innovatively applies empowerment theory to TH tourism and thus, can strengthen and inform sound governance and sustainable practices of TH at local, national, and international levels by providing the local perspective that has largely been absent from the TH debate.
Comparative cytological and transcriptome analyses of ny2 mutant delayed degeneration of tapetal cells and promotes abnormal microspore development in neo-tetraploid rice
(Frontiers, 2023) Kamara, Nabieu; Jiao, Yamin; Huang, Weicong; Cao, Lichong; Zhu, Lianjun; Zhao, Chongchong; Huang, Xu; Shivute, Fimanekeni N.; Liu, Xiangdong; Wu, Jinwen; Shahid, Muhammad Qasim
We aimed to investigate the genetic defects related to pollen development and infertility in NY2, a novel tetraploid rice germplasm known as Neo-tetraploid rice. This rice variety was created through the crossbreeding and selective breeding of various autotetraploid rice lines and has previously shown high fertility. Our previous research has revealed that the NY2 gene, encoding a eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit E, regulates pollen fertility. However, the underlying mechanism behind this fertility is yet to be understood. To shed light on this matter, we performed a combined cytological and transcriptome analysis of the NY2 gene. Cytological analysis indicated that ny2 underwent abnormal tapetal cells, microspore, and middle layer development, which led to pollen abortion and ultimately to male sterility. Genetic analysis revealed that the F1 plants showed normal fertility and an obvious advantage for seed setting compared to ny2. Global gene expression analysis in ny2 revealed a total of 7545 genes were detected at the meiosis stage, and 3925 and 3620 displayed upregulation and downregulation, respectively. The genes were significantly enriched for the gene ontology (GO) term “carbohydrate metabolic process. Moreover, 9 genes related to tapetum or pollen fertility showed downregulation, such as OsABCG26 (ATP Binding Cassette G26), TMS9-1 (Thermosensitive Male Sterility), EAT1 (Programmed cell death regulatory), KIN14M (Kinesin Motor), OsMT1a (Metallothionein), and OsSTRL2 (Atypical strictosidine synthase), which were validated by qRT-PCR. Further analyses ofDEGs identified nine down-regulated transcription factor genes related to pollen development. NY2 is an important regulator of the development of tapetum and microspore. The regulatory gene network described in this study may offer important understandings into the molecular processes that underlie fertility control in tetraploid rice.

Browse

Browsing Multidisciplinary Research Centre (MRC) by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options