Discuss the causes of over urbanisation
Causes of Over-Urbanisation
Over-urbanisation refers to a situation where urban population growth surpasses the capacity of cities to provide essential infrastructure, services, and employment opportunities. This phenomenon is common in many developing nations, where rapid migration from rural areas to urban centers leads to overcrowding, housing shortages, unemployment, and inadequate public services. Unlike normal urbanisation, which is typically linked to economic growth and industrialisation, over-urbanisation often results in deteriorating living conditions and increased socio-economic challenges. This article explores the primary causes of over-urbanisation and its impact on society.
1. Rural-Urban Migration
One of the most significant causes of over-urbanisation is the large-scale migration from rural areas to cities. Various push and pull factors drive this migration:
- Push Factors (forcing people out of rural areas):
- Lack of employment opportunities due to mechanisation in agriculture.
- Poor living conditions and inadequate access to healthcare and education.
- Natural disasters, climate change, and land degradation affecting agricultural productivity.
- Social conflicts and political instability.
- Pull Factors (attracting people to urban areas):
- Perceived better job opportunities and higher wages in cities.
- Access to modern healthcare, education, and other amenities.
- Infrastructure development and perceived social mobility.
Due to these factors, cities experience an influx of migrants faster than they can accommodate, leading to over-urbanisation.
2. Industrialisation and Economic Disparities
Rapid industrialisation in urban areas contributes to population growth as industries attract labor from rural regions. However, many cities fail to develop sufficient infrastructure to support the incoming population. Economic disparities between urban and rural areas create imbalances, where cities become the only hubs of economic opportunity, forcing people to migrate in search of work. Unfortunately, many urban migrants end up in informal employment or unemployment due to the limited absorption capacity of the urban economy.
3. Inadequate Urban Planning and Governance
Many developing cities experience over-urbanisation due to poor urban planning and weak governance structures. The lack of foresight in city expansion leads to several issues:
- Poorly designed infrastructure that cannot support a growing population.
- Insufficient public services such as housing, water supply, sanitation, and transportation.
- Inefficient land use policies resulting in overcrowded slums and informal settlements.
- Corruption and mismanagement in urban development projects.
The failure of authorities to implement effective urban policies leads to unsustainable growth and deteriorating living conditions.
4. Population Growth and Demographic Pressure
High birth rates in urban areas, coupled with continued migration, exacerbate over-urbanisation. Cities with already strained resources face additional pressure when population growth outpaces infrastructure development. This leads to:
- Increased demand for housing, resulting in the proliferation of slums.
- Greater pressure on healthcare and educational institutions.
- Traffic congestion and environmental degradation.
In many developing countries, high fertility rates contribute significantly to over-urbanisation, further complicating efforts to manage urban expansion.
5. Globalisation and Economic Transformation
The increasing integration of global economies influences urbanisation patterns. Cities in developing countries often become centers for global trade, attracting multinational corporations and foreign investments. While this creates job opportunities, it also leads to:
- Displacement of local industries and traditional livelihoods.
- Uncontrolled real estate development, driving up housing costs.
- Socio-economic inequalities as wealth concentration remains within a limited section of society.
Globalisation-driven urbanisation, if not properly managed, can result in unchecked urban sprawl and worsening living conditions.
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Discuss the causes of over urbanisation Discuss the causes of over urbanisation Discuss the causes of over urbanisation
Discuss the causes of over urbanisation Discuss the causes of over urbanisation Discuss the causes of over urbanisation
