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
Development of a framework for the protection of quarry and allied workers from occupational respiratory infections in Namibia.
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2025) Saima Shihepo
Background: Workplace frameworks ensure compliance with fundamental Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legal provisions, effectively reducing workplace accidents and illnesses. Namibia lacks a comprehensive respiratory framework for protecting high-risk workers in quarry and allied industries. This study aimed to develop a respiratory protection framework that safeguards quarry and allied workers who are susceptible to occupational respiratory diseases in Namibia.
Methodology: A phased methodological approach was adopted in the study, which involved mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) experimental techniques and secondary data review. Phases 1 and 2 assessed existing respiratory protection practices by quarry and allied workers and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices on occupational respiratory protection, respectively. This was conducted through self-administration of 320 questionnaires to workers, using a multi-tier sampling technique, as well as interviewing the managerial staff. Phase 3 involved a laboratory assessment of the Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) of N95 masks used by the workers. Phase 4 reviewed the Namibian legal provisions aligned with respiratory protection. Premised on the study findings, a respiratory protection outline was proposed, addressing gaps in policy and practice in phase 5.
Results: Characteristics and variables such as age, gender, work experience, beards, level of education, knowledge (training) of respiratory protection hazards, and risk perceptions of respiratory protection exacerbate the workers' risk of respirable dust inhalation. Results revealed that about 69.7% of the quarry and allied workers currently experience respiratory protection. However, 66.8%, 57.2%, and 69.7% have inadequate respiratory protection knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor protective practices, respectively. Three (3) themes were identified: One (1). Employee knowledge of respiratory protection. Two (2) Employee attitudes aligned with respiratory protection and three (3) Employee practices on respiratory protection. The Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) gravimetric weighing had minimal dust retention, with higher dust exposure at Sites C, D, F, and G. Particle size analysis revealed that most masks failed to effectively filter smaller particles below PM10. Reduced mask efficacy due to membrane saturation was also recorded after prolonged use. Sites A, B, and C demonstrated PM10 particle retention at 100%, while Site D showed only 60%. The review of Namibian legal provisions protecting quarry and allied workers showed fragmentation and no clarity on implementation, thereby ineffectively protecting the workers. Guidelines to operationalise the framework were developed based on the study findings obtained through questionnaires from workers, interviews from management, Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) experiment results, and the review of Namibian legal provisions. The framework was evaluated by experts in academia, occupational health professionals, and industry stakeholders to assess each framework component's relevance, clarity, and completeness.
Conclusion: This study underscores substantial gaps in respiratory protection, knowledge, attitudes, and practices among quarry and allied workers in Namibia, contributing to increased exposure to
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respirable dust and associated health risks. The inefficacy of the N95 masks used by workers in filtering fine particulate matter of Particulate Matter PM10 further emphasised the critical need for a robust respiratory protection framework. Furthermore, the fragmented and unclear legal provisions fail to offer adequate protection for high-risk workers. Based on these findings, the proposed respiratory protection framework provides a comprehensive approach to improving workplace safety through enhanced policies, effective training programmes, and the adoption of higher-efficiency respiratory protective equipment. Implementing this framework is crucial for safeguarding workers' health and ensuring long-term occupational safety in Namibia’s quarry and allied industries.
Assessing Risk Factors and Awareness of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Operator Drivers in North-Western Namibia.
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2020-10) Teopolina Nakwiila Nashongo
Background
Operator drivers are responsible for driving trackless heavy-duty mining or construction vehicles such as graders, dumpers, loaders, and bulldozers. There are increased rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among operator drivers due to the nature of their work, however, there is paucity of data on MSDs and associated factors among operator drivers in Namibia.
Objective
This study aimed at assessing the risk factors and awareness of MSDs among operator drivers in the construction and mining industry in Namibia.
Methods
The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional mixed methods study. A total of 182 questionnaires were administered to operator drivers while 13 managerial staff were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 and qualitative data were analysed thematically with the aid of Atlas.ti version 8.
Results
The study results revealed that factors associated with MSDs were length of service for > 10 years (OR=15.3, 95% CI: 6.0-39.0), alcohol consumption (OR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.1-6.7), lack of physical fitness activity (OR=8.8, 95% CI: 3.8-20.4), and lack of awareness of MSDs (OR=3.1, 95% CI: 1.3-7.3). Furthermore, semi-structured interviews also revealed that 80% of the managerial staff were not aware of MSDs.
Conclusion
The study findings revealed major health issues that are associated with MSDs among the operator drivers, impacting their general wellness and productivity. Monitoring of wellness of these workers by the companies is highly recommended. There is need to increase MSD awareness, PPE usage, ergonomics skills training, and physical fitness exercises for operator drivers. Employers are urged to adopt policies, and to design guidelines and interventions aimed at promoting occupational health and safety in this population.
Assessment of cross border preparedness and response measures to combat the importation of infectious diseases in Walvis Bay, Namibia.
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2022-10-21) Mwakondja Alisa Ikela
Cross-border health measures are crucial to ensure efficient and fast responses against infectious disease outbreaks. Therefore, the effectiveness of health systems and their compliance with international laws have prompted significant debates that will unearth practices to enhance preparedness, response and control the spread of infectious diseases at the points of entry. The study aimed at assessing cross-border health measures to combat the importation of infectious diseases between Namibia and its interacting countries.
Examining the contribution of protected area-based tourism to Sustainable Development Goals
(Journal of Environmental Management and Tourism, 2025-05-30) Phiri, Mercy; Bello, Felix G.; Lambulira, Mathews; Manuel, Isobel
This paper examines the contribution of protected area-based tourism to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at Lake Malawi National Park in Malawi, focusing on environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Adopting a qualitative exploratory cross-sectional design within an interpretive paradigm, the research engaged diverse stakeholders to explore tourism’s contribution to SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land). The findings reveal that protected area-based tourism enhances local livelihoods by creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, facilitates biodiversity conservation through tourism operators and community-led initiatives, and supports the ecological health of Lake Malawi through sustainable tourism practices. Moreover, the study underscores the critical role of local community participation in tourism development and conservation, reinforcing the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental sustainability. By integrating these dimensions, Lake Malawi National Park serves as a model for leveraging tourism as a tool for sustainable development. The study calls for sustained investment in protected area-based tourism to maximize its benefits and ensure equitable distribution of tourism-generated resources, ultimately driving progress towards the SDGs and fostering long-term conservation and community resilience.
Community Perceptions of Police Performance and Legitimacy in Hardap Region / Namibia: Research Proposal
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2025-05) Schulz, Stefan
This study investigates community perceptions of police performance and legitimacy in the Hardap Region, Namibia. While traditional performance indicators such as crime rates and response times remain important, contemporary research emphasizes that citizens’ trust, satisfaction, and perceived fairness increasingly define the legitimacy and effectiveness of policing. Against a backdrop of growing public concern over misconduct and inadequate service delivery within NAMPOL, this project adopts a mixed-methods approach—integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews—to systematically examine subjective perceptions and their alignment (or divergence) with objective performance indicators. The research aims to identify key drivers of trust and dissatisfaction, assess demographic variations in perceptions, and propose data-informed strategies for improving police responsiveness, professionalism, and community engagement. Using frameworks such as SERVQUAL and incorporating insights on procedural justice and symbolic legitimacy, the study intends to contribute to strengthening democratic policing principles in Namibia. Findings are expected to support the development of targeted reforms, guide community policing strategies, and enhance institutional accountability, ultimately bridging the gap between citizen expectations and policing realities. The research is embedded in a broader collaborative project involving NUST and NAMPOL, leveraging academic rigor to inform policy and operational improvements in service delivery.