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Item An assessment of the state of science journalism in Namibia : A case study of the Namibian, Namibian sun, and New Era newspapers(University of Namibia, 2023) Brandt, KudakwanguScience journalism is a form of reporting that conveys news about science-related topics in a simplified manner. Fields vary from health, environmental and animal science, amongst others. As this field gradually broadens, the duty of science journalists to communicate verified information to ordinary citizens has been amplified. Equally, this underpins the need for scientists to communicate their work to the public, and take their work beyond academic circles to the layman. This is often done by science journalists who have the expertise to report scientific news in a fashion that is less technical. The main objectives of the study were to assess the criteria used by the Namibian print media to determine the newsworthiness of science news, and to determine the challenges and opportunities for the media in the science journalism field. Furthermore, the study sought to examine the perceptions that scientists have of the media. The study aimed to contribute to bridging the gap between scientists and the public. This thesis includes an analysis of qualitative data collected from newspaper editors from Namibia’s main newspapers. In addition, quantitative data were collected from scientists in different fields. The key findings revealed that there is a communication gap between journalists and scientists, stemming from mistrust and generally the lack of appreciation for each other’s profession, which ultimately has an effect on the public’s consumption of science news. It is recommended that various activities and tools be put in place to strengthen relations between the media and scientists and ensure accuracy in the popularisation of scienceItem Assessing the use of cloud computing for records management in selected organisations in Namibia(University of Namibia, 2023) Karlos, Alina NdapunikwaThis multi-case study assessed the use of cloud computing for records management in selected private organisations in Namibia. The study’s objectives were to assess the drivers and benefits of adopting cloud computing for records management; analyse the cloud computing services and deployment models adopted by the organisations; assess the risks of managing records in the cloud; and identify measures to mitigate risks of managing records in the cloud. A qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews was employed for data collection. The study population comprised of Namibian organisations using cloud computing and offering cloud computing services for records management. Four private organisations were conveniently selected. Seven participants comprising information technology (IT) staff from cloud computing service-providing organisations and records management staff from both a cloud computing service client organisation and a cloud computing service provider were purposively selected for the study. Data was analysed through content analysis. The study found that Namibian organisations adopted cloud computing for records management. However, cloud providers refered to information managed on the cloud as ‘data’. The study findings established that organisations adopted cloud computing due to its flexibility and affordability. Significant lack of records management expertise in both cloud computing service providers and client organisations was evident. The study further established that records management legal and regulatory framework had not received comprehensive attention by both cloud computing service providers and client organisations. Namibia’s current legal and regulatory framework is weak on the management of electronic records. The introduction of new laws relating to managing electronic records will be instrumental to the success of using cloud computing to manage records. The findings also highlighted that managing records in the cloud presented some risks and challenges such as non-compliance with laws, uncertain records security, and poor knowledge of records management. The study concluded that the cloud computing services provided and adopted by the Namibian organisations were not fully viable for the proper management of electronic records and there was a need for the customisation of cloud computing services to meet records management standards and practices. The study proposed a framework for adopting cloud computing for records management in Namibia.Item Digital preservation maturity at the office of the Prime Minister of Namibia(University of Namibia, 2023) Nakale, Asser Laudika N.Digital preservation involves actions that are aimed at making sure that digital records remain accessible for as long as they are needed. In order to assure the effective long-term preservation of digital records, certain standards and best practices have to be met and adhered to. Assessing the effectiveness of digital preservation is crucial, particularly for organisations that are in the business of digital preservation. This study investigated and assessed the extent to which digital preservation is carried out in the context of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) of Namibia. A qualitative case study was the appropriate design for the study. The population of this study consisted of individuals that were involved in the entire process of the preservation of electronic records with long-term or permanent values, specifically staff members of the EDRMS department and the OPM at large. At the time of conducting the study, the OPM had a total of three hundred and eighty-seven (387) staff members. A census sampling technique was applied to include all seven (7) members of the EDRMS Department. Using the snowball technique, the Head of Archive referred the researcher to two (2) staff members