MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH CENTRE (MRC) · Plans, and Vision 2030. The MRC has the same status as a Faculty according to the UNAM Statutes which created it. ... (NUST). International:

MULTI DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH CENTRERESEARCH CATALOGUE 2018




MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH CENTRE (MRC)

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RESEARCH CATALOGUE 2018

BACKGROUND

The Multidisciplinary Research Centre (“MRC”) is an academic research centre of the University of Namibia which is established in terms of Section 2 of the University of Namibia Act No. 18 of 1992, to promote and conduct applied research in line with the University of Namibia (“UNAM”) Strategic Plan, National Development Plans, and Vision 2030. The MRC has the same status as a Faculty according to the UNAM Statutes which created it. Specifically, the MRC is mandated to:

• promote and conduct basic and applied research directed at addressing socio-economic and scientific challenges in national development priority areas;

• promote multidisciplinary collaborative research through national, regional and international partnership;

• promote research outputs as well as raise awareness of research importance as a tool for developmental solutions, value addition and product development;

• mobilize additional research resources (funds) through proposal writing and engagements with stakeholders and research partners within the country and beyond;

• contribute to teaching and postgraduate capacity building; and

• Provide advisory services to communities.

MRC’s research strategy is to provide relevant and accurate research information in various areas ranging from health, education, biodiversity, climate change, socio ecological systems, gender, IKS, pharmaceutical and drug discovery etc. for policy decision making and programme interventions. Research is the core activity conducted at the MRC, where researchers are required to dedicate eighty percent (80%) of their working hours to research and twenty percent (20%) of their time to teaching and community service.

The Centre has a vision of becoming an internationally recognized Centre of Excellence for innovative applied research in the fields of socio-economic and natural resource management and development of Namibian products based on local knowledge and resources. The mission is to implement social and scientific research and training activities and programs that contribute to the development and mobilization of Namibian resources and expertise for national development.

Strategically, the MRC exists to conduct applied research in national priority areas through collaborative research partnerships with local and international partners; benchmark quality of the research process and outputs through participation in international research networks as well as to increase relevance of research conducted through engagement with stakeholders and end users of research products.

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DIVISION: LIFE SCIENCE DIVISION (LSD)The core function of the LSD is to play a leading research role in managing and utilising the natural resources for sustainable development, conservation of the biodiversity and provision of ecosystem services. The division promotes and conducts research through the following research programmes:

• Social-Ecological Systems• Community Adaptation to Change in Climate• Water Quality and Sanitation• The Biodiversity, Ecology and Ecosystem Services

RESEARCH PROGRAMME: SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEM (SES)

Lead Researcher: Mrs. Selma Lendelvo [email protected]

Key Research Focus1. Common Pool Resources (CPRs) Governance

• Cross-sectoral comparative analysis of common pool resource cases

• Management and Governance

2. Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM)• Benefit Sharing• Wildlife Management and monitoring approaches• Addressing land degradation and restoration of protected

areas.

3. Human-WildlifeInteractions• Human-Wildlife conflict management • Wildlife translocation,• Hunting and poaching

Research Team: Dr Alfons Mosimane (MRC, UNAM); Prof John Mfune (Faculty of Science, UNAM); Dr Ezequiel Fabiano, Mr Jesaya Nakanyala and Ms Selma Kosmas, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Katima Mulilo Campus; Mr Kaholongo Isak, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ogongo Campus

Stakeholders:Namibia: Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Conservancies, Namibia CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO), Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF-Namibia), Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). International: University of KwaZulu Natal, Monash University, University of Montana, Copperbelt University.

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RESEARCH PROGRAMME: COMMUNITY ADAPTATION TO CHANGE IN CLIMATE

Lead Researcher: Ms Nguza Siyambango [email protected]

Key Research Focus: 1. CommunityBasedAdaptationStrategies

• Identifying and documenting coping strategies of communities to climate change.

• Carry out regional assessments on viable community coping strategies.

2. Vulnerability and Risk Assessments • Identifying community risks and vulnerability to climatic

changes. • Assessing household assets to understand vulnerability to

climate change.

