Technical publication strengthening intermediate towns and establishing growth centres in African countries

Abstract

The relationship between urban and rural development and the role of urbanization in national development, especially in medium sized towns, has aroused a great deal of interest for almost a decade now. This is the reason .why the United Nations Commission for Human Settlements (UNCHS/HABITAT) has devoted its eighth session to this theme. The problems posed by the depopulation of rural areas and the rapid growth of metropolitan centres give cause for serious reflection of the role of medium-sized towns. The pattern of human settlements in Africa reflects the structural and geographic imbalance that are characteristic of the economies of the various countries. Unequal income distribution is everywhere on the increase and the dual structure prevailing in African countries, characterized by a small number of overpopulated urban centres and a large number of underdeveloped rural areas continues to grow.