ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORT 2010
Compiled by the Research and Publications Office
Prof. I. Mapaure
Dr. H. M. Kapenda
Ms. P. Claassen
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT ................................................................................................................... 2
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR .................................................................................................... 2
MESSAGE FROM THE PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR: ACADEMIC AFFAIRS & RESEARCH ..................... 3
MESSAGE FROM THE RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS OFFICE ............................................................. 4
1.ACTIVITIES OF FACULTIES AND CAMPUSES .............................................................................................. 6
1.1 FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES ...................................................................6
1.2 FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCE ..................................................................22
1.3 FACULTY OF EDUCATION ...........................................................................................................................28
1.4 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY .....................................................37
1.5 FACULTY OF HUMANTIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ..............................................................................39
1.6 FACULTY OF LAW .........................................................................................................................................46
1.7 FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES ..............................................................................................................52
1.8 FACULTY OF SCIENCE .................................................................................................................................58
2.ACTIVITIES OF ACADEMIC CENTRES ......................................................................................................... 72
2.1 CENTRE FOR EXTERNAL STUDIES (CES) .................................................................................................72
2.2 LANGUAGE CENTRE.....................................................................................................................................79
2.3 MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH CENTRE (MRC) .................................................................................82
2.4 SAM NUJOMA MARINE AND COASTAL RESOURCES RESAERCH CENTRE (SANUMARC)...........100
3.ACTIVITIES OF OTHER UNITS...................................................................................................................... 108
MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT
Mission
To provide quality higher education through teaching, research and advisory services to our
customers with the view to produce productive and competitive human resources capable of
driving public and private institutions towards a knowledge-based economy, economic growth and
improved quality of life.
Vision
To be a beacon of excellence and innovation in teaching, research and extension services.
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR
During the year under review, the University of Namibia (UNAM) continued to strengthen its research
activities through a number of newly incorporated structural changes, as stipulated in its Strategic
Management Plan. All the departments/centres/faculties committed themselves towards aligning with the
University’s new Agenda for Change, which included the development of their respective Management
Plans for the next five years because research is one of the three key functions of any Higher Education
Institutions, that is central to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge for the country’s social
and economic development.
I must also mention that the year 2010 has also seen the acceptance of the University’s very first efforts in
registration of 7 patents that recognize the successful development of potential drugs against the
chloroquine resistant strain of the Malaria Parasite. Thus, I regard this endeavor as an important step
towards improving UNAM’s efforts to attaining Intellectual Properties (IP) and Commercialization
policies and guidelines. The University therefore, continues to conduct research activities in all relevant
disciplines in order to increase research capacity and output, specifically through its well-established
centres that are dedicated to carry out research. These include the Multidisciplinary Research Centre
(MRC) and the Dr Sam Nujoma Marine & Coastal Resources Research Centre (SANUMARC).
Finally, I encourage the Research and Publications Office (RPO) under the realm of the Office of the ProVice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research (PVC: AA & R), to continue coordinating and
managing all UNAM research related activities in order to fulfill UNAM’s mandate, that is, “to undertake
research, to advance and disseminate knowledge…and to contribute to the social and economic
development of Namibia.”
Prof. Lazarus Hangula
Vice- Chancellor
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR: ACADEMIC AFFAIRS & RESEARCH
Research performance and productivity at the University of Namibia (UNAM) continues to take long
strides due to the hard work and dedication of our academics. A variety of research activities have been
conducted in the various UNAM Faculties and Centres across the country. Off all publications (258)
produced during the year under review, 17% are peer-reviewed journal articles and 15% are books and
book chapters. This is a commendable output and achievement by our academics and their post-graduate
students. This has been possible because the University continues to create a conducive environment for
research, despite the challenges we face. It is expected that output will significantly increase in the
coming years. Unfortunately, the Namibia Development Journal (NDJ), suffered technical problems at the
end of the year resulting in its inactivity.
I would like to urge all academic staff members to engage in research so as to increase our research
output. It is only through creation and disseminating of knowledge that we can realize our goal of
transforming our nation into a knowledge-based society. Thus, my Office will leave no stone unturned in
our quest to promote research in the University. In our country and in the region at large, we continue to
face challenges that continuously require research in order to solve them. Climate change, health-related
problems (including HIV & AIDS, Malaria, emerging diseases), natural disasters, food insecurity,
poverty, social inequality, gender-based violence, and many others continue to affect our society. I would
like, therefore, to encourage staff members to form Research Groups around identified thematic areas in
order to carry out focused research and complement our government’s efforts in dealing with these
challenges. The Research & Publications Office (RPO), a Unit directly under my Office, has done a
tremendous job in cultivating a culture of research among our staff. During 2010, staff members from the
RPO conducted sensitization workshops in the new UNAM Campuses (former Colleges of education) as
a way of induction and emphasizing the importance of research at the University. I would like to
encourage the RPO staff to continue with capacity-building workshops for all staff members in order to
enhance research capacity at our institution. The Research & Publications Committee (RPC) has
continued to evaluate proposals and allocate research funds to deserving academics to conduct research.
However, the University continues to be constrained by the limited amounts it can allocate for research
projects. I would, therefore like to encourage staff members to vigorously apply for external research
funds. This will go a long way in complementing the University’s efforts in promoting research.
Lastly, I would like to congratulate all our researchers for their achievements in 2010. We are very
grateful to all our sponsors, collaborators and partners who contributed to the good research results
produced by the University. I would like to wish all our staff members a very productive 2011.
Prof. Osmund D. Mwandemele
Pro Vice-Chancellor: Academic Affairs & Research
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MESSAGE FROM THE RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS OFFICE
The daily functions of the Research and Publications Office are embedded in the mission of the
University in providing quality research advisory services. This year, the Research and Publications
Office welcomed its new Deputy Coordinator, Dr. Gilbert Likando, who took over from Dr. Kenneth
Matengu. Prof. Isaac Mapaure continued to head the Research & Publications Office (RPO) as Research
Coordinator, assisted by Ms. Pam Claassen, the Research and Publications Officer.
During the year under review, the Office went on a familiarization tour to get to know the newly
integrated former Colleges of Education, as well as to welcome them to the UNAM Family. Campuses
visited were: Katima Mulilo, Rundu and Hifikepunye Pohama. Another entity that was visited is the Sam
Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (SANUMARC). The objective of the tours was
to inform these campuses on the functions and services provided by the Research & Publications Office,
and also to listen to their respective research needs, which is unique to each of their situation. The
Research & Publications Office was very well received and campuses were satisfied with the advice
given to them.
The Research & Publications Office staff held a Planning Retreat to tease out the strategic focus of the
Research & Publications Office. The functions of the RPO include advising staff members on procedures
for applying for research and conference grants, overseeing processes for the effective implementation of
UNAM’s Research Strategy, and monitoring issues relating to quality research. This year, the University
has also awarded funding towards our very first application for patenting an anti-malaria drug, which is
encouraging as one of the numerous applied research activities. Numerous applications for conference
attendance were processed to enable those researchers whose conference papers were accepted, to
showcase their research results to interested international audiences. The demand for conferences was
high, to the extent that the budget was exhausted. The funding allocation was evenly spread over the
various Faculties and Centres to ensure optimum exposure of research activities at the University across
the different disciplines.
The RPO has also put up its new website spearheaded by Dr. G. Likando, keeping the research fraternity
informed on all matters pertaining to research and publications at the University. The website is structured
in a user friendly manner to give visitors easy access to the various publications produced. The website
aims at being as current as possible, uploading new publications as they are received from researchers.
The presence of the new Website has already assisted in forging research collaborations with other
research institutions worldwide.
As a result of their research activities, various staff members produced numerous publications. These
include various publications in categories such as Books, book chapters, refereed journal papers and other
categories of publications that include: monographs; consultancy, technical and commissioned reports;
contributions as editors; creative works, and well as articles in popular publications, to name but a few. A
breakdown of the publications output during the year, is reflected in the chart below:
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The Research and Publications Office will continue to execute its mandate which is focused mainly on
coordinating and managing research activities, as well as facilitating research capacity building and
promoting excellence in research.
Prof. Isaac Mapaure
Research Coordinator
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1.
ACTIVITIES OF FACULTIES AND CAMPUSES
1.1 FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
INTRODUCTION
Within the framework of it’s mission, that is, “to promote agriculture and natural resources development
and management in Namibia through teaching, research and extension to communal and commercial
farming communities and to provide community services through provision of advisory, consultancy and
extension services on the proper and sustainable use of Namibia’s agriculture and natural resources”, the
Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources is providing and improving knowledge through quality
research, thus continuously contributing to development in Namibia.
The Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources wishes to maintain an active and sustainable research
enterprise through a multidisciplinary approach and by strengthening collaboration with national research
institutions, private enterprises and the farming communities.
The Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) has a key role to play in the attainment of
some of the broader national objectives. It finds it's most relevant application to the Vision 2030 objective
of ensuring the development of Namibia's natural capital and its sustainable utilization for the benefit of
the country's social, economic and ecological wellbeing. This objective in turn, informs the NDP3 Key
Result Area - utilization of natural resources and environmental sustainability. Through teaching, research
and extension services, FANR contributes to the productive use of research and development driven
technology and empowers people to actively contribute towards transitioning Namibia to a knowledge
based economy.
DEAN’S REPORT
Sustainable agriculture and rural development in Sub-Saharan Africa, and indeed in Namibia, depends
very much on the strength of national research systems. Both production and productivity in the
agricultural sector must be increased urgently and substantially to avoid further marginalization of the
region. Substantial improvement in the capacity and productivity of a national research system is a
prerequisite and thus even more urgent.
Many Sub-Saharan countries have not fully exploited the highly trained human resources available in
their national universities in strengthening their national research capacities to solve agricultural
production and productivity problems, and thereby ensure access to low cost food to consumers and
remunerative returns to producers. Elsewhere such as USA, public investment rates of return from
agricultural research through Federal-State Partnerships supported Land Grant Universities have been
very high, exceeding 40%, with very significant contribution to maintaining a strong agricultural industry
and an affordable food and fibre supply.
Namibia ought to learn from this and make use of its only University, the University of Namibia, through
its Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, which has excellent teaching and research facilities.
There is a need to further enhance and improve research partnerships involving the Government, the
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University, Farming Communities, NGO’s and the Donor Community to ensure that timelines, direction
and magnitude of research results contribute more effectively towards food security, employment creation
and thus poverty reduction of the rural poor.
The Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources in line with its mission statement has prepared it’s
Research Agenda 2010-2015 following careful consideration of the national agricultural and natural
resources development objectives as contained in the Third National Development Plan (NDP III) and
Namibia’s Vision 2030.
We believe that the identified research priority areas can contribute significantly towards socio-economic
development, food security, equity and poverty reduction. The Faculty’s efforts have the full support of
the University of Namibia.
All Departments in the faculty made significant efforts in collaborating with national and international
institutions as a way of improving quality teaching. The Department of Integrated Environmental Science
(DIES) has collaborated with two Finish Universities. In this collaboration, two students and one lecturer
from the DIES visited the Finish Universities under an exchange program. The DIES has also
collaborated in a program review with other three African institutions (Botswana College of Agriculture,
Copperbelt University of Zambia and North Karelia University of applied Sciences.
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science has been a recipient of the financial support from the
Government of Norway which continued in 2010. Through the funds provided by the Norwegian
Government, the Department managed to collaborate with a number of national and international
institutions and these are: the Universities of Tromsø, Rhodes University, Cape Town, Western Cape,
Bunda College of Agriculture, and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, the National
Marine Information and Research Centre (NatMIRC), Namibia Coast Conservation and Management
(NACOMA), the South Africa Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), the Kamutjonga Inland
Fisheries Institute (KIFI) and the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF). During the year, this department
initiated a new research area on fish disease surveillance in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries
and Marine Resources. The Research was focused on the identification of freshwater parasites with
regular survey of both wild and cultured species from the Okavango region.
Mr. Stephen Barrion of the Food Science and Technology (FST) successfully secured collaboration
between UNAM, Phytotrade Africa and Vital Solutions to undertake a Marura Project which is focusing
on the “Ripening Process of Marura Fruit”. The project is to start in 2011. Further, Dr. Peter Bille and
Ms. Martha Nambambi-Shikongo of the department of FST collaborated with the Indegenous Knowledge
Systems Technology (IKST) Food Program at the UNAM’s Multidisciplinary Research Center (MRC) on
the value addition and nutritional quality of indigenous traditional fruits and vegetables in Namibia. Dr.
Bille also trained production staff at Neudamm Campus dairy section. The training was aimed at
improving milk productivity and quality, as well as nutritional labeling on milk packaging.
RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
The faculty continues to broaden its academic programmes across departments. The Department of
Animal Science developed a Pre Vet Curriculum that was approved by the SENATE in August 2010.In
the year under review, the Department of Animal Science, for the first time, took over the M.Sc.
Rangeland Resources Management as a self- funded program since the expiration of SANTED support in
2009. The department managed to run this program successfully without any external support.
For quality output, the faculty, with the assistance of the Staff Development Office/HR continued to build
its capacity through staff development. The majority of the academic staffs are M Sc. holders and most of
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them are currently pursuing their PhD studies at different universities in region and in the world. Close to
40% of FANR’s academic staff are thus not fully involved in carrying out active research work within
their respective Departments.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
The mission of the Department is to contribute to the development of an efficient and sustainable
agricultural sector through demand-driven collaborative research. The Department’s research priorities
are guided by:
• The need to contribute to improved efficiency and productivity of crop and livestock production in
communal and commercial farms.
• Aspiration to strengthening efficiency of agro marketing, farm finance, agribusiness management and
extension approaches.
• Recognition of the importance of the economics of sustainable resource management in particular of
land and water resources in the agricultural sector.
• Need to understand the factors affecting demand and consumption of food and issues relating to
household food security.
In line with the above goals, the Department will undertake research covering the following topics:
Production efficiency of irrigated Agriculture (Duration 1-2 years)
This study will investigate production efficiency of small-scale and large scale commercial farmers
participating in the Green Scheme. The focus will be on two crops maize and a high value crop like Irish
potato. Through production efficiency analysis using the stochastic frontier production function, the study
will identify resource use efficiency of key inputs such as land, labor, seed, pesticides, fertilizer, and
water, and determinants of inefficiency. Thus, the results of the study will indicate areas that need
attention in order to improve productivity or resource use efficiency on farms under the Green Scheme.
Technology adoption and transfer among Emerging farmers (Duration: 1-2 years)
This study will analyze the factors affecting technology adoption and transfer among small-scale farmers
participating in the Green Scheme. Most of these farmers are coming from traditional farming
characterized by poor farming practices, poor access to information on improved farming methods and
low productivity. In order to be successful in commercial farming, small-scale irrigation farmers under
the Green Scheme, have to adopt improved farming practices and technologies. Thus it is important to
understand farmer’s information needs and factors which are likely to affect technology transfer and
adoption.
Market access for small-scale farmers participating in the Green Scheme (Duration: 1-2 years)
This study will investigate the factors affecting market access for small-scale farmers participating in the
Green Scheme. Traditionally small-scale farmers are poor participants in agricultural marketing, receive
low prices and often fail to sell their produce in competitive markets. To motivate farmers to participate
actively in the production, impediments to agricultural marketing should be removed. This research will
provide key information on marketing aspects.
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An evaluation of land resettlement programme in Namibia (Duration: 1-2 years)
Namibia has been implementing land resettlement programme as a strategy to improve income
distribution and correct the imbalance in land distribution created by the colonial legacy. However, there
are criticisms about agricultural performance in terms of efficiency and productivity of resettlement
schemes.
Developing of a Farm Analysis Database of Emerging and Commercial Farms in Namibia (Duration: 1-5
years)
There is a need to continuously identify factors, which affect agricultural productivity on different types
of farms operating in the country. Such studies are useful in suggesting measures to improve productivity
and efficient resource allocation. Therefore, the objectives of this study to develop a panel database of
farms in Namibia which can facilitate an examination of factors affecting the productivity of communal
and commercial agriculture in Namibia, and compare productivity between communal and commercial
farming enterprises, is important.
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
The overall research priority of the Department of Animal Science is to improve livestock production
among communal farmers of Namibia. This priority does not exclude commercial farmers. The
department is willing to work with commercial farmers who approach it for advice or for research in
specific problems. The department also places heavy emphasis on collaborative research. The department
is always actively seeking more collaborative work both nationally and internationally. In the long run,
the department hopes, together with other stakeholders, to help the people of Namibia to achieve
household food security.
Conservation of Indigenous Forages and Wild Food Plants from Rangelands of Namibia through
Utilization (Duration: 3 – 5 Years)
The overall objectives will be: -to determine rangeland degradation levels and collect forage germplasm
in Namibia that are naturally tolerant to grazing, extreme dry and cold conditions. This project intends to
create fodder banks that is of interest in future plant breeding programs for conservation, reclaiming
deteriorated rangeland and providing improved pastures in fodder bank development.
Failure and success Factors of Management Information Systems in Livestock Production in Namibia
The project purpose will be to create a supportive Livestock Appropriate Technology MIS model that will
provide an opportunity to increase technology adoption (through updating and refinement of technologies
so far developed in the livestock industry targeting smallholder farmer). The ultimate objective will be to
correct current management programming issues at farmer level by finding the factors of success and
failure in the adoption of tried and tested technologies. It is widely acknowledged that stakeholder
involvement ensure that participants will make a good transition from research results then
implementation to maintenance. But still many research situations have involved beneficiaries but with
little adoption meaning there is more to it than that. This project will seek to find out why such a scenario
is prevalent within the participating countries. Livestock businesses are spread out in different regions
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within a country and it might be important for constant contact hence networked information management
systems.
Status and socio - economic importance of pigs rearing in Etayi constituency in Omusati Region
The study is aimed at collecting baseline information on pig management systems and roles will be
collected from community in Etayi constituency by using a structured questionnaire. Other aspects to be
considered in the study will be types and availability of feed resources, breeding and management
practices, socio-economic value of pigs, and challenges facing to pig production.
Factors influencing Namibian household meat purchase behavior
Since different consumers develop their own systems of deciding why they would or would not purchase
meat, it is difficult to know which factors or combinations of factors are most important. Also, a study of
this nature has never been done in Namibia. In other countries, some of the factors that influence
consumer purchase behavior have been identified as cultural factors, psychological factors, lifestyle
factors, and food trends. The objective of this study is to identify the factors that influence consumer
purchase decisions.
Evaluation of entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana as biological
control agents for livestock ticks.
To search for alternative, affordable and environmentally more friendly method of tick control. Rationale:
Currently ticks are controlled using chemical acaricides that are very expensive andpollute the
environment and animal products. An alternative control method that is cheaper and less toxic to the
environment and consumers of animal products is needed. Biological control using entomopathogenic
fungi is the best alternative since the fungi penetrate the tick cuticle directly as opposed to other
biological control agents that must be ingested. Entomopathogenic fungi have been shown to be safe for
warm-blooded animals and to be fairly specific to non-target organisms. They can also be mass produced
on locally-available raw materials thus conserving foreign currency.
Selection of qualitative traits of indigenous chickens in Namibia
The study is designed to explore the production potential of indigenous birds as a build up to previous
work done by the Department of Animal Science, University of Namibia. It is expected that the results
from the study would form a basis for the formulation of strategies for improvement of indigenous
chickens’ productivity.
Replacement of maize with pearl millet (Omahangu) in broiler diets as a mean to reduce the cost of feeds
hence increasing chicken production in Namibia.
One of the possible ways of reducing poultry feeds cost is to replace the conventional feed ingredients
such as maize with cheaper, yet equally efficient, alternatives such Pearl millet. Therefore the aim of this
is to study the viability of pearl millet as a replacement of maize in broiler diets as well as the assessment
of cost reduction, when maize is replaced with pearl millet.
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Chemical residues in commercial milk sold in and around Windhoek
To survey the presence of drug (antibiotic) and other chemical (acaricide) residues in commercial milk.
Although many animal species are used as a source of milk by certain peoples, the cow by far supplies the
largest proportion of milk used by man and its milk contains all the food constituents required in the
human diet and in essentially proper proportions. It is commonly referred to as complete food and is good
source of high quality proteins for man. In terms of costs, milk offers consumers important food at
relatively low costs. Milk is one food in human diet consumed by large groups of people including
infants, expectant mothers and the sick.
DEPARTMENT OF CROP SCIENCE
The Department of Crop Science follows the strategies stated in the National Development Plan III with
respect to research as follows:
• Promote integrated plant nutrition, pest and disease management option
• Create the enabling environment for cultivation of indigenous plant resources
• Improve the production system of both communal and commercial farmers
• Promote the use of soil fertility enhancement technologies
• Create an appropriate environment for improved production and marketing for sustained long term
production of crops/plants
The mission of the department is to develop and provide appropriate technologies for crop production that
will contribute to national food security. The appropriate technologies aim at sustainability with
consideration of the environment, gender issues, youth development and people living with HIV/AIDS.
Emphasis is on the development of low input and labour saving technologies for efficient utilization of
resources, particularly for the resource poor farmers. Food security requires an increase in productivity,
utilization of indigenous crops and crop diversity. This is achieved through crop improvement, increased
soil fertility, better soil and water management, introduction of new crops to the existing crop production
system, improved pest management and improved seed and post-harvest technology.
The department will therefore aim at achieving these goals by carrying out research in several fields as
outlined below:
Crop Protection and Post Harvest (Duration: 2-3 years)
To identify the most prevalent pest (diseases, insects, weeds, birds and rodents) of economic value in the
field and in storage structures; To test and recommend appropriate control measures for pest in the field
and in storage structures; and to identify and recommend appropriate processing technologies and storage
structures.
Crop Improvement and Diversification (Duration: 2-3 years)
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To improve and introduce new crop varieties adapted to local environment; To promote the cultivation
and utilization of indigenous crops; and to train farmers and research personnel and seed production and
multiplication.
Cropping System (Duration: 2-3 years)
To improve and promote suitable cropping systems.
Soil and Water Management and Engineering (Duration:3-4)
To identify and promote appropriate and sustainable soil and water management technologies; and to
measure, improve and promote the efficiency of draft power and related implements.
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences as part of the national agriculture research system
aims to thrive in conducting research activities in the field of Fisheries and Aquatics Sciences with great
emphasis on Aquatic Resources Management and Aquaculture research development to enhance
resources sustainability and help promote food security of our country and that of the SADC at large.
Research priorities of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences are based on the following
research goals: (1) To develop, through excellence in fisheries research and provide necessary skills for
meeting the professional needs of society with regard to sustainable fisheries resources development and
management; (2) To provide the human resource skills in fisheries and aquaculture development to
increase production of the fishery and aquatic resources of the SADC region in a sustainable manner, and
(3) To provide through research in aquatic environments efficient water basin management strategies by
improving current knowledge in the dynamics of the aquatic environments.
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences is actively in partnership with other academic
institutions and government agencies in fulfilling its research mandates. Some of these are: University of
the Western Cape (UWC), University of Cape Town (UCT), Marine and Coastal Management (MCM),
within the Department of Environment and Tourism of South Africa, National Marine Information and
Research Centre (NatMIRC) within the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Namibia, Rhodes
University, Stirling University, Benguela Current Commission (BCC), Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR), Bunda College, University of Malawi, South African Institute for Aquatic
Biodiversity (SAIAB).
Freshwater Fish Biodiversity and Management (Duration: 3 Years)
In joint cooperation with Rhodes University, the South Africa Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)
and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Kamutjonga Inland Fisheries Institute (KIFI) initiated
this project in 2008 with emphasis on the holistic management strategy for the fisheries of the Zambezi
River and Eastern Caprivi Floodplains. This project eventually commenced beginning of 2010. This
research aims to determine the environmental and human impacts on the fish and fisheries of the eastern
Caprivi floodplains, with particular emphasis on the development of the Lake Liambezi fish stocks
following the refilling of the lake. It also aims to contribute to the wealth and well-being of riparian
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communities in the Caprivi region by contributing to the sustainable utilization of natural resources
through developing recommendations for environmentally sound harvesting strategies. The expected
outputs include; Management recommendations for the fisheries based on a comprehensive understanding
of the biology and population dynamics of major target species and the social dimensions and indigenous
knowledge of the harvesting fisheries. Another output is enhancing regional fisheries management and
research capacity building by contributing towards the training of at least two M.Sc. graduates.
Study on Safety and Quality of Farmed Shellfish in Namibia (Duration: 3 Years)
Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. However, concerns have been raised
over the safety of farmed shellfish due to seafood poisoning. Shellfish are filter feeders, and therefore
accumulate contaminants from the environment in which they grow. There are no statistics and scientific
reports on shellfish poisoning in Namibia resulting from consumption of contaminated shellfish. The
scarcity of information on the presence of other common hazards such as heavy metals, viruses,
protozoan and bacteria in farmed shellfish is another concern. The implication of consuming
contaminated shellfish may be devastating; it may lead to loss of life and subsequently loss of revenue
due to farm closures and loss of markets. The growing aquaculture industry therefore needs a practical
approach to assure the safety as well as the quality of farmed shellfish. Depuration is a technique that is
used to expel contaminants from shellfish in many parts of the world. It involves placing shellfish in
flowing clean seawater after harvest so that the animals resume pumping activity to enable them to expel
contaminants from their gills and intestinal tract over a period of time. It is recommended that depuration
be used in combination with a disinfectant to increase its efficacy. However, results from various studies
show that when used in combination with disinfectants such as ozone, UV radiation, chlorine, chlorine.
Freshwater Fish Biodiversity and Management (Duration: 3 Years)
In joint cooperation with Rhodes University, the South Africa Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)
and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Kamutjonga Inland Fisheries Institute (KIFI) initiated
this project in 2008 with emphasis on the holistic management strategy for the fisheries of the Zambezi
River and Eastern Caprivi Floodplains. This project eventually commenced beginning of 2010. This
