Namibia Research Articles

Namibia – Germany

Namibia – Germany

Towards a Framework for Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management: The Case of Swakopmund Municipality, Namibia

If municipal solid waste (MSW) is not properly managed, harmful environmental consequences are imminent. In many developed countries, MSW materials are hardly discarded but rather retained in the economic cycle through circular economy models. In many developing countries, MSW materials are discarded with little to no effort of repairing or recycling. Moving towards a circular economy substantially reduce waste volumes that are currently being disposed. The study provides an overview of how the current municipal solid waste management strategies being implemented by the Swakopmund Municipality could be shifted towards sustainability to derive environmental and socio-economic benefits from waste. Source reduction, separation at source and recycling, are some of the most effective strategies in the circular economy models that will help achieving the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Swakopmund Municipality should invest in infrastructure, techniques and programmes that are within circular economy model as an emerging system for sustainability.

Program against Cancer in Namibia

Program against Cancer in Namibia

Rainfall trend and variability in semi-arid northern Namibia: Implications for smallholder agricultural production

Rainfall defines livelihood patterns among agrarian communities of the climate-change vulnerable semi-arid Sub-Saharan Africa. However, it remains inadequately studied, resulting in ineffective water management policies and weak agricultural growth in the region. Monthly rainfall data collected between 1987 and 2018 at four stations along a 1200 km climatic gradient in northern Namibia were analysed for annual, seasonal and monthly trends and variability. Descriptive measures and the Mann-Kendall test were used for rainfall characterisation and trend detection, respectively. Results showed an annually increasing rainfall trend, but with a downward trend in the dry season decreasing by -0.14 mm year–1 and an upward trend in the rainy season increasing by 7.74 mm year–1 across the study area. The rainy-season mean monthly rainfall showed predominantly increasing trends, while the dry-season ones exhibited insignificant decreasing trends. The study detected a decreasing rainfall gradient from the northeast towards the northwest with a range of 156.8 mm and concomitant increasing spatial-temporal variability. The upward rainfall trend has implications for rainy season floods, whereas the downward trend suggests dry season drought intensification in the area. These results could be useful for rainwater management planning in the study area and other dryland regions.

Structure of avian communities in a mosaic of built-up and semi-natural urbanised habitats in Katima Mulilo town, Namibia

A simplified mapping method has been employed to quantify avian assemblages in a plot with a mosaic of built-up areas (129 ha) and semi-natural or open areas (85 ha; grass, trees, shrubs) in the Katima Mulilo town, Namibia. Overall, 65 breeding bird species were recorded in the study plots (51 in the built-up areas, and 50 in the ‘open’ areas). Five of them, Rock Dove Columba livia, Grey-headed Sparrow (Passer diffuses), Dark-capped Bulbul (Pycnonotus tricolor), Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) and Blue Waxbill (Uraeginthus angolensis) were classified as dominants. The cumulative dominance was 69.9% in the built-up area and 55.6 % in the ‘open’ area. The structure of the avian community in the built-up area was unexpectedly similar to that in the ‘open’ area. Almost the same number of breeding species was recorded, and almost identical diversity and evenness indices were calculated. However, the Sorensen Similarity Index was rather low (I = 0.69). Also, the overall density of all breeding birds was much lower in ‘open’ than in the built-up area. Granivorous birds were by far the most numerous feeding guild comprising in the built-up area 68.1% and in ‘open’ area 62.2 % of all breeding birds. Also, similar between the two areas compared was the proportion of granivores (17.7% vs. 19.7%) and insectivores (11.5% vs. 13.2%). These were also similar to the proportions of the main nesting guilds. Only the guild nesting in/on buildings was much higher in built-up than in the ‘open’ area. Although species richness was not high, population densities of some species were very high in the urbanised habitat. It is recommended to protect the larger specimens of marulas and other tree species in this habitat, as they play a vital role in maintaining the high population densities.

