What is Urbanisation and How Might It Cause Problems for a Developing Country - Term Paper Example

UBANISATION: THE DEFINITION PROBLEMS FOR A DEVELOPING COUNTRY? RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL Order 673818 Urbanisation: The Definition Problems for a Developing Country. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Introduction: “The human population has lived a rural lifestyle through most of history.” (Urbanisation and Global Change, 2006, p.1). The world is also seeing the most prominent wave of urban growth in history. More than half of the world’s population is now living in towns and cities, as recorded in 2008. It is estimated by the year 2030 the numbers will climb to 5 billion and the largest concentration will be seen in Africa and Asia. (UNFPA, 2007, p.1). Publicity has concentrated on large metropolitan cities, however, speculation predicts that the largest portion of the new growth will lend itself to smaller towns and cities. Problems develop when these smaller towns and cities cannot offer the same resources to handle the magnitude of what the changes bring. (UNFPA, 2007, p.1). In general, cities offer a more complex social and environmental setting that is favourable to problems that exist in rural areas. Jobs and income are generated within cities because of tight knit proximities. When good management is present, a city can promote education, health care and other services more effectively than sparsely populated areas due to small-scale advantages and proximity. (UNFPA, 2007, p.1). Urban growth is seen as a natural occurrence due to natural growth in populations and is inevitable. However, the size and advancement of the growth differs among regions. Slowing rates of advancement is linked to fertility in both rural and urban areas. “Fertility rates are lower in urban areas than in rural areas throughout the world.” (UNFPA, 2007, p.1). However, there are large numbers of young people in many developing countries, which translates into rapid population growth for the future. Some developing countries cannot provide the needed quality of reproductive health services and contraception to its impoverished women. Therefore, the population and fertility rate accelerates. Migration plays a significant role in urbanization as well, as people move to areas of higher economic opportunity. Many times as people leave the outlying areas to find a better life in the city, they are forced to live in slums and areas that do not have access to decent housing, sanitation, health care, and education. They find themselves moving from one impoverished area to another. (UNFPA, 2007, p.1). One billion people now live in urban areas that are normally overcrowded, polluted and dangerous. (UNFPA, 2007, p.2). The research information takes a look at the problems associated with urbanisation in developing countries especially Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Urbanisation defined: “Urbanisation is the increase in the proportion of people living in towns and cities.” (Internetgeography, 2008, p.1). The term refers to the move of people from a rural area to towns and cities and is usually seen in countries that are underdeveloped. What an urban area is changes from country to country. Generally, there are no set rules as each country defines its own criteria between a city and rural area. A city is usually defined as a governing unit; however, its resident numbers defines an urban area. The United States defines any area with more than 20,000 residents urban, more than 100,000 as a city. Megacities with both urban and rural areas socially and economically linked are metropolitan areas. (Urbanisation and Global Change, 2006, p.2). History has shown that prior to 1950 this phenomenon occurred in MEDC’s (more economically developed countries). Rapid industrialisation in Europe and North America during the 19th and 20th centuries accounts for most of the growth before 1950. Since that time most of the rapid growth has been seen in LEDC’s (less economically developed countries) of South America, Africa, and Asia. (Internetgeography, 2008, p.2). Between 1950 and 1960 the population living in urban LEDC’s doubled while MEDC’s decreased. There are three main reasons that people in less economically developed countries have moved into cities from urban areas. 1. There is a lack of resources in the rural area as well as the population pressures that push people into the cities or “push” factors. (Internetgeography, 2008, p.2). 2. People who live in rural areas are “pulled” to the city because they believe that life in the city will be better. They also believe there are better paying jobs in the cities, opportunities are greater, and services are better. 