research aims to determine the environmental and human impacts on the fish and fisheries of the eastern
Caprivi floodplains, with particular emphasis on the development of the Lake Liambezi fish stocks
following the refilling of the lake. It also aims to contribute to the wealth and well-being of riparian
communities in the Caprivi region by contributing to the sustainable utilization of natural resources
through developing recommendations for environmentally sound harvesting strategies. The expected
outputs include; Management recommendations for the fisheries based on a comprehensive understanding
of the biology and population dynamics of major target species and the social dimensions and indigenous
knowledge of the harvesting fisheries. Another output is enhancing regional fisheries management and
research capacity building by contributing towards the training of at least two M.Sc. graduates.
Study on Safety and Quality of Farmed Shellfish in Namibia (Duration: 3 Years)
Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. However, concerns have been raised
over the safety of farmed shellfish due to seafood poisoning. Shellfish are filter feeders, and therefore
accumulate contaminants from the environment in which they grow. There are no statistics and scientific
reports on shellfish poisoning in Namibia resulting from consumption of contaminated shellfish. The
13
scarcity of information on the presence of other common hazards such as heavy metals, viruses,
protozoan and bacteria in farmed shellfish is another concern. The implication of consuming
contaminated shellfish may be devastating; it may lead to loss of life and subsequently loss of revenue
due to farm closures and loss of markets. The growing aquaculture industry therefore needs a practical
approach to assure the safety as well as the quality of farmed shellfish. Depuration is a technique that is
used to expel contaminants from shellfish in many parts of the world. It involves placing shellfish in
flowing clean seawater after harvest so that the animals resume pumping activity to enable them to expel
contaminants from their gills and intestinal tract over a period of time. It is recommended that depuration
be used in combination with a disinfectant to increase its efficacy. However, results from various studies
show that when used in combination with disinfectants such as ozone, UV radiation, chlorine, chlorine
dioxide, iodophores and electrolyzed oxidized (EO), various limitations in eliminating hazards are
encountered. The use of neutral electrolyzed water (NEW) with near neutral pH has been proposed as a
disinfectant in depurating oysters. However, no study has been conducted to assess its efficacy. It is the
overall objective of the current study elucidates the efficacy of NEW in eliminating hazards in Oysters
post-harvest.
It is envisaged that the study will contribute to the scientific knowledge in the field of shellfish safety
through publication of papers. The study will also assist in the development of a practical strategy to
eliminate/reduce hazards that may be present in farmed shellfish to acceptable levels as required by
markets. The outcome of the study will also enable policy makers in governments and other stakeholders
to develop policies on the safety of farmed shellfish. Another output is enhancing regional research
capacity building by contributing towards the training of Ph.D. graduate.
Marine Zooplankton Research (Duration: 2 Years)
This project was initiated in joint cooperation between the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences,
University of Western Cape, National Marine Information and Research Centre (NatMIRC) and
University of Tromsø, Norway. This study commenced at the beginning of 2010. This study aims to
examine, and compare, the effects of different preservation methods (e.g. fresh, formalin, alcohol, and
freezing) on body length, width and mass of Zooplankton found off the Namibia coast. Furthermore this
study aims to examine if there have been changes over time in body size (length and weight) of key
zooplankton species related to long-term environmental variability (on a multi-decadal scale) and possibly
also to climate change. This information will provide length-weight conversion factors as well as enable
standardization and comparison with methods on a national, regional and international level, and will
allow zooplankton biomass indices to be derived from numerical abundances of species. This project will
in addition contribute to regional marine resources management and research capacity building by
contributing towards the training of at least two M.Sc. graduates.
Seasonal Changes in the Abundance and Distribution of the Jellyfish (Chrysaora Ephyrae) Off
Namibia (Duration: 2 Years)
Jellyfish are common components of the zooplankton off Namibian coastal waters, and are likely to be
having a strong impact on the functioning of the pelagic system. Jellyfish can be voracious carnivores and
will effectively eat whatever contacts their tentacles/oral arms, triggers the nematocysts and then doesn’t
subsequently manage to escape. While crustacean zooplankton are likely to be the dominant prey items,
jellyfish have been shown elsewhere to consume large numbers of fish eggs and larvae and can, when
14
present in bloom numbers, have a generally adverse affect on fish recruitment. A jellyfish (or medusa)
represents the conspicuous, dispersive and sexually active part of the life cycle of the animal, and it
typically alternates with a small, cryptic benthic polyp phase that buds off ephyrae asexually when
environmental conditions are appropriate. The appearance of jellyfish in the water column tends therefore
to be markedly seasonal, as a number of essentially seasonal cues have been observed to induce
strobilation (asexual budding process). The most common cue to ephyra release is a drop in water
temperature so that young jellyfish are usually first seen towards the end of winter in temperate latitudes.
Whilst the Namibian marine ecosystem is considered to be temperate in nature, biogeographically cold
temperate, it is not classically temperate as is a coastal upwelling system. Sudden decreases in bottom
temperature can be experienced after prolonged alongshore wind stress at any time of the year, which
means that ephyrae should be found in the water column at any time of year – or at least at a time of the
year reflecting appropriate wind stress.
This latter hypothesis will be investigated here using archived plankton samples that were collected along
the length of the Namibian coast during the 1970s as part of the SWAPELS programme.
Bioaccumulation of Trace Metals in Northern Namibia Floodplains (Duration: 3 years)
This research is focused on the mobilization and fate of inorganic contaminants (primarily heavy metals)
due to re-suspension of cohesive benthic sediments in aquatic systems during natural episodic events
(floods) and seeking to answer fundamental questions about the transport and fate of priority metal
contaminants (e.g. Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd) between benthic sediments, the water column and the fauna of
aquatic systems. This research will combine bioaccumulation and column studies of benthic sediment
resuspension with bench-scale studies of interactions between these metals with the sediments. In
addition, the uptake of these metals by fish species will be evaluated as a potential index for the
assessment of ecosystem and human health associated with mobilized metals along the aquatic food
chain.
Data obtained will be utilized to develop models of metal mobilization and spatial distribution in the
aquatic systems, while numerical models will be applied in the study of contaminated sediment
resuspension subject to natural episodic events.
With the recent flooding in several northern parts of Namibia, this research will underpin the development
of effective Water Basin Management Planning by improving our current understanding of the prediction
of heavy metal movement in water bodies as a result of episodic events (flooding) leading to better risk
assessment for both aquatic biota and human exposure to these pollutants. Such knowledge is central to
the development of sediment quality guidelines and the management of priority substances within the
environment.
Silver Kob Culture Research (Duration: 3 Years)
The Namibian Government has identified aquaculture as a key growth area in the diminishing fishing
sector. The Namibian marine aquaculture industry has concentrated on oyster farming for the most part,
but the sub-sector needs to diversify away from shellfish to allow for future growth and stability. The
silver kob appears to be a strong candidate for aquaculture in Namibia, and this project aims to investigate
15
key aspects of the propagation, husbandry, larviculture, environmental tolerances, growth and survival of
the species under captive conditions; in order to assess its potential.
For most of the Namibian coast, marine aquaculture is restricted to onshore farming in ponds or tanks.
This is relatively expensive, and therefore limits cultivation to higher-value species, such as the silver
kob, Argyrosomus inodorus. The silver kob grows relatively quickly, is sort-after for its palatability, can
be induced to spawn under artificial conditions and is commonly available, making up some 70% of
recreational shore angling catches and 58% of all line fish catches in Namibia.
The research consist of six parts, including an examination of the reproductive biology of silver kob using
fish sampled throughout the year; the development of a spawning protocol for brood stock fish using
hormonal and environmental induction; a description and photographic documentation of the egg and
larval development of the species; the development of a technique for the larviculture of silver kob; the
development of a method to wean post-larvae from live to inert artificial food, and the observation of the
effects of different feeding regimes on the growth and survival of these fish; and lastly, the elucidation of
the temperature preference of the species, and it’s tolerances for the key limiting environmental factors in
tank culture, such as oxygen levels and ammonia concentrations.
Ecosystem Effects of Bottom-Trawling in the Benguela System (Duration: 3 Years)
This research focuses on potential effects caused by bottom-trawling to the demersal fish communities off
the Namibian coast. Investigations seek to detect possible changes in the community structure, size
structure, species diversity, abundances and biomasses of demersal fish communities. Bottom-trawling is
known to have major threats to the structure and function of marine ecosystems since it impacts on
community structure and life traits of organisms. Several studies have been done in other parts of the
world (e.g. North Sea, Newfoundland, off Alaska, Australia, and Japan) but none was conducted in the
Benguela System. Namibia boosts a fairly large export of fish and fish products to Spain (which is further
distributed to other EU nations). Of these fish exports, the two species of hake (Merluccius capensis and
M. paradoxus) dominate and forms Namibia’s most valuable fishery. These species are caught in bottomtrawls and long-lines. Thus, for the very first time the Benguela system is being studied through this
research to unravel the effects of bottom-trawling, and to make use of this valuable information towards
an ecosystem approach to fisheries management. Whereby a healthy ecosystem would be able to sustain a
healthy fish population, thus a need to balance our harvesting habits and the resource base, without
harming the environment within which the fish live. Without knowledge on the existing effects of
bottom-trawling, we may fall in a poor management of our fisheries stocks. An important output is
enhancing regional fisheries management and research capacity building by contributing towards the
training of a Ph.D. graduate.
DEPARTMENT OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The mission of the department is to create, analyze, and share knowledge of Food Science & Technology
to enhance food safety, nutrition, and quality so as to improve the lives of people as well as economy and
social well being. The research priorities are the foundation to responses to the emerging needs: (1) To
develop value added products from indigenous natural resources; (2) Analyze indigenous fruits and
vegetables to identify functional ingredients that are of potential commercial value and (3) Establish new
16
interdisciplinary research programs such as food nutrition and food safety congruent with development of
economic globalization and the increase in international trading of food products.
Food Safety & Quality Control (Duration: 2 - 3 years)
The safety of food, whether produced for home consumption, imported or exported is one of the concerns
of the Government of the Republic of Namibia. This has resulted in the review of the food legislation for
the purpose of amending those laws which are outdated and/or introducing new legislations. This also
precipitated Namibian accession to the membership of FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme – the
Codex Alimentaruis Commission. The research agenda of the Department on food safety and quality
control will concentrate on conducting Risk Assessment and Risk Management programme and identify
possible commodities which are affected by mycotoxins such as aflatoxins in peanut, crops such as maize,
and pearl-millet (Mahangu) in an effort to prevent adverse health effects on the consumers.
Food Processing & Product Development (Duration: 3 - 4 years)
This research agenda falls within the Government’s desire to promote value added products from local
agricultural produce that are nutritious and safe for human consumption; and that are fulfilling the
standards and specifications of the importing countries. New products and their processes are to be
developed and the physico-chemical compositions of these products are analyzed and documented.
Nutritional Research (Duration: 2 - 3 years)
Micronutrient deficiency has been identified as one of the serious problems affecting a significant
proportion of the Namibian population. Thus research on Vitamin A deficiency (xeropthalmia), food
iodine (goiter), iron deficiency (anaemia) and niacin deficiency (pellagra) will be undertaken to promote
food fortification and/or to monitor and enforce standards and guidelines emanating from legislations
requiring inclusion of these in food products.
This research agenda arises out of the need to reduce micronutrient deficiencies in Namibia and conforms
to the pledge made by the Government of the Republic of Namibia to declare Vision 2030 as “Food selfsufficient and Industrial Nation”.
Food Composition Data (Duration: 4 - 5 years)
The nutritional profile of foods consumed in a society is very important and contributes to the
understanding of issues related to health. Food processing is also very much depended on these basic data
to improve quality and safety. The nutritional profile if found to be desirable. It will assist in the
commercialization of the food products based on their known inherent nutritional composition. The
Department is therefore to do an analysis on food in order to compile a Food Composition Data Base.
Value Addition Research (Duration: 5 years)
The Department of Food Science & Technology intends to promote processed and value added products
derived from crops and livestock raw materials. Thus teaching and research trainings in these areas will
concentrate on improving the technical utilization of commodities such pearl millet (Mahangu),
17
indigenous fruits & vegetables, milk, sea-foods, and meat for the purpose of producing nutritious,
organoleptic and safe food for human consumption.
This research agenda is not only aimed at producing processed, nutritious and safe food, but will also
strengthen entrepreneurship and food security in the country, which is long overdue.
DEPARTMENT OF INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The key objective of the Department of Integrated Environmental Science (IES) is to provide training in
the field of forestry, wildlife management and general environmental sciences. Its mandate is to conduct
research aimed at knowledge expansion in the area of natural resource management. The department aims
to conduct research that is in line with the national research needs articulated from the NDP III and vision
2030 of Namibia. It is envisaged that results from research will, ultimately contribute to improved
livelihoods as well as the economic development of Namibian people. Due to the integrative nature of
natural resource management and the broad subject context of the department, collaboration will be
emphasized. The following research themes will be prioritized:
Agroforestry Systems for Food Security and Rural Incomes (Duration: 4-5)
Tree resources are a major contributor to food security and incomes of rural households and especially so
in arid and semi-arid areas where crop production is hindered by harsh climatic conditions. Research will
be conducted with indigenous and exotic tree and shrub species. The aim will be to identify and promote
possible breeding schemes. Research results may be incorporated into current farming systems to improve
food security, contribute to household incomes and ensure that the environment is conserved. The
ultimate goal is to come up with agroforestry technologies (packages) that utilize a wide range of tree
diversity, that can easily be adopted by farmers and have a direct positive impact on their welfare.
Specifically the following will be given attention:
– Fruit trees
– Fodder and live fencing species
– Fuel-wood species
– Species for soil improvement
– Bio-fuel species
– Sericulture species
Utilization of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) (Duration: 2-3 years)
Tropical ecosystems are some of the most species rich in plant and animal life. The challenge lies in
development and utilization of this biodiversity. Research will be conducted in:
– Identification, domestication and commercialization of high value indigenous species (food, medicinal
etc.). The main focus will be on, propagation, product developmet, value addition and marketing.
– Use of plant extracts for pest and disease control
– Develop research activities focusing on identifying effective community-based strategies for improved
management, processing and marketing of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) such as honey etc.
18
Wood Based Industries (Duration: 5 years)
Namibia imports at enormous costs, a lot of timber, power transmission posts and fencing materials.
Although the harsh climatic conditions in Namibia make growing of many timber species uneconomical,
fast growing species can be promoted to supplement the imports. Research in this area will seek to:
– Identify exotic and indigenous species that will grow fast enough under the Namibian climatic
conditions to yield products that will compete favorably with the imported wood. Growth rates of target
indigenous species will be determined.
– Identify indigenous species that can produce fencing materials and determine the silvicultural strategies
required for sustainable production and wood treatment methods to increase durability.
– Monitoring patterns of wood consumption in different regions of Namibia
Environmental Conservation (Duration: 4 years)
a) Integrated Water Management
The wide network of oshanas which traverses across Omusati Region makes the region highly vulnerable
to intermittent seasonal floods; as such local communities that are within this network would always be
adversely affected by such floods. It is therefore essential to establish a regional flood monitoring system
to provide early warning information to local people so that they can take precautions. Baseline studies
for Oshana ecosystems are required so that an integrated water management system of seasonally flooded
areas in Northern regions of Namibia is developed. Research should be conducted to develop suitable
techniques for water harvest and utilization of this resource into agricultural systems. Flooding and
drought phenomenon are associated to the changing patterns of climate. Studies on climate change will
focus specifically on:
– The impact of climate change and adaptation on agriculture and other land-uses
– Methodologies for measuring adaptation strategies of farming practices and systems for farmers
– Assessment of vulnerability of different communities under varying farming or other land management
systems.
b) Management of invasive plant species
i. Develop objective criterion of quantifying invasiveness
ii. Study behavior of some key tree/shrub invasive species and determine control measures
c) Long-term analysis of deforestation process
d) Restoration of sand dune areas through screening plant species that can tolerate salty conditions for
sand dunes stabilization and for Namibian coastal area landscaping.
Community Based Natural Resource Management (Duration: 4 years)
19
Conservation efforts will normally fail if they do not receive community support and many projects fail to
have impact due to failure of project designers to understand the communities they intend to help.
Management of natural resources in Namibia and especially in many parts in the North is complicated by
the fact that the resources are communally owned. Studies will be conducted in the broad area of
• Community perceptions of natural resource management
• Community based natural resource management
The Namibia forest policy and the Forest Act 12 of 2001 which is focusing on community based
management of forest resources has been in force since 2001 (Government Republic of Namibia 2002).
Policy analysis studies are required to investigate the success of this policy in terms of combating
desertification, improving law compliance and achievement of sustainable forest management.
Experiences learned during the implementation of the forest policy of 2001 could be used to identify best
practices for improving forest law compliances in the forestry sector.
Wildlife Management (Duration: 5 years)
Article 12 (l) of the Namibian constitution specifically oblige institutions to sustainably utilize natural
resources for the benefits of all Namibians. Through this article, the policy to promote establishment of
conservancies was developed giving local communities rights to wildlife management and tourism. By
2005, about 44 conservancies were registered and they covered about 13% of Namibia land cover adding
to the current 16.5% land cover within national parks and forest reserves (Namibia Association of
CBNRM Support Organization (NACSO), 2005).Establishment of conservancies has a greater impact on
sustainable utilization of wildlife resources as well as habitat conservation.
Scientific information is therefore needed to support the communities in decision making with regard to
governance, benefit sharing and handling the human wildlife conflict within conservancy areas.
Following the recent policy on translocation of wildlife into their former ranges (commercial farms and
conservancies) where they have been depleted, it is important to assess the impact of this translocation on
wildlife behavior (reproduction cycle, competition, birth rate, diseases etc) as well as on human wildlife
conflict (does it has any potential to mediate the conflict). Impact on socio economic values of people
living adjacent to conservancies or people owning wildlife ranches could also be assessed to scientifically
ascertain the overall success of conservancy establishment.
Management of Indigenous Woodlands (Duration: 4-5 years)
Namibia is a dry country with only about 300 ha land under experimental plantation (Mendelsohn, 2005).
About 60% of the country is covered with indigenous savanna woodlands that are providing livelihood
products to the rural communities. Continuous research studies are needed to develop strategies for
practical and effective management of these woodlands. Results could be used to advice the communities
on sustainable silvicultural practices as well as harvesting methods for the different woodlands available
in the country.
20
It is estimated that about 8-10 million ha of indigeneous woodlands are infested with bush encroachment
around areas of Tsumeb, Grootfontein, Otjiwarongo, Okahandja and Omaruru (DoF, 2007). Bush
encroachment is viewed as a serious problem for farmers in Namibia because it interferes with the growth
of grazing for ranching livestock and wildlife. It is estimated that due to bush encroachment the
agricultural sector loses about N$100 million annually. Research studies to address the issue of bush
encroachment is required especially in the areas looking at utilization of unwanted bush into some forms
of economic value such as production of energy. Long term monitoring studies focusing on best methods
for restoring bush encroached woodlands to improve grazing and the carrying capacity of the range.
MERITORIOUS RESEARCH AWARDS
Dr P Bille (Department of Food Science and Technology) received the Faculty award for 2010 and was
amongst the nominees for the University reward.
RESEARCH OUTPUT FOR 2010
Musaba, E.C. (2010). Analysis of factors influencing adoption of cattle management technologies by
communal farmers in Northern Namibia. Livestock Research for rural development, 22(6).
Lutaaya, E., Nakafeero, A., and Nemaire, S. (2010). Reproductive performance of two sow lines under
arid climatic conditions. South Africa Journal of Animal Science.
Chinuwo, T., Mugabe, P.H., Mpofu, I.D.T., Mulugeta, E., Timpong-Jones, E. (2010). Synopsis of cattle
performance in Zimbabwe’s “Initial” resettlement areas after land reforms and redistribution. Bulletin of
Animal Health and Production in Africa. Issue no 3.
Beyene ST, Mpofu I, Schneider MB (2010). Research and Training for disaster reduction: Handling the
challenges of Namibia’s natural environment, poster presentation at the International Day for Natural
Disaster Reduction (IDNR, 2010), 13 October, 2010. Zoo Park, Windhoek, Namibia.
Kaurivi, J.Z.U., Katjiua, M., Maharero T., Thomas, B., Thjiho, G.U.T. (2010). Sustainable Alternative
Livelihood Diversification Survey: Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto: CCP-CALLC, Ministry
of Agriculture Water and Forestry.
Shikongo,M.N., Kachigunda, B., and Venter S.N. (2010). Evaluation of oxidizing disinfectants to control
Vibro biofilms in treated seas water used for fishing process. Water South Africa Journal, Vol.36 No. 3.
Jia, L.; Shigwedha, N. and Mwandemele, O.D. (2010). Use of Dacid-, Dbile-, zacid- and zbile-values in
evaluating bifidobacteria with regard to stomach pH and bile salts sensitivity. Journal of Food Science,
75, M14 – M18.
Shikongo-Nambabi, M.N.N.N.; Chimwamurombe, P.M. and Venter, S.N. (2010). Factors impacting on
the microbiological quality and safety of processed hake. African Journal of Biotechnology 9, 8405 –
8411.
Shigwedha, N.; Tzerodze, M. and Jia, L. (2010). Viability of a new isolated Bifidobacterium strain in
chilled yoghurt. Journal of Subtropical Crops 1–4, 134 – 139.
Taylor, J.R.N., Barrion, S.C. & Rooney, L.W. (2010). Pearl Millet- New Developments in Ancient Food
Grain. Cereal Foods World. Vol 55. 16-19.
21
Kiruki H.M; Kiyiapi J.L .Njunge J.T. (2010). Woody biomass estimation of Tarchonanthus camphoratus
from different woodland stands. African Journal of Ecology 48 (1): 1-5 (First published online in Oct.
2009).
Hitimana J., Kiyiapi J., Njunge J. and Rosemary Bargerei (2010). Disturbance indicators and population
decline of logged species in Mt. Elgon Forest, Kenya African Journal of Ecology 48 (3): 699-708 (First
published online in Oct. 2009).
Omoregie, E., Tjipute, M., and Murangi, J. (2010). Effects of harvesting of the Namibian kelp (Laminaria
pallida) on the re-growth rate and recruitment. Africa Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and
Development, 10(5): 2542-2555
1.2 FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
SECTION 1
Student Statistics for 2010
Student Regional Distribution for 2010
SECTION 2: STAFF
Academic and Administrative staff by Gender and Nationality for 2010
Department/Unit
Male
Female
Namibian
Non-
Total
Namibian
Office of the Dean
2
3
5
Accounting, Auditing & Income Tax
9
5
12
2
14
Economics
8
2
7
3
10
Management Science
7
2
9
-
9
Political & Administrative Studies
9
-
9
-
9
Namibia Business School
4
5
9
-
9
TOTAL
39
17
51
5
56
SECTION 3: STAFF DEVELOPMENT
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
22
5
Faculty
Faculty of
Economics and
Management
Science
Department
No. on
Staff
Developme
nt
No. left
No. returned
Faculty
Total
During the
year
During the year
Accounting
4
1
-
4
Economics
1
-
-
1
Management
Science
-
-
-
Political and
administrative
Studies
1
-
-
1
UNIVERSITY STAFF ON TRAINING FOR 2010
Faculty
Faculty of Economics and
Management Science
PhD
2
Master’s Bachelor’s Others
Degree
Degree
1
-
-
Total
Female
Total
Male
Total
1
2
3
SECTION 5
INTRODUCTION
The Faculty of Economics and Management Science (FEMS) under the leadership of Dr. O. KakujahaMatundu as Acting-Dean, has five (5) departments, namely Accounting, Auditing and Income Tax,
Economics, Management Science , Namibia Business School and Political and Administrative Studies.
The respective HODs of these departments are Prof. U.L. Paliwal, Dr. E. Kaakunga, Ms. J. Haubas, Mr.
M. Hengari and Dr. L. Blaauw.
The mission of FEMS is to engage in partnership with major stakeholders in market relevant, academic
and technical training, research and educational programmes, and to create a conducive learning
environment that provides for innovation, knowledge building, development professional of and
functional skills as well as market related competencies.
ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
The shortage of staff continues to be of the challenges faced by all the departments in the faculty. The
situation necessitated engaging part time lecturers. Another challenge is the lack of space for offices and
computer labs. The only department that has a computer for undergraduate students is the departments of
Accounting, Auditing and Income Tax. The economics department has small computer lab which is
restricted to the graduate students while the business school owns a computer lab with limited
equipments. It is important to note that during the academic year 2010, the department of economics was
able to lunched the collaborative masters programme in economics with the support from the African
23
Economic Research Consortium (AERC). Furthermore, two postgraduate programmes of the business
school were approved by Senate during the period under review. These programmes are the Master of
Business Administration in Finance and Doctor of Business Administration.
Staff development was and continues to be a challenge in that when there is shortage of staff it is difficult
to release any of those on board to go and study. Once again, it is hoped that the situation will be
addressed soon.
RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS
Books
Boesl, A. Horn, N. and Du Pisani, A. (2010). Constitutional Democracy in Namibia: A Critical Analysis
after Two Decades. Windhoek: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
Du Pisani, A. Koessler, R and Lindeke, B. (2010). The Long Aftermath of War- Reconciliation and
Transition in Namibia. Freiburg: Arnold Bergtraesser Institut.
Osterkamp, R. and Beard, T. The Global Organ Shortage, MIT Press, Cambridge, forthcoming.
Riruako, H. and Katjimune, J. (2011). The Forgotten Heroes & Heroines: People Who Contributed
Immensely to the Liberation Struggle of Namibia, but who do Not Appear in History Books, ISBN 978–
99945–71–5-2.
Riruako, H. (2011) The 40th Anniversary of the Death of Chief Hosea Katjikururume Komombumbi
Kutako ISBN 978-99945-71-50-5.
Riruako, H. (2011) Namibian at a Crossroads – A New Dawning: Namibia’s Political and Governance
Transformation since Independence ISBN 978-99945-71-52-9.
Paliwal, U.L. Olivier, M. A.( Editors) (2010), Contemporary issues in Accounting and Finance ISBN:
978-99945-69-69-4 UNAM Press Windhoek, Namibia
Book Chapters
Du Pisani, A. “The Discursive Limits of SWAPO’s Dominant Discourses on Anti-colonial Nationalism in
Postcolonial Namibia- a First Exploration” in Du Pisani, A. Koessler, R and Lindeke, B. (Eds.) (2010).
The Long Aftermath of War- Reconciliation and Transition in Namibia. Freiburg: Arnold Bergtraesser
Institut.
24
Du Pisani, A. “The paradigm of constitutional democracy: Genesis, implications and limitations” in
Boesl, A. Horn, N. and Du Pisani, A. (Eds.) (2010). Constitutional Democracy in Namibia: A Critical
Analysis after Two Decades. Windhoek: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
Du Pisani, A and Lindeke, W. “Political Party Life in Namibia: Dominant Party with Consolidating
Democracy” in Lawson, K. Sindjourn, L and Simms, M (Eds.) (2010). Political Parties and Democracy:
Africa and Oceania. Chicago: Praeger.
Du Pisani, A. 2010. ‘Language and Development’ in Mbongeni and Malaba (eds.). Policy and Practice in
English Language Education in Namibia. Windhoek: Macmillan Education.
Kaapama, P. “Politics of the Land Question in Post Settler Colonial Africa: Some Comparative
explorations of Zimbabwe, Kenya, Namibia and South Africa” in Du Pisani, A.
Koessler, R and Lindeke, B.(Eds.) (2010). The Long Aftermath of War- Reconciliation and Transition in
Namibia. Freiburg: Arnold Bergtraesser Institut.
Riruako, H. (2011) Democracy and what? The African Version of Democracy – Special Reference on
Namibia in Creating a Better Life for Africans.
Riruako, H. (2011) Leadership Challenges in the Public Sector in Namibia ISBN 978-99945-71-54-3.
Tonchi, V. “Namibia” in Buthelezi, S. (Ed.) (2009). The Land Belong To Us: The Land and Agrarian
Question in Africa. Alice: University of Fort Hare Press, East London.
Journal Articles
Blaauw, L. 2010. A Note on the Namibian National Assembly Elections 2009. Journal of African
Elections, 9(1), 128-140.
Kaapama, P. 2010. ‘Electioneering and Parties’ Platforms in the 2009 Namibian Presidential and National
Elections’ Perspectives-Political Analysis and Commentary from Southern Africa, Heinrich Böll Stiftung,
1(10), 12-16.
Kandenge, F. Investment and Economic Growth in Namibia, Botswana Journal of Economics, 7(11), 215.
25
Paliwal, U. L. (2010). Distance Education: a model for Ethiopian University of Gondar, International
Journal of Education Economics and Development , 1(2).
Published Conference Papers & Unpublished Research Output
Chifamba, R. (2010) Estimating the Potential of manufacturing and Services Sectors as key Drivers in the
Achievement of Vision 2030 objectives.
Kaakunga (2010) Economic Consequences of Decentralisation in Namibia, in V. Olivier, “Proceedings
from The State of Decentralisation in Namibia Conference ,(pp.71-84). UNAM Press: M.A. Olivier.
Kaakunga, E. Foreign Aid and Economic Development in Namibia, in M. Ndulo and N. Walle,
Proceedings from the Symposium on Problems, Promises, and Paradoxes of Aid: Africa’s experience,
forthcoming.
Kaapama, P. 2010. Namibian Politics of the Land Question. Bayreuth: Institut fur Afrikastudien.
Kaakunga, E. The Determinants of Manufactured Exports in Namibia, African Economic Research
Consortium (AERC) Research Paper, AERC forthcoming.
Kakujaha-Matundu, O. Midterm Review of Kreditanstalt Fur Wiederaufbau
Kaulihowa, T. (2010) & Yinusa, O.D. Foreign Direct Investment-Growth Nexus in Namibia, in Paliwal,
U.L. Olivier, M. A. Proceedings from Contemporary issues in Accounting and Finance Conference, (pp.
115-132) UNAM Press: U.L. Paliwal & M.A. Oliver
Kaulihowa, T. (2010). Stock Market Development and Economic Growth in Namibia, “Causality
Analysis”. Paper presented at the Global Finance Conference, Stellenbosch.
Osterkamp, R. General Accounting in Namibia, to be Published in the Proceedings of the Accounting and
Finance Conference by the Department of Accounting, Auditing and Income Tax University of Namibia
Riruako, H. (2009) Fiscal Decentralization: The Case of Namibia: Proceedings from the Contemporary
Issues in Accounting and Finance Conference, (pp. 205-213). UNAMP Press: U.L. Paliwal & M.A.
Oliver.
26
Riruako, H. (2010). Decentralisation in Namibia: An Exploratory Study of the Omaheke Region,
Proceedings from the State of Decentralisation in Namibia Conference, (pp.122-128). UNAM Press:
M.A. Oliver.
Riruako, H. & Haoses-Gorases, L. (2010). Health Sector Decentralisation Challenges in Namibia:
Proceedings from The State of Decentralisation in Namibia conference, (pp. 85-94). UNAM Press: M.A.
Oliver,
Riruako, H. (2011). Good Governance, Democracy and Development: Special Focus on Namibia in
Africa in 21st Century and the Quasquicentennial of the Scramble of Africa
Study Guides and Training Manuals
Chata, T. (2010). Computerized Accounting Systems, Centre for External Studies, University of Namibia.
Dhlamini, B. (2010) Auditing 1 A & B, Centre for External Studies, University of Namibia
Nambahu, H. (2010). Financial Accounting 1 A & B, Centre for External Studies, University of Namibia.
Kaakunga, E. (2010) Managerial Economics, Centre for External Studies, University of Namibia
Paliwal, U.L. (2010). Management Accounting 1 B, Centre for External Studies, University of Namibia
Paliwal, U.L. (2010). Business Research methods, Centre for External Studies, University of Namibia
Thomas, R. (2010). Business Statistics, Centre for External Studies, University of Namibia
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Prof. A du Pisani

