Urban Growth in Low-Income Countries (LICs)

This section explores urban growth in low-income countries (LICs). The world’s population is expanding rapidly, surpassing 8 billion people in 2023. The highest rates of population growth are taking place in low-income countries (LICs) such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Niger. In contrast, some countries, including Japan, Russia, and Ukraine, are experiencing population decline due to factors such as low birth rates and high levels of emigration.

As the population increases, more people are moving to urban areas. Over 50% of the global population now resides in cities, a trend that is particularly pronounced in LICs, where urbanisation is accelerating. This migration to urban areas is contributing to the rise of megacities, which are urban areas with populations of over 10 million people. In 2023, there are 34 megacities worldwide, with the majority concentrated in Asia.

The World's Largest Megacities
The following table shows the top 10 megacities based on population size:

As shown, the largest megacities are primarily located in Asia, with countries like China, India, and Indonesia dominating the list. These countries are experiencing rapid urbanisation as more people migrate from rural areas in search of better opportunities.

Causes of Urban Growth in LICs

Urban growth in LICs can be attributed to two main factors: natural increase and migration.

• Natural Increase
  This refers to the difference between the number of births and deaths in a population. In many LICs, the birth rate is significantly higher than the death rate, leading to population growth. Improvements in healthcare and living conditions, despite limited resources, can result in longer life expectancies and a higher number of births. This natural growth often adds pressure to urban areas as people seek employment and resources in cities.
• Migration
  Migration is another key factor in urban growth. Rural-to-urban migration is the movement of people from rural areas to cities in search of better opportunities. People are often driven by both push factors (reasons for leaving rural areas) and pull factors (attractions of urban areas).

Push Factors (Reasons for Leaving Rural Areas)

There are numerous reasons why people may choose to leave rural areas, including:

• Unemployment: Rural areas often have limited job opportunities, pushing individuals to search for work in cities where there is a higher demand for labour.
• Lower Wages: Even when jobs are available in rural areas, wages tend to be much lower than in urban areas, making it difficult for families to sustain a decent standard of living.
• Crop Failure: Dependence on agriculture in rural areas makes people vulnerable to natural disasters like droughts or floods, which can destroy crops and lead to food insecurity.
• Poor Living Conditions: Many rural areas lack essential infrastructure, such as reliable housing, clean water, sanitation, and electricity.
• Poor Health and Education Services: Access to healthcare and education is often limited in rural areas, leading people to migrate in search of better services.
• Few Facilities: Rural areas may lack essential public services, transport networks, or entertainment options, which attract people to cities.
• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters can destroy rural communities, prompting people to seek safety and stability in urban areas.
• Civil War: Conflict and violence in rural regions often force people to flee to cities where they feel safer.

Pull Factors (Reasons for Moving to Cities)

Urban areas offer a range of advantages that can encourage migration from rural areas:

• More Jobs: Cities tend to have a greater variety of employment opportunities across multiple sectors, such as manufacturing, services, and retail, which attract migrants.
• Higher Wages: Jobs in urban areas generally offer better salaries compared to rural areas, allowing individuals and families to improve their standard of living.
• Better Living Conditions: Cities often provide better access to modern housing, clean water, sanitation, and electricity, making them more attractive than rural areas.
• Better Education and Health Services: Urban areas tend to have more well-established schools, universities, hospitals, and healthcare facilities, which appeal to families seeking better opportunities for their children and themselves.
• Better Facilities: Urban areas offer better infrastructure, including public transport, leisure facilities, and shopping centres, which improve the quality of life for city dwellers.
• Less Chance of Natural Disasters: While cities may still face risks from hazards like floods or storms, they are often better equipped to manage these threats, making them safer places to live compared to rural areas vulnerable to droughts, floods, or other environmental risks.

Conclusion

The rapid urban growth in low-income countries is a complex process driven by both natural population increase and migration from rural to urban areas. The push and pull factors driving this movement are interconnected, with people leaving rural areas due to poor living conditions, lack of employment opportunities, and vulnerability to environmental hazards, and moving to cities in search of better economic prospects, services, and living conditions. As urbanisation continues to rise, LICs will face challenges in managing overcrowded cities, providing adequate housing and services, and addressing the environmental impacts of rapid growth. However, understanding the causes of urban growth is crucial for planning sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life for city dwellers.