Assessing the evidence: migration, environment and climate change in Namibia

Namibia is classified as one of the countries that is most vulnerable to climate change and natural hazards in the world (UNU-EHS, 2016). The country experiences significant agricultural production losses, upon which more than 70% of the population directly depend on food security for survival (NSA, 2012). The effects of climate change and natural hazards pose serious threats to the livelihood of communities and socioeconomic development at large (Birkmann & Welle, 2015). Namibia is particularly vulnerable to natural hazards, such as droughts and floods (OPM, 2012b). Droughts and floods occur at different temporal and spatial scales and have become recurring events (UNDP, 2014). Due to increased frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events, the affected communities are forced to migrate from one area to another, mostly to escape drought stricken or flooded areas (in the short-term) or in search for water, grazing, arable land, in-order to enhance their livelihood and survival (ibid).