Namibian Journal for Research, Science and Technology

Geomorphological-based Remote Sensing and GIS analyses to identify vulnerable zones of forest fire in Zambezi Region, North-eastern Namibia

2023-06-06T13:35:53+00:00

Forest fires are a threat to biodiversity, lives, and livelihoods in many parts of the world. In Namibia, there is growing concern over the increasing frequency and severity of forest fires. The aim of this research was to map out fire-vulnerable zones in Zambezi Region in north-eastern Namibia using remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. A forest fire risk zone map was developed from a combination of several forest fire-promoting variables. To assess vegetation condition, Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated from Landsat TM images resulting in six classes. A toposheet map was used to classify land cover and land use into six density categories. Using SRTM imagery elevation data and topographic map, the slope, aspect, drainage density, and other coverages were determined. Geomorphologic and meteorological data were also used in the determination of forest fire risk zones. Forest fire vulnerable zones were defined by assigning subjective weights to each layer's classes based on the perceived sensitivity to fire or ability to cause fire. The final product categorized the Zambezi Region into four fire vulnerable categories: extremely high risk, high risk, moderate risk, and low risk. An area of 137000 ha (9.6%) was at very high risk, 665400 ha (46.5%) was at high risk, and 64600 ha (4.5%) was at low risk. Vegetation structure, geomorphology, land cover, and precipitation were major determinants of fire vulnerability. High elevation and low vegetation moisture status increased fire vulnerability. Lower fire risk (than expected) was recorded at low elevations due to the vegetation type being a limiting factor. Mid-elevated areas were at very high fire risk due to interactive effects of elevation, high temperature, and low humidity. Slope, aspect, and drainage density did not significantly influence fire risk due to low occurrence of pronounced slopes and aspects.

Predicting work engagement of employees at Dundee Precious Metals Mine in Tsumeb, Namibia

2023-08-14T11:49:42+00:00

The profit margins of organisations are noticeably influenced by their competitive advantage inclusive of engaged employees. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of job demands-resources on job satisfaction and work engagement of employees at Dundee Precious Metals Mine in Tsumeb. Job resources play a critical role in the job attitudes employees experience/develop (job satisfaction). Job satisfaction is regarded as the key motivating factor that enhances work engagement of employees. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, and data was collected through a questionnaire. A sample of n=150 participants was selected using random sampling. This study found a positive relationship between job resources (growth opportunities and advancement opportunities), job satisfaction and work engagement. Growth opportunities and advancement opportunities predicted job satisfaction. Job resources (growth and advancement opportunities) and job satisfaction predicted work engagement of employees. This study recommends interventions such as job rotation and internal training to enhance growth opportunities. It is also recommended to involve employees in the decision-making process, establish/implement recognition and rewards policies, educate staff on financial planning and ensure that fair payment and benefits are provided throughout the organisation. The organisation may also consider investing in interpersonal training and conflict resolution skills. The study adds to the knowledge within Industrial Psychology and the Namibian work setting.

‘By Grade 5, learners can read, right?’: Examining the reading ability of Namibian learners

2023-08-14T11:47:11+00:00

By Grade 4, English as a second language (ESL) learners are expected to read fluently and be able to read to learn from their grade-appropriate texts. The purpose of this article was to examine the reading ability of learners in Namibian schools (in the Zambezi Region), with a view to enhance the learners’ literacy levels. A quantitative research method was used in which three literacy tests were used in four schools to assess 365 Grade 5 learners’ decoding and reading comprehension levels. The analysis of the results showed that the learners had low decoding and reading comprehension skills. Considering the low reading levels of the learners, it seems the schools do not provide effective instructional practices. The results suggest that there is a need to improve learners’ reading comprehension levels through teacher empowerment to enhance their instructional practices.

The Use of soil amendments in crop production

2022-09-14T15:36:04+00:00

The fertility status of the Namibian soils is very low. In some parts of the country, such as the semi-arid Central Namibia, this phenomenon is much more extreme and, hence, a significant setback for crop growers. The soils are primarily sandy and lack organic matter, further worsened by low precipitation, high temperatures, and high evapotranspiration rates. This paper provides a background on soil amendments, including the two primary ways of categorising them based on the origin and the composition of the material(s) forming the amendments. Secondly, it offers a historical overview of the general agricultural use of soil amendments. Lastly, the paper discusses different soil amendments currently used and their effects on the fertility and productivity of agricultural soils. It is recommended that the effectiveness and the optimal application ratios of locally available soil amendments for crop production be studied.

Keywords: Soil amendments, soil health, crop production, climate change, semi-arid, Namibia

Heritage Tourism Development and Marketing Model: a community-based intervention to address barriers hampering the heritage sector in Namibia

2023-05-31T13:24:06+00:00

Heritage tourism is a form of tourism that attracts people to visit heritage sites to appreciate the natural heritage and to experience or learn about cultural heritage. It includes cultural tours, trips to festivals, visits to monuments and ruins, art viewing, and experiencing traditions and their vibrant expression in the target community. Marketing and development of the heritage tourism industry in Namibia have been experiencing numerous impediments. To address the status quo, this qualitative study adopted an interpretive paradigm and an interpretive phenomenological design to explore the key barriers hindering the heritage sector through in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion with 20 key heritage practitioners. In addition, secondary data from records and reports from various heritage institutions in the region were administered using document analysis. The study revealed that the development, promotion and preservation of Namibia’s heritage resources as tourism products poses many challenges, including inadequate funding, lack of basic infrastructure, weak documentation and poor marketing of heritage products. Therefore, the study proposes the Heritage Tourism Development and Marketing Model as an alternative strategy to address the identified challenges. The proposed model includes a road map with detailed activities to develop heritage tourism in a way that engages the local and all heritage stakeholders by adopting a participatory approach to valorization and marketing of local heritage resources as tourism products.

An assessment of the challenges of gender disparity in the city of Windhoek’s management leadership structures.

2023-08-14T11:40:49+00:00

The purpose of the study was to assess of the challenges of gender disparity in the City of Windhoek’s management leadership structures. The results of the study will help the City of Windhoek management in developing leadership and management positions and in addressing gender parity. The study will suggest possible ways on how to eliminate gender barriers and create opportunities in higher leadership and management positions. This study adopted a qualitative approach and case study research design. The researcher purposively selected 15 participants from all departments. Primary data for this study were collected using interview guides. Thematic analysis was used to analyses interview responses. The first key conclusion was that, gender disparity is prevalent at the City of Windhoek. The study revealed eight factors that lead to gender disparity in the city of Windhoek which included lack of implementation of strategic policy, stereotyping leads to discrimination of women in recruitment and selection policies, lack of gender-sensitive budgeting practices, inconsistent gender mainstreaming practices, inadequate gender analysis of information, poor implementation of gender responsive key result areas in performance management plans