1

Mapping research systems in

developing countries

Country report: The Science and Technology system of Namibia

Project Leaders:

CREST: Centre for Research on Science and Technology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa

IRD: Institute for Research on Development,

France

ii

Table of Contents

Section 1: The political environment................................................................................................... 1

Section 2: Country characteristics ....................................................................................................... 1

2.1 Basic economic outlook ............................................................................................. 1

2.2 Demographic characteristics...................................................................................... 2

Section 3: Science & technology system ............................................................................................. 3

3.1 Governance of science and technology ...................................................................... 3

3.2 Science and technology landscape ............................................................................. 6

3.3 Human capital for science & technology .................................................................... 9

3.4 Research funding ..................................................................................................... 12

3.5 Research outputs .................................................................................................... 14

3.6 Innovation strategies ............................................................................................... 19

3.7 Concluding remarks ................................................................................................. 19

4. References ..................................................................................................................... 20

Appendix A: List of abbreviations ...................................................................................................... 21

1

THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA

Mluleki Nkwelo

High Impact Innovation, Johannesburg, South Africa

Section 1: The political environment1

The Republic of Namibia attained its independence on 21 March 1990 and was established as a sovereign, secular, democratic and unitary state. The UN-supervised elections, which led to independence, were won by SWAPO, which thus became the ruling party. The 1990 Constitution mandates a multi-party democratic system for Namibia. The president and the 72-seat National Assembly are elected by universal adult suffrage every five years. SWAPO remains the leading political party in the country. In accordance with the doctrine of separation of powers, the government is divided into three organs, namely, the executive, the legislative and the judiciary. Each organ is responsible for a different function of the government. The legislative branch is responsible for making laws that are implemented by the executive and interpreted by the judiciary branch.

Section 2: Country characteristics

2.1 Basic economic outlook2

The economy is heavily dependent on the extraction and processing of minerals for export. Mining activities account for 8% of the Namibian GDP, but provides more than 50% of foreign exchange earnings. Rich alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Namibia is the fourth-largest exporter of non-fuel minerals in Africa, the world's fifth-largest producer of uranium, and the producer of large quantities of lead, zinc, tin, silver, and tungsten. The mining sector employs only about 3% of the population while about half of the population depends on subsistence agriculture for its livelihood. Namibia normally imports about 50% of its cereal requirements; in drought years food shortages are a major problem in rural areas. A high per capita GDP, relative to the region, hides the world's worst inequality of income distribution. The Namibian economy is closely linked to South Africa with the Namibian dollar pegged one-to-one to the South African rand. Increased fish production and mining of zinc, copper, uranium, and silver spurred growth in 2003-07, but growth in recent years was undercut by poor fish catches and high costs for inputs.

1 CIA - Fact Book 2 CIA – Fact book

2

Table 1: Selected economic Indicators of Namibia

BASIC ECONOMIC DATA

GDP $11.23 billion (2008 est.)

GDP-Growth 3.3% (2008 est.)

GDP per capita $5.400 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate 10.3% (2008 est.)

GDP composition per sector Agriculture (10.4 %); industry (36.2%); services (53.4 %) (2008 est.)

Source: Compiled from CIA Fact Sheet

2.2 Demographic characteristics

Table 2 summarizes the demographic characteristics of Namibia as published in the CIA fact book and presents a picture of a country that is mainly a desert, with very dry hot climatic conditions, a small population of diverse ethnic origins and more males than females in all the age groups. Education and services have been extended in varying degrees to most rural areas in recent years.

Table 2: Summary of geographic and demographic characteristics of Namibia

GEOGRAPHY

Area land: 825,418 sq km

Capital

Admin Regions

Windhoek

Caprivi, Erongo, Hardap, Karas, Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa

Climate desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic

DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Nationality Namibian(s)

Population

Age Structure

Population Growth

2,108,665 (2009 est.),

0-14 years: 35.9% (male 381,904/female 375, 059); 15-64 years: 60.2% (male 641,995/female 627,146); 65 years and over: 3.9% (male 36, 894/female 45,667) (2009 est.)