Chairperson of the Research and Publications Committee of the NCHE

Trustee of the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR)

Board member of the John Maufangeyo Art Centre

Member of the UNAM Task Force of Think Tanks
Mr. V. Tonchi

Board member of PACON

Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Namibia

Board member of NAMPA

AU Election Observer
Prof. P. van Rooyen

External examiner – University of Stellenbosch
27
Dr. Blaauw
 External Examiner – Polytechnic of Namibia
Prof. U.L. Paliwal
 External examiner – Polytechnic of Namibia
Dr. E. Kaakunga
 Chairperson of the faculty postgraduate committee
 Member of UNAM postgraduate committee
 External Examiner – Polytechnic of Namibia
Dr. R. Chifamba

Setting up Comprehensive Examinations for the Collaborative PhD programme in Economics for the
African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)
Prof. J.E. Odada
 External Examiner – Polytechnic of Namibia
Dr. O. Kakujaha-Matundu
 Board member – Bank of Namibia
 Board member – Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
 Commissioner – Namibian Competition Commission
Ms. J. Mumangeni
 Member of Forum for African Women Educationalist in Namibia – Research Committee
 Faculty representative – faculty of Science Board Meeting
Mr. E. Naimhwaka
 Chairperson of the Selection Committee – Athletics Namibia
Dr. R. Osterkamp


Chairperson of Ethiopia Committee Munich
Coordinator of Bi-weekly Departmental Lecture Series
CONCLUSION
It is important to note that despite various challenges facing the faculty. It has managed to lunch masters
degrees and a Doctor of Business Administration. Members of the faculty were involved in research
activities despite heavily teaching work load. The research output includes books, chapters in books,
journal articles, conference papers among others. It was indeed a success story. Two staff members are
pursuing their PhDs while one staff member is expected to complete her masters degree this year.
1.3 FACULTY OF EDUCATION
28
INTRODUCTION
This Research Report covers the year 2010. It reflects some of the research carried out and papers
published by members in the Faculty of Education. A variety of topics were tackled and several papers
presented at workshops and conferences. Some of these papers will undoubtedly be turned into in refereed
journal articles during 2011.
MISSION OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION
The research mission of the Faculty is to address areas pertaining to education in Namibia in general and
the region and provide leadership in this area.
VISION OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION
To become a Centre of Research Excellence in the country and beyond
MANDATE
The Faculty of Education mandate is to prepare teachers at all phases of the Namibian education system.
Accordingly, our research activities span all these phases (Pre- Primary to Secondary Education). It is our
vision to provide better practical ideas on how to provide quality practice by teachers, managers of the
schools and community activist/movers in our country.
STAFFING SITUATION/SIZE OF FACULTY
During the year under review, the Faculty comprised three Full Professors, nine Senior Lecturers, 26
Lecturers and one Assistant Lecturer. In all respects all the members of staff in the Faculty have carried
out research of one kind of research and are capable of doing research. It is our view that with the respect
to research, the staff is more than capable.
DEAN’S REPORT
The Faculty has great potential to carry out research. Unfortunately, funding and time appear to pose
challenges for most of the staff members. Most carry heavy teaching loads, administrative and
supervisory roles of graduate students which often make it very difficult to do large scale research that
requires travel and lodging away from the work station days on end. Even though research is one of our
major activities as academic staff members in the University, UNAM is currently a teaching University.
29
Our short tern goal is to ensure that we create more or less semi-permanent research teams based on staff
members’ own expressed interests and needs. In this way high quality research will be produced.
In the medium term the Faculty intends to bring the newly joined members of staff from the former
colleges of education into the culture of carrying out research, by forming research Teams that will
include them in joint research activities. Accordingly, the Faculty research fund portion needs to be
increased in cognizant of the increased number of staff and diverse of areas of research that will emanate
from the now reality after the merger.
Our long term goal as a Faculty is to ensure that we provide practitioner relevant research that will result
in greatly improved practice by our stakeholders and the communities in which our students serve upon
graduation. In addition, we intend to strengthen our research through joint research in cooperation with
our link partners. These include Universities in the region and international partners. It should be pointed
out that the Faculty does not at present have a specific research agreement with any of our partners, but in
2010 staff in the Faculty is involved in a comparative research with colleagues at the University of
Zambia and Hedmark University College in Norway on Language and initial Literacy in the three
countries. As of now the instruments are being developed for pilot testing.
In addition, the Faculty intends to increase research capacity of all staff through obtaining formal
qualifications, joint research activities, attending conferences and seminars and workshops within the
country and outside. It is also our hope to produce textbooks that will be used by our students and by
learners in our schools at all levels of the education system.
RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
As indicated in this report the Faculty’s research areas are varied and include; instruction and learning in
the classroom, management, i.e., how managers facilitate the learning process in the schools, impact of
HIV and AIDS in our schools and community, the roles of ICTs in the classroom and how the facilitate
learning, special needs students and how to provide inclusive learning, gender and literacy with respect to
lifelong learning.
These areas are all geared towards improving the education system in our country and ensuring that
teachers are provided with the skills and information essential in making them effective practitioners. In
addition, these areas are important in ensuring that our Lifelong Education graduates play an important
30
and catalytic role in improving the living standards of our people by raising the participative level of our
communities in entrepreneur activities.
RESEARCH OUTPUT
CHAPTERS IN BOOKS
Amukugo, E.M., Likando, G.N., Shakwa, G.N. and Nyambe, J. (2010). A Critical Review of Teacher
Education in Namibia. In K. G. Karras & C.C. Wolhuter (Eds.), International Handbook on
Teacher Education Worldwide: Issues & challenges for teacher profession ( Pp. 805822).Athens: Atrapos editions.
Auala, R.K. (2010) Profile of a Teacher of Excellence: A Global Perspective. A chapter in Jarvela, M-L.,
Ritola, L. and Sitomaniemi-San, J. (Eds.) Education, Ethics and Diversity. Oulu: University of
Oulu.
Kasanda, C. D., Keyter, M. C., and Zealand, D. (in press). The status of health education in Namibian
schools. In N. Taylor, F. Quinn, M. Littledyke, and R. K. Coll (Eds.), Health education in
context: an international perspective on the development of health education in schools and local
communities. Sense Publications.
Katzao, J., and Likando, G. (2010) Educational reform in Southern Africa: Prospects for the new
Millennium- The Case for Namibia. In C. Wolhuter and Hermann, H. D. (Eds.), Educational
reform in Southern Africa: Prospects for the New Millennium. Potchefstrom: CC Woulhuter.
Zimba, R. F. (2010). Early childhood development in Southern Africa. In R. Schwarzer & P. A. Frensch
(Eds.), Personality, Human Development, and Culture: International Perspectives on
Psychological Science (Vol. 2). Hove, UK: Psychological Press
Zimba, R. F. (in press). Lessons on learners’ developmental needs for southern African primary and
secondary school teachers. In A. B. Nsamenang & T. Tchombe (Ed.),
African Educational
Theories and Practices: A Generative Teacher Education Curriculum. Bamenda, Cameroon:
Human Development Resource Centre.
REFEREED JOURNAL ARTICLES
Amoonga, T. And Kasanda, C. D. (in press). The use of constructivism in teaching mathematics for
understanding: a study of the challenges that hinder effective teaching of mathematics for
understanding. NERA
31
Amukugo E., Likando, G & Mushaandja, J. (2010). Access and Quality Dilemma in Education:
Implication for Namibia Vision 2030. Higher Education Forum, 7, 101-111.
Haihambo, C. K. (submitted). Cultural Beliefs Regarding People with Disabilities in Namibia.
International Journal of Special Education.
Iipinge, S. M. and Kasanda, C. D. (in press). Aligning curriculum change and assessment reforms in
Namibia. Tshwane University of Technology. AIE
Kanyimba, A. (2010). The Integration of sustainability education in Namibian Colleges of Education
Africa Education Review.Vol.8.
Mouton, B. D, Möwes, A. D. and Zealand, D. (In press). Reasons for Code Switching in Upper Primary
Classes in the Khomas Educational Region. Namibian Education Research Journal.
Möwes A.D. (in Press).How to study more effectively. Reform Forum.
Möwes A.D. (in press).Planning for your Oral Defense. Mosenodi: Journal of the Botswana Educational
Research.
Möwes, A. D. (in press). Conflict Resolution Mechanisms between Supervisors and Students. Namibian
Development Journal.
Mushaandja, J. (2010). A Model of In-service Professional Development for School Principals in
Namibia. Analytical Reports in International Education. 3 (1), pp. 33 – 45.
Wikan, G. & Mostert, M. L. (in press).Home environmental factors influencing performance and progress
of primary school pupils in Windhoek. Ghana Journal of Geography, volume 3, 2011.
MONOGRAPHS
Korkeamaki, R-L, Rasanen, R., and Auala, R. K. (2010). Report on Quality Teacher as a Cornerstone for
Sustainable Development for the North South-South Higher Education Institution Network
Programme, University of Oulu, Finland
Vergnani, T.; Frank, E.; HaihamboYa-Otto, C. K. & Mushaandja, J. (2010). Evaluation of Counselling
Services in Schools in Namibia. Windhoek: UNICEF.
Kasanda, C. D. (Ed.) Moderation of the BETD 2010. Report.
Villet, C. (2010). Evaluation of the BETD-Inset cohort. Report.
32
PUBLISHED CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS AND PAPERS DELIVERED
Auala, R. K. (2010). Relevance and Quality Teacher Education is of Great Importance. A paper
presented at the Joint Namibia-Finnish Education Workshop: Sharing the Best Practices in Higher
Education, Safari Hotel, Windhoek, 2-3 February 2010.
Auala, R. K. (2010). An Overview of the North-South-South Network on Teacher Education. A paper
presented at the North-South-South Network Meeting, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 13-15 January
2010.
Auala, R.K. (2010). National Professional Standards for Teachers in Namibia. A paper presented at the
Ministry of Education, Windhoek, 18 November 2010.
Auala, R.K. (2010). Teacher Education is the Mother of all Professions. A paper presented at the Official
Launch of the Education Society and School Tutorial Programme, University of Namibia,
Windhoek, 5 November 2010.
Auala, R.K. (2010). The Effect and Impact of the Merger of former Colleges of Education with Faculty of
Education at the University of Namibia. A paper presented at the Oshikoto Education Region
Management Retreat, 30 August – 3 September 2010
Auala, R.K. and Shapaka, R. (2010). Quality and Relevance of Teacher Education in Namibia. A Lead
Paper presented at CCEAM and ACEL Conference on Hosting and Harvesting: Creating the e
Change we wish to see in the World, Sydney Convention Centre, Australia, 27 September – 2
October 2010.
February, P. J. (2010). Rapid Situational Analysis and Scoping of Deaf Education and Employment in
Namibia. A paper presented at the Conference on Deaf Education for Life in August 2010 in
Okahandja, Namibia.
Haihambo C. K. (2010). A Semi-ethnographic Exploration of Messages given to Adolescents and Young
Adults during Initiation Ceremonies and their Relation to HIV and AIDS in a Namibian context.
Paper presented at the ISSBD 21st Biennial International Congress, 18-22 July 2010, Lusaka,
Zambia
Kasanda, C. D., Kapenda, H. M., Ngololo, E. N., Philander, A., and Visagie, A. (2010). ICT integration
in the mathematics curriculum in Namibia: challenges and opportunities. Paper presented at the 3rd
AFRIMEC Congress held at the University of Botswana, Gaborone, 17 - 20 May 2010.
Möwes A.D. (2010). Challenges for the implementation of inclusive education in Namibian schools. A
paper presented at the Okavango Regional Education Conference, Rundu, Namibia, (Unpublished
paper).
33
Mushaandja, J. (2010). How to Get the Job Done: Goals, Targets, Action Plans, Evaluation and
Monitoring and Feedback. A paper presented at the African Leadership Institute, The Rock Lodge,
Okahandja, 14 September 2010.
Mushaandja, J. (2010). Professional Development of Secondary School Principals in Namibia. A paper
presented at the International Comparative Education Programme for Educational Leaders,
InstitutAminuddinBaki, Genting Highlands, Kuala Lumpur, Malysia, 3 – 8 October 2010.
Sechogele, I. (2010). Women in Trade Unions. Report.
Shalyefu, R. K. and Iipinge, S. N. (2010) . KABP of First Year Students.
Zimba R. F. and Likando, G. N. (2010). Prevalence and mitigation strategies of HIV/AIDS infection risks
in Namibian tertiary education institutional hostels. Paper presented at the OSSREA Conference,
28-29 September 2010, Oshakati Campus, University of Namibia
Zimba R. F., Haihambo, C. K. and Hengari, J. U. (2010). Early Childhood Development and pre-primary
education research in the Namibian Context. Paper presented at the Consultative workshop on
research agenda for education, 14-6-2010, Safari Hotel Conference Centre.
Zimba, R. F. (2010). Guidelines on writing research proposals. Paper presented at the National Council
for Higher Education Research Seminar, University of Namibia, Oshakati Campus, 13-4-2010
Zimba, R. F. (2010). Higher Education Research Capacity Building in Inclusive Education. Paper
presented at the International workshop on Inclusive Education in Higher Education, University of
Buea, Cameroon, 26-29 May, 2010
Zimba, R. F. (2010). Nature and distinctions of theses and dissertations. Presentation made at a seminar
jointly organized by the Teaching and Learning Improvement Unit and the Centre for Quality
Assurance and Management, University of Namibia, 8-11-2010
Zimba, R. F. (2010). Review of current educational policies and practices on the inclusion-exclusion
paradigm: The case of the Namibian Education System. Paper presented at the International
workshop on Inclusive Education in Higher Education, University of Buea, Cameroon, 26-29 May,
2010
Zimba, R. F. (2010). The importance of Early Childhood Care and Development, Paper presented at the
Early Childhood Development Seminar Organized by the City of Windhoek, Safari Court Hotel, 94-2010
34
Zimba, R. F. and Likando, G. N. (2010). Factors that may promote HIV infection in tertiary education
institutional hostels in Namibia. Paper presented at the ISSBD 21st Biennial International Congress,
18-22 July 2010, Lusaka, Zambia.
STUDY GUIDES AND TRAINING MANUALS
Beukes, F. (2010). Community Development 1. Centre for External Studies.
Beukes, F. (2010). Introduction to Business Management. CES.
Beukes, H. A. (2010). Needs Assessment in Adult Education. Centre for External Studies.
Brunette, H.C. (2010). Financial Management for Educators Study Guide. Windhoek: UNAM.
Brunette, H.C. (2010). Human Resource Management Study Guide. Windhoek: UNAM.
Brunette, H.C. (2010). Sociology of Education Study guide. Windhoek: UNAM.
Hamunyela, M. (2010). Community Development in Adult Education. CES.
Hamunyela, M. (2010). Study material for the UNESCO LIFE Project (Literacy for Health Education).
Supported by a written Teacher’s Manual
Hamunyela, M. (2010). Teaching Methods in Adult Education. CES.
Kanyimba, A. (2010). Literacy for Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Living (for the San people)
for UNESCO (supported by a written Teacher’s Manual).
Likando, G. & Brunette, H.C. 2010. History and Sociology of Education Study guide. Windhoek:
UNAM.
Sechogele, I. (2010). Literacy of Family Planning and Safe Motherhood, supported by a written Teacher’s
Manual. UNESCO LIFE Project.
Shaketange, L. (2010). Teacher’s Manual for the UNESCO LIFE Project. UNESCO.
Shalyefu, R. K. (2010). Evaluation of HIV/AIDS Management Unit in the Ministry of Education.
Shalyefu, R. K. (2010). UNESCO LIFE Project, supported by a written Teacher’s Manual. UNESCO.
CONSULTANCIES
Evaluation of Psycho-social support services in Primary and Secondary Schools in Namibia. Nov 2009 to
June 2010. Funded by Ministry of Education/ Global Fund/ UNICEF. Prof. Tania Vergnani (UWC), Dr.
Elzanne Frank (University of Stellenbosch; Dr. J. Mushaandja and Dr. C. K. Haihambo (UNAM).
35
Development and Adaptation of the Special Education Curriculum for Ministry of Education. Jan to July
2010. Funded by Ministry of Education/ NIED. Prof. D. Ashton; Mr. J. Hengari, Ms. P. J. February and
Dr C. K. Haihambo.
Rapid Situational Analysis and Scoping of Deaf Education and Employment in Namibia. March to
August 2010. Funded by ICEIDA. Prof D. Ashton and Ms P. February.
The development of a diploma in Early Childhood and Pre-primary Education. 2009 to 2010. Funded by
NAMCOL. Dr Engelbrecht and Mr Hengari.
UN-Spanish MDG-Fund: JP on Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Namibia: KatimaMulilo Cultural Trail &
Information/Interpretive Centre Proposal, Caprivi Region. Commissioned by UNESCO, under the
auspices of UCCB). Dr. B. Kangumu& Dr G. Likando
UN-Spanish MDG-Fund: JP on Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Namibia: MunyondogwaKapande
Cultural Village Proposal, Kavango Region. Commissioned by UNESCO, under the auspices of UCCB).
Dr G. Likando, Dr B. Kangumu and A. Nambandi
UN-Spanish MDG-Fund: JP on Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Namibia: Tsumkwe Cultural Village
(N//oaq!ae Culture Village Proposal, Otjozondjupa Region. Commissioned by UNESCO. Dr G. Likando,
Dr B. Kangumu and A. Nambandi
Vocational Education syllabi for Schools with Special Needs Learners. Ms. P. February, Dr. C.
Haihambo, Mr. J. Hengari and Dr C. Brunette
Field-Testing of Parliamentary Scorecard Indicators: Toward a Methodology for measuring Parliamentary
capacity and effectiveness and the Rating of African Parliaments. Ramlugun, J.S., Amukugo, E.M.,
Bosley, J., Osaghae, E. & Nzo-Nguty, B.
An Evaluation of Coordination, Support & Monitoring of HIV/AIDS Prevention and OVC Strategies in
the Education Sector. J. Mushaandja, C. Haihambo, S. Iipinge, D. Ashton, R. Shalyefu & L. van der
Westhuizen
CONCLUDING REMARKS
All in all given that the Faculty of Education had been actively involved in the merger activities including
and the development of Curriculum for both the B. Ed (Lower Primary and Upper Primary) for the larger
part of 2010, I am satisfied and happy with the varied research carried out in the Faculty and papers in
refereed journals and those presented by the staff during the year at workshops, conferences and seminars.
Indeed they deserve to be commended for a job well done. As I conclude this report I look forward to the
36
2011 academic year which promises to produce more published papers than this year given the number of
research and projects staff is involved in now.
1.4 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
1. Vision of the Faculty
To be the best Engineering School in Southern Africa
2. Mission of the Faculty
To train professional engineers in various disciplines and carry out applied research in engineering and
information technology so as to enable Namibia realize vision 2030
3. Research Goals
3.1
In the short term, the Faculty intends to continue with research in nano-technology (production of
carbon nanotubes, nanoballs and nano-composites), information technology (artificial
intelligence), electro-refining of blister copper and solid waste management.
3.2
In the medium term, the Faculty intends to carry out research in renewable energy, climate
change, conservative agriculture technologies, corrosion and corrosion control, establishment of
small and medium scale manufacturing industries in the country as well as water and flood
management.
3.3
In the long term, the Faculty intends to carry out industry-based projects that will be undertaken
by our own M.Sc. and PhD students as well as post doc fellows in various fields of engineering
on offer at the Faculty, with special emphasis to the mining industry, the construction industry,
water management, electric power generation including nuclear power, environmental
engineering, value addition of Namibian natural products, telecommunication engineering and
technologies, electronics, information technology, computer engineering and appropriate
technology.
4. Research Collaboration
4.1 Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering
Professor F.P.L. Kavishe was instrumental in initiating a network of university researchers in materials
science and engineering that culminated in the formation of the African Materials Science and
Engineering Network (AMSEN). The network is made up of Wits University; University of Namibia;
University of Botswana; University of Nairobi, Kenya; and the Federal University of Technology Akure
(FUTA), Nigeria. Professor Kavishe is the Secretary General of AMSEN.
The aim of AMSEN is to encourage participating universities to put in place mechanisms to develop and
retain faculty members through joint research in materials science and engineering as well as postgraduate
37
training. AMSEN is a network under the auspices of the Regional Initiative in Science and Education
(RISE). RISE is supported by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Mr. Willem
Nashidengo, an SDF in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, is one of those who
obtained an AMSEN scholarship for MSc studies at Wits University, where he is expected to study
corrosion along the Namibian coast. Through AMSEN, the Department will also acquire lab equipment
for the production of carbon nanotubes in Namibia.
Through the contacts made in the AMSEN project, Professor Kavishe is the co-supervisor of the
following postgraduate students, all of whom have submitted their research proposals at their respective
universities:
Mr. John Mwero
PhD student (University of Nairobi Kenya)
“An investigation of sugar cane waste ash as a cementing material.”
Mr. Bernard Odera
PhD student (Wits University South Africa)
“Investigation of selected quinary alloys based on an optimum
quaternary alloy from the Platinum-Aluminium-Chromium-Rubium
alloy system.”
Mr. I.O. Oladele
PhD student (Federal Univ. of Technology Akure Nigeria)
“Development and characterization of natural fibre reinforced polymer
composites.”
Mr. Lloyd Nyemba
MSc student (Wits University South Africa)
“Reinforcement of synthetic rubber with carbon nanoballs to produce
nanocomposite ion exchange membranes.”
Mr. Odilon Ilunga
MSc student (Wits University South Africa)
“Thermo-mechanical behaviour of electro-refined Blister Copper from
the Tsumeb Smelter in Namibia.”
Mr. Graham Bathgate
MSc student (Wits University South Africa)
“Continuous production of single-walled carbon nanotubes using a
Swirled Floating Catalytic Chemical Vapour Deposition Reactor.”
In addition, Professor Kavishe is the main supervisor for Mr. A. Ghania, a PhD student in Computer
Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and IT, Ongwediva campus. The topic of the study is: “Neurogenetic approach for satellite attitude control.”
4.2 Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
38
With low number of Academic and Technical staff in the Department, it was difficult to carry out
Research as most of the staff efforts were directed to teaching and administrative duties. Consequently,
research and publications output was low. Dr Ogunmokun was involved in two collaborative studies with
staff from the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources as follows:
(i) U. Kuvare, Ogunmokun A. A. and Maharero T. (2009) Assessment of current and ongoing
projects and programmes to identify existing coping strategies with regards to climate change
and variability. Study carried out for the United Nations Development programme on behalf
of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. CCP NAM CCA 06-02
(ii) Ogunmokun A.A. & others (2009). Feasibility Study on the Development of an Integrated
Mariculture and Agriculture Youth Project at the Town of Henties Bay for the National
Youth Services.
(iii) In association with three other colleagues of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr
Ogunmokun embarked on a project on Conservation Agriculture.
4.3 Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
The staffing level during the year under review for this department was very low. The remaining staff
dedicated most of their effort to teaching. Consequently, no research or publication was carried out.
However, Mr. E. Ruhunga was able to make arrangements for collaborative research with the northern
electricity distribution company (NORED), who are willing to work with this department and carry our
joint research in electric power engineering and renewable energy. This department will also benefit from
a signed MOU between UNAM and NamPower with respect to joint research activities in electric power
engineering and energy in general.
5. Publications
In 2009, Professor F.P.L. Kavishe produced a Teaching Manual called “Mechanics of Materials”, which
will be used for teaching the following modules:
TMEE3642: Solid Mechanics I
TMEE3622: Strength of Materials.
1.5 FACULTY OF HUMANTIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences consists of the following departments:
 Department of Geography, History and Environmental Studies;
 Department of Human Sciences
 Department of Information and Communication Studies;
 Department of Language and Literature Studies;
 Department of Sociology; and
 Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
The departments have different sections within them and they constitute thirteen disciplines.
39
The Mission and Vision of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences are:
 Mission - To provide quality higher education through teaching, research and advisory services to
our customers with the view to produce productive and competitive human resources capable of
driving public and private institutions towards a knowledge-based economy, economic growth and
improved quality of life.