3. The natural increase in birth rates compared to decrease in death rates. (Internetgeography, 2008, p.2). Problems Facing Urbanisation: Water supplies and sanitation are much easier to provide to people who live closer together in urban areas. However, the projected costs are higher and growing daily. As more and more people share water supplies and the need for sanitation increases, so does the need for more resources. There has to be a willingness to pay for basic water, and sanitation and it has to be affordable and available. This differs in different regions. Urban Sprawl changes and differs region by region. The speed at which each region changes is irreversible due to population growth. In order to meet future food demands the agricultural land that now exists has to be increased. By 2015 agricultural land is expected to increase by 3 percent and 10 percent by 2050 in industrial regions. North America projects only a 2 percent increase by 2050 while Europe and the USSR project an 18 percent increase by 2050. (UNEP, 2004, p.2). Requirements will be needed for increases in yield per acre as well as more natural agricultural areas. According to Global Biodiversity Assessment there have been species becoming extinct since 1600 at 50 – 100 times the normal rate. Conversion of land into agriculture, urbanisation, introduction of non-native species, pollution and climate change can account for this. Some positive aspects include protected areas, and regeneration of some habitats. (UNEP, 2004, p.2). Dumpsites and sanitary landfills are a major concern in all developing countries. Even when composting and incineration are practiced, a landfill is still required. These systems require experience, and financial resources, which are not available in lower and middle-income countries. If not developed properly they can cause environmental damages that contaminate groundwater resources and effect neighboring areas. (UNEP, 2004, p.3). The increase of automobiles has increased combustion of fossil fuel emissions that effect greenhouse gases. Weather patterns have changed the effect and distribution of acid deposition on the climate. These acidifying pollutants and emissions increase sulphur dioxide into the upper atmosphere and mask the effects of greenhouse gases. (UNEP, 2004, p.3). Energy is basically required for development. No developing country has been able to develop much beyond a minimal existence without energy services being provided to a broad section of its population. However, it is the poor people who suffer the most from lack of energy because they are forced to rely upon the most inefficient and polluting sources of energy for lack of alternatives. (UNEP, 2004, p.3-4). Public health has improved in terms of morbidity and mortality and especially in the control of infectious disease, and infant mortality. Life expectancies have increased which have lead to population increases despite birth rate decreases. According to this report children under age five make up 25 percent of global mortalities and are limited to developing countries. Deaths in children under five are attributed to communicable diseases and half are diarrhea-related diseases. (UNEP, 2004, p.4). A Look at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: According to Urbanization and Global Change Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was listed as 16th in a 1994 world census of megacities of more than 5 million residents with a population of 9.9 million. (Urbanization and Global Change, 2006, p.2). In 2008 Rio was estimated to have a population of 11.7 million people. (Internetgeography, 2008, p.1). Brazil as a whole has become increasingly popular in industry and tourism. Therefore, people have migrated into the cities because there is more to see and do in the city. Past drought or adverse weather makes rural life unviable, as well as civil wars, which push people into the urban hubs. The lack of progressive agriculture left families with no choice but to seek work in the urban areas. (Urbanisation in Brazil, 2011, p.2). When such rapid growth is seen, the cities do not have the time or resources to employ so many people. “Sixty five percent of urban growth in Rio de Janeiro is the result of migration.” (123helpme.com, 2012, p.1). The newly arrived migrants are forced to live in poor conditions and fight for quality of life. Therefore, settlements are established called favelas, and Rio de Janeiro has approximately 2 million favela residents. Favelas create health and safety problems because they are constructed on hills that are not suitable for safe homes. Sometimes the homes are constructed of cardboard, scrap wood, or corrugated iron with little protection from the weather. There is usually no access to water, electricity or sanitation. (Brazil.org, 2011, p.2). The favelas are normally located away from shops, schools and public transportation, and normally inhabited by large families. Favelas are normally located on the perimeter of Rio as it is the only available land. Factories are located on the perimeters and many of the residents seek work in the factories, which are close by. The land can be next to main roads, hilly and undesirable. (Internetgeography, 2008, p.2). This presents problems with disease outbreaks due to poor sanitation, crime and violence as well as drug trafficking. The division of wealthy and poor within the area is a major characteristic of urbanisation. (Brazil.org, 2011, p.3). As a result some of the more wealthy