Religions Christian 80% to 90% (Lutheran 50% at least), indigenous beliefs 10% to 20%

3

Table 2 Continued

DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Language English 7% (official), Afrikaans 60%, German 32%, indigenous languages 1% (Oshivambo, Herero, Nama),

Literacy Definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 85%; male: 86.8%; female: 83.5% (2001 census)

Health Total: 45.51 deaths/1,000 live births: male: 48.98 deaths/1,000 live births; female: 41.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Workforce

Workforce – by Occupation

667,000 (2008 est.)

Agriculture: 47%, industry: 20%, services 33% (1999 est.)

Source: Compiled from CIA Fact Sheet and US PolitInfo Websites

Section 3: Science & technology system

3.1 Governance of science and technology

3.1.1 The National Science and Technology Policy of Namibia3

Soon after independence in 1990, the Namibian Government initiated various actions and programme in the field of Science and Technology. This included a range of new policy instruments including the National Policy of Research, Science and Technology in 1999, and the Research, Science and Technology Act in 2004.

The cabinet approved the Science and Technology Policy in June 1999. The aims of the policy are:

To put the Science and Technology programs in place.

To benefit the nation in a way that it can exploit and beneficiate the country’s natural resources

To increase the use of indigenous skills, entrepreneurs, resources & facilities.

To widen the scope for both diversification and new earnings.

To create a paradigm shift in individual and corporate attitude towards productivity and international competitiveness.

To increase exports and reduce dependence on the sale of unprocessed primary products such as mining, cattle and fishing.

3 Research, S & T Policy of Namibia, 1999

4

3.1.2 Institutional arrangements

The main Science and Technology coordinating institution that are highlighted in the Science and Technology policy are:

National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST)

Foundation for Research, Science & Technology (FRST)-operators of the Fund for Innovation in Science & Technology (FIST)

Council for Research and Industrial Innovation (CRII)

Council for Science and Technical Education (CSTE)

Council for Vocational and Industrial Training (CVIT)

S&T Information Centre (STIC)

The science and technology implementing organizations are:

CRII & research institutes

University of Namibia (UNAM) and Polytechnic of Namibia (PON)

FRST, STIC and Bureau of Standards (BOS)

Private Sector Industries

Private Sector laboratories

The Directorate of Research, Science and Technology (DRST)4

Figure 1: Schematic presentation of Namibia’s S&T institutional arrangement

Source: Government of Namibia

4 National Science Week Document, 2005

The Ministry of Higher Education

Implementing Organizations: 1. CRII & research institutes 2. University of Namibia

(UNAM) and Polytechnic of Namibia (PON)

3. FRST, STIC and Bureau of Standards (BOS)

4. Private Sector Industries 5. Private Sector laboratories

Coordinating Institutions: 1. National Commission on Research,

Science and Technology (NCRST) 2. Foundation for Research, Science

& Technology (FRST)-operators of the Fund for Innovation in Science & Technology (FIST)

3. Council for Research and Industrial Innovation (CRII)

4. Council for Science and Technical Education (CSTE)

5. Council for Vocational and Industrial Training (CVIT)

6. S & T Information Centre (STIC)

The Directorate of Research, Science &

Technology

National Government

5

Currently no further information is available for the majority of these institutions.

3.1.2.1 The Ministry of Higher Education5

The Directorate of Research, Science and Technology (DRST) is the department of the Ministry of Education responsible for:

Coordinating and influence the development and implementation of appropriate policies, infrastructure and institutional arrangements

Advocating the mechanisms necessary to encourage research, technical and scientific education, innovations and their output

Facilitating value adding linkages between and among industry, commerce, science and technology institutions and the wider community.

3.1.3 Science & Technology Priorities6

3.1.3.1 Mission

To spearhead, co-ordinate and influence the development and implementation of appropriate policies, infrastructure, institutional arrangements and advocate the mechanisms necessary to encourage research, technical and scientific education, innovations and their output, and to facilitate value adding linkages between and among industry, commerce, S&T institutions and the wider community.

3.1.3.2 Vision

DRST envisions a programme of sustained awareness, wide and consistent use, development, integration and application of appropriate science and technology (S&T) by all Namibians in their work, study and leisure and its translation into necessary skills, value adding investments, jobs, goods, services and progressive growth in personal, corporate and national incomes.

