The Human Population Has Lived A Rural Lifestyle Through Most ✓ Solved

The human population has lived a rural lifestyle through most of history. The world’s population, however, is quickly becoming urbanized as people migrate to the cities. Developed nations have a higher percentage of urban residents than less developed countries. However, urbanization is occurring rapidly in many less developed countries, and it is expected that most urban growth will occur in less developed countries during the next decades. In this case, you are to select a country (other than Nigeria or China) which is experiencing rural-urban migration and answer the following questions: Identify the country you have selected and briefly describe its demographics. Discuss the factors that are driving rural-urban migration in your selected country. Migration is often explained in terms of either “push factors” – conditions in the place of origin which are perceived by migrants as detrimental to their well-being or economic security, and “pull factors” – the circumstances in new places that attract individuals to move there. Describe the impact of rural-urban migration in your selected country. Consider health, environmental, economic, and social implications.

Assignment should be 2-3 pages in length (double-spaced). Please use major sections corresponding to the major points of the assignment. Remember to write in a scientific manner, try to avoid using the first person except when describing a relevant personal experience. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper. Use your own words and build on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources, it must be properly cited. Use of peer-reviewed articles is strongly recommended. A reference list is provided at the end of your paper.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

Over the centuries, the human population has primarily lived a rural lifestyle, with agriculture as the backbone of societies. However, in contemporary times, urbanization has accelerated, leading to significant rural-urban migration particularly in less developed countries. This paper will focus on Ethiopia, a nation in the Horn of Africa, that is currently experiencing significant rural-urban migration. The paper will provide an overview of Ethiopia's demographics, analyze the factors driving migration from rural to urban areas, and discuss the multifaceted impacts of this migration on health, the environment, the economy, and social dynamics.

Demographics of Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the most populous countries in Africa, with an estimated population of over 114 million people (World Bank, 2021). The country has a diverse demographic structure, with more than 80 ethnic groups, including the Oromo, Amhara, and Tigray communities (Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia, 2020). Urbanization in Ethiopia has been slow compared to global standards, but it is accelerating, with urban residents accounting for approximately 20% of the total population (Ethiopian Statistical Agency, 2020). The majority of the population still subsists on agricultural practices in rural areas, with a high dependency on subsistence farming, which makes them vulnerable to various economic shocks and climate changes.

Push and Pull Factors of Rural-Urban Migration

The migration from rural to urban areas in Ethiopia can be attributed to a combination of push and pull factors. On the push side, rural areas in Ethiopia face several challenges that compel residents to migrate. These include limited access to basic services such as health care, education, and clean drinking water. The agricultural sector is also increasingly burdened by climate change, recurrent droughts, and land degradation, which threaten food security and livelihoods (Hassan & Nhemachena, 2008). Economic opportunities in rural communities are scarce, leading to high unemployment and underemployment rates.

Conversely, urban areas in Ethiopia present a range of attractive pull factors. Cities like Addis Ababa offer better employment opportunities, higher wages, and improved access to services and infrastructure. The growth of industries and expansion of informal job markets in urban settings create a considerable demand for labor (Alemayehu & Bienen, 2019). Additionally, urban centers often provide better educational opportunities and healthcare services, making them appealing destinations for migrants seeking a better quality of life.

Impact of Rural-Urban Migration

The effects of rural-urban migration in Ethiopia are profound and multifaceted, influencing health, environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

Health Implications

Rural-urban migration has significant health implications for migrants. While urban areas may offer better access to healthcare facilities, the rapid influx of migrants can overwhelm existing services, leading to inadequate care and increased health risks. Migrants often live in informal settlements or slums with poor sanitation and high population density, which can exacerbate the spread of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS (United Nations, 2020). Additionally, the shift from traditional diets to more processed foods may contribute to rising obesity rates and associated non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes.

Environmental Impacts

The environmental impact of rural-urban migration in Ethiopia is notable. Urbanization often leads to increased pollution as more vehicles take to the roads and factories are built to accommodate the growing population. Rapid urbanization can also result in the degradation of urban green spaces, loss of biodiversity, and increased waste production; this imbalance threatens existing ecosystems and contributes to climate change (Yin, 2018). Furthermore, rural areas often suffer from the out-migration of labor, leading to unutilized agricultural land and potential biodiversity loss.

Economic Impact

The migration from rural to urban areas has both positive and negative economic effects. Economically, migration contributes to urban economic growth as migrants fill labor shortages, support businesses, and stimulate demand for goods and services. Improved economic activity in cities can help drive development; however, high levels of rural-urban migration can lead to significant challenges such as unemployment and underemployment, especially in the informal sector (Woldemariam & Schaefer, 2020). The disparity in economic development between rural and urban areas can also lead to rising inequalities, creating social tensions.

Social Implications

Socially, rural-urban migration leads to cultural shifts as newcomers integrate into urban society. The mixing of different cultures can enrich urban environments, but it can also strain social cohesion and lead to cultural conflicts. Moreover, many migrants leave behind families, resulting in increased reliance on remittances and changing family structures (Kebede, 2019). This phenomenon can lead to altered social dynamics, where the traditional roles of family members may change due to economic necessity. Urban poverty and social exclusion may also be exacerbated as migrants struggle to adapt to the urban lifestyle.

Conclusion

Ethiopia's ongoing rural-urban migration reflects broader global trends, underscoring the complex interplay of demographic, economic, and social factors that drive this movement. While migration offers various opportunities for economic advancement and improved living conditions, it also poses significant challenges in health, environment, and social cohesion. Policymakers must adopt integrated strategies that consider both urban and rural development, aiming to create equitable growth opportunities and improve overall quality of life for all citizens.

References

  • Alemayehu, M., & Bienen, H. (2019). Urbanization and Employment in Ethiopia: A Review. International Journal of Development Research, 8(4), 22363-22370.

  • Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia. (2020). Population and Housing Census. Addis Ababa: CSA.

  • Hassan, R. M., & Nhemachena, C. (2008). Determinants of African Farmers’ Strategies for Coping with Climate Change: Multinomial Choice Analysis. African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 2(1), 83-104.

  • Kebede, E. (2019). The Socioeconomic Implications of Rural-Urban Migrations in Ethiopia. Journal of Rural Studies, 68, 217-225.

  • United Nations. (2020). Livelihoods and Migration in the Urban Context. Geneva: UN.

  • Woldemariam, A., & Schaefer, A. (2020). Urbanization and Its Impacts in Ethiopia. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 34(3), 211-222.

  • World Bank. (2021). Ethiopia Population. Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=ET

  • Yin, Z. (2018). Environmental Impacts of Urbanization in Ethiopia. Environmental Science and Policy, 89, 43-52.

  • Yohannes, M. (2019). Economic Growth and Urbanization in Ethiopia: Trends and Challenges. Ethiopian Journal of Economics, 28(1), 45-66.

  • Zewdie, B., & Teshome, A. (2020). The Impact of Rural-Urban Migration on Local Economies in Ethiopia. Journal of Development Economics, 134, 96-108.