Patience Makwele
Youth in parts of the Zambezi region are turning floodwaters into a source of income as rising water levels continue to disrupt daily life.
In areas such as Kabbe South and Linyanti, young people have taken up small-scale fishing to support their households. With limited job opportunities and ongoing economic pressure, both youth and older residents are using the floods to earn a living.
Seasonal floods have displaced families, interrupted schooling and cut off access to services. In response, many young people are fishing and selling fresh and dried fish within their communities.
“After the drought, we lost all hope that we would one day go back to fishing. 2024-2025 has been a very tough season for my family because we relied heavily on fishing,” said a 49-year-old man who identified himself as Muyoba.
“We don’t have jobs, and when the floods came, everything stopped,” Muyoba added.
“But the water also brought fish closer to us. Now we go out every morning, catch fish, and sell them. It’s helping me survive while also supporting my family.”
Youth unemployment remains high in rural areas where access to work and training is limited. Flooding has made the situation worse by disrupting schools and markets.
Rather than staying idle, some young people have started earning through fishing.
For 21-year-old Aldrin Munyindehi, the shift came after school disruptions.
“I was supposed to be in school, but classes have been disrupted,” he said. “Instead of just staying at home, I decided to join my brothers and do something. Now I sell fish, and at least I can make my own money while we are waiting for the government to help us.”
Munyindehi said he fishes after school and has saved about N$2 500 in a week.
“The money I am saving from selling fish, if I make it through grade 12 this year, will go towards my education expenses; I just have to stay focused and keep fishing, especially on weekends.”
Floodwaters have increased fish availability, making it easier to catch and sell. However, many rely on basic tools and makeshift boats.
“The water can be dangerous, especially for those of us who are still learning,” Munyindehi said. “But we take the risk because we don’t have other ways to make money.”
Some young people are working in groups, sharing equipment and splitting income. Others supply nearby villages with fish.
Zambian national David Sitwala (25) says the experience has changed how he sees work.
“I never thought of fishing as a business. When I came to Namibia, it was just for small peace works like cattle herding, ploughing and looking after people’s homes,” he said. “But now I see that if I had proper equipment and support, I could grow this into something bigger even after the floods.”
Sitwala said he had gained new knowledge from the experience and believes he can continue using the skill to earn an income even after the floods subside.
Community leaders say the growing number of young people entering fishing reflects deeper challenges.
Community leader Chrispin Sifu said young people have long relied on this activity, but worsening drought has made fish scarce.
He added that with the recent floods, both youth and older people, including pensioners, are now trying to create opportunities for themselves where none previously existed.
“But without proper support, this will remain short-term survival, not long-term development,” said Sifu.
Older fishermen are now passing on skills to younger people, teaching them how to catch, preserve and sell fish.
While the floods continue to disrupt lives, they have also become a temporary source of income for many young people trying to support themselves and their families.
