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Improving soil fertility through dual inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Rhizobium on a eutric cambisol cultivated with forage legumes in a semi-arid region
(ScienceDirect, 2024) Mpongwana, Sanele; Manyevere, Alen; Mupangwa, Johnfisher; Mpendulo, Conference Thando; Mashamaite, Chuene Victor
The Sub-Saharan region of southern Africa is characterized by high temperatures, low rainfall,
and poor land-use management practices such as continuous cropping without replenishment of
soil nutrients. The combination of these factors has resulted in nutrient depletion and land
degradation. The current study aimed at investigating the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
(AMF) and Rhizobium bacteria inoculation on soil chemical properties in field-grown forage le gumes, namely, Mucuna pruriens (mucuna), Lablab purpureus (lablab) and Vigna unguiculata
(cowpea), in the semi-arid region of the Eastern Cape Province (South Africa). Forage legumes
were inoculated with the AMF species Paraglomus occulum and the Rhizobia bacteria species
Bradyrhizobium strain and grown for 120 days. Soil samples were collected in the following
sequence: prior to planting, before flowering and after harvesting the forage legumes in each of
the two seasons (2017/2018 and 2018/2019) and soil chemical properties were determined using
standard procedures. The results showed that the addition of dual inoculation over time greatly
improved soil chemical properties when compared to the control treatment. This was advocated
by the significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in soil pH, soil organic carbon, soil organic matter, total
nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur and iron in soils. The
concentration of cation exchange capacity was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in cowpea treated
with Rhizobium as compared to other treatment combinations. The control treatment of mucuna
forage greatly improved the concentrations of manganese, boron, copper, molybdenum, and zinc
over other treatment combinations only before the flowering stage. However, the concentrations
of micronutrients were significantly higher on the treatment combination of lablab and single
inoculation of AMF after harvesting. Generally, dual inoculation with AMF and Rhizobia enhanced
soil properties when compared to a single inoculation or untreated control
Feed intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics of Damara lambs fed bush-based rations from four encroacher bush species
(Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2025) Shiningavamwe, Katrina Lugambo; Lutaaya, Emmanuel; Mupangwa, Johnfisher
The effect of feeding bush-based finishing rations on the performance of Damara lambs was studied. Thirty weaned lambs weighing 16.7 ± 1.9 kg were allocated to five treatments in a completely randomized design over a 90-day feeding period. The control diet (T1) consisted of Lucerne (10%), grass hay (30%) and concentrate mix (60%). The other diets consisted of roughage (40%) from the milled bushes Senegalia mellifera (T2), Dichrostachys cinerea (T3), Terminalia sericea (T4) and Rhigozum trichotomum (T5) and concentrate mix (60%). At the end of the feeding trial, the lambs were slaughtered and carcass characteristics were evaluated. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) was affected (P < 0.05) by sex, treatment, week and treatment x week interactions. The ADFI for T1 exceeded (P < 0.05) that for T2 and T3, at most time points. The ADFI of T1 and T4 were similar (P > 0.05) at weeks 6 to 10, but differed (P < 0.05) at other time points. The average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were affected (P < 0.05) by sex and treatment. The ADG (g/day) least squares means (± S.E) for T1 – T5 were 148.0 ± 6.9, 156.4 ± 6.9, 124.2 ± 6.9, 133.7 ± 6.9 and 133.7 ± 6.9, respectively. Treatment T2 had a better (P < 0.05) FCR compared to other bush-based treatments. Males had heavier (P < 0.05) final, hot and cold carcass weights than females. Lambs fed T4 had greater (P < 0.05) rib eye area than T1 (8.3 ± 0.5 vs. 5.9 ± 0.5 mm2). Bush-based diets can serve as production diets for weaned sheep and result into acceptable weight gain and carcass quality
The evaluation of in vitro repellency and acaricidal efficacy of Aloe ferox and Acokanthera oppositifolia crude extracts against Amblyomma hebraeum ticks
(Acta Scientific Veterinary Sciences, 2024) Marcia, Sanhokwe; John, Mupangwa; Soul, Washaya
fluenced the repellency and acaricidal activity against adult engorged female Ambylomma hebraeum ticks. The researchers analyzed
the acetone, methanol, and ethanol extracts of both plant species. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with a
factor arrangement of 2 (plant species), 3 (organic solvent extraction methods: acetone, methanol, ethanol), and 3 (concentration
levels: 15%, 30%, 50%). Distilled water and Dazzel dip (15% and 30%) were employed as negative and positive controls, respectively.
