Katima Mulilo Research Articles

In situ metal silos grains storage performance: Maize and pearl millet for improved food security in an arid environment

Grains are commonly stored for improved food security. Among the grains storage facilities are metal silos. However, there is limited data on the performance of maize and pearl millet grains when stored in metal silos in real life (in situ) operations. To fill this gap, this study evaluated maize and pearl millet grains qualitative (nutritional) and quantitative (weight) losses during a 6-month storage period in metal silos in a semi-arid environment. Ash, protein, fat and carbohydrates & fiber contents were evaluated to indicate qualitative losses and moisture content was evaluated to indicate quantitative apparent weight loss of the stored grains. Percentage changes were calculated for moisture, ash, fat, protein and carbohydrates & fiber contents of the grains. In Katima Mulilo silo 1 based on % changes, fat contributed 5.76%, ash contributed 9.89% and carbohydrates & fiber contributed 1.61 % to the nutritional loss. There was no statistically significant protein loss in stored grains in all the studied silos. Pearl millet grains that were stored in Okongo silo had a % change of 30.38%, suggesting an apparent weight loss. The cause of ash, fat and carbohydrates & fiber loss of grains could be attributed to increased pest infestation at 6-month storage while moisture loss in pearl millet grains stored in Okongo silo could be attributed to increased temperature during the 6-month storage period. Maintenance of grains at appropriate relative humidity and temperature levels can mitigate grain weight loss.

Examining the perceptions of university students towards Physical Education as school subject in Katima Mulilo Zambezi Region

Examining the perceptions of university students towards Physical Education as school subject in Katima Mulilo Zambezi Region

Bathing in the Southern Brown-throated Weaver

The first record of bathing in the Southern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus was made n 18 September 2021 in Katima Mulilo (17°29'42.07"S, 24°19'26.36"E) , Namibia.

An assessment of the challenges faced by grade 11 and 12 teachers in the teaching of biology in selected schools in the Katima Mulilo education circuit

An assessment of the challenges faced by grade 11 and 12 teachers in the teaching of biology in selected schools in the Katima Mulilo education circuit

Assessment of heavy metals pollution status of surface soil dusts at the Katima Mulilo urban motor park, Namibia

The aim of the study was to examine the pollution status of environmentally concerned heavy metals: lead, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, vanadium, and manganese in surface soil dusts at the Katima Mulilo urban motor park (KMUMP), Namibia. Composite surface soil dusts samples were randomly collected from three points at 10 m apart within the motor park, and a control site on a weekly basis over 8 weeks. Pooled sampled were homogenized and 20 sub-samples (<75 μm soil fraction) were taken from the large sieved sample and digested according to EPA method 3050B. The digestates were analyzed for concentrations of the heavy metals using ICP-OES (Perkin Elmer Optima 7000 DV). The results showed a wide range of heavy metals concentrations from 0.33 mg/kg Cd to 13.7 mg/kg Zn, and differed statistically between study locations (p < 0.05). The results were generally lower than their WHO’s maximum permissible concentrations in soils for the protection of ecosystem’s health. The ecological risk indexes of the heavy metals suggest that the surface soil dusts at KMUMP were not contaminated by the heavy metals at this point. However, this does not preclude exposure risks to travelers, especially vulnerable children due to heavy metals’ toxicity and bioaccumulation.

Availability and Conditions of Sports Equipment and Learners’ Participation Levels in Sports in Primary Schools in Katima Mulilo, Namibia