from each of the twelve (12) departments, bringing the total sample to thirty-one (31). This study made use of semi-structured interviews and observation as the data collection methods and these were supplemented by document reviews. The collected data collected were analysed through content analysis. Among others, the main findings of the study include the unavailability of a digital preservation policy and strategy, formal information governance, collaboration framework, and written agreements with users and producers. The study also found that the institution did not provide extra training to its staff members and as such, they did not have specialised and professional technical expertise. ii The study recommended that the OPM should implement a Digital Preservation Policy and invest in collaboration, training and grooming of specialised professional technical expertise.Item Developing a framework for research data management capabilities at the University of Namibia(University of Namibia, 2023) Kanguti, Ronald N.This study sought to investigate the University of Namibia’s (UNAM) Research Data Management (RDM) capabilities with a view to developing an RDM framework for the institution. The study was informed by a pragmatic research paradigm and it adopted an explanatory sequential mixed method research design. In line with this research design, the study deployed a two-phased data collection process. First, during the quantitative phase, a bibliometric analysis on UNAM’s research productivity, visibility and impact was conducted using Scopus (SciVal) and the Web of Science. Second, in the qualitative phase, 22 UNAM top researchers as derived from Scopus (SciVal) and the Web of Science were purposefully interviewed based on their relevance to the study. The population of the study consisted of nine hundred and thirty-four (934) researchers. The sample comprised of 40 UNAM top researchers as indexed in Scopus (Scival) and the Web of Science. The study found that RDM is a new concept at UNAM and that it is not integrated in the research processes. It was also discovered that although the concept is new, some researchers practice RDM services using their own means. The study further revealed that there is a lack of institutional support to enhance the management of research data. The study concluded that RDM do exist at UNAM even though different researchers understands and practices the concept differently. The study recommends that UNAM develops and implements the RDM framework as part of the organisation’s structure to support staff members. The study proposes that UNAM undertake an RDM pilot study with leading universities in the region, and document some lessons learnt that can advance the implementation of RDM at UNAM.Item An assessment of social protection and the living conditions of the elderly: A study of Omatunda village, Ohangwena region(University of Namibia, 2022) Haukena, Kulaumone MesagIn Africa, ageing is a phenomenon that is just beginning to reveal its shape. Most governments, including the Government of the Republic of Namibia, acknowledge the increasing number of older persons. Social protection interventions usually include measures to provide adequate housing and nutrition, ensure access to education, health and promote social inclusion and political stability. The lack of access to social protection constitutes a major obstacle to the socio-economic development and wellbeing of the elderly. This was a mixed method descriptive design: a study of Omatunda village, Ohangwena Region of Namibia. The primary objective of the study was to determine the extent to which the Namibian social protection scheme affords to bring a decent living for the rural elderly people in Omatunda village. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample from the population of elderly people above the age of 60 and living in Omatunda village rural Namibia. The results show that about 76% of the respondents were female, while 24% were male. The majority of the respondents 47.6% were between the ages of 70 – 79 years. The majority of the respondents 52.4% were married and 23.8% were a widow. Furthermore, 14.3% were never married, while 9.5% were divorced. About 100% of the elderly people interviewed were receiving Government grant (pension) every month as their main source of income, however, only 43% were satisfied with the amount they are receiving, they perceived the social assistance grant as enabling them to provide the necessities of life and to pay their grandchildren’s school fees. However, about 57% of the elderly were displeased with the grant, which means 48% were neutral and 9.5% were unsatisfied at all. The study revealed that the respondents do use pension funds for a lot of their basic needs, however, noted that all the needs are not covered. Furthermore, the study revealed that there is a public health facility in the area where elderly people are receiving medical care free of charge, only 57% were satisfied with the health service to them, 43% were not satisfied due to long waiting time in the queue as well as the frequently stock out of essential medicines. Although the study revealed that the general health condition of the majority of the respondents is reported to be good, this does not mean that they are unrestricted from challenges. Like many other people, elderly people are faced with numerous challenges which are both social and economic. The study concluded that the old-age 3 pension fund is regarded as a most vital source of income for many households and it is used to improve the living condition of the elderly.Item The experiences and livelihoods of unemployed graduates in Windhoek, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Matondo, Maravihla MamonaThe experiences and livelihoods of unemployed graduates in Windhoek, Namibia. Graduate unemployment is a global phenomenon and is not