Vision – To be a beacon of excellence and innovation in teaching, research and extension
services.
Mandate: The Faculty’s mandate is to develop, through excellence in teaching and research, the skills
and competencies necessary for meeting the professional needs of society.
Dean’s Report
The short and medium term goals are to:
 improve research and output.
 strengthen knowledge and dissemination.
 implement best practice in knowledge creation.
 launch a peer-reviewed Faculty Journal titled Journal for Research in Humanities and Social
Sciences.
The Faculty’s long-term research goal is to develop priorities based on NDPs, ETSIP and Vision 2030.
The main funder for research activities in the Faculty has been the University. Other funds came from
Information and Management Network and International Federation of Library Associations. The
research output of the Faculty has been on the low side. The Faculty Management is working very hard to
promote a research culture through its annual research conference and the establishment of a refereed
journal.
Research Focus Areas
Studies on Language, Cultural Development and Globalization: Research activities are spearheaded
by the different sections of the Literature and Language Studies Department. The sections in this
Department include: African Languages, Afrikaans, German, Portuguese, French, and Spanish. The focus
research area is on cultural development and local languages, teaching and learning of languages,
language and education in Namibia, language policy research, bilingualism, minority languages,
indigenous knowledge, language and transfer of technology, foreign language teaching and its strategic
role in Namibia’s development, identity and globalization.
Studies on Namibia’s Transition to a Knowledge Based Society: This research area is spearheaded by
Information and Communication Studies. The focus research area will be on the creation of knowledge
based economies, knowledge and innovation behaviour, media and democracy, corporate communication
and good governance, audience research and consumption patterns of media products, development
journalism, access to information by different sectors in Namibian society e.g. small business, education,
agriculture, etc. Indigenous knowledge management, ICTs diffusion and consumption patterns, ecommerce, health communication and behaviour change, and e-government and knowledge and
technology transfer, information and media literacy/education.
Studies on Quality of Life in Namibian Society: This research is being conducted by the Human
Sciences Department comprising of the sections: psychology, social work, religion, philosophy and
ethics. Other departments which could join in joint research activities are sociology. The focus research
areas are reality of life and wellbeing, health and wellness, domestic gender based violence and other
40
forms of violence, corruption behaviour in society, ethics, religion and society, role of the family,
industrial and workplace productivity, and human rights.
Studies on Societal Roles of the Arts: This research is under the Performing and Visual Arts
Department. The main research areas are consumption patterns of the arts, indigenous forms of visual
and performing arts, ethnomusicology, commercialization of indigenous art forms, art and design as an
emerging industry in Namibian society, arts and culture, art and development communication, art and
tourism, art education. The tourism studies section may partner in some of the researchers spearheaded
by the Department.
Studies on Development Management: This research area is under the Department of Sociology. The
main focus areas for research are sociological aspects of development; youth unemployment and
disempowerment, gender relations, health and well-being, industrial sociology, performance of different
development sectors in society, debt relief and foreign aid effectiveness, social transformations,
knowledge and technology transfer, rural development and development policy research including
MDGs.
Studies on Namibian Environment, Historical Development, Tourism and Climate Change: The
Department of Geography, History, Tourism and Environmental Studies Department is responsible for
this research area. The research focuses on the impact of climate change on Namibia, natural resources
sustainable use, tourism and development, historical research in different parts of Namibia, arid climate
adaptations and livelihoods, reconciliation and racism, geographical information systems, researching
environmental education.
Cross cutting Issues:
 Poverty Eradication
 Education social impact and relations with employers including tracer studies.
 Gender relations
The six thematic areas identified here need to be fleshed out through concept papers prepared by different
departments in the faculty. The faculty research agenda should also be brought into line with Namibia’s
Vision 2030 and UNAM’s research agenda.
The Third Annual Faculty Research Conference will be held in September 2011. The research focus areas
for this Conference are:
 Adolescence & Youth Development
 Women and gender issues
 (Un)Employment and decent work
 Violence, crime and human trafficking
 Language/linguistics and Literature
 HIV/AIDS
 Health related issues
 Happiness/Attitudinal issues
 Environmental issues
 New media and digital innovation
 Information and literacy education
41









Indigenous knowledge system
Heritage and Tourism
Creative industry
Crafts and design
Fashion and identity
Arts and education
Morals and ethics in the Namibian context
Libraries in the 21st centuries
Relevance of social sciences research
Meritorious research awards
None for 2010.
Research Output
Books
Kangira, J. & Salazar, P. J. (2010) (Eds.) Gender Rhetoric: North-South. Windhoek: PolyPress
Tyson, R. (2010). So this is Democracy? Windhoek: MISA
Chapters in books
Beyer, H.L. (2010). Mini-woordenboek Afrikaans-Nederlands/Nederlands-Afrikaans. Utrecht/Antwerpen:
Van Dale.
Kangira, J. (2010). Mugabe’s Graveside Orations: Collective Memory and Nostalgia. In Orwenjo, 0. &
Ogone, O. Language and Politics in Africa: Contemporary Issues and Perspectives. Newcastle:
Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
Conference papers delivered
Ananias, J. A. (2010, May 26-28). The relationship between HIV/AIDS and alcohol abuse. A paper
presented at a SADC conference on migrant workers conference. Maputo, Mozambique.
Ananias, J. A. & Matthews, J.D. (2010, September 26-28). The Impacts of Linguistic and Cultural
Diversity on Field Education at the University of Namibia. A paper presented at ASASWEI 2010
conference. Cape Town.
Ananias, J. A. (2010, June 10-14). Work place policy on alcohol and drugs as an intervention. A paper
presented at the Biennial World Conference on social work and Social Development. Hong Kong.
Beukes-Amiss, C. M. (2010, December 2-4). Blended learning as critical ingredient of effective
e-Learning interventions: the african experience. A paper presented at the International e-Learning
Conference – Online Educa Berlin.
Beukes-Amiss, C. M. (2010, December 2-4). E-Learning for environmental sustainability: e-Learning
capacity building experiences in Africa. A paper presented at the International e-Learning Conference –
Online Education Berlin.
Beyer, H. L. (2010, July). What Belongs in a School Dictionary? A paper presented at the Second Annual
Research Colloquium of the Department of Language and Literature Studies, UNAM.
Hunter, J.H. (2010, July). The Bible and the quest for development justice: the case of orphans in
Namibia. A paper delivered at a conference with the theme The Bible and Politics in Bamberg, Germany.
Kangira, J. (2010, September). The rhetoric in Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s novel Matigari: A call for a new
revolution in postcolonial Africa. A paper presented at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Conference. University of Namibia.
Matthews, J. D. (2010, September). Lessons learned from integrating community-based research projects
into a graduate social work program. A paper presented at the Association of South African Social Work
Education Institution’s Conference on Teaching and Learning. Cape Town, South Africa.
42
Mbenzi, P. A. (2010, September). Contextual Analysis of Oshiwambo Greetings. A paper presented at the
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Conference. University of Namibia.
Mbenzi, P. (2010, June). Renaming of Oshiwambo Places Names: A New Fashion. A paper presented at
the Department of Language and Literatures Studies. University of Namibia.
Moore, W. (2010, September). Applying Applied Ethics by utilizing the therapeutic value of information.
A paper presented at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Research Conference, University of
Namibia.
Muinjangue, E. U. (2010, June 17). Hundred Years of Silence: The Case of the Ovaherero Genocide.
Friburg, Germany.
Muinjangue, E.U. (2010, November 26). Paper on Palliative Care. Freiburg, Germany.
Muinjangue, E.U. (2010, June 10-14). Understanding Perpetrators of Violent Crimes against Women and
Girls in Namibia: Implications for Prevention and Treatment. A paper presented at the Biennial World
Conference on social work and Social Development. Hong Kong.
Uutoni, W., Yule, W. and Nengomasha, C. T. (2010, September). Electronic Governance (e-governance)
and hybrid libraries in Namibia. A paper presented at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Research Conference. University of Namibia
Monographs
Edwards-Jauch, L. (2010). AIDS and Family Structures. Department Sociology. University of Namibia.
Monograph
Newspapers articles
Edwards, L. (2010). BIG: Time to separate fact from fiction. New Era, 28 May.
Kangira, J. (2010). Land: An unfulfilled promise. The Southern Times, 3 October. p.9.
Tyson, R. (2010). Pornography and Freedom of Speech. The Namibian, 12 March. p.9.
Others
Hunter, J.H. (2010). Evaluation of article for Old Testament Essays: Rather different than elsewhere:
Gerrie Snyman’s contribution in the context of reformed theology.
Hunter, J.H. (2010). Evaluation of article for Old Testament Essays: 1 Korinther13, 12 und das Alte
Testament.
Matthews, J.D. & Avery, L.C. (In Press). Namibian social work students’ attitudes towards gay men and
lesbian women: An exploratory study. Social Work Education.
Matthews, J.D. (In Press). On integrating teaching and scholarship: Lessons learned from collaborating
with undergraduate social work students on faculty-generated research projects. Social Work & Society.
Matthews, J.D. (In Press). Social workers and the modeling of engaged citizenship: Lessons from
Namibia. Social Work Researcher-Practitioner.
Mwandemele, O.D and Mchombu, K.J. (2010). A scoping study of PhD Training Programmes in
Namibia.
Refereed journal articles
Beuke-Muir, C.M. and A. Jakovlev. (2010). “Letterkunde in die Afrikaanse taal” translated in Russian in
Africa, Vol 1. Moscow: INFRA-M Publising House, pp. 309 – 311.
Beyer, H. L. (2010). Kontekstuele bepalers by die beplanning van skoolwoordeboeke. Lexikos 20: 52-72.
Beyer, H. L. & Faul, A.K. (2010). Namibian University Entrants’ Concepts of ‘aDictionary’. Lexikos 20:
644-679.
Mufune, P. (2010). Land reform management in Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe: A Comparative
perspective” International Journal of rural management, 6 (1): 1-31
Mwilima, J. F. (2010) Employments patterns of Namibian graduates: an assessment of the
43
Employability of the media studies graduates of the University of Namibia. Global Media
Journal: African edition, 4 (2).
Hunter, J.H. (To be published by University of Bamberg, Germany in Journal for African Studies). The
Bible and the quest for development justice: the case of orphans in Namibia.
Moore, W. (2010). Applying Applied Ethics through Ethics Consulting in Transfusion and Apheresis
Science, 42, (2).
Nengomasha C. T.; Mchombu, K. and Ngulube P. (2010). E-government initiatives in the Public
Service of Namibia. African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science. October
2010.
Reports
Ananias, J. A. (2010). The living conditions of older people in Namibia. Pilot study report.
Ananias, J. A. (2010). The Perceptions of UNAM students on elder abuse in Namibia. Study report.
Leonard, E. and MRCC. (2010). Development of a National Plan of Action on Gender-based Violence.
Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare.
Maree, M. (2010). Evaluative research on a primary prevention program for alcohol and drug abuse
amongst secondary school learners in Namibia. Phase one report.
Muinjangue, E. U. (2010). Research in collaboration with SOS Children Village on “The Capability
Approach as a Framework for the Evaluation of Child and Youth Care” in 2010.
Tyson, R. (2010). Health information systems forum. Report compiled as Chief Rapporteur, Windhoek,
Namibia.
Tyson, R. (2010). Regional Elections and the Media. Report written for Electoral Commission of
Namibia.
Study Guides and Training Manuals
Aochamus, S. (2010). Introduction to Public Relations. HISP 2451 [Study Guide]. Windhoek: University
of Namibia Centre for External Studies.
Hunter, J.H. (2010). Contemporary Social Issues. Windhoek: University of Namibia.
Maree, M (2010). An Evidence Based Guide on the “prevention of alcohol and drug abuse amongst
secondary school learners in Namibia” (Phase two)
Muinjangue, E.U & Leonard, E. (2010). Training Manual for Health and Social Service Extension
workers. Ministry of Health and Social Services
Tyson, R. (2010). Introduction to Mass Media. HISP 2431 [Study Guide]. Windhoek: University of
Namibia Centre for External Studies.
Translated work
Hunter, J.H. Translation of the Book of Lamentations in the Old Testament from Hebrew into Afrikaans.
To be published as part of a Southern African project on translation.
Works of Art, Inventions and Innovations
A. CREATIVE RESEARCH) DANCE PERFORMANCES:
Olivier-Sampson S. September 2010. UB40 pre-show, choreography and dance performance in aid of
Hope Village, 20 minute production, Windhoek, Backstage Theatre.
Olivier-Sampson S. October 2010. UB40 pre-show, choreography and dance performance in aid of Hope
Village, 15 minute production, Windhoek, Arrebusch Lodge.
Olivier-Sampson S. September 2010. Bank Windhoek Kidz Fun Fair, choreography and dance
performance, Bank Windhoek initiative, 20 minute production, Windhoek, Wanderers Hall.
Olivier-Sampson S. June 2010. Passion Fruit, dance production, First Rain Dance Theatre, 90 minute
production, Windhoek, National Theatre of Namibia.
44
Olivier-Sampson S. November 2010. Gatekeeper, dance production, First Rain Dance Theatre, 22 minute
production, Windhoek, National Theatre of Namibia.
Olivier-Sampson S. October 2010. International Oriental Dance Festival, Gala evening and fringe
performances, choreography and dance performance, Bay Hotel Camps Bay Cape Town and Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa.
Olivier-Sampson S. October 2010. Dance, featuring performer, 20 minute production, Al Diwan, Seapoint
Cape Town, South Africa.
Olivier-Sampson S. March 2010. Raqs Mahrain, choreography and dance performance including
Bellydance Superstar “Ansuya”, Cape Town, South Africa.
Olivier-Sampson S. October 2010. Love, Hope and Faith, choreography, theatre movement production,
60 minute production, Windhoek, Space Theatre.
Olivier-Sampson S. May 2010. Dance, choreography, dance production, 45 minute production,
Windhoek, Space Theatre.
B. CREATIVE RESEARCH (THEATRE PRODUCTION):
Olivier-Sampson, L. 12 May 2010. Relationships. Dance/Music/ Drama Performance in Space theatre,
University of Namibia. Windhoek.
Terblanche, T. 2010. A Betta Way. Educational Film. Directed by Dudley Viall, Raising awareness about
alternative strategies to corporal punishment. Legal Assistance Centre. Namibia.
Terblanche, T. 2010. Five Good Reasons to Get Tested. Written for Nawa Life. A Script outlining the
Importance of AIDS testing. Performed in various communities.
Terblanche, T. 2010. “Gudrum” in: A Play of Giants (Wole Soyinka ). Directed by D. Ndjavera. National
Theatre of Namibia (Premier Production). Windhoek.
C. CREATIVE RESEARCH (EXHIBITIONS & FASHION SHOWS):
Caley, M.M. 31 July 2010. Created a collection of five garments for Miss Namibia 2010, held at
Windhoek Country Club resort.
Caley, M.M. 10-14 November 2010. Created collection of eight garments for import shop berlin/ fashion
show gala, held in Berlin.
Caley, M.M. December 2010. Created collection of twenty garments for Fashion Business Angola, held at
Filda in Luanda.
Cowley, K. 2010. Two Paintings with Curatorial Text in 2010 Independence Exhibition. National Art
Gallery of Namibia. Windhoek.
Cowley, K. 2010. Raingrow, Waterflow. Oil painting in Group Exhibition Visual Merge. Omba Gallery,
Windhoek.
Cowley, K. 2010. Drought; Rain. Oil pastel drawing diptych in Group Exhibition Moments of Courage.
Woman’s Leadership Center. (Not published yet)
Cowley, K. 2010. Images of Fertility and Abundance - a curation of past and present mixed-media
artwork. Solo Exhibition. 33 x artworks. Studio 77. Windhoek.
Cowley, K. 2010. Two stone sculptures in Group Exhibition Sculptures in Open Spaces. Art in the House
and the Spanish Co-operation. National Art Gallery of Namibia.
Cowley, K. 2010-2011. Five artworks in Woerman House 30th Anniversary Exhibition. Visual Artists –
Namibia. Woermann House. Swakopmund.
Viljoen, H. D. December 2010. Okonguarri Vision Sphere. Permanent interactive installation (Leadwood,
steel and found objects, 200 x 180 x 120 cm). Okonguarri Psychotherapeutic Centre. Otjiwarongo.
Namibia.
D. CREATIVE RESEARCH (PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP PARTICIPATION)
45
Caley, M.M. September-November 2010. Facilitated a product development workshop at the Pambili
Young Designers: Namibian Material Culture Workshop.
Cowley, K. September 2010. Art in the House and the Spanish Collaboration Stone-carving Workshop.
Windhoek.
E. POPULAR MAGAZINE ARTICLE:
Cowley, K. (2010). Meme Melia, Textile Artist. Sister Namibia, June Edition: 8-9.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded that more research and publication can be achieved through improved funding from
the Research and Publications Committee and collaboration with other institutions and oganisations. We
should continue to demonstrate, through our research and publication, that the humanities and social
sciences have a vital role to play in shaping our society and making its members fit in or adjust to a
community of societies presented by the global village we are living in.
1.6 FACULTY OF LAW
INTRODUCTION
The Faculty of Law consists of The Academic Legal Training Programme (ALTP), the Justice
Training Centre (JTC), the Human Rights Documentation Centre (HRDC), and the Centre for
Applied Social Studies (CASS). The various components, operating under the umbrella of the
Faculty, have a generic responsibility for academic and professional legal training for the B. Juris
and LLB degrees, professional qualifications for admission as legal practitioner, human rights,
and capacity building. The Faculty also avails its services to the members of the community by
providing tailor-made programmes for the civil service and legal aid to indigent persons who
cannot afford the services of legal practitioners.
Having regard to the above, the Faculty of Law has charged itself with the principal mission of
producing high quality law graduates, who are well equipped to practice law, contribute to the
development of law in Namibia, and endowed with the requisite academic and intellectual
wherewithal to stand on their own in the international community. Through the activities and
programmes of the two components, Justice Training Centre, and the Human Rights
Documentation Centre, the Faculty aims at improving the quality of the administration of justice
and creating a culture of awareness of human rights in the country and Southern Africa. Through
its research programme and the pool of materials, the Faculty is desirous to serve as a national
and regional resource center and to undertake research which identifies the relationship between
Namibian law and other elements in society within the overall objective of playing a meaningful
role in the development and adaptation of the law to the rapidly changing socio-economic
conditions in the country, and in Southern Africa.
46
Namibia has taken stock of its future in the adoption of Vision 2030 to guide its developmental
path. It is proposed inter alia that the Republic of Namibia will emerge as a prosperous, peaceful
and industrialized constitutional democracy observing all the tenets of the rule of law.
Throughout this national document, it is evident that the realization of this vision will strongly
depend on the role of law and lawyers in our society. Ever since the inception of the Faculty and
to date, the research activities of the members of staff, in the various departments and centres
have been motivated by this goal. The research output of the Faculty for the year 2010 is a
reflection of the efforts of the Faculty to achieve this goal.
Fritz Nghiishilwa
Judgment Notes
2010 Adda K. Angula & Others v The Board for Legal Education 2009 Namibia Law Journal
vol. 2, Issue1
Sam Kwesi Amoo
BOOKS
2010 Property Law in Namibia. To be published by Pretoria University Law Press
CHAPTERS IN BOOKS
2010
“The Relevance of Jurisprudence as a Course of Study” in Justice from within: Legal
pluralism in Africa and beyond, the Festschrift for Manfred O. Hinz.Oliver C. Ruppel & Gerd
Winter (eds.)
2010
“Property Rights and Land Reform in Namibia”: in SADC Land Issues: Towards
Reconceiving Property Rights in the New Millennium. Routledge Publishers.
2010 “Intellectual Property under the Namibian Constitution.” in A Bösl, Horn, N & Du
Pisani, A. (Eds.). (2010). Constitutional Democracy in Namibia. A Critical Analysis after Two
Decades. Windhoek: Macmillan Education Namibia.
ARTICLES IN REFEREED JOURNALS
2010 “The Jurisprudence of the Rights to Trial within a Reasonable in Namibia and Zambia, in
Namibia Law Journal vol. 2June 2010.
2010 “The Property Rights of Women in Namibia and HIV/AIDS. A Myth or Reality?” To be
published in University of Botswana Law Journal July-December 2010
47
2010
“Community Service Orders as Part of Judicial Discretion in the Criminal Justice
System.” Submitted for publication in the next edition of the Namibian Law Journal and the
NERA Journal.
Prof. Nico Horn
BOOKS
A Bösl, Horn, N & Du Pisani, A. (Eds.). (2010). Constitutional Democracy in Namibia. A
Critical Analysis after Two Decades. Windhoek: Macmillan Education Namibia.
Namibia Law Journal (2010). Vol 2 no 1. Editor in chief.? (books?)
Namibia Law Journal . (2010).Vol 2 no 2. Editor in chief.(books?)
CHAPTERS IN BOOKS
Horn, N. (2010) Community Courts in Namibia: Life or Death for Customary Law?, in Hinz,
MO, (2010). In Search of Justice and Peace: Traditional and Informal Justice Systems in Africa.
Windhoek: Namibia Scientific Society.
Horn, N & Skeffers,I. (2010) The Fight Against Corruption in Namibia, in Southern Africa:
Vision 2020 (2010), London: SOAS.
Horn, N. (2010) The Forerunners of the Namibian Constitution in Constitutional Democracy in
Namibia, in A Bösl, Horn, N & Du Pisani, A. (Eds.). (2010). Constitutional Democracy in
Namibia. A Critical Analysis after Two Decades. Windhoek: Macmillan Education Namibia.
ARTICLES IN REFEREED JOURNALS
Horn, N. (2010). Book Review of Kruger, A. 2008. Hiemstra’s Criminal Procedure. Durban:
Lexis Nexis; in Namibia Law Journal Vol2 No1.
Horn, N. (2010). Churches and Political Reconciliation in Post-Apartheid Namibia, in Review of
Faith and International Affairs, March 2010.
Horn, N. (2010) Editor’s Post Script N v UK – A lesson for southern Africa? To an article by
Mantouvalou, V. (2010). N v UK: No duty to rescue the nearby needy?, in Namibia Law
Journal, Vol2, No 1, Jan 2010.
STUDY GUIDES AND TRAINING MANUALS
48
Horn, N. (Ed.). (2010) Criminal procedure and Practice in Namibian Courts. An authorized
adaptation of LEAD course of the South African Criminal Procedure Act by the Law Society of
South Africa. Windhoek: Justice Training Centre, University of Namibia
Editor-in-chief: Updating and Namibianising of material of LEAD RSA for use in Justice
Training Centre Namibia
CONFERENCE PAPERS
Horn, N. (2010). Namibia and China: On the way with the Rule of Law in Criminal Justice.
Before the FOCAC Conference of the Chinese Law Society, Beijing, Sept. 2010. Published in
Conference Proceedings. Beijing: China Law Society.
Horn, N. (2010). Namibian Mining Policy: An alternative to nationalisation. Lecture before a
conference on nationalisation of mines in South Africa, organised by the Centre for Public
Policy, Johannesburg, March 2010. Published in Conference Proceedings. Johannesburg: Centre
for Public Policy.
Horn, N. (2010). Namibia: Soft mining nationalisation.Lecture before a conference on
nationalisation of mines in Lesotho, organised by the Open Society in Southern Africa, Maseru,
August 2010. Published in Conference Proceedings. Maseru: OSISA
Horn, N. (2010). The Independence of Prosecutors in Africa. Before the African Association of
Prosecutors, Maputo, September 2010. Publish in Conference proceedings. Maputo: African
Association of Prosecutors.
Horn, N. (2010). The Zimbabwean Refugee Problem and the SADC Tribunal. Key note Address
of conference on the enforcement of the SADC Tribunal judgments, Organised by Zimbabwean
Lawyers for Human Rights, Windhoek February 2010. Published as part of conference
proceedings. . Harare: Zimbabwean Lawyers for Human Rights.
Horn, N. (2010). Trial within a reasonable time. Paper before the Judges and Magistrates
Association of Namibia, Windhoek, Oct 2010. Unpublished.
BOOKS
A Bösl, Horn, N & Du Pisani, A. (Eds.). (2010). Constitutional Democracy in Namibia. A
Critical Analysis after Two Decades. Windhoek: Macmillan Education Namibia.
Namibia Law Journal (2010). Vol 2 no 1. Editor in chief.
Namibia Law Journal . (2010).Vol 2 no 2. Editor in chief.
CHAPTERS IN BOOKS
49
Horn, N. (2010) Community Courts in Namibia: Life or Death for Customary Law?, in Hinz,
MO, (2010). In Search of Justice and Peace: Traditional and Informal Justice Systems in Africa.
Windhoek: Namibia Scientific Society.
Horn, N & Skeffers,I. (2010) The Fight Against Corruption in Namibia, in Southern Africa:
Vision 2020 (2010), London: SOAS.
Horn, N. (2010) The Forerunners of the Namibian Constitution in Constitutional Democracy in
Namibia, in A Bösl, Horn, N & Du Pisani, A. (Eds.). (2010). Constitutional Democracy in
Namibia. A Critical Analysis after Two Decades. Windhoek: Macmillan Education Namibia.
ARTICLES IN REFEREED JOURNALS
Horn, N. (2010). Book Review of Kruger, A. 2008. Hiemstra’s Criminal Procedure. Durban:
Lexis Nexis; in Namibia Law Journal Vol2 No1.
Horn, N. (2010). Churches and Political Reconciliation in Post-Apartheid Namibia, in Review of
Faith and International Affairs, March 2010.
Horn, N. (2010) Editor’s Post Script N v UK – A lesson for southern Africa? To an article by
Mantouvalou, V. (2010). N v UK: No duty to rescue the nearby needy?, in Namibia Law
Journal, Vol2, No 1, Jan 2010.
STUDY GUIDES AND TRAINING MANUALS
Horn, N. (Ed.). (2010) Criminal procedure and Practice in Namibian Courts. An authorized
adaptation of LEAD course of the South African Criminal Procedure Act by the Law Society of
South Africa. Windhoek: Justice Training Centre, University of Namibia
Editor-in-chief: Updating and Namibianising of material of LEAD RSA for use in Justice
Training Centre Namibia
CONFERENCE PAPERS
Horn, N. (2010). Namibia and China: On the way with the Rule of Law in Criminal Justice.
Before the FOCAC Conference of the Chinese Law Society, Beijing, Sept. 2010. Published in
Conference Proceedings. Beijing: China Law Society.
Horn, N. (2010). Namibian Mining Policy: An alternative to nationalisation. Lecture before a
conference on nationalisation of mines in South Africa, organised by the Centre for Public
Policy, Johannesburg, March 2010. Published in Conference Proceedings. Johannesburg: Centre
for Public Policy.
Horn, N. (2010). Namibia: Soft mining nationalisation.Lecture before a conference on
nationalisation of mines in Lesotho, organised by the Open Society in Southern Africa, Maseru,
August 2010. Published in Conference Proceedings. Maseru: OSISA
50
Horn, N. (2010). The Independence of Prosecutors in Africa. Before the African Association of
Prosecutors, Maputo, September 2010. Publish in Conference proceedings. Maputo: African
Association of Prosecutors.
Horn, N. (2010). The Zimbabwean Refugee Problem and the SADC Tribunal. Key note Address
of conference on the enforcement of the SADC Tribunal judgments, Organised by Zimbabwean
Lawyers for Human Rights, Windhoek February 2010. Published as part of conference
proceedings. . Harare: Zimbabwean Lawyers for Human Rights.
Horn, N. (2010). Trial within a reasonable time. Paper before the Judges and Magistrates
Association of Namibia, Windhoek, Oct 2010. Unpublished.
Chiko Mchombu
CHAPTERS IN BOOKS
Mnubi-Mchombu, C (2009) “Access to Information by Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children
in Ohangwena Region”. In Children’s Rights in Namibia Edited by Oliver Ruppel, p363-374
ARTICLES IN REFEREED JOURNALS
Mnubi-Mchombu, C Mostert, J and Ocholla, D (2009). “Information Needs and Informationseeking Behaviour of Orphans and Vulnerable children and their Caregivers in
Okahandja, Namibia” In Africa Journal of Library, Archieve & information Science.
Vol.19 No1 p39-52
CONFERENCE PAPERS
Mnubi-Mchombu and Mostert J (2010) “The Information Needs and Seeking Behavior of
Caregivers in Namibia: a case study of the Ohangwena and Khomas Regions”. Presented at a
SCECSAL conference in Gaborone, Botswana on 8th December 2010
Ms. Yvonne Dausab
CHAPTERS IN BOOKS
International law vis-a- vis municipal law: An appraissal of Article 144 of the Namibian
Constitution from a human rights perspective in Bosl, Horn Du Pisani(eds)
2010. 'Constitutional Democracy in Namibia: A critical analysis after two decades' Windhoek.
Macmillan Education Namibia at 261.
51
CONFERENCE PAPERS
Presented a lecture on: Access to Justice: The Use of International Law Clinics to Advance the
Case for the Vulnerable Members of Society. This lecture was converted into an article for
publication in the Maryland Journal of International Law. 2010.
1.7 FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORT SCHOOL OF NURSING AND PUBLIC HEALTH
2010
INTRODUCTION:
The School of Nursing and Public Health is mandated to train health professionals (Nursing,
Public Health, Radiographers). This is done through teaching, research, consultancy services and
community services. The aim to conduct research is not only to contribute to a new body of
knowledge, but also to the socioeconomic development of the country.
Nursing research focus on:
 Gather information on nursing care to improve nursing practices
 HIV/AIDS related care practices
 Health information to inform decision makers and policy developers in the health care sector
THE VISION
To remain the center of excellence for Nursing and Public Health programmes guided by
evidence-based research. The ultimate aim is to produce competent health care professionals
who will contribute to the cultural, political and socio-economic wellbeing of the country.
THE MISSION
The mission of the School of Nursing and Public Health is to engage in the national development
agenda through teaching and learning, research and community service. Providing professionally
qualified, competent health care professionals, whose knowledge, skills and practice in Nursing,
Public Health and Radiography are in tune with the health needs of the society, practice patterns
and scientific advancements. These professionals will competently be trained using the four
pillars/approaches of Primary Health Care (PHC) e.g. Alma Alta paradigm shift philosophy.
Goals for research will be presented as short-term, medium term and long-term.
DEANS REPORT
As many researchers will agree, Namibia is rich with regard to natural resources that underscore
the necessity and importance of research in Namibia. Health professionals do participate in
health research in variety of ways on a daily basis when they interact with clients and patients.
52
The School of Nursing and Public Health has collaboration in research with University of
Washington, University of Johannesburg, University of Toronto (Canada), Equinet and with the
Ministry Health and Social Services (MoHSS). The School of Nursing has just completed a
needs assessment with the Universities of San Francisco and Washington during which the need
was identified for research agenda, but lecturer face obstacles involving themselves in research
e.g. workloads in theory and clinical practice and staff development pressures (involvement in
own studies) However, staff members are involved in consultancies and research as is evident
from the list of publications submitted for 2010. The research goals are listed short-term,
medium and long-term.
SHORT TERM GOALS
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Conduct high quality research through a range of creative an appropriate methodologies;
Provide a high profile forum for research seminars, symposia, capacity building;
To foster inquiring, critical thinking and researchers who are capable of independent research
activities through Workshops, Seminars and Symposia;
Provide research skills at different levels to students and lecturers through thesis workshops;
Prepare professionals for their role as peer reviewers and authors for research activities;
Enhance skills to be effective in supervising of students;
Capacitate lecturers to publish in academic journals and other media
Increase the number of postgraduate research students with in the School;
Dissemination of research generated knowledge to stakeholders to inform policy, practice
and education in nursing and health care;
Increase inter-institutional collaboration, in particular with national and international research
centres of excellence
MEDIUM TERM GOALS
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Coordinate research with the assistance of partners, teams and networking;
Promote dissemination of research results and implementation of successful research
initiatives;
Monitor research performance within the School of Nursing and Public Health
Conduct joint/team research with other agencies/institutions
LONG TERM GOALS
 To continuously conduct research and publish in international/academic journals
 To collaborate with renowned universities in research
 To become a centre of excellence in research
 To build capacity in research, and publication
Most of these will be done in collaborations with the partner Universities and Stakeholders.
Research teams are encouraged and some of the colleagues worked in teams when conducting
research or participating through UNAM Coordinating Consultancy Bureau (UCCB) and
53
Multidisciplinary Research Centre (MRC), our main stakeholders, Ministry of Health and Social
Services, as well as with the University of Stellenbosch in TB project in particular. In this project
the School of Nursing, School of Medicine is teaming up with colleagues from Stellenbosch
University. This project is spearheaded by the deputy dean, Dr. M. van der Vyver, and is
externally funded. The research output can be seen as indicated in the report. It is my conviction
that research will further improve in the years to come, with more capacities that will be built in
research and publication.
Furthermore, the School has strong links with University of Johannesburg; two professors, Prof.
M. Poggenpoel and Prof. C. Myburg who support and capacitate young researchers and study
supervisors by visiting the University three times a year. They conducted seminars at various
occasions.
The School, through its collaboration with the University of Washington conducted 1 week
thesis workshops for lecturers and 1 week research workshops for masters and doctoral students
during February each year (2010, 2011). These workshops cover the research process, in
particular research methodology and various data analysis methods for qualitative and
quantitative study methods, as well as literature internet search.
RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
The majority of staff members in the School of Nursing and Public Health are Masters Degree
holders and quite a significant number are pursuing doctoral degrees. Some also registered for
their masters’ degrees. Not all staff is active in research, accept for their own studies.
The research priorities of focus areas are setup in collaboration with our key stakeholders,
especially Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Research focus areas in priority order are;
MAERNAL AND INFANT MORTALITY


