Navigating Changes: Community Resettlement in Namibia Due to Nkurenkuru’s Urban Expansion

This study critically investigates the socio-economic effects of urban expansion and forced relocation on peri-urban communities in Nkurenkuru, Namibia. Urban expansion in middle-income countries often has negative impacts on peri-urban and rural communities. Urban expansion leads to the displacement of such communities, and this study focuses on the socio-economic effects of such urbanization-induced displacement. This study used a qualitative research design, with in￾depth interviews to chart the effects of relocation on community life and livelihoods. Findings reveal that before relocation, community members were involved in several land-use-related socio-eco￾nomic activities. Relocation has worsened their living conditions with a significant drop in house￾hold income, financial stability, food security, and their access to vital services. Other findings in￾clude insufficient support from municipalities during the relocation process. This study shows the socio-economic repercussions of relocation and the importance of community consultations and participation in the urban expansion process.