Development of Megacities in Emerging Economies: Challenges and Prospects
Olubodun, M. E. & Adebayo, F. T.
Department of Architectural Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State
Department of Architectural technology, Ogun State Institute of Tech., Igbesa, Ogun State
Corresponding Author: Adebayo, F. T.
ABSTRACT
Megacities have particular significance in the world-wide process of urbanisation. By the year 2015, more than 600 million people will be living in over 60 megacities worldwide. According to the United Nations, the term megacity refers to a continuous urbanised area with population of at least 10 million people. In the emerging economies of the world, specifically Africa, emergence of megacities can be adjudged to be a plus from the economic point of view but it carries along with it, some problems that need to be addressed vis a vis their solutions. At the same time, there are enormous prospects for megacities in this category which need to be fished out and discussed. More often than not, megacities are perceived to be burdened by disadvantages, origins and engines of multiple problems as well as agents and victims of risks. Such a view however neglects the potentials; benefits, chances and various advantages of mega-urban developments. The fact remains that rich megacities profit as production centres’ in the global market from the earnings of the international division of labour and involvement in global socio-economic and political networks. However, poor megacities are the absorbing pools for the rural migration with large percentages of the population living below the poverty line. Here, the production and service levels of a wide range of informal activities persist at regional and national scales. This paper therefore aims to look at the challenges and prospects of megacities in emerging economies.
Keywords: megacities, environment, urbanisation, challenges, opportunities