Repellency was assessed over a six-hour period, while acaricidal activity was measured over seven days. The results of the study
demonstrated that the solvent extracts of Aloe ferox and Acokanthera oppositifolia exhibited a repellent effect ranging from 6% to
89%. Acetone extracts, overall, displayed lower repellency activity compared to methanol and ethanol extracts, with percentages of
58%, 66.5%, and 80.5% for acetone, ethanol, and methanol, respectively. At a concentration of 15% for all solvents, the repellency
effect was observed to be 14% for acetone, 9.5% for ethanol, and 11% for methanol. Irrespective of the solvent extraction method
used, a higher repellency activity was observed at the 50% concentration level, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The acaricidal
activity of Aloe ferox and Acokanthera oppositifolia significantly increased with the concentration of the extracts. It was concluded
that Aloe ferox and Acokanthera oppositifolia plants possess repellent and acaricidal activities, particularly at a 50% concentration for
acetone and methanol extracts, respectively. Additionally, Acokanthera oppositifolia demonstrated a higher repellency activity, while
Aloe ferox exhibited stronger acaricidal activity
Effects of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) oil cake as a partial replacement of soyabean meal on the production performance and egg quality of laying hens
(RUFORUM Conference, 2024) Shipahu, E.; Petrus, N.P.; Shipandeni, M.N.T.
This paper discusses the effects of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) oil cake as a partial replacement of soyabean meal on the
production performance and egg quality of laying hens
A health in all policies (HIAP) conceptual framework to facilitate the profiling of public servants’ health statuses in the Namibian public service
(University of Namibia, 2024) Amutenya, Kaarina N.; Iita, Hermine
Background: The Namibian Public Service (NPS) makes no provision to profile the
health statuses of its employees/public servants, despite being a legislative requirement.
As a result, government will not be able to, for instance, predict work incapacities due
to ill-health absence which is a major measurement of performance/productivity.
Worldwide, governments have instituted different approaches, within/outside the
Occupational Health and Safety continuum, to profile employees ‘health/ill health to
inform promotion of health in workplaces.
Aim: This study sought to develop a conceptual framework and an implementation guide
to enable the profiling of Namibians public servants’ health statuses entrenched in the
principle of the Health in All policies (HiAP) approach.
Methods: A multi-phased pragmatic study was conducted.
Phase 1 employed an explorative descriptive convergent parallel mixed method design
using document reviews, a Focus Group Discussion, a Discourse Analysis, a Cross sectional and a Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) surveys. Max Weber Qualitative
Data Analysis and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences enabled analysis of data,
respectively, herein synthesised by means of triangulation.
Findings: Documents reviewed revealed the existence of public servants’ health
information sources such as the employees’ health recruitment questionnaires, sick leave
systems and medical aid, appropriate for profiling. Key Informant’s perspective that the
HiAP framework was appropriate to facilitate profiling of public servants’ health statutes
was further echoed by result of the Discourse Analysis. The cross-sectional survey,
conducted among 346 public servants’ participants established that 83.3% of the survey
participants self-reported ‘a good’ health status. The remainder 16.7% self-reported ‘a
poor’ health status citing the prevalence of Hypertension (27%), Musculoskeletal
disorders (30.6%), Stress (55%), Physical in-activeness (38%) and a High Body Mass
Index (BMI) (27%). A Chi-square logistic regression test, pegged to a p-value of less than
5% and using: 1. Good health = self-reported score for Excellent/Very Good/Good; 2.
ii
Poor health = Fair/Poor/Very Poor: reveals significant statistical associations to poor
health in relation to Hypertension (p-value=0.001), Mental conditions (p-value=0.009)
and access to electricity (p-value=0.045). No significant statistical association was
observed with elevated blood sugar (p-value=0.258≤5%), BMI and income. The KAP
study, conducted among 51 Wellness Officers, reported very low HiAP knowledge citing
a lack of information and henceforth no application of the HiAP approach, overall.
Phase II focussed on the design, and development of the above-mentioned framework
using results emanating from Phase I; enlisting elements of the World Health
Organization’s (WHO) HiAP Analytical framework alongside elements of the Systems
and Practice Oriented Theories, namely: [input (procedures, agent, recipient and
dynamics); output (terminus); synergies (agent, recipient, procedures and dynamics) and
feedback (context, inputs, outputs, terminus)]. Five purposely selected subject experts
who validated the suitability of the developed conceptual frame recommended amongst
others aligning it to the legislative provisions of the Public Health and Environmental Act.
Phase III enlisted the WHO’s Handbook on developing guidelines and the Public Service
Staff Rule format to inform the design of an implementation guide.