3.1.3.3 Projects

Create a Commission for Research, Science and technology

Develop an Industrial and innovation Policy

Develop a National Research Funding System

Biotechnology Act for regulating use and development in Namibia

Expand Plato to Caprivi, Onwendiva, Swakopmund and Keetmanshoop

Establishment of Science Centres

Acquiring a Science Mobile Unit

Establish Science Clubs and Associations

5 Republic of Namibia, Ministry of Education website 6 National Science Week Document, 2005

6

3.1.3.4 R&D priorities

Animal products

Fisheries & marine products

Wildlife

Agriculture

Medicine & cosmetics

Mineral resources

Housing & construction

Engineering & tertiary manufacturing

ICT

Renewable energy

Biotechnology

Environment

Human sciences and

Policy research and indigenous technologies

3.2 Science and technology landscape

3.2.1 R&D Performing Institutes

Table 3 lists tertiary institutions and centres of R&D and S&T Service in Namibia that are actively involved in S&T research and development and it is apparent that Namibia still relatively lags far behind in terms of tertiary institutions even if one considers its low population.

7

Table 3: Present science and technology infrastructure

Name of Institution

Educational Institutions Centres of R&D and S&T service

University of Namibia (UNAM) Desert Ecology and Enviroteach Programs by Desert Educational Research Unit, a unit of DRFN.

Zero Emission Research Initiatives (ZERI) at UNAM

Solar Energies by the Ministry of Mines and Energy

Polytechnic of Namibia (PON) Water Management Research by Namibia Water Company & Ministry

Multidisciplinary & Consultancy Centre at UNAM

Agriculture Research activities by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development

Desertification Programs by the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN)

Sam Njoma Marine & Coastal Research Centre

Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology

Central Veterinary Laboratory

Geological Survey of Namibia

Forensic Laboratory

National Forestry Research Centre

National Botanical Research Institute

National Museums and Archives

Source: SARUA, The state of public science in the SADC region, produced by CREST, 2008

3.2.1.1 Higher Education Sector

Higher education in Namibia started around 1979/80. Prior to this, all students wishing to pursue higher education had to go to South Africa or other countries abroad.

3.2.1.1.1 University of Namibia7

The University of Namibia (UNAM) was established in 1992 and is the leading public, higher education institution in the country. UNAM serves about 10 000 students annually on four campuses and in eight regional centres. To date UNAM has graduated over 12,000 students. The university has eight faculties and a number of specialized centres such as the Centre for Public Service, the Justice

7 University of Namibia website: http://www.unam.na/

8

Training Centre, a Language Centre, Human Rights and Documentation Centre, the Multidisciplinary Research Centre (MRC) and the Sam Njoma Marine & Coastal Research Centre.

The Multidisciplinary Research Centre (MRC) carries out applied research, innovation and the commercialization of scientific knowledge. They do this under four divisions namely the Social Science Division, the Science and Technology Division, the Life Science Division and the Research, Innovation and Value-addition Division. The mandate of the MRC is to:

Conduct and promote high level applied research

Support and coordinate the management of multidisciplinary priority research across UNAM in consultation with relevant UNAM research units

Promote and coordinate specialized postgraduate research fellowships and capacity building in national priority areas

Promote, coordinate and manage the commercialization of targeted MRC R&D activities

Promote and coordinate research publication and dissemination of MRC publications

Sam Njoma Marine & Coastal Research Centre serves Namibia through promoting research and development activities in the field of marine and coastal resources, taking into consideration the unique comparative and competitive advantage of the Benguela cold current ecosystem. Research conducted at the centre towards developing the fisheries and agriculture sectors complements what is done by the Ministries of Fisheries and Marine Resources as well as Agriculture, Water and Forestry.

3.2.1.1.2 Polytechnic of Namibia (PON)8

The Polytechnic of Namibia has its roots in the establishment of the Academy for Tertiary Education which started with classes in teacher training and secretarial courses in 1980. In 1985 the Academy was restructured to consist of a university component (the present University of Namibia), a Technikon, and College for Out of School Training. Shortly after independence in 1990 it was resolved that the three components be collapsed into two independent higher education institutions, namely, a university and a polytechnic. The Polytechnic became an independent and autonomous institution in January 1996. The focus for the newly established PON was to gradually phase out vocational training courses with degrees. PON’s programs are aimed at meeting the needs of the industry and emphasize the transfer of technology, by integrating theory with project-based learning, and practical training. PON consists of a number of Schools namely Engineering, Information Technology, Communication, Business and Management and Natural Resources and Tourism. The Polytechnic also houses the Centre for Entrepreneurial Development, Centre for Open & Lifelong Learning; and Centre for Teaching and Learning.

