Ounongo Repository

Ounongo means “knowledge” in the Oshiwambo and Otjiherero languages.

The Ounongo Repository (OR) is the institutional repository of Namibia University of Science and Technology.

The OR is administered by the Library, with technical assistance from DTBS, 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.

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Communities in Ounongo

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 10

Recent Submissions

Factors influencing cattle market participation in Mangeti Block, Oshikoto region, Namibia
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2025-11) Hangula, Paulus Panduleni
This study investigates the socio-economic and institutional factors influencing cattle marketing decisions among smallholder farmers in Mangeti Block, Oshikoto Region, Namibia, with the objectives of (i) identifying key determinants of livestock marketing and (ii) assessing the constraints to participation in formal cattle markets. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed using primary data collected from 46 randomly selected farmers. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used to examine household characteristics and variable associations, while multiple regression analysis quantified the effects of explanatory variables on participation across auction, open market, and farm-gate channels. A multinomial logistic regression model, with auction as the base outcome, was further applied to analyse determinants of market channel choice, complemented by likelihood ratio tests to assess differences across outlets. The results show that community auction participation and labour availability significantly increase auction sales. Open market participation is significantly influenced by community auction participation, education, gender, and farm size, while farm-gate sales are positively influenced by labour availability. The multinomial logit results indicate that education, farm size, community auction participation, and remedies significantly influence open market choice relative to auctions. For farm-gate sales, distance to auction, community auction participation, gender, farm size, and non-farm income significantly reduce participation, while labour, education, and borehole access increase it. The model demonstrates strong explanatory power, and predicted probabilities show that auctions are the dominant marketing channel, followed by open markets and farm-gate sales, with likelihood ratio tests confirming significant differences across outlets. The findings demonstrate that market participation is characterised by an interaction of institutional access, household capacity, and infrastructural constraints; therefore, policy interventions should prioritise strengthening collective marketing institutions, improving rural transport and market infrastructure, and enhancing market literacy through 9 education and extension services to promote formal market participation, improve producer incomes, and support sustainable livestock commercialisation.
Assessing the competitiveness of the Namibian goat sector
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2025-08) Kalimbwe, Kunda
Despite the goat sector potential, limited literature on its competitive performance, and noticeable disinvestment, originating from beliefs of unprofitability, have highlighted the need to evaluate its competitiveness. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to assess the competitive performance of the Namibian goat sector at both micro and macro levels. The study's specific objectives were to analyse the profitability of goat production in Namibia, measure the competitive performance of Namibia's goat sector, and examine factors influencing the sector's competitiveness. The study relied on primary data collected from a survey of key stakeholders within the Namibian goat sector to achieve Objectives 1 and 3. Additionally, secondary data was obtained from ITC for the product HS Code: 0104210 (Live goats) to accomplish Objective 2. The research employed a six-step analytical framework, which comprised: (1) defining competitiveness within the context of the Namibian goat sector through a review of relevant literature, (2) analysing the profitability of goat production in Namibia using GMA and sensitivity analysis, (3) assessing the competitive position of the goat sector, (4) identifying major factors affecting competitiveness, (5) categorising the determinants according to Porter's Diamond framework, and (6) proposing potential strategies to improve competitiveness.
Investigating factors affecting the effectiveness of an agricultural input subsidy programme on household crop production: a case study of Oshikoto Region, Namibia
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2025-09) Shaanyenenge, Gerhard
Agricultural input subsidies are widely promoted in low- and middle-income countries as a mechanism to improve productivity, strengthen food security, and support rural livelihoods. Yet, their long-term effectiveness remains contested, particularly regarding targeting efficiency, sustainability, and measurable returns on investment. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the seed and fertiliser input subsidy programme in Namibia’s Oshikoto Region, focusing on smallholder producers of mahangu (pearl millet) and maize. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted with 395 farming households drawn from four constituencies: Okankolo, Onayena, Onyaanya, and Olukonda. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses revealed that access to subsidies varied significantly across constituencies, influenced by factors such as education level, farm size, and distribution inefficiencies (χ² = 18.219; p = 0.001). Yields from subsidised fields were consistently higher, with fertiliser-supported farms averaging 774 kg/ha compared to 632.5 kg/ha for non-subsidised fields. Training was found to strengthen the effective use of inputs (χ² = 42.51; p = 0.001), although it did not significantly affect seed purchase decisions (p = 0.375). Regression results confirmed a positive association between fertiliser subsidies and yields for both crops, though explanatory power was modest. Farmers’ perceptions of the programme were generally neutral, with satisfaction varying across education levels (p = 0.0012). Key challenges identified included inadequate training, insufficient awareness of programme guidelines, and limited availability of inputs. The findings suggest that while subsidies can improve productivity in the short term, their overall effectiveness is constrained by design and implementation challenges. Strengthening distribution systems, improving farmer training, and aligning subsidies with local production needs could enhance their impact. These results provide valuable evidence for policymakers seeking to optimise input subsidy programmes to support household food security and agricultural development in Namibia and comparable contexts.
Empowering African women: An analysis of selected black female authored biographical texts in post-apartheid South Africa
(Namibia University of Science & Technology, 2022-04-22) Hamann, Catherine
This study examined the empowering of African women in selected black female authored biographical texts written in post-apartheid South Africa. Women in South Africa have been disadvantaged largely because of the criminal behaviour of the patriarchal male dominated society. The two texts studied were Khwezi – The Remarkable Story of Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo (Tlhabi, 2017) and No Longer Whispering to Power: The Story of Thuli Madonsela (Gqubule, 2017). The texts were selected because both were written by African female authors and they address contemporary themes that affect the daily livelihoods of women. The texts also represent a true reflection of the difficult challenges encountered by most women in Africa and other parts of the world. The theories of radical feminism as well as trauma and resilience were used in the analysis of the two texts. The study concluded that it is not a waste of resources to educate the girl-child because education is the best method of empowering women. This study has also revealed that a male dominated society can go to any length to disempower women as long as they have the means. Furthermore, the study concluded that the most dehumanising manner of disempowering a woman through rape. Lastly, the study revealed that biographical writing plays a great role to empower women. The impact of literary texts written by women to represent other women serves as an inspiration because it presents real- life stories. Many women are ashamed to speak out, as a result, they suffer in silence. The stories of both Kuzwayo and Madonsela inspired many women to rise above their circumstances. Hence, women should be encouraged to speak out and report cases of rape or any case of injustices committed against them, despite criticism by society. The study recommends that the patriarchal male society should be educated on the rights of women. In addition, the girl child must be accorded the resources and given the necessary support to acquire an education. It is only when a woman is educated that a society can thrive. It is also imperative to encourage more women to write autobiographies even if someone write it on their behalf. This recommendation is an awareness strategy that can help women to share their various experiences.
Co-Designing And Implementing Independent Journalism And Archiving With The Indigenous San Community In Donkerbos Through A Self-Sustainable Model.
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2024-08-15) Kaulbach, Peter
This master thesis explores the impact of a multimedia project in a San community, focusing on podcast episodes and digital storytelling initiatives. The project aimed to amplify the voices and stories of the San people [in Donkerbos] while addressing various topics such as politics, cultural practices, and community projects. Through participatory methodologies, the project engaged community members in the production process, ensuring cultural sensitivity and authenticity. The study responds to the systemic underrepresentation and misrepresentation of San communities in mainstream media, which are often shaped by external perspectives. It investigates the project’s influence on the San community’s awareness, empowerment, cultural preservation, and socio-economic development. It examines the reception of podcast episodes among community members, accounting for their perception and attitude toward the content. Additionally, the thesis explores the effectiveness of digital storytelling initiatives, such as videos on social media platforms, in promoting cultural awareness and challenging stereotypes. Methodologically, the thesis employs a mixed-methods approach, including focus groups, workshops, and content analysis. It draws on theories of indigenous media, participatory communication, and cultural preservation to frame its analysis. The findings show that participants gained technical media skills, expressed increased cultural confidence, and began engaging more actively in the documentation of their community’s stories. Challenges included infrastructural limitations and questions of long-term sustainability. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on indigenous media, community-based research, and cultural preservation. It concludes that participatory multimedia initiatives can enhance cultural resilience and representation, while offering a sustainable framework for community-driven storytelling.