Characterising the trophic relationships between cuttlefishes, myctophids and round herring in the Northern Benguela

Round herrings, myctophids, and cuttlefishes are a crucial part of the trophic interactions in the northern Benguela, as they form important trophic linkages between macrozooplankton and predators like hake, horse mackerel, and monk. The main objective of this study was to understand their trophic relationships using stable isotope measurements of their tissues. Tissues from round herring [Etrumeus whiteheadi], Myctophid species [Symbolophorus boops, Lampanyctodes hectoris, Diaphus hudsoni, Lampanyctus australis, Diaphus meadi], and cuttlefishes [Sepia australis and Sepia elegans] specimens were collected off Namibia. There were little variations in nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N) values among these species, an indication that they fed at similar trophic positions. The trophic levels ranged from 2.51 to 3.00, an indication of their zooplanktivorous feeding habits. Among these species S. boops fed at a relatively higher trophic level, while L. hectoris fed at the lowest trophic level. Diaphus hudsoni had the lowest carbon stable isotope (δ13C) values and E. whiteheadi the highest. Significant differences were observed in δ13C values between most species, suggesting significant variations in their carbon sources. Isotope-based metrics showed overlapping trophic niches, with S. boops having a significantly broader niche. Our observations support the hypothesis that although these forage species have overlapping trophic niches, there are pronounced differences in the carbon sources of their prey.

Mammal species composition and diversity of the Nyae Nyae Communal Conservancy, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia

The emergence of the communal conservancies in Namibia contributed to community-based conservation approach outside protected areas. This study was conducted to establish the status of biodiversity conservation of the Nyae Nyae Conservancy by analysing the mammal species composition and diversity changes for 13 years. The long-term wildlife count data were obtained from the conservancy in Tsumkwe, Otjozondjupa region. A total of 20 mammal species, comprising of ungulates and predators, were recorded from 2001 through 2013. The overall trend of the mammal species population sizes was positive, though not statistically significant (r = 0.477; t10 = 1.574; P = 0.145). In addition to the stable species composition over the years, the mammal species diversity in Nyae Nyae conservancy was high (Simpson Index of Diversity, SID = 0.81). However, a significant decline in the diversity of mammal species (SID = 0.72) was detected in 2013 evident from the low species count data. This low diversity may be attributable to many factors including but not limited to the effects of severe drought which may have led to the emigration of some species, reduction in the abundance of some species due to deaths from drought and low reproductive output. Hence Nyae Nyae Conservancy, though an open unfenced system, serves as a good example in which a community-based natural management program outside protected areas contributes not only to the conservation of natural resources including wildlife but also utilisation of these resources for the benefit of local community members.

An evaluation of the Oshana Region school principals’ on the seven factors related to transformational leadership

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the level to which School Principals in Oshana Region Namibia utilise the transformational leadership style in their daily school administration. The study used a quantitative research design through the use of a questionnaire which was administered to 40 school principals in selected schools in Oshana Namibian School Region. Findings of the study show that the school principals still lack most of the factors for transformational leadership. Another finding was that school principals are using the Lassez-faire type of leadership and management by exception. The study recommended that the school principals need to undergo continuous staff development on transformational leadership style for them to improve their administration strategies.

Methods of health education used by indigenous communities in Kunene and Otjozondjupa Regions of Namibia

The purpose of this study was to explore the methods that Namibia’s indigenous communities of Kunene and Otjozondjupa regions use to communicate and share health related information, issues and solutions. The socio-cultural theory informed this study as its main idea states that although solitude provide opportunity for learning, the social occasions of conversation, discussion, question and answer, demonstration and joint work play a critical role in teaching and learning. The collected interview data were analysed using a grounded theory approach and content analysis. The results show the Namibia’s indigenous communities of Kunene and Otjozondjupa regions came to know through flexible and simple methods of Show and Tell, Demonstration, Observation, Imitation, Experience and Practice, Trial and Error or Experimentation, and Questioning. The study recommends more research on the documentation of Namibian indigenous health knowledge to afford future generation access to the rich knowledge their ancestors originally had a claim on. The study further recommends for these methods to be considered by stakeholders in education sector so that they can be integrated in educational policies and programmes and applied at the classroom level.