3.2.1.2. Major research institutes

The Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN) is a Namibian non-governmental sustainability organization aiming to enhance decision-making for sustainable development through research, training and consultancy in the country’s land, water and energy sectors. The DRFN is based in Windhoek and has 35 permanent staff as well as volunteers, interns and students. DRFN currently has more than fifty projects and programmes running across Namibia. The DRFN has specialist capacities in the land, water and energy fields. The focus on land-related issues relates to assisting

8 Polytechnic of Namibia website: http://www.polytechnic.edu.na

9

local communities, farmers and government with rangeland and livestock management practices. In the water area the DRFN currently undertakes projects that consider Namibia’s water resources, water management issues, and climate change. In the energy area, the DRFN undertakes projects that promote the efficient and sustainable use of Namibia’s energy resources, including biomass (wood), wind and solar.

The Geological Survey of Namibia9 plays an important role in the development of Namibia's mineral and geological resources and in fostering sustainable development. The organization comprises six divisions namely Regional Geoscience, Geophysics, Economic Geology, Geochemistry and Laboratory, Engineering and Environment, and Geological and Exploration information. The Geological Survey’s mission is to enhance knowledge and awareness of the countries geological resources through scientific investigation and the application and dissemination of research data.

The mission of the National Botanical Research Institute of Namibia (NBRI)10

is to promote the understanding, conservation and sustainable use of Namibian plants for the benefit of all. The main objectives are to:

to collect and maintain plant material and data according to international standards, collaborating with external organisations and programmes, where appropriate

to provide high quality, efficient services through needs-driven, plant-related research

to promote cost awareness and the careful and efficient utilisation of funds

to support training and development of staff.

3.3 Human capital for science & technology

3.3.1 Tertiary education enrolments11

The total student body of UNAM currently exceeds 8 000 with students coming from 26 countries worldwide including European countries such as Finland and Germany. The UNAM sees the growing number of foreign students as a clear indication of the international recognition of the quality of the institutions’ education. A breakdown of students enrolled for degrees per faculty, in 2007 is provided in Table 4.

9 Geological Survey of Namibia website: http://www.mme.gov.na/gsn/default.htm 10 National Botanical Research Institute of Namibia website: http://www.nbri.org.na/index.html 11 UNAM Annual Report 2007

10

Table 4: UNAM student enrolments (2007)*

Faculty Bachelors Masters Doctorates Total

Agriculture and natural resources 201 2 2 205

Economic and management sciences 1477 78 1555

Education 707 43 8 758

Humanities and social sciences 820 17 3 840

Law 387 10 397

Medicine and health sciences 63 26 8 97

Science 869 32 1 902

Total 4524 208 22 4754

Source: Compiled from UNAM Annual Report 2007

* Excluding all diplomas and other qualifications and students studying under the Centre for External Studies.

Table 5 shows graduation figures for 2007 (degrees only). A total of 1 399 candidates graduated from the University. This is an increase of 20.7% over the previous year.

Table 5: UNAM student graduates (2007)*

Faculty Bachelors Masters Doctorates Total

Agriculture and natural resources 24 24

Economic and management sciences 188 2 1 191

Education 158 5 1 164

Humanities and social sciences 115 5 120

Law 67 67

Medicine and health sciences 26 4 30

Science 48 7 55

Total 626 23 2 651

Source: Compiled from UNAM Annual Report 2007

* Excluding all diplomas and other qualifications and students studying under the Centre for External Studies

11

Table 6 present student enrolments in the School of Engineering & Information Technology at PON from 2004 to 2005 and there is only a noticeable increase in the School of Mechanical Engineering.