Conclusions: The study encapsulates evidence that proofs the gap identified as well
devised approach to fill the gap: a conceptual framework to profile Namibian public
servants’ health statuses embedded in the HiAP principles. Evidence of poor HiAP
knowledge could implicate successful implementation. Henceforth a recommendation that
the NPS adopts the designed conceptual framework, the introductory and ensued
implementation guide using a policy brief, attached hereto, to ensure compliance with the
law
Composition, spatial abundance, co-occurrence and host preference of mistletoes in the Central highland savanna of Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2021) Ondigo, Lilian K.; Kwembeya, E. G.
Aerial parasitic plants, commonly called mistletoes, are a polyphyletic group of
organisms with a common evolutionary ancestor. This study was aimed at determining
composition, spatial abundance within hosts, co-occurrence and host preference of
mistletoes in the central highland savannas. The study site was divided into four
sampling areas based on the presence of the distribution records of the species. Forty
circular plots were demarcated and for every infested host plant species within these
plots, canopy height, two diameter measurements at approximately 90", number of
mistletoes, mistletoe species were recorded. All non-infested plant species within the
plot were also identified and their abundances were recorded. Based on field records
and herbarium records, four mistletoe species were identified and mapped namely;
Oncocalyx welwitschii, Plicosepalus kalachariensis, and Tapinanthus oleifolius,
belonging to the Family Loranthaceae and, Viscum rotundifolium which belongs to
Family Viscaceae. A simple linear regression model established that canopy volume
accounted for 12% of the variation in mistletoe abundance (R2 = 0.12, p < 0.001).
However, canopy diameter was a better predictor of mistletoe abundance than canopy
volume and accounted 20% of the variation in mistletoe abundance within the host
canopy (R2 = 0.20, p = 0.0003). Canopy volume was a poor predictor because it might
have included branches of various sizes even those that do not support mistletoe
establishment. Also gaps within the host canopy as well as the extent and positioning
of branches might have led to an overestimation of the actual volume of the host
canopy that can potentially be infested by parasites. The results further revealed a
statistically significant relationship between mistletoe abundance and vertical canopy
position (x2 = 67.089, df = 6, p < 0.00 l) with most mistletoes occurring in the lower
and middle third of the canopy of the host plant. The presence of V. rotundifolium and
P. kalachariensis on the lower third of the canopy of the host plant could be explained
by habitat preference and deposition behaviour of the Red faced mousebird ( Urocolius
indicus). This means that the selection of this bird species for lower third of canopy
for nesting and roosting, results in defecating of seeds more frequently on this part. On
the contrary, the distribution ofT. oleifolius and 0. welwitschii in the middle third of
the canopy could have been due to perch preference of the Yellow-fronted Tinker
Barbets (Pogoniulus chrysoconus). It is possible they perch in the middle third of the
canopy because there is a low risk of predation. Also, it could be that the branches in
Factors associated with Measles-Rubella dropout status among children in Grootfontein district, Otjozondjupa region, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2023) Shoombe, Taimi Namutenya; Honore, Mitonga Kabwebwe
Introduction: The prevention of child mortality through immunization is one of the most
cost effective and widely applied public interventions. However, a proportion of children
(20%), particularly in Namibia are not fully vaccinated with the recommended vaccines
due to unknown reasons. This study aimed to investigate the factors that are associated
with the Measles-Rubella immunization dropout in children seeking health care services
in Grootfontein district.
Methods: A community-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among
randomly selected parents/caretakers of children aged 12-23 months and with a total
sample of 300 participants (100 cases and 200 controls). The cases were parents/
caretakers of children who did not receive the first dose of Measles-Rubella immunization
and the controls were parents/ caretakers of children who received the first dose of
Measles-Rubella immunization. Data was collected and analyzed using Epi info version
7. Logistic regression for bivariate and multivariate analysis on risk factors was carried
out to determine the odds ratios at 95% confidence level and significance at a P-value of
0.05.
Results: Age of respondents (AOR=2.00, 95%CI=1.5 – 2.6, P-value=0.01); residential
address (AOR=2.00, 95%CI=1.0 – 3.4, P-value=0.02); quality services provided
(AOR=3.00, 95%CI=1.6 – 8.7, P-value=0.02), education level (AOR=2.00, 95%CI=1.5 –
2.3, P-value=0.02) were statistically significant associated with Measles-Rubella dropout.