3. Climate Smart Agriculture.

Research Team: Cecil Togarepi, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ogongo Campus; Ms Margaret Angula, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, UNAM

Stakeholders: Namibia: Ministry of Environment and tourism (MET), Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF), Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).

RESEARCH PROGRAMME: WATER QUALITY AND SANITATION

Lead Researcher: Dr Earl Lewis [email protected]

Key Research Focus:1. ImprovingWaterQualityandQuantityinRuralAreas

• Water supply and availability in rural areas• Management and governance for water and sanitation in rural areas

2. Urban Water Demand and Supply Management • Water supply systems • Water security theories and applications of urban cities

Research Team:Prof. Chad Staddon, University of West England; Dr. Adrian Healy, Cardiff University; Mr John Sirunda, NamWater; Ms. Tiffany Claasen, UNAM

Stakeholders: Namibia: Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry; National Commission for Research Science and Technology (NCRST); NAMWATER; WINGOC; City of Windhoek. International: University of West England, Cardiff University

RESEARCH PROGRAMME: BIODIVERSITY, ECOLOGY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

Lead Researcher: Ms Emilia Haimbili [email protected]

Key Research Focus: 1. Biodiversity and Ecology

• Understand the current status of the Biodiversity Monitoring.

2. Ecosystem services• Establish critical conservation areas for payment for ecosystem

services in Namibia. 3. Restoration

• Assess the effectiveness of restoration projects in achieving self-sustaining and functioning ecosystems.

• Sustainable land management

Research Team: Dr Ezekiel Kwembeya, Faculty of Science UNAM; Dr Ndafuda Shiponeni (Freelance Researcher)

Stakeholders: Namibia: Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF), Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET), Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME).

RESEARCH PROGRAMME: POPULATION DYNAMICS AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Lead Researcher: Prof Nelago Indongo [email protected] Key Research Focus:1. Fertility,MortalityandPopulationgrowth

• Secondary analysis of demographic data (i.e. examining trends)

2. UrbanizationandWellbeing• Poverty & Inequality• Urban vulnerabilities and livelihoods • Lifestyle (non-communicable) diseases • Ageing

3. SexualandReproductiveHealthandRights• Adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health• Teenage Pregnancy • Maternal and Child health

Research Team: Dr Gert van Rooy, MRC-UNAM, Ms Immaculate Mogotsi, MRC-UNAM, Mr Paulus Mwetulundila, MRC-UNAM,Dr Lillian Pazvakawambwa, Faculty of Sciences, Mr Klemens Mutorwa, Faculty of Sciences, Prof Kammila Naidoo University of Johannesburg, Mr Naftal Sakaria, Postgraduate Student

StakeholdersMinistry of Health and Social Services; Namibia Statistics Agency; Ministry of Basic Education, Arts and Culture; Ministry of Regional, Local Government and Housing; Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare; Ministry of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare; UNICEF; UNFPA; WHO

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RESEARCH PROGRAM: LAND

Lead Researchers: Dr Kletus Likuwa Mr Martin Shapi [email protected] [email protected]

Key Research Focus:1. Land tenures

• Customary and lease rights registrations• Women and land rights• Youths and land ownership

2. Land and agrarian reforms• Land redistribution (commercial farming and urban land)• National Resettlement Program (NRP) & Affirmative Action Loan

Scheme (AALS) farming • Agriculture Business Farming and Green scheme farming• Farm workers’ plights• Illegal farm settlers• National Land demand (commercial and customary land)

Research Team: Romie Nghitevelekwa, Faculty of Humanities, UNAM, Ndeshimona Namupala, Faculty of Humanities, UNAMMike Shirungu, Academic Affairs, UNAM, Dr Michael Akuupa, LaRRI

StakeholdersMinistry of Land Reforms, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Legal Assistance Centre, AgriBusDev, AgriBank of Namibia, Konrad Adenuer Stiftung, Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, GIZ, Namibia National Farmers Union, Namibia Agriculture Union, Namibia University of Science Technology Carl Schlettwein Foundation, Labour Resource and Research Institute

RESEARCH PROGRAMME: GENDER

Lead Researcher: Mrs. Immaculate Mogotsi [email protected]

Key Research Focus:1. Gender-basedviolence(GBV)reductionstrategies

• The focus is mainly on engaging stakeholders (police, church leaders, traditional leaders) to identify GBV prevention strategies.

