An analysis of poverty among the residents of Okahandja Park informal settlement in Windhoek, Namibia
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Date
2017
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Despite several efforts to radically reduce poverty, the efforts have enjoyed moderate success in many parts of the world and Namibia included. Hundreds of millions across the world suffer the daily anguish of deprivation in one form or another, be it the pain of persistent hunger and disease, absence of adequate health care and nutrition, low education and skills, inadequate livelihood, bad housing conditions, social exclusion and lack of participation. Therefore, poverty persists irrespective of poverty reduction strategies and programmes implemented in the country for the last ten years. The purpose of this study was to analyse poverty among the residents of Okahandja Park Informal Settlement in Windhoek. Okahandja Park was selected as a case study, since it was amongst the first settlement areas to be established in Windhoek. The principal research objectives of the study were: (1) Understanding how the residents of Okahandja Park Informal Settlement earn and sustain their livelihoods; (2) Identifying strategies that can assist in overcoming poverty and inequality amongst the residents of Okahandja Park Informal Settlement; and (3) Evaluating the socio-economic intervention programs or projects that are in place in boosting the livelihood of the residents of Okahandja Park Informal Settlement. The targeted population of 1,700 consisted of heads of households living in Okahandja Park Informal Settlement area. The population sample size was 130 heads of households. Out of 130 heads of households, only 100 were available for interviews. The data was collected with the aid of two instruments namely, a structured questionnaire and semi- structured interviews which were presented on one form of participatory poverty assessment discussions. The data of the study was analysed as follows: issues were arranged in a logical order and specific issues were clustered into themes that gave meaning to the data obtained. The study concluded that poverty has lasting harmful effects on society, and as such poverty results in hunger, malnutrition, poor physical status and increased healthcare costs which undermine economic growth at large. The study further found that with 29 percent of the population live below the poverty line, the poverty line needs to be adjusted as the cost of goods that form components (inflation) rises over time. The study recommends that the review of poverty reduction projects and programs should be aimed at the basic needs of the poor. The approach should emphasize the involvement and participation of the people in the process of the needs identification. Furthermore, the monitoring and evaluation processes should be an ongoing process, aiming at measuring the progress and identifying the hindrances for each strategy, policy and programmes and always keeping communities informed on the progress.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilement of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Public Administration
Keywords
Poverty, Okahandja park