Table 6: Enrolment School of Engineering & Information Technology -PON

Civil Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Information Technology

Vocational Instructor

Total

2004 108 59 221 406 36 740

2005 136 103 233 469 46 987

Source: Polytechnic of Namibia Report, 2005

3.3.2 Master’s and doctoral enrolments

As is evident from Table 4, UNAM still has very few students registered for master’s and doctoral studies and the majority of these degrees are focussed on Economics and Education. In 2007 UNAM produced 23 Masters and 2 Doctoral graduates.

3.3.3 Size of the university workforce

Despite the continuous annual increase in student numbers, the number of academic staff remained more or less stagnant. In 2007 the total number of academic staff was 340 across Faculties and Centres at the University. Table 7 indicates a slight growth of academic staff numbers by 1% from 2006 to 2007.

Table 7: UNAM faculties and centres academic staff (2007)

Faculty/Centre Male Female Namibians Non-Namibians

Total

Agriculture & Natural Resources 21 10 23 8 31

Economics & Management Science 26 7 28 5 33

Education 21 17 34 4 38

Humanities & Social Sciences 34 30 43 21 64

Law 8 1 5 4 9

Medical & Health Sciences 3 35 38 0 38

Science 49 16 41 24 65

Centre for External Studies 10 7 16 1 17

12

Table 7 Continued

Faculty/Centre Male Female Namibians Non-Namibians

Total

Language Centre 6 9 15 0 15

MRC 5 2 7 0 7

Library 5 5 9 1 10

Northern Campus 6 4 7 3 10

Henties Bay 2 1 3 0 3

Total 196 144 269 71 340

Source: UNAM Annual Report 2007

Table 8 summarizes PON’s workforce according to gender representation as well as per academic qualification for 2006; and one observes an almost non-existence of female representation across all schools.

Table 8: PON Training Staffing – 2006*

Civil Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Mathematics & Statistics

Information Technology

Technical & Vocational

Totals

Total 13 15 11 10 25 7 81

M/F 12/1 13/2 10/1 9/1 22/3 5/2

Academics 13 14 10 10 24 7 78

PhDs 4 2 0 2 2 0 10

M/F 4/0 2/0 0 2/0 2/0 0

*Total number includes academic staff, technicians, laboratory assistants and tutors if any.

Source: Polytechnic Namibia Prospectus 2006

3.4 Research funding

3.4.1 Government expenditure on R&D

The Ministry of Higher Education (Fig 2)12 spends on average about 16% of its annual budget (4% Total Government Expenditure – 2004/05, Fig 3), on RST, Fig 2, and this indicates very low

12 http://www.mof.gov.na

13

government annual expenditure on RST. Unfortunately there is no available information that compares spending on S&T with the country’s GDP, and it is therefore, difficult to compare the Namibian GERD with other African countries, but based on the available data it looks like it falls far below the common trend of about 0.3 %.

Fig 2: Budget - Ministry of Education

RST (HE): Research Science & Technology Higher Education; Currency: N$ x ’000;

Source: Ministry of Finance Website

Fig 3: Total Government Expenditure, by Main Vote 2004/05

Source: Namibia Budget 2004/05;

HETEC: Higher Education, Training & Employment Creation; TC: Transport & Communication; AWRD: Agriculture, Water & Rural Development; RLGH: Regional & Local Government and Housing

0

500000

1000000

1500000

2000000

2500000

3000000

2002-2003

2003-2004

2004-2005

2005-2006

2006-2007

2007-2008

BudgetRST(HE)

Total Government Expenditure 2004/05

Health and Social Services 13%

Finance 9%Interest on Debt 9 %Defence 9%Police 6%

HETEC 4%

TC 4%

AWRD4%

RLGH3%

Other 19% Basic Education, Sport & Culture

20%

14

3.4.2 International donor funding

R&D work at UNAM has limited financial support from international donors (Table 9), the available information does not provide figures of donor funds, and this makes it difficult to identify the major role players in this respect.

Table 9: International donor funding at UNAM

USAID AFORNET AWF RAEIN- Africa

SANTED ITHEMBA LABS

UNESCO TREP CGS

Biology ---- US$68280 ---- ---- ----

Chemistry

Engineering ---- ----

Geology ---- ----

---- Indicates support where no actual value of the donation is provided.

Source: UNAM Faculty of Science Report 2005

3.4.3 Business expenditure on R&D

There is virtually no financial support from Namibian businesses (Table 10), and indications are that R&D work at UNAM continues to be mainly supported by the university primarily from its government allocation.