2. SexualOrientation• Examining the attitude of society towards LGBTI people and also

assessing human rights violations towards LGBTI people.

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3. GenderAnalysisinClimateChangeandAdaption• Assessing the effect of climate change on men and women, paying particular focusing on the role

women playing in the adaption and mitigation of climate Change.

4. SexualandReproductivehealthandRights• Teenage pregnancy and how it impacts the boy child. • Adolescent access to sexual and reproductive health and rights

Research TeamVan Rooy, G; Multidisciplinary Research Centre, University of Namibia, Namibia, Haihambo, C, K; Faculty of Education, University of Namibia, Namibia, Shirungu, M; Department of Academic Affairs, University of Namibia, Namibia, Indongo, N; Multidisciplinary Research Centre, University of Namibia, Namibia, Likuwa, K; Multidisciplinary Research Centre, University of Namibia, Namibia, Kakujaha-Matundu, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences University of Namibia, Namibia, M. Nduna, Human and Community Development, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, A. Mthombeni, Human and Community Development, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, A.H. Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Department of Psychology, UNISA, South Africa StakeholdersMinistry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Ministry of Education Arts and Culture, Sister Namibia, United Nations Development Plan, Environmental Investment Fund, UNFPA, National Planning Commission, University of Witwatersrand, University of Venda, University of Malawi, University of Cape Town, University of Botswana

RESEARCH PROGRAMME: EQUITY IN HEALTH

Lead Researcher: Dr. Gert Van Rooy [email protected]

Key Research Focus:1. Equitable Access to health care

• Secondary data analysis in access to health care (Perchansky and Thomas model)

2. The Geography of vulnerability and health service access in southern Africa (GeoHealthAccess)

• Using survey data on perceived access to health care, geographical data on measured access and qualitative data, explore causes of divergence between perceived and measured access.

Research TeamDr Elina Amadhila, UNAM, Dr Frans Persendt , UNAM

StakeholdersSINTEF, University of Stellenbosch, Trinity College, Afhad University of Women, University of Malawi Secretariat of the African Decade of People with Disabilities Foundation,

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RESEARCH PROGRAMME: DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

Lead Researcher: Dr Gert Van Rooy [email protected]

Key Research Focus1. Vulnerability to Resilience (V2R)

• The V2R framework guides a participatory capacity and vulnerability analysis to identify opportunities and pathways for development that simultaneously manage or reduce risk and ensure a level of adaptability to possible changed circumstances over time

Research teamMs Loide Shaamhula, School of Military Science, UNAMMs. Nguza Siyambango, UNAM; Mr Percy Masabe

Stakeholders:North-West University, Oshakati Town Council, Office of the Prime Minister

RESEARCH PROGRAMME: EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Lead Researcher: Dr. Elizabeth Ngololo-Kamara [email protected]

Key Research Focus:1. Quality,AccessandEquityinEducation

• Assessment• Teacher training• Access to schools and institutions of higher learning

2. Early Childhood Development (ECD)• Needs assessment

3. InformationCommunicationandTechnology• Online teaching• Media making• Use of ICT tools

4. ScienceandMathematicsEducation• Pedagogical approaches

5. IndigenousKnowledgeSystems• Pedagogical approaches

Research teamDr. Gert van Rooy, MRC-UNAM; Prof. Choshi D. Kasanda, Faculty of Education; Prof. Eric Hamilton, Pepperdine University; Ms. Loide Kapenda, Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture; Dr. Helena Miranda, Faculty of Education;Ms Leena Kanandjembo, Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture; Dr. Sakaria Iipinge, Faculty of EducationDr. Haaveshe Nekongo-Nielsen, Office of Academic Affairs; Dr. Shiwana Naukushu, Faculty of Education