Characterization of one of Africa's giants: the V1-V2 pegmatite, Uis, Namibia

Characterization of one of Africa's giants: the V1-V2 pegmatite, Uis, Namibia

English

English

Protocol for validating simple measures of body fatness and physical activity of children in twelve African countries: the ROUND-IT Africa study

Body fatness and physical activity (PA) among children should be measured accurately to address the pandemics of obesity and physical inactivity. Limited accurate PA data exist in the African region, and crude proxy measures of body composition (such as body mass index: BMI) and physical activity (such as questionnaires) may have limited most surveys and studies from the region. A stable isotope technique (deuterium dilution) and accelerometry provide ‘gold standards’ for validating measures of body fatness and PA, respectively. The consortium on “Reducing Obesity Using Nuclear Techniques to Design Interventions in Africa (ROUND-IT)” Study, therefore aimed to validate the accuracy of, 1) World Health Organisation’s (WHO) BMI-for-age as a means of assessing excessive body fatness; 2) the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) as a means of measuring PA, and 3) to describe accelerometer-measured PA in a large African multi-country sample of children 6 – 11 years of age (n=2050). ROUND-IT Africa is a cross-sectional multi-centre study conducted in 12 countries (Benin, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania and South Africa). Data collection began in April 2014 and was completed at the end of 2018. Height, body weight and waist circumference were measured using standard methods. Obesity was defined based on WHO’s BMI-for-age criteria. Body fatness was measured using total body water, and excess fatness determined using the criterion-referenced thresholds of >25% (boys) and >30% (girls). PA and sedentary behavior were assessed for 7 days in randomly assigned subsamples by accelerometry. The study was approved by local ethics committees in each participating country. Findings of the research, which will add to the existing body of scientific knowledge on African children, will be disseminated through journal publications, technical reports, conferences, and contacts with relevant non-governmental organisations, particularly the WHO.Keywords: Children, obesity, overweight, body composition, physical activity.

Airborne electromagnetic signature of a paleochannel uranium deposit

SUMMARY Reptile Uranium, a wholly owned subsidiary of Deep Yellow Ltd., has been actively exploring four exclusive prospecting licenses (EPLs) in Namibia since 2007. Prior exploration of this area in the 1970’s and 80’s resulted in the discovery of extensive Tertiary uranium mineralization hosted by paleochannels. Detailed airborne radiometric data acquired in 2007 shows good correlation with known surficial mineralization, but provides no depth information about the known channels, and does not identify potential buried channels. In 2008, Aeroquest Surveys completed an AeroTEM helicopter time domain electromagnetic (HTEM) survey over the four EPLs. The electromagnetic (EM) data proved to be an excellent tool for mapping the conductive material associated with both near-surface and buried paleochannels. There is generally good correlation between the stronger AeroTEM responses and the known mineralization. The HTEM data were inverted using a 1D layered earth algorithm to model the distribution of conductivity laterally and with depth. The modeled data effectively describe the lateral extent, thickness and relative conductivity of the paleochannels and have been found to be very useful in directing the ongoing drill program both for the delineation of known paleochannels and for the drilling of previously unknown paleochannels. Successful trenching and drill results from the Tubas-Oryx-Tumas paleochannel system clearly illustrate the important role that the HTEM data has played in the ongoing exploration on this project.