Table 10: Business financial support at UNAM

Biology Chemistry Computing Engineering Geology Mathematics Physics Statistics

PETROFUND ---- ----

---- Indicates support where no actual value of the donation is not supplied

Source: UNAM Faculty of Science Report 2005

3.5 Research outputs

3.5.1 Publications

According to the Institute for Scientific Research, Namibia has produced a total of 895 publications between the years 1990 – 2007, and the low numbers are indicative of the small size of the S & T system of the country.

15

Table 11: Namibia ISI publication output by six-year window (1990-2007)

Country 1990-1995 1996-2001 2002-2007

Namibia 197 275 423

Source: SARUA, The state of public science in the SADC region, produced by CREST, 2008

In a recent study comparing the ISI-output of 14 SADC countries, Namibia moved up from position 9 to 8 from the 1990-1995 to the 2002-2007 period.

Table 12: Rankings of SADC countries by ISI-output (1990-1995 vs. 2002- 2007)

Country 1990-1995 Rank 2002-2007 Rank Gain

South Africa 22515 1 29225 1 ■

Zimbabwe 1458 2 1460 3 ▼

Tanzania 1132 3 2248 2 ▲

Zambia 510 4 696 6 ▼

Malawi 424 5 922 5 ■

Botswana 280 6 948 4 ▲

DRC 264 7 242 11 ▼

Madagascar 235 8 675 7 ▲

Namibia 197 9 423 8 ▲

Mozambique 134 10 366 9 ▲

Mauritius 96 11 313 10 ▲

Lesotho 79 12 68 14 ▼

Swaziland 71 13 93 12 ▲

Angola 44 14 81 13 ▲

Total 27439 37760

Source: SARUA, The state of public science in the SADC region, produced by CREST, 2008

16

The University of Namibia is to a large extent a teaching university with low staff numbers and there is almost no R&D that is taking place and this is evident in the low numbers of publications during the period 2005 –2006 (Table 12).

When one looks at the national R&D picture, UNAM seems to play comparatively a major role when it comes to publication output followed far behind by the DRF and the Geological Survey. According to the UNAM Annual Report, 35 journal publications were produced by academic staff in 2007. In an effort to increase Namibia’s publication output UNAM launched the Namibia Development Journal (NDJ) in 2007. It is a peer reviewed electronic journal providing an outlet for reports of interest to researchers, academicians and development practitioners in the broad area of national development in Namibia.

A brief analysis of the ISI report (1994 – 2004) indicates that there is a fair amount of collaboration between Namibia R&D institutes with their international counterparts. Most of them are found in South Africa and Germany, an indication of the strong historical links between Namibia and these two countries. The USA and England play a second major role after SA and Germany. On a regional basis, European institutes seem to be the most favoured, followed by African institutes and the Americas.

Table 13: International Collaboration 1994-2004 as cited by ISI

Germany 71 Denmark 6 Sudan 2 Sweden 3

South Africa 75 Italy 2 Tanzania 3 Kenya 4

England 27 Switzerland 3 Scotland 7 Canada 6

USA 38 Cameroon 1 Mozambique 2 Malawi 2

Israel 5 Zambia 4 Zimbabwe 3 Angola 2

France 18 Norway 6 Australia 8 Brazil 2

Source: Institute for Scientific Information

The numbers indicate co-authored publications

3.5.2 Patents

Namibia has its own guidelines on how to register patents in that country published by the Ministry of Trade & Industry and is a member of African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO).

According to the Patent Technology Monitoring Branch of USPTO – EIPD (pre-1992 – December 2008 period), there is one patent that was granted to Namibia in 2000. This is understandable, if one considers the low level of RSTD in Namibia.

17

3.5.3 Recent technological development and emerging technologies

3.5.3.1 Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Seizing upon the opportunity offered by ICT advances, the Namibian Parliament, with assistance from the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDIIA), designed a website that enables citizens and civil society to track legislation, communicate with Parliamentarians, and engage in "chat room' dialogues on topics of current interest.

After learning many lessons from pilot ICTs in education projects and reviewing local and international experiences, the Namibian MOE worked with partners across the sector to develop the ICT Policy for Education in 2005 and the Implementing Plan in 200613, a comprehensive framework detailing all planned ICT interventions across the education sector.

