Ounongo Repository
The Ounongo Repository (OR) is the institutional repository of Namibia University of Science and Technology. Ounongo means "knowledge. in the Oshiwambo and Otjiherero languages. The OR is administered by the Library, with technical assistance from DICT, and its aim is to collect, organize, manage, store, preserve, publish and make accessible worldwide, the knowledge assets or intellectual output of the University's researchers, staff and post-graduate students. Users may set up RSS feeds to be alerted to new content.
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Recent Submissions
Investigating the potential of succulent plants to produce Volatile Fatty Acids Absalom
(2024-03) Absalom Iyeleka Shitalangaho
This research investigates the anaerobic digestion of succulent biomass grown in Namibia, focusing on Portulacaria afra and Euphorbia mauritanica as feedstock, to elucidate the volatile fatty acid (VFA) production dynamics under varying pH and temperature conditions. Employing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for VFA analysis, a comprehensive methodology involved substrate and inoculum collection, arrested anaerobic digestion (AAD), and analytical procedures. A relationship between concentration and GC-MS response was established by the calibration curve for standard VFAs, enabling accurate quantification in unknown AD samples. In Portulacaria afra, the optimal condition of 37 °C and pH 4 generated an estimated maximum VFA concentration of approximately 0.25 g of VFAs/g of dry P. afra. Conversely, E. mauritanica, under the same conditions, yielded an estimated VFA concentration of around 0.22 g of VFAs/g of dry E. mauritanica. The findings delineate distinct temperature and pH-dependent trends in VFA production for each species, providing crucial insights into optimal conditions and facilitating the estimation of biomass-to-VFA conversion rates. The optimal conditions for VFA production from P. afra and E. mauritanica, as determined in this study, align with similar trends reported in recent research, yielding above 5 g/L VFAs concentration. This research significantly contributes valuable data for refining bio-economical strategies focusing on succulent biomass, with potential applications extending to biofuel production or other VFA-based bioproducts.
Examining the potential for development of sustainable mining tourism in a fading mining town: A case study of Arandis — Namibia
(Journal of Contemporary Management, 2024) Makhubela, Petrina Ndeuhala; Minni, Paschalia Wanjiru Muhoho
Purpose of the Study: Arandis, a mining town in Namibia, saw substantial economic growth due to uranium mining. This research evaluates the potential for establishing sustainable tourism as a niche economic activity in this town, which is experiencing economic decline, using Arandis as a case study. A similar study was carried out in Oranjemund to explore whether mining towns could spur local economic growth through diversification. This approach is essential, given that former mining towns like Elizabeth Town have turned into "ghost towns" following mine closures and lack of alternative economic activities.
Design/methodology/approach:The study utilized qualitative research methods, including data collection from company reports, prior research, in-depth interviews, case studies, and surveys. The sample consisted of 25 key stakeholders, such as business owners and town council members, who are crucial to the town’s economic development. Thematic content analysis was applied to assess the experiences and opinions of these participants.
Findings:The findings, detailed in a narrative report and cross-referenced with historical literature, show that Arandis is not entirely dependent on mining. The town council is actively pursuing other economic avenues, such as construction, solar energy, fishing, and manufacturing. However, tourism is still limited.
Recommendation/value:To achieve sustainable mining, the town needs to integrate tourism with other resilient and sustainable economic activities, a strategy that has succeeded in other mining towns globally.
Managerial Implications: The study’s insights are valuable for contemporary management, emphasizing the importance of diversification, sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning in managing economic transitions. These findings can help managers effectively navigate the challenges of declining industries and promote long-term economic resilience.
Profiling holiday home owners in Namibia
(African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 2021-06) Haufiku-Makhubela, Petrina; Hermann, Uwe P.; Sifolo, Portia S.
Holiday homes have been part of the tourism industry over a period of years, but there is little documented research regarding holiday home ownership, its value and impact in Namibia, therefore, the study is significant to this topic. The main aim behind this research study is to profile holiday homeowners and identify their motivation for purchasing these homes in Namibia. The results of the study focus on exploratory factor analysis which outlines four motivational factors and the correlation results to determine the demographic and psychological characteristics motivating the ownership of holiday homes. The study concluded that most holiday homes are owned by high income earners, who purchased these homes in coastal towns for the purpose of investment, income generation and recreation. The study thus recommends that these results be made available to policy planners and researchers in the local authorities and other stakeholders, in order to assist with the articulation of policies and the creation of a framework to monitor the sustainable growth of holiday home ownership that benefits the community.
