Honors Projects

Localising Technical Hydroponics Concepts for Otjisa: A Software-Enabled Descriptive Translation Approach

editor_ikt — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:16:50 +0000

Localising Technical Hydroponics Concepts for Otjisa: A Software-Enabled Descriptive Translation Approach editor_ikt Mon, 03/23/2026 - 13:16

The UNESCO Chair in Digital Technology Design with the Indigenous People cluster has worked with the Ovahimba community in Otjisa for many years to support community development through the co-design of technology and the introduction of emerging innovations. One such initiative involved a hydroponics system aimed at enhancing food and crop production. However, many technical hydroponics concepts do not have direct Otjiherero equivalents, making it challenging to teach community members how hydroponics works. Explaining concepts such as the nutrient film technique or pH levels becomes particularly difficult when the necessary terminology does not exist in the local language.

This qualitative research co-designed, developed, and evaluated a prototype community-based translation-support tool. The tool uses a two-stage Natural Language Processing pipeline consisting of a semantic simplification module for rephrasing English hydroponics concepts into clear, layman's English, and a translation module that renders these outputs into Otjiherero descriptions using descriptive translation strategies. The study employed Participatory Action Research methods, including participant observation, focus group discussions, role-play exercises, and technology probes with community members and researchers to co-design the mobile prototype.

Evaluation was conducted through thematic analysis and intrinsic metrics such as BLEU (0.5757) and METEOR (0.6237). The analysis revealed six interrelated themes, including Negotiating Meaning Across Languages and Culturally Embedded Teaching Practices. The resulting community translation-support tool displays a hydroponics-related image alongside a description generated by the system, when the image is tapped, a text-to-speech feature reads the Otjiherero description aloud to accommodate users with limited literacy. Findings confirmed the tool's utility for local learning while identifying a need for improved Text-to-Speech (TTS) pronunciation and grammatical accuracy in future iterations.

Completed Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Frans Nekongo

Principal Supervisor : -- Dr. Gereon Koch Kapuire, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Co-Supervisor : -- Ms. Sarina Till, University of Cape Town

Second Co-Supervisor : -- Ms. Shwele Phulu, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Culturally Informed Colour Coding in Virtual Reality:Preserving ovaHimba Heritage

editor_ikt — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:37:54 +0000

Culturally Informed Colour Coding in Virtual Reality:Preserving ovaHimba Heritage editor_ikt Thu, 03/19/2026 - 12:37

This study explored how culturally grounded colour representations could be implemented in Virtual Reality (VR) environments to preserve OvaHimba heritage. Community feedback and validation sessions were conducted to select culturally meaningful colours for VR cultural heritage presentations. Based on a related study that determined digital colour codes with members of an OvaHimba community, a VR scenario was developed. Feedback was collected through in-VR and post-VR interviews, and thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns across participants’ responses. The analysis revealed four major themes: colour representation, realism and authenticity, cultural significance, and overall user experience. The study concludes that iterative community engagement and validation are essential in achieving culturally agreeable colour representations and lighting calibrations in VR. Further research is recommended to systematise indigenous community-guided colour coding in VR.

Completed Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Tjihimise Kaunatjike

Principal Supervisor : -- Prof. Heike Winschiers-Theophilus, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Project Gallery

Assessing Observational learning from non player characters in cultural virtual reality environments

editor_ikt — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:27:17 +0000

Assessing Observational learning from non player characters in cultural virtual reality environments editor_ikt Thu, 03/19/2026 - 12:27

This study explores the use of Virtual Reality (VR) as a tool for supporting Indigenous Knowledge transmission through observational learning. Focusing on the traditional Hi//Ka//Kusi dance, a VR prototype was developed and tested with Grade 5 and 6 learners to assess whether children could learn culturally grounded movements by observing Non-Player Characters (NPCs). Using a mixed-methods approach, including video-based kinematic analysis and post-session interviews, the study examined imitation accuracy, rhythm, engagement, and task understanding. Findings indicate that longer observation periods were associated with improved movement accuracy and stronger replication of rhythmic and embodied actions. While joint-level precision varied, most participants captured the intent and sequence of the dance movements. In-person follow-up sessions suggested successful transfer of learning from the virtual to the physical environment. The study concludes that observational learning VR can effectively support embodied cultural learning when intentionally designed to align with Indigenous pedagogical practices.

Completed Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Shali Kandjibi

Principal Supervisor : -- Prof. Heike Winschiers-Theophilus, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Co-Supervisor : -- Selma Auala, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Development of student-defined gestures for Non-player-Characters’ Interactions in cultural learning Virtual Reality

editor_ikt — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:15:15 +0000

Development of student-defined gestures for Non-player-Characters’ Interactions in cultural learning Virtual Reality editor_ikt Thu, 03/19/2026 - 12:15

Virtual Reality (VR) offers a transformative platform for preserving and transmitting Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in Namibia by providing immersive, interactive cultural learning experiences. This study explored the design and implementation of gesture-based interactions with Non-Player Characters (NPCs) in a VR application tailored for primary school students aged 11 to 13. Drawing on learners' preferences for natural, user-initiated interactions, the study elicited commonly used peer gestures, implemented them in a VR experience, and evaluated their perceived naturalness and technical feasibility. The research addressed the need for culturally responsive, child-centred interaction design in VR, emphasising gesture control of NPCs. Findings from this study showed that learners consistently relied on gestures that aligned with their natural, everyday communicative habits, resulting in clear consensus across the elicited gesture sets. However, the implementation highlighted limitations in Unity's XR Hands plugin, where restricted arm and motion tracking prevented certain gestures, particularly high-amplitude movements and those involving additional body parts such as the arms, from being fully supported.