StakeholdersMinistry of Education, Arts and Culture; Ministry of Gender, Equality and Child Welfare; Pepperdine UniversityOffice of the First Lady; UNESCO; UNICEF

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RESEARCH PROGRAMME: ARTS AND HISTORY

Lead Researcher: Dr Napandulwe Shiweda [email protected]

Key Research Focus1. Visual and Public History2. Contemporary African and Namibian History3. Female initiation ceremonies (Olufuko/Efundula) 4. Traditional Clothing and Contemporary fashion5. Cultural Tourism6. Visual Culture

Key Research TeamPaulus Mwetulundila (UNAM), Hina MuAshekele (UNAM), Michael Akuupa (LaRRI), Kletus Likuwa (UNAM), Maria Caley (UNAM), Patricia Hayes (UWC, RSA)

StakeholdersVeterans Affairs Ministry, Sam Nujoma Foundation, Labour Resource and Research Institute (LaRRI), Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, National Archives of Namibia, Museums Association of Namibia, National Arts Gallery, Centre for Humanities Research (CHR University of the Western Cape)

DIVISION: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (S&TD)

The Science and Technology Division’s research has a strong focus on generation of proprietary information (intellectual property), value addition and utilization of Namibia’s natural resources and expertise for potentially commercial outputs and national development. Core to the division’s research is capacity building through postgraduate research fellowships and undergraduate internships.

Science and Technology Division(S&TD) has the following programs:

• Renewable Energy Technologies (RET)

• Engineering technologies

• Farm to Fork

• Indigenous Knowledge Systems Technology (IKST) Food and Beverage

• Malaria Operational Research

• Traditional Medicine and Drug Discovery

• Drug Development and Diagnostics

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RESEARCH PROGRAMME: RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY

Lead Researcher: Mr Pineas Tomas [email protected]

Key Research Focus: 1. Sustainable Energy Technologies

• Renewable energy powered technologies for Namibian weather conditions

• Self-sustainable community-run renewable energy projects

• Best practice replications

2.ImportSubstitution• Commercialization of locally made renewable energy machines• Import policies restrictions

3. Quality Improvement• SME Manufacturers quality standards • Quality assessment• Quality awards

CollaboratingResearchersProf. H MuAshekele, Ms. Ester Angula, Faculty of Engineering & IT, UNAM; Dr. Adedayo Ogunmokun, Faculty of Engineering & IT, UNAM; Dr. Fillemon Nangolo, Faculty of Engineering & IT, UNAM; Mr. Asser Mukapuli, Luderitz Wind Power Demonstration Projec; Mr. Johan stander, CSIR/University of Stellenbosch, SA ; Mr. Andrew Swanepoel, Eveready kestrel wind Energy Company, SA; Prof. Wilfried Zörner, Technical University of Ingolstadt, Germany

Stakeholders: 1. NamibiaLuderitz Town Council; Council for Scientific and Industrial ; Faculty of Engineering & IT, UNAM; Ministry of Mine and Energy;NamPower

2. InternationalEnergy Environmental partnership (EEP) in SADC; Research (CSIR), Energy department, SA; Eveready kestrel wind Energy Company, SA; Technical University of Ingolstadt, Germany

RESEARCH PROGRAMME: FARM-TO-FORK

Lead Researcher: Mr Werner Embashu [email protected]

Key Research focus:

1.Mahanguandsorghumdiversification• Flakes• Coffee substitutes• Ready-to-Eat instant porridge

2.StandardisationofOshikundubrewingprocessforaconsistentproduct.

3. Wild spinach (Omboga) to commercial Spinach (ombindi/omboga)

Unveiling of Benguela Wind Power Project

Unveiling of Benguela Wind Power Project

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Wild spinach (ombidi) Mahangu based products

CollaboratingResearchersDr. Komeine Nantanga –Department of Food science and Technology, Prof. Martha Kandawa-Schulz -Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Dr. Kathithileni Kalili -Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mr. Chinemba Samundengu- Department of Food science and Technology, Mrs. Wilhelmina Kanime -Department of Food science and Technology, Ms. Lahja Amakali -Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry, University of Pretoria, University of Minnesota.

