Zambezi experience 25% migration

The national urban population share is set to grow to 67% in 2041 as urban areas grow and rural areas gradually shrink.
This is according to the first ever Namibia Statistics Agency Migration Report launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana. The findings are from the population census of 2011.

These findings will also see the Housing conditions and Disability report revealed soon. According to the report, 41,000 people migrated to different regions between 2011 and 2010 while 707,000 migrated to different constituencies in 2011 compared to places of origin. Over forty percent of those living in Khomas and Erongo in 2011 were born outside of these regions suggesting a total migration flow into Khomas and Erongo from elsewhere. In comparison more than one in six people born in Ohangwena and Omusati now live in other regions.  The Oranjemund constituency in the Karas region has the largest three-fold influx. Steinhausen in Omaheke region recorded the largest net inflow in 2011 in comparison to 2010 of about five percent while Kabbe in Zambezi region recorded the largest outflow of about twenty five percent. More than 93000 people were born outside Namibia. With the top five countries of foreign born being Angola, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Germany. In terms of demographic characteristics of migrants, the findings show that lifetime migration is notably highest at ages twenty five to fifty nine. Short term migration highest at 20 to 34, with migration more common among males. The World Health Organisation (WHO)in its 2014 African Health Observatory noted that while urbanization brings along development and other good opportunities. Migration is also a powerful driver of population change and can have important consequence of economic, political and social changes. The report financed by the UNFPA for financial support and government of Untied States of America USAID for their financial support to the US Census Bureau provided technical support during production of the migration report. The report addresses both internal and international migration. It is also associated with health challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, poor sanitation, unhealthy lifestyles and all these factors contribute to poor health for citizens of a country. These harsh conditions are reflected in the Namibia urbanization environment and are likely to have more impact on the economic and social development of shack dwellers in the informal settlements.