Sports equipment and facilities play a vital role in the teaching of Physical Education (PE) and are equally important in developing sports-related skills among learners. The main purpose of this study was to investigate and assess the availability and conditions of sports equipment and facilities in primary schools in Katima Mulilo, in the Zambezi Region of Namibia. An observational study was adopted for this study, where Physical Education school teachers were observed using the available sports equipment in the schools during their PE classes. The targeted population consisted of 10 teachers within 10 respective primary schools. Two questionnaires were administered to collect data on available facilities and equipment. Data was analysed using SPSS statistics software. Based on sports code level of participation, athletics was found to be the most popular activity with 35% of learners taking part. Soccer came in second with 25%. Netball was the third most played sport, with 20% of participants in annually scheduled competitions at regional and national levels. Volleyball was the fourth highest with 10% of learner participation. The lowest four sports codes were boxing at 5%, rugby 3%, gymnastics 1%, and cricket 1%. Sport facilities available in all the schools were all found to be in deplorable conditions. This study therefore concluded that sports equipment and facilities were either unavailable or completely in poor condition in all primary schools under study. So, it is very important to get the right tools and facilities so that physical education and sports can be taught and learned well.

Examining factors associated with performance anxiety among soccer players in Katima Mulilo of Zambezi Region in Namibia

The purpose of this study was to examining factors associated with performance anxiety among soccer players in Katima Mulilo of the Zambezi Region of Namibia. Quantitative methods were used to determine soccer players’ performance anxiety levels prior and during the game. A total of (n = 100) soccer players from Katima Mulilo Zambezi Football League playing for A and B divisions participated in the study. The participants were selected purposively based on a reason that they were soccer players either in A or B division of the league. Data were gathered using a self-filled information questionnaire forms created by the researcher. Data was analysed with a statistical software SPSS programme. Percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviation numerical figures were used to interpret the results. The highest score of (M = 4.00 ± SD =.000) was recorded for item 11 to which soccer players indicated that they had high level of winning thoughts on their minds prior to the game to be played. The second highest score recorded was item 7 (M = 3.86 ± SD = .355) to which soccer players indicated that they feared their opponents and spectators prior to the game. The third highest score was recorded in item 1 with (M = 3.74 ± SD = .443) to which soccer players indicated they always had spent more time for physical preparation prior to the game. The five lowest scores were recorded in items 5, 8, 24, 25 and 31. The lowest score was recorded in item 25 with (M = 1.11 ± SD = .323) to which soccer players indicated that they often felt blurred vision prior to the game. The second lowest score was recorded in item 31 with (M = 1.20 ± SD = .406) to which players indicated that they often had poor concentration during the game. The third lowest scored was recorded in item 24 with (M = 1.34 ± SD = .482) to which players indicated that they often felt some form of dizziness prior to the game. Therefore this study concludes that performance anxiety is caused by fear of failure, negative thinking, low self-esteem, uncertainty, worry, and lack of motivation, inability to deal with difficulty, negative self-talk, self-evaluation, and overthinking.

Factors Hindering the Adoption of the Customs Electronic Licensing System (CELS) by Clearing and Forwarding Agents in Zambia

While the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) aims at improving and making it much easier, more efficient and faster to process clearing agents’ licenses added to mass sensitization and training on the Customs Electronic Licensing System (CELS), the adoption and utilization of the system among the clearing and forwarding agents in all the Zambian border posts is very low. This study aimed at determining the factors that impede the adoption and implementation of the CELS by the clearing agents and recommending the best ways in which ZRA can enhance the utilization of the electronic platform and boost compliance. The study was conducted within the population of the Zambia Revenue Authority and duly licensed Clearing Agents domiciled at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) as well as those working at Nakonde, Chirundu, Mwami, Katima Mulilo, Kasumbalesa and Kazungula border posts. We employed the mixed method approach, the quantitative and qualitative methods with a study sample of 263 licensed clearing and forwarding agents. However, analysis was based on 178 agents (the response rate was 68%). Binary Logistic was fitted on the date to determine the bottlenecks to the adoption of CELS. Factors which determined as bottlenecks to the adoption of the CELS are “Not Having ICT Skills”, “Not Having an electronic Device PC/Smartphone”, “No Access to Internet”, “Difficulty of Use of the CELS” and “Not Having Knowledge on CELS”. The challenges faced by clearing and forwarding agents include; not having electronic devices personal computers (PCs) or Smartphones, not having the required information technology skills, not having access to internet, and not having adequate knowledge about the system. To promote compliance among the agents, ZRA needs to do the following; make the possession of a computer or smartphone to be a mandatory requirement for an individual to be given the clearing and forwarding license; provide the required information technology skills training specifically on CELS; provide free internet only accessible to the registered agents to allow them to fully access the CELS, as well sensitization programs to ensure that all agents have knowledge on CELS.

