The Effects of Rural-Urban Migration on The Livelihoods of Migrants: A Case Study of Katima Mulilo (Namibia)

Abstract

The town of Katima Mulilo is experiencing a rapid growth in rural-urban migration, predominantly in the informal settlements, namely:  Makaravani East and West, Choto, Mafuta, Nova, Mahohoma and Lwanyanda. This trend hampers the development agenda of the Katima Mulilo Town Council as the need for basic service is a prerequisite for any developing town. This article looks at the trends of rural-urban migration and its effects on the migrants’ livelihoods. The aforementioned would inform relevant stakeholders’ planning and decision making in their efforts to manage rural-urban migration, particularly in Katima Mulilo local authority. To understand the dynamics of rural urban-migration, this article adopted a qualitative research method, based on a descriptive and diagnostic research design with a sample of 30 respondents. The thematic data analysis technique was employed to analyse the data. The results revealed that the majority of migrants relocated in the town of Katima Mulilo are looking for employment in a quest to improve their livelihood.  This research paper revealed that some of the migrants have access to improved basic service delivery and access to improved public goods i.e., education.  Despite the abovementioned reasons, the majority of migrants end up not achieving their planned ambitions. This article recommends for the establishment of long-term commitment and collaboration amongst key stakeholders such as the leadership of both Regional Council and Local Authority in the Zambezi Region (Katima Mulilo). This is crucial in creating an inclusive and equitable environment and guaranteeing the smooth and productive administration of rural-urban migration in Namibia, Katima Mulilo in particular.