Why is she naked? An Iterative Refinement of the Digitisation of ICH with the OvaHimba Tribe in Namibia

Why is she naked? An Iterative Refinement of the Digitisation of ICH with the OvaHimba Tribe in Namibia

Glacio-marine iron formation deposition in a c. 700 Ma glaciated margin: insights from the Chuos Formation, Namibia

The Chuos Formation of Namibia is the sedimentary product of the Neoproterozoic Sturtian (c. 720-660 Ma) glaciation and contains massive diamictites intercalated with finely laminated iron formation. Similar Sturtian glacially associated iron formations are found globally. The iron formations are laminated and generally very pure. The diamictites are massive, contain abundant clasts and can be highly ferruginous. These two lithofacies are repeatedly interbedded with no facies transition. The iron formations preserve the rare earth element geochemistry of their contemporaneous seawater and contain rare Ce and Eu anomalies. The geochemistry does not implicate a hydrothermal influence. The Chuos iron formation is interpreted to have been deposited in an ice-proximal glacio-marine setting in a sub-ice shelf environment. Oxygenated fluids, such as sea ice brines and glacial meltwater, are invoked as a mechanism to precipitate iron oxides due to mixing with ferruginous seawater. The iron formation accumulates under an ice shelf with little clastic input. Episodic movement of the grounding line reworks the sediments into ferruginous diamict. Glaciogenic debris flows are intercalated with the iron formations. Palaeobathymetric depressions and accompanying brine pools increased the preservation potential of these iron formations. This model explains the relationship between glaciation and iron formation in the Neoproterozoic.

Namibia – Cutting Costs

Namibia – Cutting Costs

Adherence to the integrated management of childhood illness guidelines in Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda: evidence from the national service provision assessment surveys

BackgroundIntegrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is regarded as a standard public health approach to lowering child mortality in developing countries. However, little is known about how health workers adhere to the guidelines at the national level in sub-Saharan African countries.MethodsData from the Service Provision Assessment surveys of Namibia (NA) (survey year: 2009), Kenya (KE) (2010), Tanzania (TZ) (2006) and Uganda (UG) (2007) were analysed for adherence to the IMCI guidelines by health workers. Potential influencing factors included the survey country, patient’s age, the different levels of the national health system, the training level of the health care provider (physician, non-physician clinician, nurse-midwife, auxiliary staff), and the status of re-training in IMCI.ResultsIn total, 6856 children (NA: 1495; KE: 1890; TZ: 2469; UG: 1002 / male 51.2–53.5%) aged 2–73 months (2–24 months, 65.3%; median NA: 19 months; KE: 18 months; TZ: 16 months; UG: 15 months) were clinically assessed by 2006 health workers during the surveys.Less than 33% of the workers carried out assessment of all three IMCI danger signs, namely inability to eat/drink, vomiting everything, and febrile convulsions (NA: 11%; KE: 11%; TZ: 14%; UG: 31%) while the rate for assessing all three of the IMCI main symptoms of cough/difficult breathing, diarrhoea, and fever was < 60% (NA: 48%; KE: 34%; TZ: 50%; UG: 57%). Physical examination rates for fever (temperature) (NA: 97%; KE: 87%; TZ: 73%; UG: 90%), pneumonia (respiration rate/auscultation) (NA: 43%; KE: 24%; TZ: 25%; UG: 20%) and diarrhoea (dehydration status) (NA: 29%; KE: 19%; TZ: 20%; UG: 39%) varied widely and were highest when assessing children with the actual diagnosis of pneumonia and diarrhoea.Adherence rates tended to be higher in children ≤ 24 months, at hospitals, among higher-qualified staff (physician/non-physician clinician) and among those with recent IMCI re-training.ConclusionDespite nationwide training in IMCI the adherence rates for assessment and physical examination remained low in all four countries. IMCI training should continue to be provided to all health staff, particularly nurses, midwives, and auxiliary staff, with periodic re-training and an emphasis to equally target children of all age groups.