Reduction of maternal and infant mortality rates in Namibia, which main course in preeclampsia.
The reduction of maternal and infant mortality, goal 5 of the Millennium Development Goals
(MDG), is a challenge. Many countries are not doing very well with regards to this goal. The
School is represented on various committees within MoHSS with regards to reduction of
maternal and infant mortality in Namibia.
HIV/AIDS AND TUBERCULOSIS
HIV/AIDS remains a main concern for all Namibians, including Tuberculosis (TB), the coinfection of HIV and AIDS. In order to reduce the impact of these diseases, the School is closely
working with the stakeholders to reduce infections as well as to mitigate the impact. It is
54
imperative to determine the Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) and Extreme Multi-Drug Resistance
of TB and Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) on patients.
SHORTAGE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND RENTENTION OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
The shortage of health care professionals is affecting the health care delivery all over the world,
especially in African countries, in such a way that the entire health care services deteriorates in
many countries. This is due to attrition rates e.g. migration, death, illness, retirement, etc. The
School also collaborates in this regard with Equinet (RSA). Research in these areas is imperative.
DILEMMA IN PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
It is expected from health professionals to demonstrate professional ethics and behavior in their
respective working environments and event outside that environment. Research in this area is
needed and will receive attention in the future.
NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASE (NCD)
Non-communicable Diseases are diseases which refer to chronic diseases that also contribute to
death if it is not taken care of. They are cancer, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, etc. These
diseases do not get the attention it deserves, whereas some of it can be fatal if not detected and
treated on time. Research is needed to prevent complications and promote healthy living. The
benefits of research in all above-mentioned areas are;
 Decrease in defaulter rates with regard to TB and Anti-retroviral treatment.
 Increases in treatment adherence of patients with regards to TB and Anti-retroviral Therapy
 Reduction in maternal and child mortality and also to contribute to coverage of quality health
care of mothers and children
 Promotion of ethical behavior and professionalism is crucial under health care professionals
that need attention it deserved. It is imperative to promote ethical behavior and
professionalism among health care professionals.
MERITORIOUS RESEARCH AWARDS
Dr. L. Haoses-Gorases, Dean: School of Nursing received a merit award in the faulty for overall
performance in all three areas, Teaching, Research and Community Service, but not a specific
research award.
Contribution in book

Riruako, H., Haoses-Gorases, L. Published 2010. Health Sector Decentralization
Implementation Challenges in Namibia. (Contribution in book.)
RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS
55
During 2010, lecturers published various research studies. The following 8 (eight) articles and
book chapters were published or are in press:

Small, L. F. & Pretorius, L. Foreign Nursing Students: their perceptions of nursing care in
Namibia. Health SA, vol 15 (1).

Small, L.F. Quality of-life experiences from the perspective of patients receiving
haemodialysis for chronic renal failure. Published in Health SA Gesondheid 15 (1) November
2010.

Small, L.F., Pretorius, L., Walters, A. & Ackerman, M.M.J. Injection errors. Submitted for
publication to Health SA and review in progress.

Small, L.F., & Pretorius, L. Draft submission end of 2010 for chapter in book titled: Nursing
in Africa.

Iipinge, S. & Pretorius, L. The stakeholders’ perceptions on the delivery and quality of
sexually transmitted infections treatment by private practitioners in Windhoek Namibia.
Accepted for publication in Health South Africa.

Iipinge, S. & Pretorius, L. Evaluation of HIV/AIDS research and Evaluation in Namibia and
setting the HIV/AIDS research agenda in Namibia. A report for UNAIDS/MoHSS,
Windhoek, Namibia.

Thirion-Naudé, H., Haoses-Gorases, L. & Kalondo, L. Looking inside: Medical Imaging
.Ministry of Health & Social Services. Educational Documentary: Patient Education Series.

Kalondo, L. Trauma Radiography and Patient Privacy. Presentation at the National
Radiography Seminar.

Taukuheke,L. The experience and challenges among patients on ARV treatment at Windhoek
ARV Clinic.

Small, L., Pretorius, L., Walters. A. & Ackerman, M.J.J. Needle stick injuries. Submitted for
review 2010.

Riruako, H., Haoses- Gorases, L. Published 2010. Health Sector Decentralization
Implementation Challenges in Namibia. (Contribution in book.)
Masanja,V. G., Haoses- Gorases, L., Mugabo, L, P.Regression Model to Monitor HIV/AIDS
Control from Namibia Baseline Data. Journal of Ecology.
56

Thirion-Naudé, H., Haoses-Gorases, L., & Goraseb, M. 2010. Could maternal rubellasusceptibility be linked to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring?
Early Child Development and Care, (in press). Research paper submitted on 10/09/2010

Thirion-Naudé, H., Haoses-Gorases, L., & Goraseb, M. 2010. Biochemicals implicated in
atypical programmed foetal development: implications for autism. Early Child Development
and Care, (in press). Research paper submitted on 5/09/2010

Thirion-Naudé, H. & Haoses-Gorases, L. 2010. Looking inside – a documentary on the
therapeutic applications of radiography in the Primary Health Care setting. Namibian
Ministry of Health: Namibian Broadcasting Commission. (Commissioned by the Permanent
Secretary)
CONSULTANCY CONTRIBUTION

Van der Vyver, J.M.’ Iipinge, S. & SHeehama, J. The evaluation of the mycobacterium
tuberculosis specific host cytokine signatures in whole blood cultures supernatant as
diagnostic markers for active TB infection. Funded by European and Developing Countries
Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCPT).

Iipinge, S., Hofnie-//Hoëbes, K., Mufune, K. Social impact assessment of HIV/AIDS Etosha
National Park: data collection. Millenium Challenge Account Namibia.

Iipinge, S., Shalyefu, R. Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices about HIV/AIDS among
first year students at UNAM

Van der Westhuizen, L., Ashton, D., Musjaanda, J., Iipinge, S., Shalyefu, R., & Haihambo,
C.K. 2010. An evaluation of coordination, support and monitoring of HIV/AIDS prevention
and OVC strategies in the education sector. Global Fund.
CONCLUSION
Although research is utmost important like any other domains, it remains a challenge to lecturers,
who have full workload and with clinical component that occupy most of their time. Our
gratitude is extended to lecturers who made efforts to conduct research and published some of it.
Our partners (regional and international) have contributed to capacity building in research,
mentoring ect. We will embark on a workshop that will focus on grant writing skills for research
and also encourage team research and publication with in the faculty.
57
1.8 FACULTY OF SCIENCE
Mission
The Mission of the Faculty is to consolidate, teach and disseminate scientific knowledge in order for
Namibia to achieve science-led development.
Vision
To promote the development of science, technology, and environmental studies, and to encourage and
facilitate research activities which address the new demands of the national economy.
1. Department of Biological Science
Research Focus areas
Research areas in the Department currently include:
(1) Applied and environmental and medical microbiology: biological activity of antimalarial and
antimicrobial compounds and animal host-parasite interactions; Malaria research and the use of
natural plant extracts in malaria treatment.
(2) Microbial pathogenesis, food safety and disease prevention
(3) Molecular and general genetics: Molecular Marker technology
(4) Crop Domestication
(5) Agricultural biotechnology
(6) Mushroom Production science: The Department of Biological Sciences also hosts the Namibia
Type Culture Collection of microorganisms as well as the Zero Emissions Research Initiative
(ZERI) African Regional Project.
(7) Pathobiology: Understanding Molecular Mechanisms of Host-parasite Interactions, including
parasitic plants, parasitology of Plasmodium falciparum
(8) Conservation and management of Namibian biological diversity: including forest management;
rangeland management; vegetation dynamics; ethno botany and traditional knowledge systems.
(9) Population ecology
(10) Aquatic research: Investigation of potential toxicity to humans of Windhoek’s drinking water due
to the presence of Endocrine Erupting Chemicals (EDCs); Investigation of the presence and
potential toxicity of heavy metals in surface water resources of Namibia; Biogeochemical and
nutrient cycling in the water column and sediments of freshwater dams and reservoirs in Namibia;
Carbon cycling and microbial diversity and activity in shelf sediments of the Benguela upwelling
systems of the coast of Namibia; The sulfur cycle and the role of large sulfur bacteria in marine
sediments off the Namibian coast.
Research outputs
None
58
None

Beyer, H.L. and Faul, A.K. (2010). Namibian University Entrants’ Concepts of ‘a dictionary’.
Lexikos 20, 644-679.

Bolin, J. F., Tennakoon K.U. and Maass E. (2010). Mineral nutrition and heterotrophy in the
water conservative holoparasite Hydnora Thunb. (HYDNORACEAE). Flora 205, 802-810.

Chimwamurombe, P.M.( 2010). Domestication of Tylosema esculentum (marama bean) as a crop
for Southern Africa: Genetic diversity of the Omitara marama subpopulation of Namibia Aspects
of Applied Biology 96, 37-43.

Chimwamurombe P., Mapaure, I. and Claassen P. (2010). Understanding the relationship
between indigenous (traditional) knowledge systems (IKS), and access to genetic resources and
benefits sharing (ABS). African Journal of Biotechnology 9 (54), 9204-9207.

Chinsembu, K.C. and Hedimbi M. (2010). An Ethnobotanical survey of Plants used to Manage
HIV/AIDS Opportunistic Infections in Katima Mulilo, Caprivi Region, Namibia. Journal of
Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 6(25).

Chinsembu, K.C. and Hedimbi M. (2010). Ethomedicinal Plants and other Natural Products with
Anti-HIV Compounds and their Putative Modes of Action. International Journal for
Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Research 1(6), 74-91.

Chinsembu, K.C, and Hedimbi M. (2010). A survey of Plants with Anti-HIV Active Compounds
and their Modes of Action. Medical Journal of Zambia 36(4).

Chinsembu, K.C. and Faul, A. (2010). Iron starvation induces expression of a putative xylanase
gene in Salmonella enterica subsp. Enterica serovar Enteritidis mini-transposon5 lacZ1 mutants.
International Journal of Genetics and Molecular Biology 2(7), 140-146.

Chinsembu, K.C. and Hedimbi, M. (2010). Ethnomedicinal plants and other natural products with
anti-HIV compounds and their putative modes of action. International Journal for Biotechnology
and Molecular Biology Research 1(6): 74-91.

Chinsembu, K.C. and Hedimbi, M. (2010). An ethnobotanical survey of plants used to manage
HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections in Katima Mulilo, Caprivi region, Namibia. Journal of
Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 6:25 Available at:
http://www.ethnobiomed.com/content/pdf/1746-4269-6-25.pdf

Chinsembu, K.C., Hakwenye, H. and Uzabakiriho, J-D. (2010). Isolation and serotyping of
Legionella pneumophila from Goreangab dam and hostel shower heads in Namibia. African
59
Journal of Microbiology Research 4(16): 1890-1896. Available at:
http://www.academicjournals.org/ajmr/PDF/Pdf2010/18Sep/Chinsembu%20et%20al.pdf

Chinsembu, K.C. and Hedimbi, M. A survey of plants with anti-HIV active compounds and their
modes of action. Medical Journal of Zambia (accepted for publication).

Jackson, JC, Kwaku G. Duodu, Mette Holse, Margarida D. Lima de Faria, Danie Jordaan, Walter
Chingwaru, Aase Hansen, Avrelija Cencic, Martha Kandawa-Schultz, Selalelo M. Mpotokwane,
Percy Chimwamurombe, Henrietta L. de Kock, and Amanda Minnaar, The Morama Bean
(Tylosema esculentum): A Potential Crop for Southern Africa. In Stephen Taylor, editor:
Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, Vol. 61, Burlington: Academic Press, 2010, pp. 187246. ISBN: 978-0-12-374468-5 © Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. Academic Press.

Jones, P., Salewski, V., Vickery, J. and Mapaure, I. (2010). Habitat use and densities of coexisting migrant Willow Warblers Phylloscopus trochilus and resident eremomelas Eremomela
spp in Zimbabwe. Bird Study 57, 44-55

Julies, E.M., Fuchs B.M., Arnosti C. and Brüchert V. (2010) Organic carbon degradation in
anoxic organic rich shelf sediments: Biogeochemical rates and microbial abundance. Journal
Geomicrobiology 27, 303-314.

Nakwaya, D, Mfune, J.K. and Tromp, S. (In Press). Dietary shifts of the black mongoose
(Galerella nigrata) in northern Namibia. Submitted to Mammalian Biology (Ref. No.:
MAMBIO-D-10-00176)

Nepolo E, Chimwamurombe PM, Kandawa Schulz MA and Cullis CA. (2010). Determining
genetic diversity based on ribosomal intergenic spacer length variation in Marama bean
[Tylosema esculentum (Burchell) L. Schreiber] in Omaheke region, Eastern Namibia. (Accepted,
African Journal of Plant Sciences).

Takundwa M, Nepolo E, Chimwamurombe P.M., Kandawa Schulz M.A., Cullis C.A. and Kunert
K. (2010). Development and use of microsatellites markers for genetic variation analysis, in the
Namibian germplasm, both within and between natural populations of Marama bean (Tylosema
esculentum). Journal of Plant Breeding and Crop Science 2 (8), 233-242.

Takundwa, M., Chimwamurombe, P.M., Kunert, K. and Cullis, C.A. (2010). Isolation and
characterization of microsatellite repeats in Marama bean (Tylosema esculentum). African
Journal of Agricultural Research 5(7), pp. 561-566.

Shikongo,M.N., Chimwamurombe P.M., Kachigunda B. and Venter S.N. (2010). Factors
impacting on the microbiological quality and safety of processed hake. (In press, African Journal
of Biotechnology).
60

Shiponeni, N.N., Allsopp, N., Carrick, P.J, and Hoffman, MT. In press. Competitive interactions
between grass and succulent shrubs at the ecotone between an arid grassland and succulent
shrubland in the Karoo. Plant Ecology.
Monographs, (B)
None
Published conference proceedings and Conference papers delivered, (F)/(K)

Bolin, J.F., Motley T.J., Wurdack, K., Maass, E.and Musselman L.J. (2010, July) A molecular
phylogeny and revised taxonomy of the holoparasitic family Hydnoraceae. Paper presented at
Botany 2010, Rhode Island, USA

Du Preez, C.I., Bock, R. and Mumbengegwi, D.R. (2010, 15-17 September); Validation of ethnomedicinal plant knowledge in the Oshikoto region through botanical identification and biological
assessment of its value as complementary medicine for malaria. Presented at National Research
Symposium, Safari Hotel, Windhoek

Du Preez, C.I., Bock, R. and Mumbengegwi, D.R. (2010, 15-17 September 2010); Validation of
ethno-medicinal plant knowledge in the Oshikoto region through botanical identification and
biological assessment of its value as complementary medicine for malaria. Paper presented at the
First National Research Symposium, Safari Hotel, Windhoek

Hedimbi, M., Kaaya G.P. and Singh S. (2010). The Potential of Chemical Sunscreens in
protecting the conidia of Metarhizium anisopliae from damage by UV Radiation. DAE-BRNS
National Laser Symposium (NLS-19). Raja Ramanna Center for Advanced Technology
(RRCAT), Indore, INDIA.

Julies E.M. (2010, 5-7 August). Towards the first Regional Center of Expertise for Education for
Sustainable Development in Namibia. Paper presented at the Namibian Environmental Education
Network, Symposium, Okatjikona Environmental Education Center, Waterberg, Namibia.

Julies E.M. (2010, 5-7 August 2010). The Earth Charter – How does it apply to us? Paper
presented at the Namibian Environmental Education Network, Symposium, Okatjikona
Environmental Education Center, Waterberg, Namibia.

Mapani, B.S., Chimwamurombe, P. M., Mapaure, I., Miller, J.A. and Mileusnic, M. (2010, 24-25
March). Estimation of Climate change and adaptation strategies using water, soil and honey as
sampling media: examples from Namibia. Paper presented at a Climate Change Conference
organised by Regional Agricultural and Environment Initiatives Network (RAEIN-Africa),
Birchwood Hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa.
61

Mapaure, I., Graz, F.P. and Ihula, R. (2010, 19-23 July). Comparative analysis of vegetation
composition and diversity around functional and closed water points in Etosha National Park,
Namibia: Preliminary findings. Paper presented at the 45th Congress of the Grassland Society of
Southern Africa, 2010. Kimberley, South Africa.

Mukaru, W.C. and Mapaure, I. (2010, 15-17 September). Impacts of large herbivores on floristic
composition, diversity and range condition around water points in Waterberg Plateau Park,
central Namibia. Paper presented at the First Biannual National Research Symposium, Safari
Hotel, Windhoek.

Mapaure, I. (201, 9-12 March, 2010). Building Capacity to Assess and Increase the Climate
Change Mitigation and Adaptation Capacities of Vulnerable Communities in Southern Africa –
Namibia Progress Report. Presented at a HED Climate Workshop, Rhodes University, South
Africa.

Romero, C., Shackleton, S., Putz, F.P., Hamer, N., Lotz-Sisitka, H., Barnes, G., Mapaure, I.,
Katjiua, M. and Masike, S. (2010, 26-29 January). Building capacity to assess and increase the
climate change mitigation and adaptation capacities of vulnerable communities in southern
Africa. Paper presented at a Conference on “Bridging Conservation and Development in Latin
America and Africa: Changing Contexts, Changing Strategies”, 2010. University of Florida,
Gainesville, USA.

Romero, C., Shackleton, S., Putz, F.P., Hamer, N., Lotz-Sisitka, H., Barnes, G., Mapaure, I.,
Katjiua, M. and Masike, S. (2010, 26-28th February, 2010). Building capacity to assess and
increase the climate change mitigation and adaptation capacities of vulnerable communities in
southern Africa. Climate Change Strategic Plan Proposal presented to the Higher Education for
Development (HED) Donors Conference, Washington, DC. USA.

N. Shiponeni, N. Allsopp, M. Vogel, T. Hoffman, M. Keil, (2010, 5 - 6 October 2010) Spatiotemporal distribution at the climatic ecotone between the Bushmanland arid grassland and the
Namaqualand shrubland-development tools. Paper presented at the 2nd SAEON Summit,
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden., South Africa
Study Guides and Training Manuals (H)

Hedimbi, M. (2010). Introduction to Microbiology (MBL 3632). Second year module. Department of
Biological Sciences, University of Namibia.

Hedimbi, M. (2010). Parasitology (MIC 3802). Fourth year module. Department of Biological
Sciences, University of Namibia.
62
Works of Art, Inventions and Innovations (J)
None
None
Popular publications (L)

Potgieter, S., Morkel, M, Faul, A. 2010. Science Corner. EduNews (Edition 15), pp 26-31.