only known to the nation of Namibia. There have been numerous research conducted on graduate unemployment worldwide but less research has been conducted on graduate unemployment in Namibia especially focusing on their experiences and livelihoods. This study aimed to examine the experiences and livelihoods of unemployed graduates residing in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. This study sought to find out how the Namibian nation is affected by the high number of unemployed graduates with the main focus being on the unemployed graduate. This study assessed the impact unemployment has on graduates by focusing on the following research questions; what are the experiences of unemployed graduates seeking employment and what are the livelihood activities of unemployed graduates? A qualitative approach has been used using narrative interviews as a method. The total number of participants interviewed was thirty participants selected using purposive and snowball sampling. The key findings of the study were that graduates are finding it difficult to obtain employment, the main reason being graduates lack the number of working years’ experience required by employers. Secondly, unemployed graduates are struggling to earn a living and have engaged in a range of ad hoc and informal activities to survive. The study also showed that for unemployed graduates residing in Windhoek, livelihoods are not sustainable. The participants discussed various strategies that can be implemented to better their experiences and livelihoods and these were considered as recommendations for practice and policy.Item The contribution of knowledge sharing in the effective implementation of electronic document and records management systems in the Namibian public service(University of Namibia, 2022) Kazavanga, UetujamaThe study investigated the contribution of Knowledge Sharing (KS) to the successful implementation of the Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) in the Namibian public service. Various reasons to justify the poor success of EDRMS implementation have been identified across several studies but the role and contribution of KS as a key element towards the successful implementation of EDRMS has not been established. In this regard, the study adopted an interpretivist research paradigm, a qualitative research approach for the data collection and a multiple case study research design. The study targeted three (3) Offices/Ministries/Agencies out of the first nine Offices/Ministries/Agencies that implemented the EDRMS between 2009 and 2010. The sample size consisted of twenty-one (21) participants, whereby seven (7) were from the Office of the Prime Minister, nine (9) from the National Archives of Namibia, and five (5) from the National Planning Commission. Data were collected through document analysis, semi-structured interviews and participant observations. The study found that the reason for the poor success of EDRMS implementation in the Namibian public service points to a lack of and/or poor sharing of knowledge during the implementation stages of EDRMS. This was because both key users and end users of EDRMS in the three O/M/As did not have adequate knowledge sharing opportunities, other than training sessions on EDRMS operations. Based on this, the study recommends that KS ought to be prioritised as a key element of change management, particularly with the introduction of new work processes and procedures. KS should take place at every stage and/or level of EDRMS implementation among all staff members in an institution. Therefore, institutions should deliberately design and create opportunities that would engage all employees and lead to active KS throughout all the divisions and units of an institution. Areas for further studies could include investigating the impact of team building and employees interrelationships towards the successful implementation of EDRMS.Item An investigation into factors contributing to food insecurity for urban households during covid-19 pandemic: A case study of Onhimbu informal settlement, Outapi in the Omusati region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Amukwelele, HilyaCOVID-19 undermines food security worldwide. However, the urban poor are the most affected. In Namibia, around 659 000 people are faced with high levels of food insecurity due to the impacts of COVID-19 lockdown and disruption of food systems caused by the pandemic (IPC, 2021). As a result, the majority of the households lost income, resulting in difficulties in accessing food. This study investigated the factors contributing to food insecurity for urban households during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was gathered through interviews using a qualitative case study research design, and the data was analysed using a thematic analysis method. A set of semi-structured interview guides with open-ended questions were administered to 15 household heads. The participants were selected using a purposive sampling method. The study is guided by the Food Security Conceptual Framework adopted by Reily (1999). The study revealed that lockdown, high food prices, and lack of safety nets were the main factors contributing to food insecurity in urban households during the pandemic. These factors affect people's access to food, resulting in people skipping meals, consuming poor diets, or remaining hungry. The study concluded that COVID-19 measures have caused further food insecurity in informal settlements as they have destroyed households’ means of food access. The study recommended that the government should invest in a resilient food system in order to achieve national food security.Item The effects of drought on household food consumption: A case of Okahauyulu and Eeshoke villages in Engela constituency, Ohangwena region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Mwaninga, Gabriel FanuelThe increasing