At higher education level, both the university (UNAM) and polytechnic (PON) have relatively good IT student enrolments and there is a strong ICT capacity within both institutions.

3.5.3.2 Indigenous Knowledge Research

The Faculty of Science at UNAM14 is involved in:

Isolation of insect pathogenic fungi from ticks infesting cattle for use in biological control of ticks and determination of cheap indigenous substrates for mass culture of the fungus.

Evaluation of the quality characteristics of some plants and the optimization of conditions for the production of arachidonic acid by one of these plants.

Biotechnology

As party to the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Namibia is obliged to control biotechnology applications that may harm its biological diversity.

The Namibia Biotechnology Alliance was established to develop a Bio-safety framework and Biotechnology Policy for Namibia.

The objectives of the national policy and legislation for the safe use of biotechnology in Namibia are:

To establish a permanent participatory planning process, to feed into regulatory decision-making on biotechnology for the promotion of sustainable development.

To support the development of regulatory capacity and common measures and criteria by which to evaluate, test monitor and control biotechnology applications, their risks and impacts in accordance with agreed bio-safety guidelines.

To support the development of research and industrial capacity to safely apply biotechnology techniques for the enhancement of Namibia’s socio-economic and environmental well-being.

13 Namibia MOE: ICTs in Education Implementation Plan Guide 14 UNAM Faculty of Science Report 2005

18

To provide an institutional framework for the decision-making and international cooperation in this area.

To provide appropriate mechanisms for the benefit sharing and transfer of technology.

The Faculty of Science at UNAM established a GMO Testing, Training and Research Laboratory and is currently at the setting-up phase. Two of its technicians have undergone training at CSIR (SA). Additionally, there is molecular genetic research that is in progress. The lab is also still adapting GMO testing protocols for optimum results in the local conditions.

3.5.3.3 Energy

As one of its projects, the MRCC’s S & T division at UNAM has a program on Energy Research and Development whose aim is to develop Solar Engineering Technologies & Products. Their AccuPower project produced the Power Can, which is portable, antitheft, sustainable, accessible to the poor and powered by sunshine; solar engineering lab at UNAM and solar energy distribution centre to neighbouring households.

The DRFN’s Energy Desk has a program on renewable energy and is using an Energy Demonstration Trailer, a fully functional “solar household” to promote the benefits of renewable energy.

The Biomass Energy Management Program of the Ministry of Mines and Energy is involved the in the production of fuel-efficient stoves. These stoves have the potential of greatly reducing the use of firewood for cooking.

3.5.3.4 Environment

The DRFN’s EEAN division is involved in the following activities:

Ecological Survey and Environmental Profile of Katima Mulilo.

Pre-feasibility Study of Proposed Port at Cape Fria

Angra Fria Environmental Assessment.

Environmental Assessment of Proposed Kudu Gas Power Station and associated Power lines.

The United Nations University/UNESCO Zero Emission Research Initiatives (ZERI) Africa Chair at UNAM is involved in the following projects:

Sorghum Brewery Project, where brewery waste is used for piggery and mushroom cultivation

Fish Farming

Biogas Production

Seaweed Farming

Poultry

Utilization of various medicinal products

19

3.6 Innovation strategies

3.6.1 Programs and initiatives to promote Innovation

3.6.1.1 Science Technology Innovation Policy

The objectives of the S & T innovation policy are:

To build and strengthen the national S & T capacity (human, institution and enterprise) in order for it to be able to organise, motivate and carry out investigative research; appraise, develop, adapt and promote technologies and processes that are appropriate to Namibia; and propagate the benefits and results of scientific investigations and outcomes for their best technological applications.

To promote strong national consciousness and commitment to preserve Namibia’s rich and diverse ecology and the natural habitat; to maximally harness resources; and manage and protect its fragile environment.

To advance to the extent possible, indigenous small and medium scale enterprises and help them to link up with larger firms nationally and regionally so that both groups can develop synergy and new culture for efficient production of high value added goods and services and sustained thrust toward continuous innovation.

To promote gender sensitivity and balance in developing, using and apply science and technology and to promote full participation and integration of women at all levels and stages.