Potgieter, S., Morkel, M, Faul, A. 2010. Science Corner. EduNews (Edition 16), pp 26-31
2. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Our researchers collaborate extensively in several strategic theme areas, including:1.
Build Environment, Sustainable Energy, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
Application of green chemistry to synthetic organic chemistry, specifically in alternative reaction media
(including solvent-free synthesis) and alternative activation (e.g. microwave, ultrasound, etc.) •
Wastewater treatment • Resource efficiency measurements and Carbon footprinting •Climate Change
technologies • Carbon Management • Environmental Management Systems and ISO standardization of
Organization •Environmental Policy • Sustainable Energy • Renewable energy sources) • Environmental
Radiochemical Analysis (Research Team: Dr E Naomab, Dr HR Lotfy, Ms C Raidron, Dr ERT
Elago, Mr G Uiseb)
2.
Improvement and value addition of Plants and Crops and Food Chemistry
Biochemical and Chemical characterization and molecular, environmental and nutritional evaluation of
local plant and crop species • Screening, isolation, purification and characterisation of novel enzymes
from microorganisms and/or plants• Studying the fermentation/cultivation conditions for the production
of enzymes and other functional compounds produced by microorganisms, in particular fungi • Plant
Resources • Plant Environment Interactions and adaptation strategies, enhancing coping strategies of
communities to climate change variability • Value addition and improvement of local plant/crop species •
(Research Team: Dr M Kandawa-Schulz, Dr E Naomab, N Pogori, Ms C Tjiurutue)
3.
Medicinal Chemistry
•Synthesis of coordination complexes containing thio-based ligands •Synthesis of coordination complexes
containing nitroxyl ligands • Screening for biologically active products in medicinal plants and
subsequent chemical, biochemical and pharmacological studies on plant secondary metabolites •
Establishment of seasonal occurrence of algal marine biotoxins along the central Namibian coast. Design
and synthesis of potential antiinfective agents modelled on natural products. (Research Team: Prof.
EMR Kiremire, Dr HR Lotfy, N Pogori, Ms C Raidron, Ms T Thomas, Dr RH Hans)
63
4.
Computational Chemistry/Bioinformatics
• Electronic structure of semiconductor clusters• Computational modeling of the interaction of ozone with
thio-phenol, seleno-phenol and DNA bases • Bioinformatics for small scale genome project for local
species, AKA X-species hybridization • Gene Ontologies for Namibia Fauna and Flora • Systems biology
for biochemist (Research Team: Prof. Edet Archibong, Dr E Naomab, Dr M Kandawa-Schulz)
5.
Industrial Chemistry and Nanotechnology
• Nanomaterials, Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (Research Team: Prof J Wang, Dr E
Naomab)
Publications
Refereed journal articles:
1. Hans, R.H., Guantai, E.M., Lategan, C., Smith, P.J., Wan, B., Franzblau, S.G., Gut, J., Rosenthal,
P.J., Chibale, K. (2010). Synthesis, Antimalarial and Antitubercular Activity of Acetylenic
Chalcones, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 20 (3), 942-944
2. Hans, R.H., Gut, J., Rosenthal, P.J., Chibale, K. (2010). Comparison of the Antiplasmodial and
Falcipain-2 Inhibitory Activity of β-Amino Alcohol Thiolactone-Chalcone and Isatin-Chalcone
Hybrids, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 20 (7), 2234-2237
3. Hans, R.H., Su, H., Chibale, K. (2010). Novel Tetracyclic Structures from the Synthesis of
Thiolactone-Isatin Hybrids, Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry, 6. doi: 10.3762/bjoc.6.78
4. Jose C. Jackson, Kwaku G. Duodu, Mette Holse, Margarida D. Lima de Faria, Danie Jordaan,
Walter Chingwaru, Aase Hansen, Avrelija Cencic, Martha Kandawa-Schultz, Selalelo, M.
Mpotokwane, Percy Chimwamurombe, Henrietta L. de Kock, and Amanda Minnaar; Advances in
Food and Nutrition Research, Volume 61; ISSN 1043-4526, DOI: 10.1016/S10434526(10)61005-4
5. Takundwa M, Nepolo E, Chimwamurombe PM, Cullis CA, Kandawa- Schulz MA and Kunert
K. 2010. Development and use of microsatellites markers for genetic variation analysis, in the
Namibian germplasm, both within and between natural populations of Marama bean
(Tylosema esculentum) Journal of Plant Breeding and Crop Science.
6. Nepolo E, Chimwamurombe PM, Kandawa-Schulz MA and Cullis CA. 2010. Assessment of
genetic variation based on ribosomal intergenic spacer length variation in Marama bean
[Tylosema esculentum (Burchell) L. Schreiber] in Omaheke region, Eastern Namibia. African
Journal of Plant Sciences, Vol 4(9).
64
7.
H. R. Lotfy, H. N. Ssematala and M. Kandawa-Schulz {Modification of some organic
compounds of pharmaceutical interest}, presented paper, 1st National Research Symposium,
safari Hotel, Windhoek, Namibia, 15-17 September 2010.
8. H. R. Lotfy and N. B. Eiseb {Biological treatment of a wastewater containing pharmaceutical
contaminants}. J. of Environ. Scien., vol. 39(4), pp. 401-414, 2010.
9. H. R. Lotfy, P. N. Kadhila-Mundigi and E. O. Eises {Bioremediation using the species
Pleurotus Ostreatus}. J. of Environ. Scien., vol. 39(3), pp. 321-327, 2010.
10. H. R. Lotfy and L. Aindongo {Treatment of butanol and propanol containing wastewater}. J.
of Environ. Scien., vol. 39(3), pp. 2791-287, 2010.
Published conference proceedings and Conference papers delivered
1. Cheikhyoussef, A., E. Naomab, S. Potgieter, G. Kahaka, C. Raidron and H. Mu Ashekele, 2010.
Phytochemical Properties of a Namibian Indigenous Plant; Eembe (Berchemia discolour).
Proceedings of the 1st National Research Symposium, Windhoek, Namibia, 15-17 September
2010.
2. J Wang (2010). The basic technological research of Nanometer-ZnO production. Proceedings of
the 1st National Research Symposium, Windhoek, Namibia, 15-17 September 2010.
3. Hesham R. Lotfy and Peter sen A. Aitembu {Simultaneous removal of cations and anions
from wastewater using a bench-scale zeolite filter}. Presented paper,1st international
conference on sustainable water supply and sanitation, Cairo, Egypt, 25-27 July 2010.
3. Department of Computer Science
Publications
Journal Articles:
1. Phiri J., Zhao T. J. and Mbale J. (2010). Identity Attributes Mining, Metrics Composition
and Information Fusion Implementation Using Fuzzy Inference System. Journal of
Software. (Accepted)
2. Mbale J, Phiri J. and Zhao T. J. (2010). Relational Algebra Tree – Algorithm Data
Mining (RAT-Adm): A System that Computes Query Optimisation. International
Journal of Data Engineering (IJDE), 1(4).
3. Mbale J. and Staden S. V. (2010). The HAE Bottom-Up Model (HAE-BUM): Envisages
the Enhancement of Development and Strengthen e-Governance or e-Government
Implementation Systems. IEEE Xplore. (Publication in progress)
Conference Papers:
4. Mbale J. (2010, December 4th – 5th). An Educational Model Cellular Shape Convertor
(EMCSC): A Tool that Demonstrates and Calculates the Sizes and Shapes of Cells in
Cellular Networks. The 2010 International Congress on Computer Applications and
Computational Science: CACS 2010, Singapore.
65
5. Mbale J, Phiri J. and Zhao T. J. (2010). November 29th, 30th to December 1st).
eGovernance Triangle of Hope (eGTOH). A Full Housed Integrative Architecture
Framework that Adapts to Evolved Technologies. IADIS International Conference on
Internet Technologies & Society (ITS), Perth, Australia.
6. Mbale J. (2010, September 15th – 17th). Converged Data Centre-Library Model (CDCLM): Enhances Implementation of e-Government or e-Governance Systems in the subSaharan Region. National Research Symposium, Windhoek, Namibia.
7. Mufeti K., and Mbale J, Foster G., and Terzoli A. (2010, May). Using a Virtual
Classroom Solution to Teach Computer Science at the University of Namibia. e-Learning
Africa: 5th International Conference on ICT for Development, Education and Training,
An annual event for Developing eLearning Capacity in Africa. Lusaka, Zambia.
4. Department of Geology
During 2010 staff members in the Geology Department were engaged in the following collaborative
research projects:
Dr. F. Kamona:
A. Exploration guides for mineral deposits in Namibia:
Research focus: Investigating characteristic features of mineral deposits in different tectonic settings
in Namibia with a view to establishing exploration guides for mineral exploration. Current research is
taking place in the Otavi Mountainland for carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposits and the Erongo region
for uranium mineralisation associated with both primary and secondary uranium deposits.
B. Environmental-geochemical project in mining areas:
Research focus: Investigating the environmental impact of past and current mining activities in
mining districts with a view to establish a geochemical baseline and identify polluted areas that pose a
risk to humans and the local flora and fauna.
Analytical expenses funded by the Czech Geological Survey.
C. The Tectonic and Geochronological Evolution and Metallogeny of the Matchless Belt:
Research focus: Investigating the geological evolution, setting and metallogeny of the Matchless Belt
in Namibia which hosts Cu-Au deposits at e.g. Otjihase and Matchless Mine. This project was
initiated in 2010 in collaboration with the Swedish Geological Survey, Uppsala University (Sweden),
The Geological Survey of Namibia and Weatherly International PLC.
D. UNESCO-IGCP Project 580: Magnetic Susceptibility, Correlations and Paleoenvironments:
Research focus: Investigating the magnetic susceptibility, stratigraphic correlations and
palaeonenvironments in sedimentary basins of the Karoo with a view to establishing local and
regional correlations.
The first meeting of this new IGCP 580 project was held in Liege, Belgium at the Liège University
from 2 to 5 December 2009 and it included a field trip and training programme on the methods and
66
application of magnetic susceptibility in palaeoenvironments.
Publications:
1. Benjamin Mapani, Rainer Ellmies, Frederick Kamona, Bohdan Krˇibek, Vladimir Majer,
Ilja Knesl, Jan Pašava, Maria Mufenda, Filadelphia Mbingeneeko. 2010. Potential human health
risks associated with historic ore processing at Berg Aukas, Grootfontein area, Namibia. Journal
of African Earth Sciences, Volume 58, 634-647.
2. Kamona, F. (in press). Concentration of U and Th in the Bloedkoppie Granite, Namibia.
Submitted to UMHVI, Freiberg, Germany.
3. Kamona, F. (in prep.). Carbonate-hosted deposits. To be submitted to InTech – Open Access
Publisher.
Funding for the above projects is partly provided by UNAM, UNESCO-IUGS, NAMCOR and the
Geological Survey of Namibia who assist with travel costs, research materials, analytical costs and
research equipment.
Dr. Ansgar Wanke
In 1999 Dr. Ansgar Wanke and other researchers discovered fossil remains of giant Temnospondyl
amphibians in Permian lacutrine deposits located in the vicinity of Doros Crater in the southern
Kaokoveld. The Temnospondyl amphibians near Doros Crater have sterospondylous vertebrae, which had
been unknown before the Middle Triassic. This made the discovery quite spectacular, as the finding near
Doros Crater give clear evidence that the Mesozoic radiation among temnospondyl amphibians into the
Sterespondyli obviously occurred much early than previously known (Warren et al, 2001).
In August 2010 a group of researchers from South Africa and Argentinia contacted the UNAM geology
department and Dr Wanke guided the group to the fossil discovery of 1999. One week of intense field
work did unfortunately not reveal much new fossil material, but yielded a number of new thoughts on the
palaeoecology and taphonomy of the Stereospondyli amphipians.
The samples collected during the 2010 field trip are currently prepared for further investigation by Dr R.
Smith at the Natural History Department of the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town. The samples
are extreme fragile and preparation may take up to two years. Dr. Wanke has developed four honours
research projects which aim to re-interpret the depositional and post-depositional processes of the strata in
which the fossil Stereospondyli have been discovered. The honours projects started in May 2011. First
results are expected in the first half of 2012.
Warren, A. A., B. S. Rubidge, I. G. Stanistreet, H. Stollhofen, A. Wanke, E. M. Latimer and C. A.
Marsicano, 2001, Oldest Known Stereospondylous Amphibian From The Early Permian of Namibia,
Journal Vertebrate Palaeontology, No 21(1), p. 34-39.
Dr H Wanke
Focus area: Hydrogeological/hydrological research to support sustainable supply of potable water
67
This research field aims at supporting Namibia’s strategies to sustainable supplying potable water to their
residents at adequate quantities and qualities. The country experienced a population growth rate of just
over 2.5 % per annum over the previous decade (Central Bureau of Statistics, 2003). Moreover one of the
mission statements of Vision 2030 (Office of the President, 2004) is to transform Namibia into an
industrialized nation over the next two decades. The subsequent effect of these two facts is currently –
and will also be in the future – an increase in water demand. Furthermore against the background of
climatic change and its unknown influences on groundwater quantity and quality, studies leading to a
thorough understanding of all national and transboundary groundwater systems are necessary to prepare
the nation for challenges arising from climatic change.
For the following projects funding was applied for and approved and data collection started:
Identification of sources of nitrate in groundwater in Namibia (isotopic study) (funding from UNAM
Research & Publication Office)
Hydrochemical modeling of four Managed (artificial) Groundwater Recharge projects in Namibia
(funding from UNAM MRC)
Study of water quality of hand dug wells including identification of possible contamination sources and
development of an improved well design (funding from UNAM MRC)
Identification of pollutants at the outflow of Goreangab Dam and distribution paths along tributaries to
Swakop River and the groundwater system with special emphasis on implications for the Swakoppoort
Dam (funding from NamWater)
No research outputs are published so far as data collection and data analyses are still in progress.
Research Report for 2010: Benjamin S. Mapani, Geology Department.
In 2010 the main research activities were in three main areas
1. Naukluft Isotopic, groundwater and structural studies
2. Studies on the Rehoboth and Hohowarte basement areas
3. Studies in the Khan-swakop river areas on uranium in groundwater and from dust.
1. Naukluft Project.
This project has reached an advanced stage. Two abstracts were submitted and one manuscript for
publication in geology. The authors are still awaiting reviewer comments.
This the final phase of pump tests will be carried out in 2011. After that a modeling of the
groundwater system will commence.
2. Crustal studies on the Rehoboth and Hohowarte Inliers.
A research agreement was reached between the author and Prf. Cornell of Gothenburg University.
Studies were to involve Honours and Masters students from both Universities in 2011. Work will
cover geochronology and geochemistry of the lower crust between the two departments.
68
3.Groundwater and Dust studies in the Khan-Swakop River areas.
The project was sponsored by BGR-Geological Survey of Namibia, where four (4) honours students
did project on uranium migration into ground water (2-students) and uranium migration into dust (2students). These projects cost an estimated N$250 000 which was paid by BGR in analytical and
transport expenses. It is expected that results from these two projects will be written up in 2011.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Masters Students under Dr. B.S. Mapani
The following students were being supervised by Dr B Mapani
Mr Paulo Tanganha- who has been working on the “Resource estimates of alluvial diamonds in
the Lunda-norte area, Angola”; managed to complete his data analysis. He is now working on the
final manuscript. Due to confidentiality agreements his results will be made available after
completion of his thesis.
Ms Winnie Kambinda- is currently modeling the groundwater aquifers in the Naukluft area. At
present enough hydrochemistry data has been obtained and she requires more pumping tests. It is
expected that she will complete this aspect in 2011 and submit her thesis.
Mr Ewereth Muvangua- Although he registered, he has not yet completed his project proposal
arrangements. Meanwhile he has begun collecting data from the Damara belt for his analytical
work. Mr Muvangua is sponsored by a joint research applied for by Dr B.S. Mapani and Prof D.
Forster from Florida USA.
RESEARCH OUTPUTS
1. Mapani, B.S., Ellmies, R., Kribek, B., Kamona, F., Majer, V., Knesl, I., Pasava, J, Mufenda, M.,
Mbingeneeko, F. 2010. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 58, 634-647.
2. Mapani, B.S., Miller, J.A., Kambinda, W., May, F. and Rowe, C. 2010. An Investigation of
Aquifer properties in the Naukluft Mountain area. Colloquim of African Geology, 2011, January 915; Abstract volume.
5. DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
Introduction
In 2010 the new Bachelor of Science program in the department has been fully implemented.
This constitutes an improvement brought about as a result of the major-minor system adopted by
the faculty. The new program provides a much more thorough training.
Activities of the Department
In order to improve the pass rates of first year mathematics, the department designed a special
mode of first year mathematics. The submission of the department was eventually approved by
the University Senate, and the special mode will be implemented in 2011.
The department also worked on a Master’s program, which will most probably be implemented
in 2012.
69
Research and Publications
MuAshekele, H. and Gideon, F. Computer Program to assess sustainability of Appropriate
Production Technology on Labour-based Projects in Namibia, Natianal Research Symposium
December 2010.
Dube, T. and Mugochi, MM. Zero-dimensionality in structured frame. Far-East Journal of
Mathematical Sciences, Vol . 40 (1), pp 121-136, 2010.
Mugochi, MM. Cozero nearness frame. Far-East Journal of Mathematical Sciences, Vol. 46 (2),
pp 181-191, 2010.
Dube, T. and Mugochi, MM. A note on almost uniform nearness frames. Quaestiones
6. Department of Physics
(g) JOURNAL ARTICLES
(i) Oyedele, J. A., Shimboyo, S., Sitoka, S. and Gaoseb, F. (2010). Assessment of natural
radioactivity in the soils of Rössing uranium mine and its satellite town in western Namibia,
southern Africa. Nuclear Inst. and Methods in Physics Research A 619, 467-469.
(ii) Shimboyo S. A. and Oyedele, J. A. (2010). Determination of natural radioactivity in soils of
Henties Bay, Namibia, southern Africa. Proceedings, National Research Symposium,
Windhoek, 15-17 Sept.
(v) Acero, F., et al. (inc. Steenkamp, R.) (2010). Localizing the VHE gamma-ray source at the Galactic
Centre. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 402, 1877-1882
(vi) Acero, F., et al. (inc. Steenkamp, R.) (2010). PKS 2005-489 at VHE: Four Years of Monitoring with
HESS and Simultaneous Multi-wavelength Observations, Astronomy & Astrophysics, 511, A52.
(vii) Abramowski, H., et al. (inc. Steenkamp, R.) (2010). Multi-wavelength observations of H 2356309, Astronomy & Astrophysics, 516, A56.
(viii) Acero, F., et al. (inc. Steenkamp, R.) (2010). First detection of VHE gamma-rays from SN 1006
by
H.E.S.S, Astronomy Astrophysics, 516, A62.
(ix) Abramowski, A., et al. (inc. Steenkamp, R.) (2010). VHE gamma-ray emission of PKS 2155-304:
spectral and temporal variability, Astronomy & Astrophysics, 520, A83.
(x) Aharonian, F., et al. (inc. Steenkamp, R.) (2010). Discovery of VHE gamma-rays from the BL Lac
object PKS 0548-322, Astronomy & Astrophysics, 521, A69
70
(xi) Acero, F., et al. (inc. Steenkamp, R.) (2010). Discovery and follow-up studies of the extended, offplane, VHE gamma-ray source HESS J1507-622, Astronomy & Astrophysics, 525, A45.
(xii) Abramowski, A., et al. (inc. Steenkamp, R.) (2010). Revisiting the Westerlund 2 field with the
H.E.S.S. Telescope Array, Astronomy & Astrophysics, 525, A46.
7. Department of Statistics
Research focus areas

Aging is one of the most important population concepts in the world. With increasing number of
elderly population, Governments need to prepare in terms of providing social services including
health services. It is therefore of importance that the Statistics department looks at all demographic
dynamics which might have an influence on aging population and do the projections. Thus one of the
research focus area is “Modeling Aging Population”.
Research Output:
Chapters in books
Indongo Nelago. Estimates and Correlates of Maternal Mortality in Africa. A chapter to appear in
Odimegwu C et al: Analysis of African Census data. STATS SA. 2011. (Under review)
Refereed journal articles
Isak Neema and Dankmar Dbohning (2010). Improved methods for surveying and monitoring crimes
through likelihood based cluster analysis. International journal of Criminology anf Sociological Theory.
Vol. 3 (2) pp: 477-495.
Conference papers delivered
Indongo N, Neema I & Iiyambo P. Non-Utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services and
products in Namibia: a Men’s perspective. A paper presented at the National Research Symposium 2010.
(Under review for publication).
Study Guides and Training Manual

Introduction to Statistics by C J Mahindi

Statistical Methods and Research by Mr CJ Mahindi

Multivariate Distribution by P Iiyambo

Quality Control by I Neema

Data Processing by I Neema
71

Stochastic Processing by I Neema

Linear Models ny I Neema

Time Series Analysis by I Neema

Official Statistics and National Statistical Systems by N Indongo

Statistical Computing and Data Processing by N Indongo

Epidemiological Methods by N Indongo & I Neema
2.
ACTIVITIES OF ACADEMIC CENTRES
2.1 CENTRE FOR EXTERNAL STUDIES (CES)
The Centre for External Studies (CES) at the University of Namibia is one of the leading service
providers in Open and Distance Education in Namibia. CES is committed to Vision 2030 to ensure that
Education for All is indeed accessible to all to reach their full potential and take their place in Namibia.
As a Distance and Open Learning Centre, we are committed to quality education that would contribute to
the optimal development of individuals, and at the same time, ensuring development of the socioeconomic growth of Namibians.
In line with its vision and mission, CES comprises of the following Departments: The Department of
Materials Development and Instructional Design, the Department of Student Support, the Department of
Continuing Education and a large Administrative section which is responsible for the smooth running of
the Centre. Every year each department sets academic goals, activities and targets to be achieved during
that academic year. One of CES’s academic goals for 2010 was to revive its research committee with the
aim to ensure best practice in the areas of learning materials, academic support and technologies that
would put CES in line with other ODL institutions internationally, as well as making CES aware of the
individual needs of its students.
1.
Director’s Report
Although the CES mainly conduct research in the area of open and distance education it also have strong
research links with some of the academic staff from other faculties within the University. Some of these
links are with the Faculty of Education’s Department of Lifelong Learning and the Department of
Inclusive Education. Other research projects are also developing between the department of Mathematics
and that of the faculty of Medical Health Sciences. When looking at collaborative attempts with other
ODL institutions locally, I’m happy to report that various research initiatives have taken place; as a result
72
of a series of research related workshops which were facilitate by Dr Anthony Brown of CES, and
organized through NOLNET. Furthermore, CES has continued its community outreach and research
activities with UNESCO, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Staff
members from CES also belong to various research bodies within Namibia as well as within the SADC
Region. Examples of such research bodies are: Distance Education Association of Southern Africa
(DEASA), Namibian Educational Research Association (NERA) and Namibian Open Learning Network
Trust (NOLNET). The Director of CES is the country representative for DEASA as well as the Vice
Chairperson for the NOLNET Board of Trustees. Due to CES’s links with DEASA, CES also has
existing networks with the University of Botswana and the Commonwealth of Open Learning in Canada.
During the year under review, CES has also strengthened its links with the FernUniversity of Hagen in
Germany.
Apart from striving to produce quality research and publications, some of its short, medium and long term
research goals set for 2010 and beyond included the following:
Short term goal:
Through the revitalization of CES’s research committee, academic staff members were challenged and
motivated afresh on how different research activities within CES could be improved on the basis of the
services rendered to distance education students and partners.
Medium research goals
Most of the academics at CES were involved with medium research goals, which resulted in conference
papers or publications during 2010. Some of the research areas included the following:

Explore how technology could be used to improve student support;

Collect Empirical evidence to strengthen policy and practice in distance education;

Establish inter-research activities with other faculties within the university and ODL institutions;
and

Conduct the training needs assessment among San women and girls of Namibia.
Long term research goals
One of CES’s long term research goals is to ultimately develop and grow into competent professional
ODL academics which will be recognized internationally for their pioneering work. One such an attempt
73
has started during 2010, where the wish was expressed to launch a book on ODL in Namibia during an
ODL conference which will take place in October 2011.
CES was actively involved with community outreach activities and research during the year under review.
Two of the four proposals which were submitted to the Research and Publication Office, were successful.
A total amount of N$ 157,000 was approved for the two successful proposals. The two unsuccessful
proposals were referred back to the authors with the request to resubmit once they have adhered to the
comments made by the committee.
Figure 1: CES Research committee
3.
Research Focus Areas
CES, being an open and distance learning arm of the University, her research activities focuses on issues
related to education for development in general but more specifically on educational approaches, methods
and practices, distance and open learning, lifelong learning, adult education and educational policy. The
following areas in research were found interesting and worthwhile doing among the CES academic staff.
3.1
Assignment writing practices: Ms E Venter and Ms E Tjiramba
Both authors of this research paper are from the Student Support Section. Since students often have
problems understanding or answering assignment questions correctly, the authors felt intrigued by the
way students interpret instructions as set out by lecturers. What does a student do when he/she don’t
74
understand a question in an assignment? What skills are students applying to assist them understanding
how to go about answering their assignments? [email protected] [email protected]
3.2
Open and Distance Learning (ODL) at tertiary Level: It’s Potential to Contribute to a
Knowledge Society: Dr H Nekongo-Nielsen and Dr F Beukes
These authors are planning a tracer study on ODL graduates who studied through the means of Open and
distance learning programmes from 2000 up to 2007. The study will concentrate on their specific field of
study and work they are involved in. The study will however also look at other areas which might be
found useful for society, but which is not offered through higher education ODL programmes in the
region. [email protected] [email protected]
3.3
The Psychosocial Needs of San learners: Towards coping strategies for retaining San
Learners in secondary schools in Namibia: Dr A Brown and Mr J Ndimwedi
There are currently more than 38,000 San people living in Namibia with 7 distinct languages. They are
the most disadvantaged group in Namibia in nearly all social and economic indicators including
education. San learners are the unfortunate victims of a number of negative stereotypes that pervade
almost all aspects of their lives. In school, this gives rise to bullying, not just by other learners but also
by teachers, who are known to make examples of their San learners in class and in assemblies. This
study intends to investigate the psychosocial factors contributing towards the high dropout of San
learners and develop strategies to support these learners in school. Five regions will be visited across
Namibia. [email protected] [email protected]
3.4
Distance education undergraduate students' experiences of project work supervision in
Namibia: Dr N Mbukusa
Despite several international studies that have been conducted on MA and PhD supervision, little
qualitative investigation has been conducted on students doing undergraduate project work in an attempt
to understand how the supervisory relationship is experienced. In response, 16 students from rural and
urban schools studying at the Centre for External Studies, University of Namibia (CES-UNAM) were
interviewed using focus group interviews. The study results centred on the theme of feedback as an
academic support service with subthemes such as ineffective feedback from tutors, feedback too little too
late from lecturers, inadequate vacation school guidance on supervision and lack of commitment from
supervisors. [email protected]
75
4.
Research Output:
4.1
A training needs assessment for vocational and skills development among San women and
girls: Dr H Nekongo-Nielsen
An evaluation of recent publications revealed that there is not much information available on the training
needs or income generating activities for San people, especially those targeting San women and girls. The
aim of this study was therefore designed to find out the training needs and the need for income generating
activities among San women and girls in the four regions of Caprivi, Kavango, Ohangwena and
Omaheke, in order to develop interventions that would address the identified needs. The research report
documented the identified training needs of San women and girls living under these varying
circumstances and recommended appropriate interventions for sustainable income generating activities.
This needs assessment was conducted by Dr Haaveshe Nekongo-Nielsen, for UNESCO. On the basis of
the recommendation learning materials were developed by CES and The department of Lifelong Learning
during the 2010 academic year. [email protected]
Figure 2: A focus group discussion meeting at Omega, I of the Mukwe Constituency’s in the
Kavango region
4.2
Development of a toolkit for the work ethics programmes for San Women and girls.
As a result of the above-mentioned needs assessment, Dr Trudie Frindt and Dr Nekonko–Nielsen
developed a 6-module Work Ethics toolkit for San Women and girls. A video on “San Women at Work”
(in figure 3 below) was produced by Dr Trudie Frindt, to accompany the Work Ethics Toolkit. Dr
76
Nekongo-Nielsen also worked closely with colleagues from the Department of Lifelong Learning to
develop a 6-modules literacy toolkit as well as a facilitator’s manual for illiterate San women. It must be
mentioned that both facilitators’ manuals were developed with the purpose to train facilitators with the
necessary skill to teach literacy as well as work ethics to San women. It is envisage that the training will
commence during 2011.
Figure 3: Video on San Women at Work.
4.3
Higher Education Task force
During the year under review, a team of academics were tasked by the VC, Professor Lazarus Hangula to
investigate the possibilities of establishing a UNAM campus in the Northern and Southern parts of
Namibia. Dr Frindt was part of the Higher Education task force team which was led by Dr Kenneth
Matengu. A report resulted from this investigation.
5.
Books: Chapters in books:

Refereed journal articles
77
Brown, A. (2011). Using the nominal group technique to explore trainee-teachers attitudes in
Namibia towards school-aged children infected with HIV and AIDS, NERA.

Monographs:

Published conference proceedings:

Conference papers delivered:
Haihambo, C.K., & Brown, A. (2010/2011) A National Study on the Experiences and Coping
Strategies of Parents of Children with Visual Impairment in the early and primary school
years. Paper presented at the World Forum on Early Child Care, Hawaii, 3 - 6 June 2011.
Mbukusa, N.R. (2010). Distance education undergraduate students' experiences of project work
and supervision in Namibia: University of Namibia Case study. Conference paper
delivered in September 2010, Botswana, Gaborone.
Shikongo, R.M. (2010). “Integrated Dialogical Health Communication Model as a
challenge during HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns among the youth in Oshana
Region, northern Namibia”. Presented paper at OSSREA Conference at UNAM
Oshakati Campus. July 2010.