Sorghum Production in Northern Namibia: Farmers’ Perceived Constraints and Trait Preferences

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) is a valuable crop in the dry regions of the world, including Namibia. Due to the intensity and recurrence of drought and heat stress in the traditional sorghum growing areas, there is a need to breed and deploy new generation farmer-preferred and climate-smart cultivars to serve the diverse value chains. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess the present state of sorghum production in northern Namibia and document farmers’ perceived production constraints and trait preferences in new varieties to guide drought-tolerance breeding. A survey was conducted using a participatory rural appraisal in the following six selected sorghum-growing constituencies in Namibia: Kapako and Mpungu (Kavango West Region), Eenhana and Endola (Ohangwena Region), and Katima Mulilo Rural and Kongola (Zambezi Region). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire involving 198 farmers in 14 sampled villages across the regions. Results revealed variable trends in sorghum production among respondent farmers when disaggregated by gender, age, number of households, education level, cropping systems, types of varieties grown, and perceived production constraints. An equal proportion of male and female respondent farmers cultivate sorghum, suggesting the value of the crop to both genders in Namibia. Most respondent farmers (63.6%) were in productive age groups of &lt;40 years old. In the study areas, low-yielding landrace varieties, namely Ekoko, Okambete, Makonga, Kamburo, Nkutji, Katoma, Fuba, Dommy, Kawumbe, and Okatombo, were widely cultivated, and most of the farmers did not use chemical fertilizers to cultivate sorghum. Farmers’ perceived sorghum production constraints in the study areas included recurrent drought, declining soil fertility, insect pest damage, high cost of production inputs, unavailability of improved seed, lack of alternative improved varieties with farmers’ preferred traits, lack of organic manure, limited access to market and limited extension service. The key farmers’ preferred traits in a new sorghum variety included high grain yield, early maturity, and tolerance to drought, in the field and storage insect pests. The study recommends genetic improvement and new variety deployment of sorghum with the described farmers-preferred traits to increase the sustainable production of the crop in Namibia.

Effect of a road on avian diversity in the Kalahari woodland

Roads may have negative or positive effects on wildlife. I surveyed birds along a c. 21 km transect alongside a road from Katima Mulilo to Ngoma bridge in the Zambezi Region, north-eastern Namibia, and on a second transect (control) parallel to the first one and 200–400 m away from the road. The habitat is Kalahari Woodland, partly transformed to cultivated fields. The number of bird species was similar on both transects (56 vs. 48 species; x2 = 0.62, p &gt; 0.05), but the number of breeding pairs (overall population density) was much higher away from the road than close to it (409 vs. 283 pairs; x2 = 22.9, p &lt; 0.01). The Shannon’s Diversity Index was very similar, while Pielou’s Evenness Index was identical in both transects compared. Five species (Blue Waxbill, Burchell’s Starling, Cape Turtle Dove, Fork-tailed Drongo and Grey-headed Sparrow) were dominant on both transects, while the African Grey Hornbill was dominant only on the transect away from the road, whereas the Red-billed Hornbill and Grey Go-away-bird were dominant only close to the road. Four species (African Grey Hornbill, Cape Turtle Dove, Meyer’s Parrot and White-browed Scrub Robin) had population densities significantly higher on the transect away from the road than close to it. However, population densities of nine other species did not differ significantly between the two transects. In general, the avian communities along and away from the road were similar, probably because traffic volume was rather low and the land cover on both transects was similar in terms of natural vegetation and degree of transformation.