Stakeholders: Namibia: National Commission on Research Science and Technology (NCRST); Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF); Small and Medium Business Enterprises (SMEs); Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and SME Development

RESEARCH PROGRAMME: IKST FOOD AND BEVERAGES Lead Researcher: Dr. Ahmad Cheikhyoussef [email protected]

Key Research Focus: 1. Indigenous knowledge (IK) and ethnobotany of wild

edible plants2. Nutrition and phytochemistry of Namibian traditional

fruits & vegetables3. Nutritional value and safety of Namibian Traditional Food and Beverages4. R&D oshikundu (nutrition and microbiology)5. Traditional food biotechnology.6. Traditional seed oils

Enzymatic profiling & local microflora identification

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CollaboratingResearchers

• Dr. Michael Shirungu, Dep. Academic Affairs, UNAM • Dr. Komeine Nantanga, Department of Food Science

& Technology, Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• Prof. Martha Kandawa-Schulz, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Faculty of Science

• Dr. Martha Kalili, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Faculty of Science.

• Dr. Ronnie Bock, Department of Biological Sciences, • Faculty of Science.Prof Isaac Quaye, Department of

Biochemistry & Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences• Dr. Jane Misihairabgwi, Department of Biochemistry

& Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences • Dr. Stefan Louw, Department of Chemistry &

Biochemistry, Faculty of Science• Dr. Jean Uzabakiriho, Department of Biological

Sciences, Faculty of Science. • Dr. Gladys Kahaka, Southern Campus, Keetmanshoop. • Ms. Lusia Heita, Ministry of Health and Social • Services, Windhoek. • Prof Percy Chimwamurombe, Faculty of Natural • and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science

and Technology (NUST) • Prof Diana Gibson, University of the Western Cape

(UWC), South Africa• Prof Alfred Maroyi, Department of Botany, University

of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa• Prof Ahmed A. Hussein, Department of Chemistry,

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Cape Town, South Africa

Stakeholders: • National Commission on Research Science and

Technology (NCRST)• Namibia Standards Institution (NSI) • Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry• Ministry of Health and Social Services• Ministry of Environment and Tourism • Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation

RESEARCH PROGRAM: MALARIA OPERATIONAL

Lead Researcher: Prof Davis R. Mumbengegwi [email protected]

Key Research Focus: 1. Malaria case management in low transmission settings; 2. Evaluation of new case management interventions; 3. Molecular Malaria surveillance 4. Entomological surveillance5. Clinical trials evaluation of focal mass drug administration, Drug therapeutic efficacy

Nutrition & phytochemistry

IK & ethnobotany documentation

Enzyme purification

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CollaboratingResearchersRonnie Bock, Dept of Biological Sciences Isaac Quaye School of Medicine, Roly Gosling, University of California San Francisco Malaria Elimination Initiative (UCSF-MEI) , Michelle Hsiang (UCSF-MEI) ,Cara Smith-Gueye (UCSF-MEI) Immo Kleinschmidt London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Petrina Uusiku NVDCP, Stark Katokele

NVDCP, Adam Bennett(UCSF-MEI), Bryan Greenhouse (UCSF), Allison Tartarsky (UCSF-MEI), Lizette Koekemoer (University of Pretoria) Jaishree Raman (National Institute of Infectious Diseases, South Africa), Chris Drakely London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Stakeholders: Namibia: Ministry of Health and Social Services, National Vector-borne Disease Control Program (NVDCP, MoHSS),SADC: Malaria Elimination 8 (E8), Southern Africa Roll-Back Malaria Network (SARN)USA: University of California San Francisco Malaria Elimination Initiative, (UCSF-MEI), University of Texas, South Western Medical Centre, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Notre Dame University Harvard UniversityU.K.: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Southampton UniversitySouth Africa: University of Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria, National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD)

RESEARCH PROGRAM: TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AND DRUG DISCOVERY

Lead Researcher: Dr. Iwanette du Preez [email protected]

