The impact of remittances from male seasonal migrants on rural poverty: A case of Shanyashi village in Kavango east region, Namibia
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Date
2025
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University of Namibia
Abstract
The main aim of the study was to examine the impact of remittances on the households of
male seasonal migrants and to address rural poverty. A qualitative study was used to
determine the circumstances of the migrants before migrating, examine how they use the
remittances, and challenges of seasonal migration. The study used a theoretical framework
of “capability approach” where freedom to achieve well-being is important and be
understood based on what the people are able to be and do. The study was conducted on
residence of Shanyashi village in the inland of Kavango East Region in Namibia whose
views were captured through interviews. The study identified youthful men as the
prominent participants in seasonal migration who prefer to look for work in South Africa;
that the use of "ewallets" is common among seasonal migrants; that with the proceeds they
get from the seasonal migration, the migrants buy equipment, tools, building materials,
livestock, share with the family members; that the two main challenges faced are lack of
banking and scarcity of work for migrants. The study concluded that remittances have
contributed to the poverty alleviation of the people in the village and has made them
happier. The study recommended increased investment in agriculture, enforce the
implementation of minimum wages, banks considering expansion of banking to rural areas
and leveraging transaction cost and process across the borders, regulating migration
through the provision of traveling assistance and acquisition of required documents, and
capacity building for seasonal migrants to match the required skills
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Art in Development Studies
Keywords
Remittance, Seasonal migration, Rural poverty, Namibia, University of Namibia