Patience Makwele
Urban pressures are pushing some young people to return to rural areas and small towns as high living costs and limited jobs make it harder to survive in cities.
The shift comes as youth unemployment remains high, estimated between 40% and 50%.
Economist and lecturer Lukas David Lukas said the trend reflects rising pressure in cities.
“The movement we are beginning to observe is largely driven by survival pressures in urban areas, particularly the high cost of living and limited job absorption capacity,” Lukas said.
Lukas said returning to rural areas may offer short-term relief, but most rural economies are not developed enough to absorb large numbers of young people in a sustainable way.
“What the evidence points to is the urgent need for balanced development, where both urban and rural areas are supported through targeted investment, job creation and infrastructure expansion,” he said.
For many, the move is driven by necessity.
Ruth Buchane, who relocated from Windhoek to Katima Mulilo, said living costs made it difficult to cope.
“I started living in Windhoek in 2016 at the age of 16 after completing my studies at the University of Namibia, and in the years I lived in the city I never saved enough. You can work the whole month and only cover rent while you continue to struggle with covering necessities like the monthly taxi fee and food. Back home, at least you can survive while trying to build something,” she said.
She said returning home was not easy at first.
“When I moved out, I didn’t tell my parents I was coming home because I was scared. When I came back home, many families and friends saw me as a failure, but I proved them wrong. I started applying for jobs in retail shops while also selling second-hand clothes in my spare time. I eventually got a job and left my thrift business in my family’s care.”
“I have only been back in Katima Mulilo for 8 months, and I have saved more than N$15 000 because the cost of living on this side is not as expensive as it is in the city.”
Some young people are turning to small-scale farming, informal businesses and family support in rural areas.
At the same time, others continue to move to cities in search of jobs and education.
A 23-year-old from Kavango East said opportunities remain limited in rural areas.
“There is nothing much here. If you want a job or to study further, you still have to go to the city,” he said.
A municipal official in Katima Mulilo said towns are not ready to absorb large numbers of returnees.
“We are seeing people coming back, but the challenge is that local economies are still limited. Without investment and jobs, it becomes difficult to sustain that movement,” the official said.
Government has introduced programmes such as the National Youth Development Fund and subsidised tertiary education to support young people. Internship and skills programmes have also been rolled out.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said during the state of the nation address that young people must be equipped to create jobs.
Analysts say the impact of these programmes is still limited.
Housing and development commentator Chris Lupalezwi said migration is driven by opportunity gaps.
“People are not necessarily choosing rural life over urban life; they are responding to where they can survive,” Lupalwezi said.
“Without deliberate investment in rural economies, this movement will remain cyclical rather than transformative.”
He said uneven development continues to shape movement across regions.
“When development is concentrated in a few areas, it creates imbalances. People move, but the opportunities do not always follow,” he said.
He urged young people to create their own opportunities.
“If we all sit on folded arms waiting for jobs, then we will keep on waiting. Everyone has a talent, and youth should use these talents to create jobs. Jobs are everywhere, not just in offices.”