of drought instances in Namibia has had a devastating effect on people’s livelihood, particularly in the arid and semi-arid parts of the country. Faced with an increasing frequency of droughts, the local communities of Okahauyulu and Eeshoke Villages are constantly at risk of food insecurity, which exacerbates their food consumption during the times of drought due to their dependence on rain-fed agriculture. The study investigated the effects of drought on household food consumption, using a case study of Okahauyulu and Eeshoke Villages in Engela Constituency of the Ohangwena Region. The study was guided by the following objectives: to investigate and compare the household food consumption patterns during drought and non-drought periods; to explore the challenges that households faced in coping with the food shortages in the past drought; and to examine the coping mechanisms/strategies employed in instances of food shortages during the drought periods. A mixed methods approach, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative research methods was employed, which exposed the study to a rich data set. To meet the quantitative dimension, a total of 86 households were selected through stratified sampling and 14 participants purposefully sampled as key informants for the focus group discussion to meet qualitative objectives. The study exposed that during normal periods, households have adequate food to consume and they sell surplus food to cater for other household necessities. It is also emerged that, during trying times, households lack enough food and as such, they deviate from normal consumption patterns and resort to skipping meals. Moreover, the findings revealed that the main coping mechanisms employed included reducing the quantities of meals served, destocking livestock, seasonal migration by men to the ohambo (cattle post), salaried casual labour, basket weaving and extraction of Marula oil by females, reliance on the government drought relief food, and support from family, friends and community network ties. However, the study found that the coping strategies employed were not adequate to curtail the effects of drought on households’ food consumption in the study area. Thus, evidence suggests the need for the government to install water tanks at every household so as to harvest water during the rainy season, excavate earth dams which can be lined with trampolines, provision of diversified drought resistant seeds, conservation agriculture, and capacity building of households through subsided education.Item Implementation of social media policies: A case study of the ministry of information and communication technology and mobile telecommunications company(University of Namibia, 2022) Boois, Beaulah B.This study set out to assess social media usage by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) and Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC). The main objectives of this study were to assess MICT and MTC’s social media policies; to evaluate the implementation of MICT and MTC’s social media policies in the context of best practice as well as to measure users’ attitudes towards MICT and MTC’s social media policies. The study adopted the pragmatism worldview that involved a convergent mixed-method design: Social Media Policies’ document analysis and survey of Windhoek residents. The population for this study consisted of 322 000 residents of Windhoek City. The study adopted multistage cluster sampling to draw a sample size of 200 participants using the Krejcie and Morgan Table. Primary data was collected using structured self-administered questionnaire and a codebook. The data were analysed using SPSS descriptive statistics feature and thematically analysed. The major findings were that MTC’s social media policy was found wanting from an implementation perspective by survey respondents who also indicated preference for the MICT policy in the same index. The document analysis of both MTC and MICT policies from the purpose of best practice uncovered loopholes in the policies that allow for bullying and the posting of inappropriate content. The major recommendations of this study include that a dedicated employee or department be assigned to officially communicate on behalf of the organizations and employees should understand both the professional and personal risks associated with social media management. Also, it is recommended that the organizations draft simplified policies that can be easily understood and implemented as well as review and regularly update policies in this fast-paced technological era.Item An explorative study of the role of child social grants in the livelihoods of recipients: A case study of Ondobe constituency, Ohangwena region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Valombola, Aune T.The main aim of this study was to explore the role that the Child Social Grant (CSG) plays in the livelihoods of recipients, using a case study of Ondobe Constituency, Ohangwena Region, Namibia. The Namibian government has taken concrete steps to address child poverty and social exclusion through child social grants. The Child Social Grant has proven to be successful as it has been able, according to a report by the Ministry of Gender Equality Child Welfare (MGECW) and the National Planning Commission (NPC) (2013), to play a vital role in reducing the burden of poverty by helping caregivers to provide for the children’s basic needs, and supporting household economic activities. The study sought to understand the role of the grant from the lived experiences of the recipients and to make some recommendations on the appropriate policy instruments and restructuring on how to improve the well-being of children in Namibia. A qualitative research method was used in the study. Face to face individual in-depth interviews were used for data collection. Interviews took place at participants’ households where they felt comfortable in their natural settings. The thematic data analysis method was used for data analysis. The findings of the study showed that, despite the small value of the grant, it was effective as it raised the livelihoods of recipients, as they explained that the grant made a difference in their lives and that they were able to access the basic needs for their children. The study further revealed that the majority of the participants experienced hardships in terms of employment and financial support. Despite good policies that have been put in place and the government’s efforts at reducing poverty, the backlog of service delivery continues to plague the government's ability to benefit the most vulnerable people in the society. ii Because, as successful as it may be, the Child Social Grant, as a social welfare strategy, seems inadequate. People are still living in poverty due to the lack of job opportunities. It is therefore, important for the country to focus resources on the less privileged and equipping them with skills for them to become self-sufficient and productive citizens.Item An assessment of the recordkeeping functionalities of the Namibian Court Information System (NAMCIS) at the Office of the Judiciary(University of Namibia, 2022) Nangula, Uahengo HileniThis study sought to assess the recordkeeping functionalities of the Namibian Court Information System (NAMCIS) to determine the efficiency and/or loopholes in the functions and the management of the system. The assessment was guided by the Modular Requirements for Records Systems, standard (MoReq2010) and the IRMT guidelines for integrating records management procedures into ICTs (Information Communication Technologies). The objectives of the study were to: evaluate the standards and procedures used to capture, store, retrieve, disseminate and retain records in NAMCIS; establish the benefits and challenges associated with NAMCIS; determine the knowledge and skills of the people who are responsible for managing the system, and; recommend ways in which NAMCIS can be optimised for the benefit of all users. The study adopted an interpretivism paradigm that aims at understanding individuals’ subjective experiences and their interpretations of the world around them. A qualitative research design was adopted, using a case study. The target population was the Khomas Region employee cohort of the Office of the Judiciary. Non probability purposive sampling was used to select four (4) IT personnel, six (6) chief legal clerks, fourteen (14) court clerks, seven (7) magistrates, and nine (9) prosecutors. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, observations and document review. Descriptive narratives were used to analyse data through content analysis. The major findings from the study revealed that although NAMCIS had adequate security measures, it was outdated and it did not meet all the mandatory functional requirements of an electronic recordkeeping system due to the fact that, it was acquired as a transactional system. It was also discovered that, the implementation process was not guided by records management professionals or internationally recommended records management standards. This study therefore concludes that NAMCIS is outdated and ii incompatible with new software and hardware. The study recommends that: a retention and disposal schedule should be implemented to determine how long information must be retained on the system; a policy framework should be developed to enable the Office of the Judiciary to manage electronic records kept in NAMCIS according to recommended records management standards; end-users should be trained regularly; and the Office of the Judiciary should liaise with Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) (Department of EDRMS) and the National Archives of Namibia, on the improvement of the system’s technicalities. This research builds on the knowledge of electronic recordkeeping systems in general, and in particular, NAMCIS.Item The role of social capital in adaptation to drought: A case study of Osheedhiya village Omusati region Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Jonas, Martha NdilipuneRainfall variability and drought events have become increasingly common for the past five years in Namibia, this has a more significant impact on subsistence farmers living in the communal areas who highly depend on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods. Communal farmers are already experiencing other challenges such as land degradation, unproductive soils. Scarce water resources and poor land tenure systems and drought are an additional pressure on their livelihood. This research analyses the role that social capital plays in the adaptation to drought amongst farmers living in the communal areas of Namibia using the case study of Osheedhiya village in the Omusati Region. Social capital is used herein to refer to the flow of knowledge, connections, and group membership. The objectives of the study were: to identify strategies used to adapt to drought among the communal farmers; to analyse the impact of social capital; to identify the types of social capital and its level of importance in adaptation to drought. The study used the qualitative research methodology through which the data was collected using key informant interviews and semi-structured interview guides. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The results reveal that social capital, such as social ties with family, neighbours, friends, and community members, the spirit of working together to achieve a common goal, and government intervention has enhanced the chances of farmers living in communal areas to adapt to drought. Farmers, who are retired civil servants, Traditional Authority members linked to associations such as farmers’ unions and producers’ associations as well as those who own farm machinery, such as tractors and vehicles, adapted to drought conditions better than other farmers.Item Researchers’ experiences on collaborative research: The case of the University of Namibia and Namibia Commission on Research, Science and Technology(University of Namibia, 2022) Sapwe, Joel C.The study explored the experiences of the academic researchers at the University of Namibia (UNAM) and Namibia Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) on collaborative research projects. A total sample size of 15 researchers from UNAM and NCRST participated in this research project. Purposive sampling was applied in the selection of institutions and in the selection of key target participants. The study adopted qualitative methodology following a case study research design. Interviews were used to collect data, thematic analysis method was adopted, facilitated with Atlas.ti software to identify themes. The study adopted dependency theory and world-systems theory as guiding theoretical frameworks, in that both theories provide the understanding of researchers in the peripheral space(s) like the case of UNAM and NCRST where research funding, technological and scientific undertaking are relied on North partners. The results of this research on factors that influence the establishment of research collaborations showed that the most prominent factors lead to collaborative researches were need for funding, exchange of knowledge, strategic partnerships and projects that needed experts and experience in various fields of study. The results of the study further showed that external funders (mainly from the North) set the agenda. Agenda setting varies from one research project to another. The majority of participants revealed that they had good experience working in collaborative research projects and perceived it as expensive, involving, creates opportunities and capacity building for lecturers, platform for development and share knowledge, meaningful and rewarding, beneficial to the society and communities and also inform policy in the country. Challenges faced were classified as individual and institutional. These challenges included; misunderstandings, lack of fund, caliber of researchers, internal politics and bottlenecks, absence of policies to regulate how data sets and how data is owned and absence of national data base to curb scattered data in iii Namibia. Therefore, the study recommended among other things, that research collaboration be encouraged on equal partnership between North-South. Furthermore, government of Namibia to increase research funding allocation on the GDP from the current 1% for research to something higher. The study also recommends that collaborative research be on 50/50 research funding to give southern researchers impetus in agenda setting. Lastly, this study recommends that, NCRST should embark on upskilling information, communication and technology (ICT) to curb scattered data to achieve data ownership in Namibia.Item The implementation of gender mainstreaming in a correctional service facility: A case of Elizabeth Nepemba correctional facility in Kavango west region(University of Namibia, 2021) Naluno, MariaThis study primarily aimed at investigating the implementation of gender mainstreaming in the Namibian Correctional Service, specifically Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility in Kavango West Region. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to explore the progress made in the application of gender mainstreaming practices; to examine the progress made in the application of gender mainstreaming and to identify the challenges associated with the application of gender mainstreaming in the Namibian Correctional Service. The study employed a qualitative research design and a case study method. The population of the study consisted of development planners and correctional officers. The study sample was made up of 17 participants, 2 development planners from the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, 13 correctional officers from Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility as well as 2 correctional officers from the Namibian Correctional Service Headquarters. Primary data was gathered using an interview guide through face-to-face interviews and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. This study found that, while the policy framework for gender mainstreaming is in place in the Conectional Service; the implementation is still lacking. In fact, gender mainstreaming is being considered an add-on function, and not part of the organization's primary functions. Thus, by making public managers only talk about gender mainstreaming and not being able to act towards its proper implementation, gender mainstreaming initiatives are not organization-driven. The study recommends that, leadership in the Namibian Correctional Service should refrain from addressing gender mainstreaming as an add-gender-and-stir approach, should instead acknowledge the role of both sexes as development, sound governance and democratization partners of all times. Gender inequality cannot be adequately addressed by viewing it based on improvements in women's work and representation, but rather when it is seen within the broader framework of sound social welfare, development, democracy, and governance. Therefore, the Namibian Correctional Service next Strategic Plan of Action need to be gender responsive and well in line with Namibia's international and national commitments towards realizing a zebra crossing of 50-50 gender equality across all economic, social and political settings.Item An assessment on the usage of internet services at Omaheke regional library(University of Namibia, 2022) Ngashikuao, Lucia NdeshihafelaPublic libraries have become primary sources of free Internet services delivery, and this qualitative case study set to assess the usage of free Internet services