Comparative analysis of traditional and modern houses in Omuthiya Town Council, Namibia

Abstract

This mini-dissertation presents the findings of a research study which compares traditional and modern housing using livelihood assets (human, social, natural, physical and financial assets) in the Omuthiya Town Council. The study employed a descriptive study design and a quantitative approach with a literature review focused on the traditional housing before Germany colonised Namibia around the 18th century, during the South African apartheid era, and after Namibia gained independence in 1990. Namibian ethnic groups have their customs and norms regarding how things are done. Before colonisation, traditional housing was built using sustainable natural resources, and during the transformation, those who accepted the Western housing design and lifestyle lost their cultural identity. This study also presents the programmes addressing housing challenges after Namibia gained independence.

The study surveyed 64 respondents in Omuthiya town with experience living in modern and traditional housing and aged 18 years old and older. Questionnaire responses were collected on a Likert scale and were analysed to determine each statement’s mean score per asset from the lowest to highest. The score of 4.14 on human assets indicates that modern housing provides better education and quality health care, while the lowest score of 2.06 indicates that modern houses provide fewer cultural opportunities. The score of 4.48 on financial assets represents modern housing with solid economic benefits regarding property value and access to essential utilities such as water and electricity. The score of 1.88 shows that modern housing has a disadvantage in financial cost compared with traditional housing.

The score of 4.40 on physical assets indicates good quality infrastructure perceived toward modern housing, such as quality and durability materials used in construction, and the score of 2.16 shows that the physical infrastructure of traditional housing is made of outdated materials compared to modern housing with modern amenities and materials. The score of 3.94 of natural assets indicates that traditional houses are built using environmentally sustainable materials, and the score of 2.90 shows that modern housing has a negative impact on the environment through pollution. The score of 4.14 on social assets had a positive impact on the local economic and job creation, such as housing construction projects. At the same time, a score of 2.75 indicates that traditional housing has a less negative impact on the local economy and job creation.