Urbanisation Notes
Urbanisation
Terminology
Urbanisation: The increase in the proportion of people living in urban settlements (towns and cities), driven by factors such as economic opportunities, social amenities, and rural-urban migration. This shift often leads to significant changes in land use, infrastructure, and social structures.
Rural depopulation: Occurs as urban areas grow, resulting in a decrease in the rural population due to migration to cities in search of better prospects. This can lead to the decline of rural economies and services.
Counter-urbanisation: The process where people move away from big cities back to the countryside, particularly in More Economically Developed Countries (MEDCs), to escape urban problems such as pollution, congestion, and high living costs. This trend often results in the growth of smaller towns and villages.
Global Urban Population
Before 1950, urbanisation was mainly concentrated in MEDCs due to job opportunities in expanding industries and technological advancements. Cities in Europe and North America experienced significant growth during the Industrial Revolution.
Since 1950, urbanisation has slowed in MEDCs but increased rapidly in Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDCs), with continued rapid growth expected due to factors like rural poverty, agricultural challenges, and the lure of urban employment.
North America has over 60% of its population living in urban areas across all countries, reflecting a long history of industrialisation and urban development.
Brazil: 60-80% of the population live in urban areas, driven by economic growth and internal migration from rural regions.
Egypt: 40-59% of the population live in urban areas, with Cairo being one of the most populous cities in Africa.
India: 29-30% of the population live in urban areas, although this percentage is lower compared to other regions, the sheer size of India's population means that its urban centers are among the largest and most densely populated in the world.
Urbanisation Rates in Africa, South America, and Asia
South America:
Had the highest percentage of urban population in 1950 (35%).
Projected to reach 75% by 2030, indicating a mature stage of urban transition.
The rate of urbanisation is slowing down as many countries have already achieved high levels of urbanisation.
Asia:
Experienced rapid urbanisation, especially in countries like China and India, driven by economic reforms and industrial growth.
Projected to reach 25% urban population by 2030, up from less than 10% in 1950, showcasing the dramatic transformation in urban landscapes.
Africa:
Projected to have an even faster rate of urbanisation than Asia, driven by factors such as rural poverty, climate change, and the search for economic opportunities.
Expected to have around 35% of the population living in cities by 2030, with many challenges related to infrastructure, housing, and service provision.
Reasons for City Growth
Urbanisation is driven by internal migration, influenced by push and pull factors:
Push Factors (Reasons to leave rural areas)
Physical:
Droughts, which lead to crop failure and food insecurity.
Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and cyclones, which displace populations and destroy livelihoods.
Insufficient land for farming, especially due to population growth and land degradation.
Economic:
Failed crops due to pests, diseases, or lack of irrigation.
Lack of food and malnutrition, leading to health problems and reduced productivity.
Few job opportunities and loss of farm work due to mechanisation and changing agricultural practices.
Poverty, making it difficult to afford basic necessities and improve living standards.
Social:
High infant mortality rates due to poor healthcare and sanitation.
Lack of services (healthcare, transport, Internet, entertainment), limiting access to essential amenities.
Poor education, reducing opportunities for upward mobility.
Limited safety and security due to crime and social unrest.
Pull Factors (Reasons to move to urban areas)
Economic:
More job opportunities in industries, services, and construction.
Better-paying jobs compared to rural areas, increasing income and purchasing power.
Chance of a better lifestyle with access to consumer goods and services.
Social:
Better housing, although often at higher costs and with challenges related to overcrowding.
More and better hospitals and healthcare facilities, improving health outcomes.
More roads and public transport, enhancing mobility and accessibility.
Faster Internet and communication technologies, facilitating access to information and services.
More shops and entertainment, providing a wider range of leisure activities.
Better education (e.g., universities), offering opportunities for higher learning and career advancement.
Impacts of Urban Growth in LEDCs
Rapid urbanisation in LEDCs puts significant strain on urban infrastructure, leading to:
Overcrowded schools, reducing the quality of education.
Delays in healthcare, increasing the risk of diseases and health complications.
Traffic congestion, causing delays, pollution, and economic losses.
Noise and air pollution, affecting public health and environmental quality.
Informal work sectors, characterised by low wages, job insecurity, and lack of social protection.
Disparities between the rich and poor, leading to social tensions and inequality.
Squatter settlements, lacking basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity.
Poor living conditions, increasing the risk of diseases and social problems.
Water pollution due to inadequate waste management and sanitation systems.
Strategies to Improve Living Conditions in LEDCs
Low-interest loans for home construction, enabling low-income families to build or improve their housing.
Site and service schemes to provide access to essential services such as water, sanitation, and electricity in informal settlements.
Protecting squatter rights, giving residents security of tenure and encouraging them to invest in their homes and communities.
Creating greater opportunities in rural areas to reduce the pressure on urban centers and promote balanced development.
Rapid Urban Growth in Cairo
Most migrants come from the Nile Delta area to the north (e.g., Alexandria, Port Said) or from the Nile Valley to the south (e.g., El Minya, Sohag, Aswan), seeking better economic opportunities and services.
Fewer migrants come from the east and west (e.g., Suez and Matruh), possibly due to limited transport links or economic opportunities in those regions.
Migrants from the north typically migrate shorter distances (less than 75 km), reflecting the proximity of these areas to Cairo.
Significant numbers from the south migrate longer distances (up to 350 km from Qena (10,000 migrants) and approximately 450 km from Aswan (about 5,000 migrants)), indicating the strong pull of Cairo despite the distance.
Urbanisation Problems in Cairo
Solutions and their impacts:
Ring road and metro system help reduce traffic congestion, improving mobility and reducing travel times.
New satellite and dormitory towns reduce migration to Cairo, easing pressure on housing, jobs, and traffic, and promoting decentralisation.
Upgrading homes and public services reduces pollution through better waste and sewage disposal; the Greater Cairo Waste Water Project also helps improve sanitation and public health.
Problems not solved by these solutions:
Poverty remains a significant challenge, with many urban residents struggling to meet basic needs.
Crime rates persist, affecting safety and security in many neighborhoods.
Lack of employment opportunities, especially for young people and recent migrants.
Pressure on service provision (e.g., education, hospitals) continues to be a problem due to the growing population.
Lack of affordable housing, forcing many people to live in informal settlements or overcrowded conditions.
Traffic congestion remains a major issue despite infrastructure improvements.
Pollution levels are still high, affecting air