provided at the Omaheke Regional Library (ORL). The study was guided by the following research questions: What is the main reason for using Internet services? How satisfied are users with the provision of free Internet services? What difficulties do users encounter when using the Internet? What is the impact of free Internet services to the users? What policies exist in the ORL regarding the usage of free Internet provision to its users? Kuhlthau’s (2008) Information Search Processes theory and Wilson’s (1999) Information Seeking Behaviour theory guided the study. The study applied a qualitative research approach, and the data were collected through Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations were conducted with purposely selected staff members and Internet users. Interviews, observations and focus group discussions data were analysed by employing the content analysis technique. The findings of the study showed that the Internet users of the ORL used free Internet services for socialising, educational purposes and searching for jobs. The data further revealed that Internet users were not satisfied with the provision of Internet services due to the slow speed of the Internet and few computers in the library. The findings also demonstrated that the provision of free Internet services impacted the lives of Internet users through education and social activities. Moreover, the findings also revealed that the library did not have any Internet policy in place regarding the usage of free Internet services. The research recommends that the ORL should increase the Internet bandwidth and engage library stakeholders regarding decision making of Internet services for effective and efficient provision of free Internet services.Item An investigation into the use of smartphones in accessing electronic resources at the University of Namibia(University of Namibia, 2021) Matheus, ElizabethThis thesis is based on the use of smartphones in accessing electronic resources (eresources) at the University of Namibia (UNAM). The main objective of this study was to investigate the use of smartphones in accessing library electronic resources at UNAM. The study was informed by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Convenience Concept Model (CCM) and Connectivity Theory (CT). In line with the pragmatic research paradigm, the research design was a case study and a survey was in this case one of the data collection methods in this mixed methods research approach. The population for this study consisted of UNAM librarians and undergraduate students. The sample for this study comprised of three hundred and seventy-two (372) students. To ensure representation at all levels of undergraduate students, the researcher used the proportionate stratification sample method to determine sample sizes of each stratum which resulted to 125 first years, 105 second years, 76 third years and 66 fourth years. Students were selected by means of systematic sampling method. Four (4) librarians were purposively selected as the researcher targeted librarians who had a better understanding of the topic under study. In-depth interviews were conducted with librarians and questionnaires were administered to students. Content analysis method was used to analyse qualitative data and IBM SPSS was used to generate quantitative data through descriptive statistics. The study revealed that majority of students had smartphones. Students found smartphones convenient because of portability. Furthermore, the study showed that majority of students were aware of library e-resources, which they mostly got to know through their lecturers. The study further discovered that students had at some point accessed e-resources via their smartphones. However, low frequency of access was recorded. Factors that hinder the access and use of smartphones revealed in this study include: network problems, lack of training on how to access e-resources, small screen sizes of smartphones, no access to e-resources off-campus, difficulties in navigating web links through smartphones and a lack of searching skills. The study recommends UNAM Library to take a leaf from the UNAM ICT Policy which supports gadgets like smartphones, to be clear on using mobile library applications, create a mobile Library App for e-resources and introduce a core course on Information Literacy that will include training on how to access e-resources. The study proposes a study on offcampus access to e-resources as an area for further research.Item A comparative study on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in cataloguing and classification of library materials at University of Namibia (UNAM) and Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)(University of Namibia, 2021) Iyambo, AuneThis study presents a comparison between the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities in cataloguing and classifying bibliographic materials in academic libraries in Namibia. A multiple case study design was applied to analyse of the two academic libraries at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the University of Namibia (UNAM). Face-to-face semi-structured interviews as well as observation was used to collect data. The population of this study comprised of 18 cataloguing and classification section staff members, which were made of 12 staff members of the University of Namibia and 6 staff members of Namibia University Science and Technology. A purposive sampling technique was used to select eight respondents to participate in the study. Content analysis was applied to examine the data. The study found that ICT facilities brought a great change in cataloguing and classification section for both institutions under study and these changes made work easier, time saving and more accurate when cataloguing and classification of library materials were done electronically. Thus, both institutions