Monetary Policy Transmission Mechanism in Namibia: A Bayesian VAR Approach

This study analyzed the interest rate channel, credit channel, exchange rate channel and asset price channel for monetary policy transmission mechanism in Namibia. The idea behind this study is to have a comprehensive study that covers a variety of channels for monetary policy transmission mechanism. The study utilized a Bayesian vector autoregression (BVAR) technique on quarterly time-series data covering the period 2000:Q1 to 2016:Q4. In particular, the validity of the data used is checked and verified by using two sets of prior distributions suggested by Sims and Zha as well as prior distribution of Koop and Korobilis. The variables used in this study are real output (Yt), real effective exchange rate (Et), inflation rate (P t), repo rate (Rt), housing price index (Ht) and credit extended to private sector (Lt). The findings revealed that interest rate and credit channels remain important in the transmission mechanism to this day. Notably the exchange rate and asset price channels are also slowly gaining prominence in monetary policy transmission mechanism. Therefore, the study provides useful information to the monetary authorities regarding the process of transmission mechanisms. This is quite important especially that the Central Bank (Bank of Namibia) is very serious about financial stability within the financial system, given the fragility of the financial systems in the world due to financial crisis.

Assessment of anthropogenic influence on the level of selected heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in soil

The study aimed at assessing potential influence of anthropogenic activities on the level of selected toxic heavy metals in soil in Tsumeb Township, Namibia. This was with a view of evaluating possible implications on human health and across the food chain. Soil samples were randomly collected from stratified areas and taken to the laboratory for pre-treatment and analysis. Soil metallic contents were extracted using acid digestion technique and were quantified using ICP-OES. Experimental protocol was validated using the standard metal addition techniques and was found to be applicable with quantitative metallic recoveries (n= 3) in the range of 85-90%. The overall mean concentration of analysed metals in soil samples ranged from 39.0 - 2532.8 mg/kg (Cu); 59.5- 1994.8 mg/kg (Zn); 1.7-21.3 mg/kg (Cd) and 1.2-141 mg/kg (Pb) across SCP1-SCP4. The analysed metals increased variedly at the SCPs in the order Cu: SCP1>SCP2>SCP4>SCP3; Zn: SCP1>SCP2>SCP4> SCP3; Cd: SCP1>SCP2>SCP3>SCP4; Pb: SCP1>SCP2>SCP3>SCP4. Hence, highest or most profound anthropogenic influence was observed at SCP1 for all metals while the lowest was as SCP4. Strong metallic correlation (r > 0.99) was obtained between all analysed metals and some significant above threshold metallic levels in soil were obtained for Cu and Zn but most worrisome was the high level of Cd obtained in soil. Possible uptake of these metals by plants and transfer across the food chain is highly probable. Key words: Heavy metals, soil, human health, anthropogenic, ICP-OES, Namibia.

The Matchless Amphibolite of the Damara Belt, Namibia: unique preservation of a late Neoproterozoic ophiolitic suture

Ophiolitic sequences are widely recorded from Meso-Cenozoic orogenic belts, but are only rarely documented from Proterozoic-Paleozoic orogens, so that the geodynamic processes responsible for the emplacement of ancient ophiolites are less well understood compared to their younger counterparts. The Damara belt of Namibia represents a deeply eroded Pan-African (550-500 Ma) collisional belt that records subduction and the eventual collision between the Kalahari and Congo Cratons as part of the amalgamation of the Gondwana supercontinent. The belt has not been affected by later orogenic events so that it preserves the sequence of convergent and collisional tectonics remarkably well. The Southern Zone accretionary prism of the belt records the offscraping and imbrication of a thick metaturbiditic sequence. Within this sequence, the Matchless Amphibolite Belt forms a narrow, 500-3000 m wide unit of intrusive as well as imbricated mafic metavolcanic and plutonic rocks, with Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt (MORB) geochemistry, that can be traced almost continuously for over 300 km along strike. Based on the MORB-type geochemistry and preserved textures and rock association, most authors consider the Matchless Amphibolite belt to represent relics of oceanic crust related to the closure of the oceanic basin between the Congo and Kalahari cratons. We have measured two traverses across the Matchless Amphibolite and we report here the evidence that these ophiolitic slivers emplaced during ridge-trench interaction and ridge subduction. We discuss factors that have most likely contributed to the formation and preservation of such an old ridge-trench encounter and its unique geometry.