To reduce immunization dropout, Grootfontein district needs to focus on strengthening
health education activities on immunization, create more outreach points to improve
access to immunization services, and ensure availability of vaccines at Health facilities
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, Maria; Nghitevelekwa, Romie
This 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 Correctional Service; the implementation is still
lacking. In fact, gender mainstrean1ing 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 mainstrearning 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
A retrospective review of the utilization of Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in selected private community pharmacies in Namibia: 2017-2022
(University of Namibia, 2024) Iipinge, Taimi; Kibuule, Dan
ackground: Overuse of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs is a considerable global public safety concern. In Namibia, despite the rising burden of mental illnesses, there is a paucity
in data regarding the utilization of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs.
Aim: The study aimed to determine the patterns and factors associated with the utilization
of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in community pharmacies to guide medicine policy
reforms.
Methods: A descriptive multicenter longitudinal study as per the World Health
Organisation (WHO) medicine utilization design. The consumption data on
benzodiazepines and Z-drugs were retrospectively abstracted from the Unisolv®
dispensing software in selected pharmacies over a six-year period, 2017-2022.
Consequently, key informants were interviewed to identify the drivers of the use of
benzodiazepines and Z-drugs. Data were exported to SPSS v25 for analysis of the patterns
and factors of use of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs.
Results: Of the 10 selected-pharmacies, a total of 867 168 medicines were dispensed over
the six-year review period and 2% of these were benzodiazepines and Z-drugs
(n=17 840/867 168). Benzodiazepines (BZD) were the most dispensed (56%, n=9993/17
840), mainly to male patients (53.6%). The consumption of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs
was highest with Zolpidem (6.07 DDDs/1000 population) compared to other
benzodiazepines and Z-drugs. Over 54% of the dispensing encounters of benzodiazepines
and Z-drugs were repeat prescriptions of Z-drugs. From 2017 to 2022, the consumption
of Z-drugs increased but declined for benzodiazepines. Stakeholders identify the thematic
drivers of the use of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs as irrational prescribing, marketing, and
patient drug dependency.
Conclusion: Whilst, the consumption of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in Namibia is lower
than global estimates, there is an increase in the use of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in
the private health sector. There is a need for a regulatory framework and an education
strategy to empower pharmacists’ led interventions towards safe use of new
benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in the community pharmacies
Adoption and utilisation of workplace e-learning practices in selected Namibian public sector organisations
(University of Namibia, 2025) Serema, Marguerite M.; Shihomeka, Sarag Panduleni
Recent times are witnessing a substantial increase in the adoption and utilisation of e learning for education. Furthermore, there is a growing trend of this tool effectively
used to facilitate learning and growth inside public sector organisations globally. In
this particular study the main aim was to explore the acceptance and use of e-learning
practices in a selection of organisations in the public sector of Namibia. The
aforementioned objective was achieved by the acquisition of a comprehensive
understanding of the contextual setting in which the research was conducted, as well
as a thorough analysis of factors that facilitate e-learning. The study adopted an
explanatory sequential mixed method approach comprising of quantitative research
(questionnaires) and qualitative research (interviews). The literature review revealed
gaps, theories and provided guidance on the formulation of the hypotheses and the
development of the instruments. Subsequent to the administration of the questionnaires
the follow up interviews were conducted. The framework of the study was based on
the model; Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The
model is aimed at elucidating adoption and utilisation of e-learning practices,
specifically focusing on their implementation. The sample size of 162 individuals,
consisting of managers and employees, was carefully chosen to ensure representation
across various public sector specialties and professional ranks.
Overall, the findings of the study suggest that individuals employed in the public sector
had positive view on e-learning use. The limited availability of resources directly
contributed to diminished levels of motivation, resulting in unfavourable view towards
the practice. It was found further that the literature review, questionnaires and
interviews converged since there were not much difference obtained; the methods were
rather complementary to one another. The results indicated that e-learning use in
Namibia necessitates a comprehensive and structured model. This study therefore
recommends a model that requires the meticulous development of factors to foster a
culture of e-learning use. It further recommends the development and implementation
of curricula as necessary for adoption and utilisation. The aforementioned
recommendations demand the incorporation of organisational factors within a wider
framework, encompassing guidelines and initiatives formulated by public sector
entities for the collective advantage of the Namibian public sector in its entirety.
The primary recommendation derived from this study is the conversion of Namibia
Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM) into the Namibia Public
Service College, aiming to fulfil the public sector's overall educational needs. Based
on an extensive investigation into the public sector organisations in Namibia and a
thorough study of relevant literature, a proposed model has been established. The
model referred to as the Adoption and Utilisation of Workplace e-learning in the Public
Sector Organisations (AUWEPSO) is being proposed. The model exhibits the capacity
to serve as a framework for the effective adoption and utilisation of workplace e learning practices in organisations within the Namibian public sector and other
institutions with similar contextual characteristics