Urbanization in the developing countries : interim report to Congress

This paper outlines five principal trends, including rapid increases in: (1) the rate of urban population growth; (2) absolute urban population growth - by early in the next century, urban populations will outstrip rural populations in developing countries for the first time in history; (3) labor force growth and predominance of young workers; (4) urban poverty; and (5) the size and number of large cities. The paper then discusses problems accompanying rapid urbanization, such as inadequate employment and productive capacity, weak rural-urban linkages, worsened living conditions for low- and middle-income families, and strains on municipal and physical infrastructure and on the environment. Positive economic consequences of rapid urbanization are also analyzed, including the development of infrastructure to support small and medium enterprises, the association between urbanization and lowered fertility, and the capacity of cities to promote agricultural production and trade. It is concluded that A.I.D."s urban program is not designed to cope effectively with the full range of urban development problems. Includes analyses of A.I.D. and other donors" urban programs.