Social Challenges Learners Residing in Informal Settlements in Katima Mulilo Town Face in Learning

The purpose of this article was to find out social challenges learners residing in informal settlements in Katima Mulilo Town face. Informal settlements crop up as people move from rural settings to urban areas as they seek better facilities, a process known as urbanisation. However, not all who migrate into urban areas end up getting the required facilities. This result in some finding residence in informal settlements where conditions are deplorable and as a result brings some social challenges to learning. This article’s objective is to explore the social challenges learners residing in informal settlements face in learning. The article also seeks possible ways to deal with the social challenges in order to make learning possible. To come up with response to the questions, the study adopted a qualitative research approach. Instruments used to generate data were observation and interviews. To support the data generated from the participants, the learners, the social capital theory and urban theories were used. Some of the social challenges found to impede learning include poverty, flooding, expensive water and electricity bills, limited sewage disposal system, unfair relocations, poor sanitation, unemployment and high crime rate. Solutions were also suggested on how to overcome these challenges.

The Concept of “Indigenous Land Tenure” Surfaces in Namibia: A Comparative Overview ‒ Agnes Kahimbi Kashela v Katima Mulilo Town Council (SA 15/2017) [2018] NASC 409 (16 November 2018)

The facts in this case, which fell to be decided by the Supreme Court of Namibia in November 2018, can be succinctly put: in 1985, Ms Kashela’s late father was allocated a piece of land as part of communal land by the Mafwe Traditional Authority (MTA) in the Caprivi region of the then-South West Africa (now Namibia). In 1985, the Caprivi region fell under the then-South West Africa Administration. Following the independence of Namibia on 21 March 1990, all communal lands became property of the state of Namibia by virtue of section 124 of the Constitution of Namibia Act 1 of 1990, read with Schedule 5 of the Constitution. Paragraph (3) of Schedule 5 of the Constitution states that the afore-mentioned communal lands became property of the state “subject to any existing right, charge, obligation or trust existing on or over such property”.

Changes in the Structure of Avian Community along a Moisture Gradient in an Urbanized Tropical Riparian Forest

In larger river valleys of southern Africa, riparian forests are among the main vegetation types. The forests are regarded as ones of the most diverse and distinct terrestrial habitats on earth. They also play a crucial role in wildlife conservation as corridors and refugia for wildlife. It is hypothesized that the closer to the river bank, the higher the species diversity, while population densities may increase with the increase of the distance from the river bank. In 2014, quantitative studies (by means of the mapping method) on avian community breeding in such forest on Zambezi River in Katima Mulilo were undertaken to measure this gradient. Four plots were designed along an increasing distance from the river bank in this forest. In terms of the number of species, there was a significant gradual decrease with the increasing distance from the bank (from 91 to 54 species). The number of breeding pairs per 100 ha increased with the moisture gradient (from 222 to 677). Shannon's (H') and Simpson's (D) indices were higher in the two plots closer to the bank river (H'= 3.44–3.85; D = 0.97–0.99), than in the two remaining plots (H' = 3.13–3.15; D = 0.92–0.93). Also the Pielou's Evenness Index was higher in two plots closer to the bank (J' = 0.84–0.85 vs. 0.77–0.78). The proportion of granivores in the avian community declined along the moisture gradient, while that of insectivores and frugivores – increased. These gradual changes can be linked to a parallel gradual changes of the amount of fruits and invertebrates.

Integration of a local fish market in Namibia with the global seafood trade: Implications for fish traders and sustainability

Abstract Within the last decades, globalization has changed the international seafood trade, allowing low-income countries to access markets in high-income countries and vice versa. Nevertheless, the effects of globalization are controversial and in particular the impacts on small-scale fishers and local fish traders are unclear. This paper examines the economic effects of globalization on a local fish market in Katima Mulilo, Namibia along the Zambezi River and near the border with Zambia. Using market data from January 2008 to December 2016, we test two hypotheses. First, we test if the local market is integrated with global markets. Second, we test whether local prices are increasing and associated with positive terms of trade. Using time series methods and hedonic models, results show that the Katima market is linked to the world market, and local fish traders receive higher prices over time as predicted by an increasingly globalized seafood trade.

