This study investigates the impacts of enclosing communal land within the townland boundaries of Oshakati, Ongwediva, and Rundu. It highlights differing perspectives between affected communities and government officials regarding land acquisition for urban development. The research establishes a socio‑economic baseline of displaced households, examines how household characteristics influence compensation choices, explores community perceptions of proposed developments, and reviews urban development plans in the study areas. Situated within the context of Namibia’s rapidly increasing urban population and limited availability of urban land, the study provides important insights into challenges of urban expansion, land compensation, and the socio‑economic implications for communities transitioning from communal to urban land systems.