Key Research Focus: 1. Documentation of IKS (traditional medicines)2. Bio exploration of natural products (traditional medicine, marine

organisms, soil organisms); 3. Cell-based assays against communicable diseases such as malaria and diarrhoeal, oral infections, as well as

non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cancer4. Toxicity studies5. Target-based studies (proteomics, enzyme-based, 6. Animal models (preclinical studies)7. Chemical profiling8. Creating monographs of medicinal plant reflecting chemical and biological properties 9. Pharmacology (ADME)

Handover of research funds from the Novartis Foundation; and laboratory and community-based field activities

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Biomedical research group members

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ResearchTeamandCollaborationDavis Mumbengegwi, MRC; Ronnie Bock, Dept of Biological Sciences, Kaveire Kaitjizemine Dept of Biological Sciences, Stefan Louw, Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Charles Ntahonshikira, Dept. of Veterinary medicine, Albertina Iikasha, School of Medicine Seth Nowaseb, School of Pharmacy, Klementine Kapikara, Ahmad Cheikhyoussef, Science &Technology Division (S&TD), Werner Embashu (S&TD), Miedred Muyongo (S&TD), Heike Winschiers-Theophilus, (NUST), Gereon Koch Kapuire, Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), Colin Stanley (NUST), Dalu Mancama Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Yolandy Lemmer, (CSIR), Rui Krause, Rhodes University, Melvin Beukes, University of Pretoria.

Stakeholders: UNAM Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Dept. of Veterinary medicine, Dept. of Biological Sciences; School of Medicine Namibia: National Commission for Research Science and Technology (NCRST), Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture Water and ForestrySouth Africa; Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), University of Rhodes, University of Western Cape, University of PretoriaKenya Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). Uganda Makerere UniversityUSA Rutgers State University of New Jersey

RESEARCH PROGRAM: DRUG DEVELOPMENT AND DIAGNOSTICS

Lead Researchers: Prof Davis Mumbengegwi [email protected] Key research focus:

1. Establish protocols for piloting scale-up of indigenous natural products (INPs) from harvesting, preparation of products and quality control using chemical profiling and biological activity.

2. Preformulation and formulation of herbal treatments or INPs3. Development of prototypes of herbal treatments for use as prophylaxis or management of chronic

infections4. Optimization of new therapeutic agents 5. Development of nanoparticulate drug delivery systems (targeted and controlled release)6. Evaluation of novel diagnostics (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification LAMP, nPCR, ultra-

sensitive Rapid diagnostic tests);

Biomedical research group members

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ResearchTeamandCollaborationIwanette du Preez (MRC); Ronnie Bock (Dept of Biological Sciences), Kaveire Kaitjizemine Dept of Biological Sciences, Stefan Louw (Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry), Charles Ntahonshikira (Dept. of Veterinary Medicine), Albertina Iikasha (School of Medicine), Seth Nowaseb (School of Pharmacy), Klementine Kapikara (Education Campus), Dalu Mancama Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Yolandy Lemmer (CSIR), Rui Krause, (Rhodes University), Mervin Meyer (University of Western Cape), Melvin Beukes (University of Pretoria).

Stakeholders: UNAM Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Dept. of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. of Biological Sciences, School of Medicine Namibia: National Commission for Research Science and Technology (NCRST), Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry (MAWF)South Africa; Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), University of Rhodes, University of Western Cape, University of PretoriaKenya Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). Uganda Makerere UniversityUSA Rutgers State University of New Jersey

Formulation of nanoparticle drug delivery systems, in vivo evaluation, and assessment of novel diagnostics

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DIVISION: ZERO EMISSIONS RESEARCH INITIATIVES (ZERI)

The Zero Emissions Research Initiatives (ZERI) was developed at the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo, Japan in the year 1994. Namibia was chosen to be the Africa Chair of the UNU/UNESCO ZERI initiative with the University of Namibia as the host. Through awareness creation, mushroom farming and processing skills training, and research capacity building, the Project aims to put in place a viable holistic mushroom industry in Namibia, which will have a network of farmers, processors and marketers of mushroom products within nation states and between southern African states. The NEPAD/SANBio Mushroom Node, executed by the University of Namibia through the ZERI office, promotes research and developmental work on mushroom production and value addition in NEPAD/SANBio member states and beyond.