Rates and Correlates of HIV Incidence in Namibia's Zambezi Region From 2014 to 2016: Sentinel, Community-Based Cohort Study.

BackgroundDirect measures of HIV incidence are needed to assess the population-level impact of prevention programs but are scarcely available in the subnational epidemic hotspots of sub-Saharan Africa. We created a sentinel HIV incidence cohort within a community-based program that provided home-based HIV testing to all residents of Namibia’s Zambezi region, where approximately 24% of the adult population was estimated to be living with HIV.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to estimate HIV incidence, detect correlates of HIV acquisition, and assess the feasibility of the sentinel, community-based approach to HIV incidence surveillance in a subnational epidemic hotspot.MethodsFollowing the program’s initial home-based testing (December 2014-July 2015), we purposefully selected 10 clusters of 60 to 70 households each and invited residents who were HIV negative and aged ≥15 years to participate in the cohort. Consenting participants completed behavioral interviews and a second HIV test approximately 1 year later (March-September 2016). We used Poisson models to calculate HIV incidence rates between baseline and follow-up and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models to assess the correlates of seroconversion.ResultsAmong 1742 HIV-negative participants, 1624 (93.23%) completed follow-up. We observed 26 seroconversions in 1954 person-years (PY) of follow-up, equating to an overall incidence rate of 1.33 per 100 PY (95% CI 0.91-1.95). Among women, the incidence was 1.55 per 100 PY (95% CI 1.12-2.17) and significantly higher among those aged 15 to 24 years and residing in rural areas (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 4.26, 95% CI 1.39-13.13; P=.01), residing in the Ngweze suburb of Katima Mulilo city (aHR 2.34, 95% CI 1.25-4.40; P=.01), who had no prior HIV testing in the year before cohort enrollment (aHR 3.38, 95% CI 1.04-10.95; P=.05), and who had engaged in transactional sex (aHR 17.64, 95% CI 2.88-108.14; P=.02). Among men, HIV incidence was 1.05 per 100 PY (95% CI 0.54-2.31) and significantly higher among those aged 40 to 44 years (aHR 13.04, 95% CI 5.98-28.41; P<.001) and had sought HIV testing outside the study between baseline and follow-up (aHR 8.28, 95% CI 1.39-49.38; P=.02). No seroconversions occurred among persons with HIV-positive partners on antiretroviral treatment.ConclusionsNearly three decades into Namibia’s generalized HIV epidemic, these are the first estimates of HIV incidence for its highest prevalence region. By creating a sentinel incidence cohort from the infrastructure of an existing community-based testing program, we were able to characterize current transmission patterns, corroborate known risk factors for HIV acquisition, and provide insight into the efficacy of prevention interventions in a subnational epidemic hotspot. This study demonstrates an efficient and scalable framework for longitudinal HIV incidence surveillance that can be implemented in diverse sentinel sites and populations.

HIV Prevalence, Risk Factors for Infection, and Uptake of Prevention, Testing, and Treatment among Female Sex Workers in Namibia

BackgroundIn most settings, Female Sex Workers (FSW) bear a disproportionate burden of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease worldwide. Representative data to inform the development of behavioral and biomedical interventions for FSW in Namibia have not been published.ObjectivesOur objectives were to measure HIV prevalence, identify risk factors for infection, and describe uptake of prevention, testing, and treatment among FSW in Namibia.MethodsWe conducted cross-sectional surveys using Respondent-driven Sampling (RDS) in the Namibian cities of Katima Mulilo, Oshikango, Swakopmund/Walvis Bay, and Windhoek. Participating FSW completed behavioral questionnaires and rapid HIV testing.ResultsCity-specific ranges of key indicators were: HIV prevalence (31.0–52.3%), reached by prevention programs in the past 12 months (46.9–73.6%), condom use at last sex with commercial (82.1–91.1%) and non-commercial (87.0–94.2%) partners, and tested for HIV within past 12 months or already aware of HIV-positive serostatus (56.9–82.1%). Factors associated with HIV infection varied by site and included: older age, having multiple commercial or non-commercial sex partners, unemployment, being currently out of school, and lower education level. Among HIV-positive FSW, 57.1% were aware of their HIV-positive serostatus and 33.7% were on antiretroviral treatment.DiscussionOur results indicate extremely high HIV prevalence and low levels of case identification and treatment among FSW in Namibia. Our results, which are the first representative community-based estimates among FSW in Namibia, can inform the scale-up of interventions to reduce the risk for HIV acquisition and onward transmission, including treatment as prevention and pre-exposure prophylaxis.