widely use and accept ICT facilities in their day-today activities. This was influenced by Perceived Ease of Use model which allowed individuals to accept the use technologies that would be effortless and hassle free. The reasons why librarians used and accepted ICT facilities in their day-to-day work was that they assisted in detecting duplications of work and errors when cataloguing and classifying of their library materials, made their work easy, saved time for their users and also to keep abreast with the new technology trends. It was also found that ICT facilities helped to improve and uplift librarians’ job performances of the librarians. As far as the two determinants of Technology Acceptance Model (Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness) were concerned, technologies used in libraries improved productivity. The participants cited the following challenges when using ICT facilities: ICT facilities could not function without electricity connection, it is difficult to locate library materials with lengthy classification numbers, the system trial do not keep track of usernames and password, and communicate challenges faced between the system vendor and the library. The study concluded that librarians preferred to use ICT facilities as opposed to manual cataloguing and classification because they made their work easy, saved time, and provided more accurate results. The study recommends that institutions should develop ICT policies to help facilitate service delivery and effective storage systems.Item Farm workers' resistance to exploration: A case study of the workers at Aussenkehr Karas region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2021) Tjitombo, GloriaThe central concern of this study was the exploitation of farm workers and the different strategies of resistance to such exploitation. The study used the conceptual framework of resistance ‘weapons of the weak’ by Scott. According to this theory, the weapons of the weak are manifested through everyday resistance to exploitation. The study was conducted at Aussenkehr farm situated along the banks of the Orange River, which forms the boundaries between Namibia and South Africa. The study was qualitative. The researcher used a semi-structured interview guide to capture the experiences of workers. Workers' daily activities were also observed and recorded in the observation guide. The sample for this study was 29 farm workers both permanent and seasonal farmworkers at Aussenkehr. Although the production of grapes is an important component of the agricultural sector in Namibia, and a lucrative industry for exports, the study found the living and the working conditions of farm workers in Aussenkehr to be exploitative. Most of the grape farm workers in Aussenkehr live in reed houses, with no sanitation, electricity, and access to clean running water and earn low wages. The results further revealed that there are gender disparities. It was difficult to detect any forms of overt and covert resistance because one would have had to live with the community first to understand how the workers resist. The most common forms of resistance that were identified through the interviews conducted include gossiping, joking, name-calling and speaking in native languages. The workers preferred not to engage in any collective resistance due to the fear of losing their jobs, as strikes are strictly forbidden in their employment contracts. The most vocal workers are seen as a threat to the companies, and they are often removed with no explanation. The study also found the available social institutions to be weak and lacking the necessary capacity to fight exploitation and to forge resistance. Moreover, the trade unions only seem to serve the interests of the companies and not necessarily those of the workers.Item Nurses as working mothers and their social reproductive roles: An exploratory study of nurses in Windhoek, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2021) Kojwang, Risper AumaThis study explored the extension of female reproductive roles into the nursing profession. The deficit of information in Namibia pertaining to the convergence of dual reproductive and productive roles and linkages to the nursing profession deemed it essential to justify an exploration into such duality of roles. This study was a qualitative study with data being collected through in-depth interviews with female nurses who identified as working mothers. A phenomenological approach to Narrative Research Methodology was used. The main aim of this approach was to seek in-depth data concerning how nurses perceive their dual roles in production and reproduction. A purposive sampling technique was used to identify the research participants. The data gathered during the course of in-depth interviewing was analysed manually through the identification and development of relevant conceptual themes. Linkages between nurturing roles and financial independence, balancing reproductive and productive roles, the creation of gender balances based on dual roles and gender power relations as a result of paid productive Labour outside the home were at the helm of this study. There was present, a balancing of familial responsibilities associated with gender-based stereotypes as well as the existence of female nursing practice within a gender-based hierarchy. Findings indicated that nursing is viewed as a selfless profession requiring a commitment to care. The socialization of females into stereotypical roles was found to take place during the formative years of childhood. There was an agreement in relation to the fact that characteristics that are devoid of compassion and commitment to care disqualify one from successful nursing. Therefore patient-centred care and ascriptions to intensive mothering ideologies in nursing were discovered to be at the helm of the feminization of caring in the profession.