Completed Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Peter Albert Van Wyk

Principal Supervisor : -- Prof. Heike Winschiers-Theophilus, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Co- Supervisor : -- Selma Auala, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Design and developing a digital platform to support the preservation of the Ovahimba cultural practices amidst mixed belief systems

editor_ikt — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:24:55 +0000

Design and developing a digital platform to support the preservation of the Ovahimba cultural practices amidst mixed belief systems editor_ikt Mon, 06/30/2025 - 16:24

This research focuses on the design and development of a digital platform aimed at preserving the cultural practices of the Ovahimba people in Namibia. As modernization and mixed belief systems increasingly influence traditional ways of life, there is an urgent need to safeguard Indigenous Knowledge that is often passed down orally through generations. The platform will serve as a digital archive and learning tool, helping to document rituals, language, customs, and values, while fostering cultural pride and intergenerational transmission of heritage within the Ovahimba community.

Ongoing Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Kanyinda Samuel Mwamba

Principal Supervisor : -- Dr. Gereon Koch Kapuire, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Developing a Consent Validation Framework to Guide Student Researchers in the Ethical Sharing and Documentation of Himba Indigenous Knowledge

editor_ikt — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:19:49 +0000

Developing a Consent Validation Framework to Guide Student Researchers in the Ethical Sharing and Documentation of Himba Indigenous Knowledge editor_ikt Mon, 06/30/2025 - 16:19

This study aims to develop a culturally grounded consent validation framework to guide student researchers in the ethical sharing and documentation of Himba Indigenous knowledge. While student research increasingly engages with Indigenous communities, ethical tensions arise when institutional consent processes fail to align with traditional knowledge-sharing protocols. Focusing on the Himba of Namibia, the research explores how consent is understood and granted within the community, investigates ethical challenges faced by student researchers, and co-designs a framework that respects both academic and cultural standards. The project contributes to ethical research practices and Indigenous knowledge governance within Namibian academic institutions.

Ongoing Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Mwilima Kenneth Mathe

Principal Supervisor : -- Dr. Gereon Koch Kapuire, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Assessing the Impact of Digital Marketing Strategies on the Adoption and Sales of Hydroponic Fodder in Otjisa: A Business Informatics Perspective

editor_ikt — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:16:03 +0000

Assessing the Impact of Digital Marketing Strategies on the Adoption and Sales of Hydroponic Fodder in Otjisa: A Business Informatics Perspective editor_ikt Mon, 06/30/2025 - 16:16

As technology continues to shape agriculture, the use of digital marketing to promote hydroponic fodder presents new opportunities for farmers. However, in Otjisa, it remains unclear whether local farmers are leveraging these digital platforms. This study seeks to assess the impact of digital marketing on the adoption and sales of hydroponic fodder in the region. It will explore the factors that influence the use of digital tools, identify current marketing strategies, and evaluate the benefits for local farmers. Using a co-design approach and narrative enquiry, the research will gather insights through storytelling, observation, and focus groups. Findings will inform recommendations aligned with national agricultural policies to empower farmers, strengthen marketing efforts, and enhance livestock feed security.

Ongoing Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Maria Nelago Komeya

Principal Supervisor : -- Dr. Gereon Koch Kapuire, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Digital Preservation of The Ovahimba Architectural Knowledge

editor_ikt — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:11:12 +0000

Digital Preservation of The Ovahimba Architectural Knowledge editor_ikt Mon, 06/30/2025 - 16:11

The project explores how Indigenous Knowledge around OvaHimba homestead construction can be preserved and shared using immersive technologies. Co-designed with the OvaHimba community in Otjisa, the study focuses on capturing traditional building techniques through 3D modelling and Virtual Reality. The goal is to support intergenerational knowledge transfer by developing a culturally grounded digital experience that reflects the values, materials, and spatial logic of OvaHimba architecture.

Ongoing Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Vernon Katukula Kacelo

Principal Supervisor : -- Dr. Gereon Koch Kapuire, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Enhancing The Security of User-Driven Monitoirng In Remote Smart Agriculture: A Focus on Human-System Interaction In Otjisa

editor_ikt — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:01:00 +0000

Enhancing The Security of User-Driven Monitoirng In Remote Smart Agriculture: A Focus on Human-System Interaction In Otjisa editor_ikt Mon, 06/30/2025 - 16:01

This research investigates how Indigenous knowledge can inform secure and effective human-system interaction in smart agriculture systems deployed in remote communities like Otjisa. By incorporating user-friendly, and appropriate security standards that recognize the distinct experiences and Indigenous knowledge of local users specifically, a Himba woman managing the system the research seeks to improve the security of user-driven monitoring. The study uses a qualitative methodology to close the gap between the lived reality of Indigenous communities with low levels of digital literacy and standard digital technologies.

Ongoing Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Willem Elao Shilikola Nuunyango

Principal Supervisor : -- Dr. Gereon Koch Kapuire, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Design and Evaluation of Network Infrastructure for Remote Environments: A case study of Otjisa Village

editor_ikt — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:56:10 +0000

Design and Evaluation of Network Infrastructure for Remote Environments: A case study of Otjisa Village editor_ikt Mon, 06/30/2025 - 15:56

Remote communities, like Otjisa Village in Namibia, remain largely underserved in the connection to reliable network coverage as a result coming from the lack of network infrastructure. This limitation hinders local access to online services such as education, business, hospital care, as well as the ability to preserve and share indigenous knowledge though digital means. The implementation of modern up to standard technologies is often too expensive for communities and the government to implement nationwide. With the emergence of network technologies such as LoRa, we are provided with the opportunity of creating affordable and sustainable network solutions tailored to rural settings. Bridging the digital divide drives the need to improve connectivity in underserved environments.

Ongoing Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Gino Munyoka

Principal Supervisor : -- Dr. Gereon Koch Kapuire, Namibia University of Science and Technology