A study of spatial and temporal variation of urban population growth in Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract Urbanization in developing economies drives rapid spatial expansion, necessitating data-driven strategies to manage infrastructure growth and environmental sustainability. This study examines Windhoek’s urban expansion from 2002 to 2022, analysing the relationship between population growth, infrastructure development, economic transformations, and environmental changes. Using GIS, remote sensing, and demographic datasets, the research identifies spatial clustering of urban growth, with hotspot analysis revealing concentrated expansion in well-serviced areas, while infrastructure-deficient zones exhibit lower growth, reinforcing spatial disparities. Findings confirm a strong correlation between infrastructure investments and urban expansion, concurrent with environmental consequences such as vegetation loss (208 sq. km to 191 sq. km) and increased water bodies (11 sq. km to 36 sq. km). The study underscores the need for balanced growth strategies, integrating infrastructure planning, land-use optimization, and ecological conservation to ensure sustainable urban governance and resilience.