residents are immigrating. (123helpme.com, 2012, p.2). Unemployment and poverty contribute to the spread of disease and lack of health care. Rocinha is the largest favela in Brazil and located in Rio. Today, almost all of the homes in Rocinha are made from concrete and brick, and almost all have basic plumbing and electricity. Rocinha is one of the better favelas complete with an infrastructure of banks, drugs stores, bus lines, cable television and even a McDonald’s franchise. However, that has since closed. (Internetgeography, 2008, p.3). It is important to note that not all people that live within the urban area are poor, some are wealthy and live close to the (CBD) Central Business District. (Internetgeography, 2008, p.3). Another problem that has yet to be mentioned and not necessarily evident to Rio de Janeiro alone are large surpluses of labor workers, which keep wages low. This is attractive to developed countries looking for investments in countries that can manufacture goods for lower wages. This would make one wonder if urban poverty were functional for the benefit of global capital gain. (Urbanization and Global Change, 2006, p.3). The city of Rio occupies 1,255 km with a density of 4640.17 inhabitants per km and rugged topography. The city has a hot and humid climate and is sunny all year round, which adds to the magnitude of problems connected with density of population. (Xavier, Magalhaes, 2003, p.4). Lack of infrastructure and services has been attributed to fast urbanisation that was not followed by public policies on housing, sanitation, education, or health. This has resulted in high social inequality characterized by Brazil in general. Rio is the second most important contributor to the country of Brazil’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product). This translates into approximately 11 percent of the total country of Brazil or $67.2 billion dollars in revenues. (Xavier, Magalhaes, 2003, p.5). Conclusion: Cities are now home to almost half of the world’s population. In the next 30 years the global population is expected to increase by two billion plus and concentrated in urban areas in developing countries. This is quite a change from what we have seen in the past 30 years, which was divided more evenly between urban and rural areas. (Cohen, 2006, p.63). According to Cohen in 2006, 400 cities have a million or more residents and 70 percent are located in developing countries. It is estimated that by 2017 the developing world is more likely to be urban than rural in character. Cohen contends that a high population density may be good for minimizing the effect on local ecosystems as well. While high population areas carry with them high rates of poverty it also provides lower per capita cost of providing infrastructure and basic services. Generally, residents in many cities enjoy better education, health care, and basic public services of electricity, water, and sanitation than those that reside in rural areas. (Cohen, 2006, p.64). “Nevertheless, as cities grow, managing them becomes increasingly complex.” (Cohen, 2006, p.64). The speed and magnitude of growth bring challenges that require addressing the surrounding environment, natural resources, health conditions, social cohesion and individual rights. Obvious concerns will be dealing with the massive increase in the urban poor. Cohen estimates that 72 percent of the urban population of Africa now live in slums, compared to 43 percent for Asia and the Pacific, 32 percent in Latin America and 30 percent for the Middle East. (Cohen, 2006, p.64). The speed of urban growth has surpassed the capability of most cities to provide adequate basic service to its’ residents. (Cohen, 2006, p.64). The (MDGs) United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals are targeted toward destroying extreme poverty and hunger. The success of this venture will depend on how well developing country governments manage their cities in the future. (Cohen, 2006, p.63). References: Cohen, Barney. 2006. Urbanization in developing countries: Current trends, Future projections, and key challenges for sustainability. Viewed Web. 23 April 2012. http://.nationalacademies.org/. Linking Population, Poverty and Development. 2007. Viewed Web. 23 April 2012. http://unfpa.org/pds/urbanization/. The Problems Caused by Rapid Urbanization in Brazil: Papers. 2012. Viewed Web. 23 April 2012. http://123helpme.com/. United Nationals Environment Programme. 2004. Viewed Web. 23 April 2012. http://unep.or.jp/ietc/issues/. Urbanization and Global Change. 04 January 2006. Global Urban Population In Developed and Developing Countries. Viewed Web. 23 April 2012. http://globalchange.umich.edu/. Urbanisation in Brazil. 2011. Viewed Web. 23 April 2012. http://brazil.org.za/. Urban Problems in LEDCs. 2008. Viewed Web. 23 April 2012. http://georgraphy.learnontheinternet.co.uk/. What is Urbanisation? 2008. Viewed Web. 23 April 2012. http://georgraphy.learnontheinternet.co.uk/. Xavier, Helia Nacif; Magalhaes, Fernando. 2003. The Case of Rio de Janeiro. Viewed Web. 23 April 2012. http://ucl.ac.uk/dpu-projects/. Read More