Medium-term Impact of Conservation Agriculture on Soil fertility in Dryland Millet fields in Northeast Namibia
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2023-10) Thomas Haundjangi Sikoka
Smallholder farmers in Northern Namibia have been experiencing poor crop production in recent years, making it difficult to meet household consumption demand. The poor crop output is attributed to poor soil fertility, sporadic rainfall, and high temperature. To address this issue, MAWF and GIZ collaborated to train small-scale farmers on Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices in the northern regions of Namibia. CA is being considered as a farming system having the potential to improve soil fertility and providing stable yields. However, there are concerns raised about the shortage of evidence of the advantages of CA for small-scale farmers in Southern Africa, specifically on soil fertility. A study was therefore conducted in KE and KW to evaluate the medium term (6 years) impact of CA on soil fertility from 2016/2017 to 2021/2022 seasons. Prior to CA implementation soil samples were collected in designated CA fields at a depth of 5-30cm and soil samples were continuously collected at least after every season. Soil samples were taken to the soil laboratory for analysis of physicochemical properties such as pH, OC, N, K, P, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, CEC, Al, Si and soil texture, using the Bruker Alpha I spectrometer. The study analysed data for 17 farms from 2016 to 2022. The study findings indicated that there was no significant impact of CA on soil fertility in a period of 6 years. It was observed that, soil elements remained relatively low while the potential toxic elements remain relatively higher over the years. There was statistically significant difference (p < .002) in soil pH under CA. However, the average pH in the 6th year, (5.76±1.00) was lower than the threshold and that of the first year (6.55±0.70). CA did not have any significant improvement on SOC/SOM (p > 0.05) K (p > 0.05), P (p > 0.05), Ca (p > 0.05), and Fe (p > 0.05). There was a significant decrease in N (p <.001) from a mean value of 0.40±0.22 g Kg-1 in 2016 to 0.27±0.18 g Kg-1 in 2022. Zn was also significantly decreasing (p<.001) over the years. Si remained relatively high while Al levels remained consistently low. CEC was low and decreased significantly (p<.001). Mg was high in first years, but it reduced significantly (p<.001) to the required range. The correlation analysis revealed positive relationship between pH and various nutrients, including N, K, Ca, Mg, CEC, Zn, Fe, and Al. OC showed a positive correlation with N and CEC, and there was a weak positive correlation between OC, Ca and Mg. CEC exhibited a positive and significant relationship with OC, N, K, Ca, and Mg. In conclusion, the research findings indicated that there was no significant improvement in soil fertility under CA over a period of six years in Northeast Namibia.
An investigation into factors affecting the sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Namibia: A case study of Onghalulu farmers' cooperative, Ohangwena region, Namibia
(2024-02) Kadhikwa, Wilikeni, Nampala
The aim of the study was to investigate factors affecting the sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Namibia, with the Onghalulu Farmers’ Cooperative being a case study. The study addressed external and internal factors that primarily affect the sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Namibia and that of the Onghalulu Farmers’ Cooperative specifically. The problems identified in the study include those related to the market, finances, collaboration, governance, leadership, stakeholder engagement, environmental factors, compliance, mentorship and training programmes, infrastructure development, adoption of advanced technology, investments in research and development, and other issues influencing the sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Namibia. The study noted that the emphasised problems still plague some Namibian agricultural cooperatives, primarily due to cooperative stakeholders' poor commitment to resolving the issues that they face and their resistance to accepting change. Moreover, some traditional beliefs hinder the commercial operations of agricultural cooperatives, as well as their capacity to follow rules and regulations, and the cooperatives' continued dependence on government support and donors. Additionally, due to the lack of political will, the government regularly allocates insufficient funds for agricultural projects that support cooperative initiatives, thereby financially starving the sector. In addition, climate change continuously impacts cooperative farmers' productivity, and as a result, the marginalised community members, youth, and women are underrepresented in cooperative initiatives. Using a case study design and a qualitative research methodology, the study collected primary data from 15 participants using open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. A purposive sampling method was used to choose participants as cases with rich and thorough insights about the study constructs. The study was guided by a theoretical framework including collective action and signalling theory to highlight cooperative principles, environmental sustainability governance (ESG), and economic sustainability performance (ESP). The study findings revealed that Onghalulu Farmers’ Cooperative practices mixed farming, combining agribusiness with different farming activities. It was found that some internal and external factors impact Namibia's agricultural cooperative’s survival ability. Besides, it was determined that efficiently run agricultural cooperatives improve members' quality of life and significantly advance the sustainable growth of the cooperative. The study offered some recommendations to minimise the obstacles identified and enhance the sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Namibia. As such, the study findings enrich the existing literature about agricultural cooperatives and provide valuable information to cooperative stakeholders about supporting the resilience and sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Namibia.