To enhance additional and home-grown technologies used in small, micro and informal sectors; and assist firms and entrepreneurs to acquire, adopt and apply these technologies.

To establish and operate an up to date S & T information exchange service and stimulate the development of local area S & T databases both regionally and nationally for access by producers, traders, teachers and students.

To increase retention of trained and qualified technicians and scientific personnel.

To enhance productivity and innovation in new products, processes, publications and patents.

3.7 Concluding remarks

The Namibian Government has now recognized that S&T is an essential component in the development of Namibia’s economy. However, the current S&T infrastructure in the country is weak and needs consistent and extensive emphasis. There is a shortage of human resources for S&T which places a huge responsibility on the capacity of the only university in the country- the University of Namibia. It is also evident that the very low spending of R&D by government and the business sector will need to be turned around, before the very ambitious aims and goals of the national S&T policy will materialize.

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4. References

Faculty of Science 2005. Annual Report.

Faculty of Science 2006. Van Kent Report. National Science Week Document, 2005.

Ministry of Education: ICTs in Education, Implementation Plan & Guide

Polytechnic of Namibia 2005. Annual Report.

Polytechnic of Namibia 2006. Prospectus.

Research, Science & Technology Policy of the Republic of Namibia, 1999.

SARUA 2008. The state of public science in the SADC region. Produced by CREST, 2008.

UNAM 2007. Annual Report.

Websites

Desert Research Foundation of Namibia, www.drfn.org.na

Geological Survey of Namibia, www.mme.gov.na/gsn/default.htm

Human Development Report 2006, http://hdr.undp.org

Ministry of Education – Namibia, www.mec.gov.na

Ministry of Finance – Namibia, www.mof.gov.na

National Botanical Research Institute of Namibia website, www.nbri.org.na/index.html

Office of the President – Namibia, www.op.gov.na

Polytechnic of Namibia, www.polytechnic.edu.na

UNESCO Institute for Statistics, www.uis.unesco.org

United States Patent and Trademark Office, www.uspto.gov

University of Namibia, www.unam.na/

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Appendix A: List of abbreviations

AFORNET African Forestry Research Network

ARIPO African Regional Intellectual Property Organization

AWF African Wildlife Foundation

AWRD Agriculture, Water & Rural Development

BOS Bureau of Standards

CGS Czech Geological Survey

COSDEC Community Skills Development Centre

CRII Council for Research and Industrial Innovation

CSTE Council for Science & Technical Education

CVIT Council for Vocational and Industrial Training

DRFN Desert Research Foundation of Namibia

DRST Directorate of Science, Research & Technology

EEAN Environmental Evaluation Associates of Namibia

FIST Fund for Innovation in Science & Technology

FRST Foundation for Research, Science & Technology

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GERD Gross Expenditure on Research and Development

GMO Genetically Modified organisms

HDI Human Development Index

HDR Human Development Report

HE Higher Education

HESS High Energy Stereoscopic System

HETEC Higher Education, Training & Employment

ICT Information & Communication technology

IKS Indigenous Knowledge System

ISI Institute for Scientific Information

MASTEP Mathematics & Science Teachers Educational Program

MHE Ministry of Higher Education

MOE Ministry of Education

MOF Ministry of Finance

MRCC Multidisciplinary Research & Consultancy Centre

NCSRT National Commission on Research, Science & Technology

NIDIIA National Democratic Institute for International Affairs

PON Polytechnic of Namibia

R&D Research & Development

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RAEIN Regional Agricultural and Environmental Initiatives Network

RLGH Regional & Local Government and Housing

RST Research, Science & Technology

RSTA Research, Science & Technology Act

RSTD Research, Science & Technology Directorate

S&T Science & Technology

SADC Southern African Development Community

SANTED South Africa Norway Tertiary Education Development

SEIT School of Engineering & Information Technology

SKA Square Kilometre Array

STIC Science & Technology Information Centre

SWAPO South West Africa People's Organization

TC Training & Communication

TREP Tropical Resource Ecology Programme

UN United Nations

UNU United Nations University

UNAM University of Namibia

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

USAID United States Agency for International Development

USPTO United States Patent & Trademark Office

WADE Water Aquifers in Dryland Environments

ZERI Zero Emission Research Initiatives