Rural exodus is the movement of people from villages and other rural areas to towns and cities. A push factor drives people away, while a pull factor attracts them to an urban area.
Causes of rural exodus
- unemployment and limited income opportunities;
- insufficient farmland;
- conflicts and insecurity;
- lack of electricity, water, communication and other social amenities;
- limited access to higher education; and
- the hope of better services, jobs and living standards in towns.
Effects on rural areas
Rural exodus may reduce the active workforce, lower food production, increase the cost of food, weaken cultural transmission and reduce school enrolment. Older people may be left with fewer young workers to support them.
Effects on towns and cities
Rapid migration may cause overcrowding in schools and housing, traffic congestion, unemployment, crime, poor sanitation and pressure on health and other public services.
Features of towns and cities
Towns and cities contain residential, commercial, educational, industrial and administrative areas. They normally have denser populations, broader roads and more specialised services than villages.
Summary
Balanced rural development, employment, education and social amenities can reduce excessive rural exodus and its pressure on urban areas.