Study Guides and Training Manuals
Frindt, G. (2010). Discover a personal work ethics. UNESCO, Windhoek, Namibia.
Frindt, G. (2010). Character Development and Self-improvement. UNESCO, Windhoek,
Namibia.
Frindt, G. (2010). Problem solving. UNESCO, Windhoek, Namibia.
Frindt, G., Nekongo-Nielsen, H. (2010). A Facilitators Training Manual. UNESCO, Windhoek,
Namibia.
Nekongo-Nielsen, H. (2010). Introduction to the work ethics programme. UNESCO, Windhoek.
Namibia.
Nekongo-Nielsen, H. (2010). Introduction to the work ethics programme. UNESCO, Windhoek.
Namibia.
Nekongo-Nielsen, H. (2010). Team building. UNESCO, Windhoek. Namibia.
78
Nekongo-Nielsen, H. (2010). Developing good work habits and standards of conduct and success.
UNESCO. Windhoek, 2010.

Works of Art, Inventions and Innovations

Patents registered.
6.
Conclusion
During the reporting period, CES realized a number of its goals and made definite stride towards reaching
our goal of increasing our research output for 2010. Very special thanks must therefore go to the
Chairperson of CES’s research committee, Dr Anthony Brown, for his timelessly efforts and energy in
motivating and encouraging academics to get involved in research. Congratulations to our colleagues who
received funding from the UNAM Research and Publications Office. You set a great example, and the
rest of us will follow soon. Finally, thank you to all our partners in ODL, and special thanks to UNESCO
who sponsored Dr Nekongo-Nielsen and Dr Frindt to participate in the OER initiative in Paris, during
December 2010.
2.2 LANGUAGE CENTRE
Introduction
The vision of the Language Centre is to be the leading academic centre of excellence in offering modern,
national and international languages
Mission
Our mission is to equip students and society at large with linguistic and general communication skills
through quality teaching and consultancy services towards improvement of language proficiency.
Staffing situation/size of faculty or centre
Regarding staffing, the Centre has twenty four staff members, including administrative personnel. Two
staff members are about to complete their PhDs. This will help the Centre greatly to overcome some of its
challenges with respect to research.
Short, medium and long term research goals
Our short-term research goals are to build the necessary capacity through learning by doing, training and
knowledge sharing so that we are in a position to conduct research that will generate knowledge and
79
sustain communication through language. While, our long-term research goals are to generate knowledge
that will be used to power our teaching; such knowledge will also inform policy makers with respect to
matters related to the teaching and development of languages. We will also illuminate further, through
research, the link between language and thinking via collaborations with our colleagues in other
departments, e.g. Biology and Psychology.
To get around the problem of low research output which can be attributed to the lack of capacity, the
Language Centre hired a trainer to provide training in statistical data analysis using SPSS. The training in
question, which was one week long, was very much appreciated by the staff members. It is hoped that the
fruits of the data analysis training will be reaped this year. However, the Centre also shared knowledge
with regard to research to fill the existing gaps in the know-how of staff members. Additionally, since
time had been identified as one of the constraints, the Centre slightly reorganized its operations to free up
time for research and organizational learning. This year, 2011, the Centre will provide training in research
methods and qualitative data analysis. All these efforts are geared towards addressing the problem of low
research output which has been crippling the Centre since its inception. Clearly, although its research
output is still minimal, the Centre is moving in the right direction.
Research partnerships and networks; research teams and programmes
In terms of networking, the Language Centre will continue to consolidate its links with the Centre for
Kiswahili Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam. Through such networking, expertise, especially in
the area of research into languages will be shared. The Centre in question celebrated its 80th birthday this
year, meaning that there is a lot we can learn from them. The language Centre will also continue to forge
links with other institutions as far as research is concerned through its Research Unit, which was revived
last year and is now aggressively encouraging research at the Centre and collaboration with other
institutions in the language teaching and learning industry.
Research focus areas
Last year, the focus areas were the language of instruction/learning and reading skills among
primary learners in Namibian Schools.
Reading
The Centre conducted research into reading skills of pupils at Otjomuise Primary. The research in
question was on “The influence of pleasure reading in English and writing instruction on reading and
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writing abilities of Grade 5 learners at Otjomuise Primary School.” The funding (N$500.00) for the data
analysis for this study was provided by the Language Centre
Published conference proceedings and conference papers delivered
Language of instruction/learning
The Centre, during the same year, contributed a chapter to a book on English in Namibia. The British
Council funded the conference; some selected papers from this conference were later compiled into a
book. This book was launched by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the British Council this
year (see details below). Moreover, a study into knowledge sharing at the Language Centre was designed
but could not implement due to time constraints. Plans are under way to implement it this year, during the
Second Semester.
Simasiku, L. (2010). Language Policy and Constitutional Elements: Is the official language synonymous
with the language of instruction in the Namibian context. In M. Malaba (Ed), Policy and practice in
English Language (pp. 6-13). Windhoek: Macmillan Education Namibia Publishers (PTY) Ltd.
In addition, in 2010, the Centre played an instrumental role in the winning of the English Language
Proficiency Project (ELPP) tender, a multi-million dollar project, which is currently being spearheaded by
the University Central Consultancy Bureau (UCCB). The Language Centre was part of the team that
wrote the proposal. Moreover, the Centre contributed to the production of different materials related to
the project after the tender was awarded to the University of Namibia, including the design of the needs
analysis survey as well as benchmarks. The ELPP is designed to help Namibian teachers country-wide
improve their proficiency in the English language and is in line with National Professional Standards for
Teachers in Namibia.
Concluding remarks
The Centre formed a three man committee to coordinate the research activities of the Centre. A
room has been identified at the Language Centre which will be turned into a Research Unit and
will be fully furnished with technology and research journals on Language Teaching. I would
like to thank the British Council who paid for the publication and hosting of the conference at
which the paper on English was presented. My gratitude also goes to the University of Namibia
that allowed one of our staff members to go on Sabbatical leave and conduct a study at
Otjomuise Primary school. Lastly, I want to thank the staff members who have added value to
the University through research.
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2.3 MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH CENTRE (MRC)
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
The MRC’s mandate is:

To promote applied research.

Coordinate multidisciplinary research in national development priority areas across UNAM in
partnership with others.

Implement the commercialisation of targeted R&D activities, such as product development, patenting
and value addition.

Promote the dissemination of MRC research publications and other outputs.

Carry out teaching and advisory services for the public.
During 2010, the MRC was deliberately focused on implementing the above mandate. The overall
research performance was improved from better the previous year with respect to the number of
manuscripts prepared, presentations made and seminars or workshops held and this is worth noting. A
total of 13 technical papers, 14 articles of which 9 were submitted and published in peer reviewed
journals, five booklets, three conference presentations were made and four seminars or workshops were
organized. These outputs are an indication that the MRC is well on its way towards focusing on research
leaving behind the consultancy of the former MRCC. In line with this strategic shift, the MRC has strived
to increase its research muscles by increasing its staff complement of researchers and support staff whilst
also increasing its collaborative research with UNAM faculty members. Going into 2010, the MRC had
only 5 permanent staff positions with few contract staff. Four more contract staff was recruited: two
researchers, a research coordinator and as assistant librarian for the resource centre and the driver. About
6 Post-graduate research fellows at Masters Level and 13 student interns from different faculties were
brought on board. They were part of the capacity building programs and also played a vital supportive
role in the Divisions of MRC. There were over 60 registered collaborative researchers from various
faculties.
An amount of N$5million was allocated by the University of Namibia to MRC in order to strengthen
collaborative research with UNAM faculties and other external stakeholders. In addition, the centre
generated additional funding through donors such as Lux-development, International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA), Research and Publication Office. Major partners were the Ministry of Health and Social
Services, Directorate of Special Programs, Min of Education (Directorate of Research, Science and
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Technology), Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Insaka Initiative (University of Montana (USA),
University of Monash (RSA), University of Copperbelt (Zambia), University of Kwazulu Natal (RSA),
University of Dublin, Ministry of Lands & Resettlement and Ministry of Gender Equality.
1.2 The MRC Management
MRC management consist of the (i) Director, Dr Hina Mu Ashekele, (ii) Deputy Director Dr Kenneth
Matengu, (iii) Heads of Divisions, namely, the Social Science Division (SSD) headed by Dr Kenneth
Matengu; Life Science Division (LSD) by Mrs Selma Lendelvo and Science, Technology & Innovation
Division (ST&ID) by Dr Hina MuAshekele.
1.3 MRC Staffing
The staff component of MRC during 2010, was 38 members (Table 1) , of which 10 (26%) were
permanent staff and 28 (74%) on contract. The high percentage of contract staff is contributed by the
inclusion of post-graduate research fellows and student interns drawn from faculties for capacity building
purposes.
Table 1 MRC staffing
MRC staff
Male
Female
Sub-Total
Senior Researchers
3
0
3
Researchers
7
1
8
Assistant Researchers
1
1
2
Administration
2
4
6
Postgraduate Research Fellows
1
5
6
Student Interns
2
11
13
Total
16
22
38
1.4 MRC Research and Publication Committee
A new MRC Research and Publication Committee has been appointed by the Director; this Committee is
composed of the following members:
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1. Dr. Ahmad Cheikhyoussef (Chair)
2. Dr. Patrick F. Graz
3. Mr. Gert Van Rooy
4. Mr. Martin Shapi
5. Mr. Michael Conteh
The Committee conducted 6 video presentations on methods of writing a great research paper to all MRC
and UNAM staffs, these presentations were as follows:
1. Picking an A+ Topic
2. Starting Your Research
3. Finding the Best Sources
4. Plagiarism
5. Taking Notes
6. How to Be Persuasive
These video presentations were purchased from Video Aided Instruction, Inc., Roslyn Heights, New
York, USA. The purpose of these presentations are to stimulate and increase the number of publications at
MRC and to build capacity of MRC junior researchers and to consolidate MRC research programs in
conducting and carrying out high quality research.
2. Director’s Report
The Multidisciplinary Research Centre (MRC) is among the few Centers at the University of Namibia
that focus primarily on research. The year 2010 was primarily focus of developing strategies to improve
research outputs at the Centre, through the process of target setting, identification of collaborations, and
mentorship activities. Although set targets, the overall performance better than the previous year.
The long term research goals
The long term goals of MRC are based on the purpose of establishment of the Centre which is to advance
research and development in the country in support of Vision 2030 and the national development goals.
MRC has been mandated by the University of Namibia to promote and coordinate applied and
multidisciplinary research in national development priority areas. It is also envisage to play an important
role in research findings and output dissemination using different channels.
Medium term goals
Strengthening research capacity at MRC through recruitment, collaboration, capacity building, staff
development and student supervision is among the medium term goals. There some research programmes
at MRC that are either led staff members without a PhD or dormant because of lack of staff. This will be
84
crucial for the achievement of the University strategic plan. This year, we welcomed the following
contract staff: Dr Ahmad Cheikhyoussef , Mr Karl //Gowaseb, as Collaborative Research Coordinator;
Ms Anna Ngula, in charge of Resource Centre and Mr Simeon Mukululwa, as driver.
Short term goals
This involves the accomplishment of annual activity plans of the active research programmes of the three
Divisions of the Centre. Research at MRC is carried out by the researchers at the Centre in collaboration
with internal and external researchers. The collaborative research approach at MRC was mainly
implemented to strengthen research output at the Centre and enhance capacity in academic writing. The
active research programmes are:
•
Regional and Local Development
•
Social Epidemiology
•
Land
•
Education
•
Gender Training and Research
•
Pharmaceuticals
•
Civil Engineering and Information Development
•
Indigenous Knowledge Systems Technology (IKST) (food and beverages)
•
Water Engineering Technology and Management
•
Renewable Energy Technologies and Management.
•
Industrial Production Technology and Management
•
Biodiversity and social-ecological systems.
In assessing our achievements over the period, we were pleased to note that the centre has brought in over
N$5million (MoE last year alone), and additional funding through collaboration with donors which
amounted to over N$ 2million. These donors included Unversity of Mondena in Italy, The African Centre
for disaster and risk management, European Union EP 7 and University of Maryland.
There has also been growth in temporary staff, while we operate with only 5 full-time staff. We have 6
contract staff members and 12 student interns who play a vital supportive role, and over 60 registered
collaborative researchers from various faculties, although not all are active in research projects and
programmes. There are also postgraduate research fellows registered with UNAM for their Masters
Programmes and they have been involved in numerous projects under the supervision of researchers at the
MRC.
Partnerships and networks
85
MRC implemented various projects through its three divisions during the year 2010 in partnership with
stakeholders and collaborative networks. MRC collaborated with staff from different Faculties and
Centres at the University of Namibia. External collaborators included the Ministry of Health and Social
Services in terms of developing the 5 year Malaria programme review; Ministry of Lands &
Resettlement; Ministry of Environment and Tourism; Ministry of Gender Equality on gender-based
violence; the US Embassy on women and the law; and the National Council of Namibia; Namibia
National Students’ Organization (NANSO) and Namibia Association for CBNRM Support Organisations
(NACSO) on wildlife management issues.
In terms of international collaborators, there was also an engagement with the Malawi Law Commission
and networking visits on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) to Botswana and South Africa. The Life
Sciences Division worked together with University of Maryland and the Insaka Initiative which is a
consortium of four universities (Montana (USA), Kwazulu-Natal (RSA), Copperbelt (Zambia), Monash
(RSA branch).
Figure 1: MRC staff on a year-end review
3. Research Focus Areas
MRC is made up of three Research Divisions reflecting its key thematic areas:
3.1 Social Sciences Division (SSD)
Dr K. Matengu the Head of Division supported by four researchers, namely; Mr G. van Rooy, Mr M.
Shapi, Mr M. Conteh and Mr Z. Kazapua. SSD works collaboratively with mainly the Faculty of
86
Humanities and Social Sciences with Prof K. Mchombu and Prof P. Mufune as supervisors and Faculty of
Economics and Management Science with Dr. Omu Kakujaha-Matundu as collaborative researcher.
SSD implemented the following five programmes during the year under revive.
1. Regional and Local Development, Programme Leader: Dr K. Matengu;
2. Social Epidemiology, Programme Leader: Mr G. van Rooy;
3. Land, Programme Leader: Mr M. Shapi;
4. Education, Programme Leader: Mr Z. Kazapua;
5. Gender Training and Research, Programme Leader: Mr M. Conteh.
3.1.1 Regional and Local Development Programme
This programme is an action oriented research program aimed at understanding and analysing the role of
the development policy of the Republic of Namibia, in relation to the implementation of decentralization,
NDPs, rural development strategies and the transformation into a knowledge economy. Additionally, the
adoption of information and communication technologies as a development tool also forms part of the
program’s research focus. The program also investigates impediments to cross-border cooperation of
border towns and the anomalies of borders and borderland identity. In view of decentralization of
immediate functions namely, rural water supply and development, and sanitation, for the year 2010, the
program will mainly focus on analysing the:

State of Rural Communities’ Access to Portable Water

Perils and Promises of Community-Based Water Management

Barriers to Decentralization: Analysis of Bottlenecks to the Integration of Decentralized Functions
into Local Government.
Through this program two technical reports were produced. Two articles are in draft form and one book
draft is under review.
Programme Leader: Dr K. Matengu; [email protected]
3.1.2 Social Epidemiology Programme
This program was born out of the Poverty and Livelihood Program which primarily focused on research
investigation dealing with HIV/Aids, and access to healthcare for vulnerable groups. The change was
necessitated with respect to the nature of the current and future vision of the program and ultimately that
of the Division. Currently the program does not have core funding, but most of its research projects are
87
long term research projects with a number of donors. As part of its capacity building, the program sent
two UNAM staff members to Amsterdam for MSC- degrees in Medical Anthropology. Upon their return
from their studies they re-joined the academic ranks of the University. It should be noted that with the
new vision of the program it geared itself to facilitate policy that would enable low income earners to
access proper medical healthcare on the on hand but also review existing health policies that hamper
access to healthcare for vulnerable groups in the country. Furthermore, in the understanding of the
relationship between the drivers of HIV/Aids research will be conducted with tertiary students to gauge
their views on it. This would ultimately help UNAM to contribute to the debate of social uplifting of
communities’ at large.
Programme Leader: Mr G. van Rooy; [email protected]
3.1.3 Land Programme
The main objective of the this programme is to conduct research on land matters in Namibia, especially
on land reforms (focusing on equity, resettlement policies, tenure security or tenure reform in communal
areas and gender dimensions). During the year under review the programme was involved in conducting
with regard to the development of north east communal areas of the country. Furthermore, the issue of
Indigenous knowledge System was one of the key activities in which the programme was engaged in.
The above two areas of development research are essential to the overall development of the country
because over 60% of Namibian population live in the rural areas and more so in the northern part of
country. These people directly or indirectly derive their livelihoods from land; as a result development of
communal land is crucial. The same can be uttered about the proper understanding of IKS practice in the
same area. Most of these people have been practicing IKS in treating themselves or their animals which of
great importance to learn and preserve it for the future generation. IKS is not only confined to human and
animal treatment but is also use in crop farming house construction. This is an opportunity for Namibia to
improve on traditional house construction as more than 50% of Namibia housing types are traditional
dwellings. Finally, the program was also offering lectures on “introduction to Environmental Science to
2nd year Fisheries students at Neudam.
Programme Leader: Mr M. Shapi; [email protected]
3.1.4 Education Programme
Educational change and reform in Namibia have rarely had so much prominence within public policy
discussion that it has been over the past five years. Bearing in mind the complexity of education and its
88
much needed positive impact on economic growth, poverty alleviation and employment creation, it has
never been divorced from development and political confrontations. Educational change is a ubiquitous
debate in Namibia. Yet action to bring about quality educational change is seemingly an elusive target.
This action-oriented research program aims to investigate the system of education in Namibia in terms of
its quality preparation, coordination, learner-student preparation and the trajectories of teacher
perceptions and the idea of a learning nation. In addition, this program will focus on the role of higher
education in addressing underdevelopment and poverty, as well as the effect of the absence of Early
Childhood Development (ECD) is having on the quality of the Education System in Namibia. The
program works collaboratively with the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Education at UNAM.
Programme Leader: Mr Z. Kazapua; [email protected]
3.1.5 Gender Training and Research Programme
The GTRP is an educational as well as research programme within the Multi-disciplinary Research Centre
(MRC) at the University of Namibia. Since Independence there has been an increasing recognition of the
importance of integrating gender issues in Namibia’s overall economic and social development policies.
The Namibian Constitution is based on the principle of equal rights and obligations for women and men.
Equality between women and men is a matter of human rights and a condition for social justice; and also
a necessary and fundamental pre-requisite for equality, development and peace. As a response to these
challenges, the GTRP has carried out numerous gender-related training programmes aimed at developing
gender awareness at the local, regional and national levels since 1995. The main objectives of the
program are:

To develop and teach interdisciplinary and short courses on Gender and Development in UNAM
curriculum and for relevant stakeholders.

To enable UNAM students to gain in-depth understanding and experience in gender and HIV and
AIDS research through internships and fieldwork activities.

To provide postgraduate training for Namibian researchers and University staff and student,
government officials, NGO staff members and individuals with demonstrated potential and
commitment to gender analysis and HIV and AIDS research.

To develop linkages with national and international institutions involved in gender and HIV and
AIDS related training, research and policy formulation.

To promote awareness of gender issues among the general public through improved dissemination of
research findings.
89

To improve the teaching and research facilities of UNAM in order to support gender and HIV and
AIDS research and training.

To improve the socio-economic and legal situation of women in Namibia.

To reinforce academic links and networking in Southern Africa and Globally.
Programme Leader: Mr M. Conteh; [email protected]
Achievements of SSD during 2010
In terms of achievement the division through its various programmes has achieved some milestones
during the year under review. The Land programme managed to attract funds to the tune of
N$990,000.00. With regard to publications the programme produced three (4) technical reports and two
peer reviewed papers. Finally, the programme offered an Introduction to Environmental Science course to
2nd year Fisheries students at Neudam Campus. The Regional and Local Development Program published
a papers on IKS practices on the Sanga breed, Olive farming and technology; community-based practices
on water; Land-use technology, Technology and social capital and a chapter in a book on the ‘errors of
using GPRS in tracking animals’. In terms of income generation the programme managed to generate N$
785,000.00
Epidemiology programme managed to kick start the Qualitative Survey data collection under Equitable
Health project Work Package 3 run by a consortium of partners in Africa and Europe. The programme
also completed the Okambilimbi Survey report and Research papers include 3 articles with consortium
partners and one chapter in a book on the audit system. Furthermore, the programme gave support to the
Namibia Vulnerability Assessment Committee and Disaster & Risk Management. Finally, the programme
conducted KAP study among UNAM students.
The Gender Training and Research Programme achieved the following during the year under review;
conducted a quantitative assessment of HIV and AIDS Workplace Programmes with GTZ; Lectured
students in the first semester on contemporary social issues, the programme Coordinator was selected by
the Department of State in the United States of America to participate in the International Visitors
Leadership Programme (IVLP) on the theme Women and the Law: The US Experience from April 19 –
May 7, 2010; also attended a Training on Women Leadership Skills in Washington DC
The Programme
also received visitors from the Malawi Law Commission and presented the Namibian Experience on
issues around GBV with regard to preparation of a National Plan on Gender based Violence in Malawi.
The programme also produced three papers covering issues on human trafficking, NANSO and the
Students Uprising of 1988 and Social capital . And with regard to community engagement the programme
90
has made important contacts with Members of Parliament and institutions working on gender issues, the
Girl Child, Human Trafficking and violence in general. These included the Women’s Parliamentary
Caucus of the National Council of Namibia. The programme Coordinator accompanied the Women’s
Caucus to provide technical assistance to the members and to assist with technical expertise in an effort to
develop a centre for abused girls in Windhoek’s Khomasdal. In addition 23 Gender Based Violence
awareness and advocacy radio talks were aired on the National Radio 92.6 FM during the reporting
period.
3.2 Science Technology and Innovation Division (ST&ID)
Dr Hina MuAshekele, head the Division supported by Dr D. Mumbengegwi, Dr A. Cheikhyoussef and
Mr Zenas Iileka, Ms I. Du Preez and Mr Joseph Sosinyi were the postgraduate research fellows.
They were supported by collaborative researchers from the Faculty of Science: Dr Heike Wanke
(Department of Geology), Dr Ronnie Bock (Department of Biology), Prof Enos Kiremire (Department of
Chemistry and Biochemistry ), Dr Erol Naomab (Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry), Dr Gladys
Kahaka (Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry), Dr Renate Hans (Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry), Ms Celestine Raidron (Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry), Ms. Sanette Potgieter
(Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry)and Dr. Martha Nambabi & Dr Peter Bille from the
Department of Food Science and Technology.
Five following programmes were implemented by the division:

Pharmaceuticals, Programme Leader: by Dr D. Mumbengegwi

Civil Engineering and Information Development, Programme Leader: Dr H. MuAshekele

Indigenous Knowledge Systems Technology (IKST) (food and beverages), Programme
Leader: Dr A. Cheikhyoussef

Water Engineering Technology and Management, Programme Leader: Dr H. Wanke

Renewable Energy Technologies and Management, Programme Leader: Mr Z. Iileka

Industrial Production Technology and Management, Programme Leader: Dr H. MuAshekele.
3.2.1 Pharmaceuticals Programme
The general aims of this programme are to carry out scientific research on medicinal plants to identify
those with potential for economic benefit to the economy and to further transform these plants into the
product forms and services of standardized and scientifically authenticated quality.
The main achievements for the discovery and development of Anti-malarial medicines in 2010 are:
91

Synthesis and screening of synthetic, organic and natural plant products for antimalarial properties.

Identification, Phytochemical screening and characterization of antimalarial compound classes in
natural plant products

12 Medicinal plants identified, harvested and screened for compound classes with known anti-malaria
activity.

Malaria laboratory equipment acquired (through engagement of stakeholders), installed and personnel
trained.

Preparation of Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines Manual.
 Capacity building
 Recruitment of postgraduate research fellow and 3 student interns trained in biosafety.
 Fund Raising
 Seven proposals prepared, 2 funded by RPO ($N 170 000),
 Two concepts notes selected for development into full proposals (IAEA, 3yr for $US 500 000),
(MCA-N with IKST Food program $N1.3 million)
 Stakeholder engagement
 Participated in MoHSS NVDCP Malaria Program review.
 Development of 2011-2015 Strategic plan.

Development of SARN operational research plan and nominated as Co-ordinators of SARN
operational research proposal development and implementation in Namibia.

Pharmaceutical services-TWG on Pharmacy Curriculum and Competency framework.
 National Pharmaceutical Master plan.
 Collaborative research with MRC IKST Food programme, SSD and MoE on IKS National project.
 Research Outputs
 Two research seminars or workshops for malaria research conducted.
 Four presentations made at National Science week (2 poster), MoE National research symposium
(oral presentation) and Heritage and Culture in Modern Namibia Lecture Series (oral presentation)
 One peer-reviewed paper was submitted, 3 papers in preparation, 2 technical reports.
 Community engagement
The MoHSS was assisted to write a Malaria Project for submission to Global Fund. The Malaria team
also participated in various meeting including, the Eastern and Southern Africa Annual Review and
Planning meeting; MoHSS Biomedical Research Ethics Committee; UNAM Institutional Review Board,
Namibia Development Journal Reviewer and the Pharmaceutical programme. Stakeholder engagementParticipated in MoHSS NVDCP Malaria Program review; Development of 2011-2015 Strategic plan,
92
Development of SARN operational research plan and nominated as coordinators of SARN operational
research proposal development and implementation in Namibia, Pharmaceutical services-TWG on
Pharmacy Curriculum and Competency framework, National Pharmaceutical Master plan, IKST program,
SSD/MoE IKS project.
Programme Leader: by Dr D. Mumbengegwi; [email protected]
\
Figure 2 Pharmaceuticals Programme research team
93
Figure 3 Laboratory analysis at the Pharmaceuticals Programme
3.2.2 Civil Engineering and Information Development Programme
The purpose of the programme is to develop technology, material and human resources which will be able
to address the needs for adequate housing, building skills, proper roads and appropriate building
regulations. Program research areas are:

Appropriate Construction Technology

Construction Management and Building Economics

Public-private-partnerships with SME contractors
Programme Leader: Dr H. MuAshekele; [email protected]
3.2.3 Indigenous Knowledge Systems Technology (IKST) food Programme
This research programme is a collaboration research work between the Science, Technology and
Innovation Division (STID) of the Multidisciplinary Research Center (MRC) and the Department of
Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Department of Food Science and Technology. The overall idea of this
programme based on the transformation of indigenous knowledge and skills which are unique to certain
indigenous communities, cultures or societies into value added products. This program aims to setup the
IKST laboratories (Biochemical and Microbiological Labs), to conduct research in various fields of IKST;
in particular in the Ethnobotany, indigenous fruits and traditional foods and beverages field to determine
the composition of nutritional profiles and functional elements, also to establish IKST database at MRC.
Two research teams have been formed; the Biochemical research team: responsible for the nutritional
analysis and bioactive components chemical profiling from indigenous plants and traditional food
94
products, and the Microbiological analysis research team: responsible for the microflora screening and
identification of the functional components (enzymes, peptides, bio-surfactants, prebiotics, probiotics,
etc...). Two peer reviewed articles were published this year, 2 papers presented at national research
symposium, one research article under review and two articles are in draft form. Research in IKST can
support the policy development in building national capacities for research; increase the need for
indigenous plant protection; finding new compounds from medicinal plants for medicine development to
fight diseases like Malaria, HIV and improving livelihoods through enhanced food security, development
of improved traditional foods and methods of production and improved agricultural methods.
Programme Leader: Dr A. Cheikhyoussef; [email protected]
Figure 4 Laboratory analysis for some of the traditional fruits, food and beverage products within the
IKST Food programme
3.2.4 Water Engineering Technology and Management Programme
The general aims of this program are to study and apply engineering principles that underlie energy
phenomena, in order to supply affordable energy to the majority of deprived Namibian citizens.
Programme research areas are: Hydrogeology and Water quality.
95
Programme Leader: Dr H. Wanke; [email protected]
3.2.5 Renewable Energy Technologies and Management Programme
The aims of this programme are to identify, design and fabricate renewable energy-powered technologies
(RET) and service solutions. Apart from the commercialization focus, it also carries out scientific
investigations to understand and apply the engineering principles underlying energy phenomena as well
as to optimally manage energy supply systems. Program research areas are:

Scientific Research in energy technology and management.