The Diversity of Cuculiform and Piciform Species in Partly Transformed Riparian Zambezi Forest

Both cuculiform and piciform species can be used as bioindicators and, to a lesser extent, as umbrella species. A territory mapping method was employed in 2015 to assess their population densities in a riparian forest on the Zambezi River near Katima Mulilo, NENamibia. The forest, c. 280 ha in surface area, was partly transformed by human settlement and croplands. A total of 9 cuculiform and 6 piciform species were recorded. Population densities (male’s territories per 100 ha) were assessed as follow: Diederick, Klaas’s and Jacobin Cuckoo — each one with 1.1, African Emerald and African Black Cuckoo — each one with 0.7, Red-chested Cuckoo — 0.4; Senegal Coucal — 4.3, White-browed and Coppery-tailed Coucals — each one with 0.7; Bearded Woodpecker — 1.8, Golden-tailed Woodpecker — 1.1, Cardinal Woodpecker — 0.4; Black-collared Barbet — 5.7, Crested Barbet — 0.7, and Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird — 1.8. Both cuculiform and woodpecker species avoided built-up areas in the man-modified riparian forest, while all barbet species appeared to prefer them. Chrysococcyx cuckoos are not territorial in respect to Cuculus/Clamator cuckoos. The latter ones are, however, territorial in respect to other species from the same genera. Coucals display territorialism in regard to members of other species of the genus Centropus.

Structure of the breeding bird community along the urban gradient in a town on the Zambezi River, north-eastern Namibia

A simplified mapping method was employed to quantify avian assemblages in three study plots in a modified riparian forest on the Zambezi River in the town of Katima Mulilo, NE Namibia. The plots were arranged along the urbanization gradient: plot A (34 ha; 0–1 km from centre of the town), plot B (27 ha; 1–2 km from the centre), and plot C (24 ha; 2–3 km from the centre; periphery). In total, 51 breeding bird species were recorded in all three plots. Five of them, Columba livia domestica, Passer diffusus, Pycnonotus tricolor, Streptopelia senegalensis, and Uraeginthus angolensis were classified as dominant species. The cumulative dominance was 69.9%. The overall population density of all breeding species increased with the urban gradient. In general, granivorous birds were by far the most numerous feeding guild comprising 68.7% of all breeding birds. Two other guilds, frugivorous and insectivorous birds, together comprised 28.9%. While the proportion of granivores decreased along the urban gradient from the town centre to its periphery, the proportion of insectivores increased. The proportion of birds nesting in/on buildings decreased, and the share of tree/shrub- and hole-nesting birds increased along the urban gradient. The diversity indices were relatively high in all plots. They decreased only slightly along the urban gradient (from the centre to the periphery). However, the Pielou’s Evenness Index was comparatively low, but on a slight increase along the urbanization gradient. The Sorensen Similarity Index was low, but the values of the three studied plots were very similar.

A Survey of the Common Small Animal Surgical Procedures at A Regional State Veterinary Clinic in Namibia

A retrospective study to investigate the nature of surgical cases presented to Katima Mulilo State Veterinary Office in Namibia was conducted on 167 small animals between 2011 and 2016. Overall, significantly more dogs (87.4%) than cats (12.6%) were presented for surgical procedures (p

Heavy metals pollution status of the Katima Mulilo Urban open land wastewater disposal centre and the immediate vicinity

The main objective of this study was to assess the current pollution status of environmentally concerned heavy metals in the surface soil within the vicinity of the Katima Mulilo urban open land wa...