Research Programmes: • Promote mushroom production and utilization

• Domestication of Namibian indigenous mushrooms

• Optimization of biological efficiency of cultivated mushrooms

• Value addition of edible and medicinal mushrooms

RESEARCH PROGRAMME: DOMESTICATION OF NAMIBIAN INDIGENOUS MUSHROOMS

Lead Researcher: Ms Nailoke Pauline Kadhila [email protected]

Key Research Focus:1. Ethnomycology of indigenous mushrooms2. Morphologic and Genetic characterization of indigenous mushrooms3. Developing a cultivation protocol for the indigenous mushrooms4. Conserve genetic resources of cultivated and domesticated mushroom species for public distribution

and research.

CollaboratingResearchers:Ms Isabella Uietele, MRC; Ms. Martha Hausiku, Assistant Researcher: SANUMARC; Mrs. Lorna Halueendo, Department of Crop Science, UNAM Ogongo Campus.

Stakeholders: Namibia: Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, NEDBANK Namibia

SADC: Southern African Network for Biosciences (SANBio) member states,International: The Finnish Southern Africa Partnership Programme NEPAD/SANBio Network (BioFISA)

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RESEARCH PROGRAMME: PROMOTE MUSHROOM PRODUCTION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Lead Researcher: Ms Nailoke Pauline Kadhila [email protected]

Key Research Focus:1. Create awareness on mushroom cultivation technology and utilization.2. Training on spawn production and mushroom cultivation

CollaboratingResearchers:Ms Isabella Uietele, MRC; Ms. Martha Hausiku, SANUMARC; Mrs. Lorna Halueendo, Department of Crop Science, UNAM Ogongo Campus

Stakeholders: Namibia: Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, NEDBANK NamibiaSADC: Southern African Network for Biosciences (SANBio) member statesInternational: The Finnish Southern Africa Partnership Programme NEPAD/SANBio Network (BioFISA)

RESEARCH PROGRAMME: VALUE ADDITION OF EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

Lead Researcher: Ms. Nailoke Pauline Kadhila

Key Research Focus:1. Production of immune-boosting mushroom neutriceutical2. Preservation of indigenous edible mushrooms3. Production of mushroom soup and tea

CollaboratingResearchers: Ms Isabella Uietele, MRC; Ms. Martha Hausiku, SANUMARC; Mrs. Lorna Halueendo, Department of Crop Science, UNAM Ogongo Campus

Stakeholders: Namibia: Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.SADC: Southern African Network for Biosciences (SANBio) member states.International: The Finnish Southern Africa Partnership Programme NEPAD/SANBio Network (BioFISA).

RESEARCH PROGRAMME: OPTIMIZATION OF BIOLOGICAL EFFICIENCY OF CULTIVATED MUSHROOMS

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Lead Researcher: Mrs Fimanekeni Ndaitavela Shivute [email protected]

Key Research Focus:Identifying suitable substrate and substrate composition for improved mushroom performance.Optimizing growth parameters to better suit the Namibian climate

CollaboratingResearchers Ms Isabella Uietele, MRC; Ms. Martha Hausiku, Assistant Researcher: SANUMARC; Mrs. Lorna Halueendo, Department of Crop Science, UNAM Ogongo Campus

StakeholdersNamibia: Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.SADC: Southern African Network for Biosciences (SANBio) member statesInternational: The Finnish Southern Africa Partnership Programme NEPAD/SANBio Network (BioFISA)

UNIVERSITY OF NAMIBIA

Tel: +264 61 206 3111Fax: +264 61 206 3199E-mail: [email protected]

Private Bag 13301Windhoek, Namibia


Documents

MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH CENTRE (MRC) · Plans, and Vision 2030. The MRC has the same status as a Faculty according to the UNAM Statutes which created it. ... (NUST). International: