Long and short-distance internal migration motivations in post-apartheid Namibia: a gravity model approach

The paper estimates a gravity model to analyse the region-level differences that explain internal migration in post-apartheid Namibia, with specific aim of understanding whether there are motivations for long and short-distance migration. Given Namibia’s history apartheid-era segregation, sample is later restricted African-language speaking migrants determine distances travelled differ from full population. A zero-inflated negative binomial applied estimate effects constituency-level economic indicators, labour market conditions, agricultural activity, built amenities on flows. Regression analysis shows analysing flows Namibia without accounting distance-related migrant may produce misleading results. Disaggregation by distance reveals both entire population sample, constituency amenity quality predictors intermediate-distance volumes. Per capita income favour receiving increase long-distance For all moved, previous sending strong positive predictor Migration volumes also when shares border another country.