Mongabay · Climate & nature

Angolan Communities Migrate Seasonally Due to Severe Drought

Severe drought in Angola is forcing communities to migrate seasonally to Namibia for water and food, disrupting traditional livelihoods.

Angolan residents are migrating to Namibia due to drought, hunger, and thirst, leaving villages depopulated. Many able-bodied individuals have left, as reported by Amnesty International.

Cunene Province, home to over 1.8 million people, relies on pastoralism and farming. Years of drought, heat, and degradation have caused crop and livestock failure.

Desertification affects 30% of the region, impacting livelihoods. Namibia's drought response has been more effective than Angola's.

A strong El Niño event worsened the drought. Namibia provided food, water, and social protection.

Angola's inadequate response makes border crossing a survival necessity, with risks of violence and trafficking for displaced persons.

Historically, seasonal mobility was key for accessing resources. Colonization and borders disrupted these patterns.

Amnesty International calls for a permanent bilateral agreement for safe migration, considering Indigenous knowledge for drought response.

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