Design and Fabrication.

Commercialization of (RET).

Public-private-partnership.
Programme Leader: Mr Z. Iileka; [email protected]
3.2.6 Industrial Production Technology and Management Programme
The general aims of this programme are to identify and develop the appropriate processing and
production technologies for value-addition as may be relevant production requirements of local industries.
Program research areas are:

Appropriate SME Production Technology and Import Substitution.

Scientific research and product development in mechanical engineering.

R&D, commercialization (Innovation, value-addition, quality control, production economics,
technology management, IPR).

Private-public-partnerships, entrepreneurship for manufacturers.
Programme Leader: Dr H. MuAshekele; [email protected]
3.3 Life Sciences Division
Mrs Selma Lendelvo, head of Division joined in January by Dr P. Graz, senior researcher and Mr J.
Nakanyala postgraduate research fellow. Mr A. Mosimane, a researcher, was on staff development leave
for his PhD at Kwazulu Natal University, RSA. Two junior researchers, Ms. J. Mbandi and Ms. D.
Simpson left the life sciences division mid-year to take up master's studies in the Netherlands and USA
respectively.Due to the limited staff, the life sciences division focused only on research in terrestrial
ecosystems. In this focus area the division supported by several collaborative research projects together
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with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences – specifically Dr Martin Hipondoka, Ms Rosemary
Ihula, and Ms Ellen Kimaro Ms Magret Angula from the Department of Geography, Environmental
Sciences and History – the faculty of science – specifically Dr John Mfune and Prof. I. Mapaure – and the
Etosha Ecological Institute - Mr Martin Kasaona.
Most emphasis was, however, placed on capacity building within the LSD with a number of related
workshops presented. International collaboration with the University of Ballarat, Australia, revolved
around studies related to water-point development in arid lands.
Achievements of LSD during 2010:
Projects undertaken by the LSD during 2010 dealt with social-ecological systems and studies related to
water-points in arid regions. In addition, a workshop on climate change was organized – this discipline
had to be abandoned later on due to lack of staff.
Much of the activities were related to studies within the Etosha National Park: (i) vegetation condition
around water points, (ii) impact of tourism and tourist roads on the Etosha landscape, and (iii) HumanWildlife Conflict in the surroundings of the Park.
Three 3 papers were submitted for publication. One was to the Scientific Society of Namibia. One article
on habitat restoration in Australia and one sent to a journal on environment and management focusing on
a GIS based model of grazing impacts around water-points. The GIS study was also presented at the MoE
Symposium.
The LSD strengthened its networking through the INSAKA consortium dealing with social-ecological
issues in Southern Africa. Namibia is a key player in this field. In addition, collaboration with the
Directorate of Forestry was strengthened through the development of joint research proposals. These are
pending decisions for funding from the German BMBF.
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Figure 5 Biodiversity and ecological disturbances in Etosha National Park
4. Research Output
4.1 Refereed journal articles
Amoo, S.K., and Conteh, M. (2011). Women’s property rights in Namibia and HIV and AIDS: Myth or
reality?
Namibia
Law
Journal,
3,
3-28.
http://www.namibialawjournal.org/pnTemp/downloads_upload/JournalEd3Vol1/NLJ_section_3.p
df
Cheikhyoussef, A., Shapi, M., Matengu, K., Mu Ashekele, H., (2011).
Ethnobotanical study of
indigenous knowledge on medicinal plant use by traditional healers in Oshikoto Region, Namibia.
Journal
of
Ethnobiology
and
Ethnomedicine,
(7):10
http://www.ethnobiomed.com/content/pdf/1746-4269-7-10.pdf
Cheikhyoussef, A., Mapaure, I., Shapi, M., (2011). The Use of some Indigenous Plants for Medicinal and
other Purposes by Local Communities in Namibia with Emphasis on Oshikoto Region: A
Review,
Research
Journal
of
Medicinal
Plant,
5
(4):
406-419.
http://scialert.net/qredirect.php?doi=rjmp.2011.406.419&linkid=pdf
Dan, V., Mchombu, K and Mosimane, A. (2010). Indigenous medical knowledge of the San people: the
case of Farm six, Northern Namibia, Information Development, 26, 129-140
Graz, F. P. (2010). The use of fire as a management tool in the Savanna and Woodland Areas of Namibia.
Journal of the Namibian Scientific Society, 58, 56-63.
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Janssens W, de Beer I, Coutinho H. M., van Rooy G, van der Gaag, J, Tobias., R de Wit F (2010). A
cautious note on household survey HIV prevalence estimates in resource-poor settings. BMJ,
341:C6323.
4.2 Published conference proceedings and Conference papers delivered
Cheikhyoussef, A., M. Shapi, K. Matengu and H. Mu Ashekele;. (2010, September 15-17). Medicinal
properties of Ximenia: Lessons from the traditional healers in Oshikoto region, Namibia. Paper
presented at the 1st National Research Symposium, Windhoek, Namibia.
Cheikhyoussef, A., E. Naomab, S. Potgieter, G. Kahaka, C. Raidron and H. Mu Ashekele. (2010,
September 15-17). Phytochemical Properties of a Namibian Indigenous plant; Eembe
(Berchemia discolour). Paper presented at the 1st National Research Symposium, Windhoek,
Namibia.
Du Preez C.I, Mumbengegwi, D.R. and Bock R. (2010, September 15-17). Validation of ethno-medicinal
plant knowledge in the Oshikoto region through botanical identification and biological
assessment of its value as complementary medicine for malaria. Paper presented at the 1st
National Research Symposium, Windhoek, Namibia.
Gibson, J., & K. Matengu (2010, 13 – 15 April). Sustainability of Rural Water Supply Schemes:
Kavango and Caprivi Regions. Paper presented at the International Symposium on
Sustainable Rural Water Services. Kampala, Uganda.
Graz et al, (2010, September 15-17). Evaluating the effects of water point closure and fencing: A GIS
Approach. Paper presented at the 1st National Research Symposium, Windhoek, Namibia.
Matengu, K., & H. Mu Ashekele (2010, 18 – 22 July). Impact of Technology Integration on
Olive Farming in Central Namibia. Paper published in PICMET’10 International
Academic Conference Proceedings, Portland University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Mbandi, J. and Simpson,D. (2010, September 15-17). Investigating the relationship between grazing
capacity, human wildlife conflict (HWC) and the socio-economic impacts of hwc within
Omatendeka conservancy. Paper presented at the 1st National Research Symposium, Windhoek,
Namibia.
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Mu Ashekele,H., and Conteh, M. (2010, September 15-17). The Role of Women in the Development of
Appropriate Housing Methods and Technologies: The Case of the Shack Dwellers Federation.
Paper presented at the 1st National Research Symposium, Windhoek, Namibia.
Mu Ashekele,H., and Gideon, F. (2010, September 15-17). Computer Program to assess sustainability
of appropriate technology on labour-based projects in Namibia. Paper presented at the 1st
National Research Symposium, Windhoek, Namibia.
4.3 Study Guides and Training Manuals
MuAshekele, H. (2010) Manual for research and development in public – private – partnership of metal
based small and medium enterprises manufacturers. Volume I, II, III, IV
Mumbengegwi, D.R. (2010). Biological Safety Manual. Windhoek: University of Namibia.
Graz, P. F. (2010). GIS training Manual. Windhoek: University of Namibia.
5. Concluding Remarks
I would like to comment the tireless efforts and commitment of all researchers at MRC for working
towards improving research outputs during 2010. The establishment of the food pharmaceuticals research
were among the limelight of the Centre and I would like to appreciate Dr Mumbengegwi and Dr
Cheikhyoussef for their work. Dr Graz also joined the Life Sciences Division during 2010 and his
presence contributed positively to skills development in the Division as well as MRC as a whole. The
availability of funding was one of the contributing factors towards better performance at the MRC and I
would like to thank all researchers for playing an important role in fund-raising. I also was to commend
the junior researchers and the students for the support their rendered to the research teams in the
execution of the research projects. Finally, thank you to all supervisors and collaboration staff for
strengthening research capacity and outputs at the MRC.
2.4 SAM NUJOMA MARINE AND COASTAL RESOURCES RESAERCH CENTRE
(SANUMARC)
Introduction
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The Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre’s vision is to become a centre of
excellence in Science and Technology research in marine and coastal resources, in order contribute to
global efforts in promoting food security and eradicate poverty. With this vision in mind and guided by its
mission to promote sustainable development and responsible utilisation of marine and coastal resources
based on environmentally sound management for the benefit of Namibia and the people of the SADC
region, the Centre achieved significant scientific breakthroughs in 2010. SANUMARC can now boast of
the needed infrastructure to attract the best marine scientists and postgraduate scholars in the world to
Namibia. In addition, the Centre completed a study looking at the effect of its development projects on
the community, which should help the Centre in understanding where the projects sometimes go wrong.
SANUMARC had another interesting year in 2010. For the most part, research activities were successful,
with breakthroughs in finfish larviculture, encouraging results with semi-saline hydroponic vegetable
production, and steady progress towards the introduction of button mushroom farming technology at the
coast.
SANUMARC Research staff complement for 2010.
Name
Position
Dr L.K. Oellermann
Commonwealth Advisor & Director
Mr F. Mwazi
Researcher (Coastal agriculture)
Mr M. N. Kooitjie
Assistant Researcher (Mariculture)
Ms D. Shuuluka
Assistant Researcher (Seaweeds)
Mr F. Mubiana
Technologist (Mushrooms)
Ms N. Amutenya
Technologist (Mariculture)
Research activities in 2010
Propagation and Rearing of the Silver Kop
The Namibian marine finfish, Argyrosomus inodorus (silver kob) was successfully spawned at
SANUMARC for the first time on Thursday 18th & Friday 19th February 2010 in the Keto Mshigeni
Mariculture Building (KMMB). Spawning was induced using a Gonadotropin analogue called Luteinising
Hormone Releasing Hormone (LH-RHa). Eggs were collected from the brood stock tanks and incubated
in incubator cones for 48 hours. After hatching, the larvae were transferred to larval tanks containing
“green water” (micro-algae). Once the larvae began exogenous feeding, rotifers (Brachionus sp, 60 – 150
µm) were added to the water. After 10 days post hatching the larvae was large enough to feed on Artemia
101
nauplii (> 250 µm). The daily growth of the larvae was monitored from hatching until metamorphosis, by
taking a sample of 1 – 3 larvae per day (Figure 1).
A
B
C
D
Figure 1. Silver kob development: (a) One day old yolk sac larva; (b) 10 day old larva showing gas
bladder inflation; (c) 20 day old larva showing spinal flexion to form caudal peduncle; (d) 30 day old
lava, post metamorphosis and undergoing settlement.
102
Figure 2. Average size of the silver kob when weaned onto the 2 – 3 mm feed pellets manufactured by
Marifeed (Pty) Ltd.
Table 1. A summary of the larval culture stage of the silver kob, including estimated survival, feeding
and developmental stages from hatching to transfer to the juvenile on-growing system.
100%
90%
80%
70%
ESTIMATED 60%
LARVAL 50%
SUVIVAL 40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
M I C R O - A L G A E
R O T I F E R S
A R T E M I A
LIVE FOOD ADDED TO
LARVAL TANKS
N A U P L I I
A R T E M I A
DAYS
B I O M A S S
Sulphur and low oxygen tolerance of marine inshore species and Harmful Algal Blooms
The kick-off workshop for the two Benguela Current Commission Science Programme funded projects,
which are collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources of Namibia
(MFMR), the Directorate of Marine & Coastal Management in South Africa (MCM), the Institute for
Fisheries Research (INIP) in Angola and SANUMARC, was held at NatMIRC from 6th – 8th July 2010.
The full titles of the two projects are BCC/EAF/08/09: “The impacts of hydrogen sulphide and low
oxygen levels on inshore marine species”; and BCC/WQP/08/04: “The impacts of harmful algal blooms
on the inshore environment”.
Representatives from all four institutions met to discuss vital issues relating to the projects, such as
institutional capacity, budget, research methodology, financial management, etc. On the second day of the
workshop, a practical session in the NatMIRC laboratory was held to familiarise the project participants
with the equipment used for the proposed experiments, as well as to develop a standardised experimental
protocol.
103
TRANSFER TO JUV. TANKS >
FIRST SETTLEMENT >
CAUDAL FLEXION >
GAS BLADDER INFLATION >
FIRST FEEDING >
TRANSFER TO LARVAL TANKS >
DEVELOPMENTAL
STAGES
EGGS HATCH >
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61
The first deliverable for the HAB and sulphur projects was a desktop study of the environmental and
economic effects of these events along the Benguela coastline. The inception reports for both projects
have been submitted to, and accepted by the Benguela Current Commission.
Isolation of local marine micro-algae
SANUMARC hosted the ACP S&T Bio-fuel Oil Project workshop in Namibia, from the 3rd to 5th June.
One of the outcomes of this very successful workshop was the agreement, by various parties who
attended the workshop, to set up a pilot scale micro-algae project along the coast. The concept involves
the culture of the halophilic micro-algae Dunaliella salina, to produce β-carotene and provide glycerol as
a fuel source, which one can use directly in a Combined Heat & Power (CHP) generator running on the
patented McNeil Cycle. It turns out that Dunaliella, the species we have been collecting and trying to
isolate from the local saltpans over last few years, is rich in glycerol (80% v/v). Until recently, glycerol
could not be burned effectively in an engine, and needed to be reduced and purified into bio-diesel,
resulting in a 70% loss of volume, and increase in production costs.
The ACP S&T Bio-fuel Oil Project partners met up in Accra, Ghana at the third workshop in the series,
during 5th – 10th October. During this workshop, we had an opportunity to plan the Namibian micro-algae
project further. SANUMARC and its partners hope to set up a halophyte micro-algae pilot project in
Henties Bay.
Commercial kelp farming in Namibia
Since returning to office, Ms Diina Shuuluka has become involved in developing a research project with
Kuiseb Fishing Enterprises (KFE), to investigate the feasibility of culturing the kelp Laminaria pallida in
Walvis Bay. The objectives of the project will be to: determine the ecological conditions at a selected sea
region for Laminaria culture, design appropriate rafts/longlines for Laminaria culture, compare growth
and survival of young sporelings and sporophytes under different environmental conditions in the
laboratory, determine the effect of environmental conditions on the growth and survival of Laminaria
pallida during the grow-out phase and finally, develop a management protocol for the grow-out stage.
Evaluation of Agaricus mushroom strains at the Namibian Coast
The Centre successfully completed the first phase of the programme that aims to introduce button
mushroom (Agaricus) culture to Namibia in 2009. This involved the inoculation of an agar plate
containing growth medium with spores. The second phase was initiated in February 2010, which involved
the inoculation and mycelia colonisation of a small volume of organic substrate in a propagation bottle.
Once we were confident of routine success with this stage, experiments were carried out to test the
adaptability and performance of Agaricus species (Agaricus birtoquis, Agaricus bisporus: 096 and
104
Agaricus bisporus: 097) on different cellulosic substrates such as whole wheat grain, whole sorghum
grain and whole rice grain.
We examined the substrates in the replicated treatments daily for contamination, and measured the growth
of mycelia on these substrates every four days. The results of the experiment revealed that there was no
significance difference (P ≥ 0.05) in the number of days taken for the completion of mycelia growth in all
species when cultured on whole sorghum grain. Most of the bottles reached maximum growth (complete
colonisation) on the 20th day of colonization. Based on the results of the experiment, it was concluded that
wheat grain is the best substrate for the Agaricus strains used. This was probably due to various factors,
including the surface area of the grains and their nutrient content.
Based on the rate of colonisation, it was concluded that the AB096 strain was the best Agaricus
mushroom for culture under the conditions experienced in Henties Bay. It should be noted that only 6 of
the 81 bottles were contaminated in the experiment, which is very good. The combination of wheat
substrate and AB097 strain showed the highest incidence of contamination, at 7.4%.
A
B
C
Figure 3. Examples of sample bottles containing mycelia of Agaricus birtoquis and A. bisporus strain 096
& 097 colonising (A) whole wheat grain, (B) whole sorghum grain and (C) whole rice grain.
A
C
B
Figure 4. Mycelia growth for three strains of Agaricus mushrooms over time in sorghum (A), wheat (B)
and rice grain (C) substrates.
Mushroom farming in peri-urban areas
105
SANUMARC’s community mushroom projects were first initiated in 2004. Since then, no one has carried
out a study to determine the impact of the socio-economic aspects of mushroom farming and its
contribution to urban agriculture development. The efficacy of Namibia’s community projects have been
questioned in various forums, and in an attempt to understand the real value of the mushroom projects,
SANUMARC carried out a socio-economic study titled “Challenges and opportunities of oyster
mushroom farming in peri urban areas: the case of Erongo Region, Namibia” in 2010.
The primary objective of the study is to develop a framework that we can use as a guiding tool for future
institutional interventions to promote peri-urban small-scale mushroom projects. This study also formed
part of the Centre’s Mushroom Technologist, Mr Fabian Mubiana’s Masters Degree in Development
Studies from the University of the Orange Free State, in South Africa.
Bio-saline Agriculture
The Centre initiated the third phase of the bio-saline agriculture project, involving the evaluation of the
effect of saline water on selected vegetables grown in hydroponic floating systems, in February 2010, and
completed the project in July. In summary, this phase of the hydroponics experiment involved moving the
hydroponics tables out of the Centre’s greenhouse and into the shade-netted vegetable garden. Cabbage
and spinach were selected as the experimental crops, as they were best performing species and varieties in
the greenhouse experiments.
In the spinach (Beta vulgaris var. cicla; variety: Swiss chard-Ford hook giant) experiment, the control
group grew significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than the plants subjected to 10 ppt saline water, but there was
no significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) for plants watered with 5 ppt saline water. The leaf width decreased
significantly (P≤ 0.05) with the increase in salinity while the number of leaves in all treatments increased
significantly over time, from 14 to 35 days after transplanting. The yield potential of the spinach
decreased significantly when we harvested the plant leaves several times; in terms of quantity (fresh
weight) and quality (sugar content). Thus during the first harvest spinach had better quality in terms of
sugar content and in terms of weight to subsequent harvests. We attributed this to the fact that we did not
apply fertilizers after each subsequent harvest, with the first harvest benefiting from the application of
fertilizers at the beginning of the experiment.
In the experiment where cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata: Copenhagen variety) was grown in the
hydroponic systems in SANUMARC’s vegetable garden, the results showed that the plant height of the
control group increased significantly (P≤ 0.05) from 14 days to 35 days after transplanting compared to
plants that utilized 5 & 10 ppt saline water. The number of leaves decreased significantly (P≤ 0.05) as
salinity increased. In terms of quality, the cabbage plants subjected to a salinity level of 10 ppt scored a
106
significantly higher sugar content (Brix %) (P≤ 0.05) than the control group, but grew a smaller head on
average, resulting in significantly lower fresh weights when compared to the control group (P≤ 0.05).
A
B
Figure 5. Spinach transplanted (A) and growing (B) in hydroponic tables in the SANUMARC vegetable
garden.
Figure 6. Cabbage growing in hydroponic tables in the SANUMARC vegetable garden.
PUBLICATIONS, TECHNICAL REPORTS, PAPERS & PRESENTATIONS
A list of the publications, technical reports, papers and presentations prepared by the Centre’s staff
members in 2010 follows:

Oellermann, L.K.; B. Currie, A. Cockroft, I. Rangel, B. Sangolay & P. Coelho (2010). The impacts
of hydrogen sulphide and low oxygen on inshore marine species (BCC EAF/09/08). Paper presented
at the 2nd Annual Science Forum of the Benguela Current Commission (BCC) held at the SeaSide
Hotel and Spa, Swakopmund, Namibia, 11 – 13 October 2010.
107

Currie, B.; L.K. Oellermann, A. Cockroft, I. Rangel, B. Sangolay & P. Coelho (2010). Assess the
impacts of Harmful Algal Blooms on the inshore environment (BCC WQP/09/04). Paper presented
at the 2nd Annual Science Forum of the Benguela Current Commission (BCC) held at the SeaSide
Hotel and Spa, Swakopmund, Namibia, 11 – 13 October 2010.

Currie, B., Oellermann, L., Cockcroft, A., Auerswald, L., Sangolay, B., Rangel, I., and H. Skrypzeck
(2010). Review of impacts from low oxygen and hydrogen sulphide events in the Benguela. First
report, BCC project EAF/09/08: The impacts of H2S and low oxygen on inshore marine species.

Currie, B., Oellermann, L., Rangel, I. and H. Skrypzeck (2010). Review of impacts from Harmful
Algal Blooms in Angola and Namibia. First report, BCC project BCC/WQP/09/04: Assess the
Impacts of Harmful Algal Blooms on the Inshore Environment.

Oellermann, L.K. & M. Tjipute (2010). A description of the larval development of the Namibian
silver kob, Argyrosomus inodorus (Griffiths & Heemstra). Paper presented at the Water, Fisheries
and Marine Research Session of the 1st Biannual National Science Symposium, at the Safari Hotel,
Windhoek; 15 - 17 September, 2010.

Oellermann, L.K. (2010) .The Namibian mariculture industry: Potential for marine micro-algae
culture? Paper presented at the ACP S&T Bio-fuel Oil Workshop held at SANUMARC, Henties
Bay, Namibia; 3 – 5 June 2010.

Mwazi, F (2010). Opportunities for Bio-fuels capacity building in Namibia. Paper presented at the
ACP S&T Bio-fuel Oil Workshop held at SANUMARC, Henties Bay, Namibia; 3 – 5 June 2010.
3.
ACTIVITIES OF OTHER UNITS
4.1 UNIVERSITY OF NAMIBIA LIBRARY
1. Introduction
The mandate of the University Library is to support learning, teaching and the research programmes of
the University. The Library fulfills this important mandate by providing information facilities, services
and resources to the University students, staff, and the general public. Because of this mandate the
Library staffing does not include a separate section that concentrates on research but all staff members are
encouraged to partake in research and publish research outcomes.
108
Our mission is ‘to link faculties, departments and students with information enabling the University to
achieve excellence in teaching and learning, research and study and to preserve the institutional memory
for prosperity’.
Our vision ‘is to excel in linking our users with information’.
These are the broad statements that guide the areas of our research focus which are to investigate the
information needs and information seeking behaviours users, gain a better understanding of the new
developments and trends in information and ICTs, and examine our internal processes to make them more
efficient. All these will ultimately help us to devise appropriate strategies to be more responsive to the
information needs of our students, staff and other group of users we serve.
2.0 University Librarian report
The Library is entrusted with an important responsibility of supporting the University curriculum with
adequate, relevant and up-to-date information facilities, services and resources. To accomplish this
responsibility, librarians have to continually engage in research projects that will generate findings with
practical implications for improving library services and generally contribute to the body of knowledge in
the library and information profession. What follows below are the short, medium and long term research
goals for the University Library.
2.1 Short term research goals

Investigate the best practices in delivering Information Literacy (IL) instruction to University students
and staff.


Develop standards and tools for collection evaluation and assessment
Understand the usage statistics from the Library Millennium system to improve services
2.2 Medium term research goals


Develop standard research instruments for user needs assessment surveys
Gain a better understanding of the context under which our high school learners are being prepared as
information users to effectively cope with tertiary education

Investigate and understand modern information tools used by University students to locate
information for academic purposes.
2.3 Long term goals
109

Explore the applications of social networking software in linking our users with relevant information
and also marketing library services

Application of strategic planning in the management and operations of our services

Investigate the establishment of a digital library project
3.0 Research focus areas
3.1 Users studies
User studies will investigate students and staff perception of library services, facilities and resources in
relation to the information support we provide to students and staff. These types of studies will gather key
facts about whether various library services are in line with the UNAM objectives. User studies are thus
critical for the Library to measure its performances against its objectives. They further help to identify
strengths and weaknesses in the library operations and direct future Library developments and growth.
Thus, user studies are important in guiding the library to make informed decisions about the acquisitions
of adequate and relevant resources for the users.
3.2 Collection evaluation
Collection evaluation studies will essentially examine gaps in the print and online collections. This is
important to discover whether the Library collections are indeed meeting the University curriculum needs.
Equally important, these kinds of studies will be aimed at determining whether the Library budgetary
allocation is being utilized for the acquisitions of materials and resources to support the University
curriculum.
Collection evaluation studies will also be geared towards identifying strengths and
weaknesses in the collections acquired for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels of studies, and the
adequacy of the collections to serve different categories of users, e.g., users with physical disabilities,
distance education students, etc. These studies can help the Library in developing a standard model for
evaluating library collections in terms of relevance to the curriculum and research, currency,
effectiveness, breadth and depth of each collection per discipline.
3.3 Strategic planning and management studies
These will explore the applications of strategic thinking in planning Library operations for the benefit of
the users. They will help the Library in planning innovative library services responsive to the information
needs of the library’s users. They will further bring to the fore the key strategic issues which are critical
factors for the Library to fulfil its mission and vision more effectively and efficiently. Strategic planning
studies will also help to inform the Library Management of the new developments and trends in the
information field and thus enable the Library to chart its future direction in line with new trends in ICTs.
110
Research on Library performance measurements and Library benchmarking criteria for performance for
part of this research focus area. They will examine weaknesses in the performance of departments and
individuals and help to take remedial actions.
4.0 Research output
Peer-reviewed publications

Ndinoshiho, J.M. (2010). The use of electronic information services by undergraduate nursing
students at the University of Namibia’ Northern campus: a descriptive study.
Information
Development, 26(1), 57-65.

Matangira, V. (2010). Understanding the basics of audiovisual archiving in Africa & the developing
world: philosophical challenges for the archive lagging behind. ESARBICA Journal, 29, 223-233.
5.0 Conclusion
The Library is committed to engage in research projects that have practical implications to improve
library operations and services. Hence, research is an important priority in both short and long term plans
of the Library. Some of the research goals feature prominently in the newly approved 2 years institutional
cooperation between the UNAM Library and the Libraries of the Universities of Helsinki and Tampere in
Finland, whose main objective is to enhance human resources capacity at the UNAM Library. Some of
the research focus areas are well captured as expected outcomes in this institutional cooperation.
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