Urbanisation-in-Namibia

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Urbanisation in NamibiaOn average, households tend to spend more on groceries than on any other aspects measured.Overall, households in the semi-informal settlements have higher expenditures than those inthe informal settlements. It is also apparent from the results that the differences in educationand utilities expenditures for households in the informal and semi-formal settlements aresignificant. The utilities expenditure differences may be attributed to the fact that mosthouseholds in the informal settlements have limited access to municipal services. The resultsalso show that on average households in the informal settlements save at least N$100 permonth while those in the semi-formal save on average N$300 monthly.In terms of the socio-economic characteristics, there are no major differences between thethree towns under study. However, Ongwediva shows a strikingly different pattern with regardto housing type; housing ownership; income level and income sources; and access to services(including electricity, water, and ablution facility). No build shacks are recorded in Ongwediva;almost all households have access to electricity and they use flushed toilet facilities.3.2 Causes of UrbanisationReasons why people move to urban areas in Namibia should be looked at in terms of thebigger picture which encompass factors such as poverty, environment and political historywhich defines the context within which people move. 6 Clearly, the proportion of people livingin urban areas rise not only due to migration, but also due to the natural growth of the existingurban population. In the African context, it is reported that urbanisation levels also increasesbecause of the reclassification of settlements from rural to urban. In Namibia, the majority ofrespondents feel that the main reasons why people move from rural to urban areas is to seekfor employment (75.3%); for education (57.2%) and some moved because of work (50.8%).The reasons are quite similar for respondents between the two types of settlements. It is alsoimportant to note how climatic conditions, such as floods have influenced migration. Thesereasons concur with many other studies, painting a picture that urban areas attract peopledue to better opportunities and improved services and facilities which they offer, however noteveryone is in a position to exploit these opportunities. 7 For about two decades now sinceindependence, economic reasons for moving to urban areas in Namibia has outweight allother reasons, pointing to an urban-bias development.6Frayne B., and Pendleton W. 2001. Migration in Namibia: Combining Macro and Micro Approaches to Research Design and Analysis.International Migration Review. 35:1054-1085.7Tvedten I., and Mupotola 1995. Or Tvedten I., and Pomuti A. 1995. Namibia Urbanisation in the 1990s. NEPRU Publication No.6, Windhoek12
Urbanisation in NamibiaHousingWorkSeeking EmployementGood Medical ServicesEducationBusiness OpportunitiesAttraction of the CityLand for InvestmentMove with familySent to live with familyMarriageFreedomFloodsOverall living conditionsOthersFigure 11: Percent distribution by main reason for rural-urban migrationOn the other hand, some respondents feel that urbanisation allowed them an opportunity toreceive remitances, in the form of money or food from their children. Respondents furtherreveals that urbanisation offer the youth an opportunity to accumulate wealth in the processand in turn support the community where they grew up. A number of headmen interviewedrevealed that most households in their villages have tap water within households with theassistance of their children who are working in urban areas. Responses from key informantsespecially those from municipality or town councils reported that urbanisation is a positiveprocess for development. It allows people to have access to modern technology and it is goodfor business and economic growth.Respondents were asked to rate the different services with respect to where they live. Thesewere rated using a Likert scale of 1 to 5 whereby 1 indicates a very poor service, 3 indicatesan average service and 5 indicating a very good service provision. Overall, health and medicalservices was rated below average. The overall rating stands at 2.89. This is an indication thatmost respondents are not satisfied with the health and medical services. Some indicated thathospitals and clinics are far and at times there are no medicines. Others reported shortageof nurses which culminates to long waiting hours for them to receive required service.Employment opportunities are also lowly rated by respondents living in semi-formal andinformal settlement. The majority alluded to the fact that employment opportunities are scarceand if any, they require someone with experience and high qualification. Some reported thatthere are no company or business expansions to employ more people. Furthermore, manyother services are rated below the average rating of 3. These included recreational services,land availability, infrastructure development, housing and pollution.13
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Page 9 and 10: Urbanisation in NamibiaThe urban po
Page 11 and 12: Urbanisation in NamibiaIn the urban
Page 13 and 14: Urbanisation in Namibia3 Results3.1
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Page 17: Urbanisation in NamibiaTable 2: Ove
Page 21 and 22: Urbanisation in NamibiaHousing: Pro
Page 23 and 24: Urbanisation in NamibiaHealth: Rapi
Page 25 and 26: Urbanisation in NamibiaA number of
Page 27 and 28: Urbanisation in Namibia5. Reference
Page 29 and 30: Urbanisation in NamibiaUNDP (2010).
Page 32: Contact DetailsTel.: 061 206 3004Pr

Urbanisation-in-Namibia

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