Introduction
Rural migration – migration to, from, and between rural areas – is a large component of both internal and international migration flows. Some 250 million people have migrated internationally during their lifetime, many originating from rural areas. Even more people have migrated internally, with more than 1 billion in developing countries alone (Lavuri, 2019). Moreover, in a sample of 31 developing countries, more than half of the people living in rural areas during their childhood migrated internally.
Eighty percent of internal moves involve rural areas, but less than 30 percent constitute rural–urban migration, while the rest are rural–rural or urban–rural movements (Altaye, 2015).
Many refugees and internally displaced people come from rural areas, and many are hosted in rural areas as well. For example, more than 80 percent of refugees in sub-Saharan Africa are found in rural areas. Not all migration is permanent or long-term (Lall, Selod, Shalizi, 2006). There are large, but mostly undocumented, migrants who flow between different rural and urban areas in search of employment opportunities (circular migration), not least in the form of seasonal migration linked to agricultural production cycles. It is important to acknowledge that aside from its negative outcomes, rural-to-urban migration also has some positive effects. These effects are conditional on effective planning, implementation of policies friendly to the environment, and sustainable development policies. Some positive outcomes that arise include:
Efficient Resource Utilization
There is proper resource utilization in well-planned urban areas. Such areas gain from economies of scale which allows for resource distribution and centralized infrastructure. This efficiency leads to reduced per capita resource consumption and more sustainable use of water, land, and energy.
Conservation of rural ecosystems
As people migrate to urban areas, the rural land remains conserved allowing natural habitats to regenerate, environment resilience and promoting biodiversity. This is only possible when there is responsible usage of land and conservation efforts.
Education and environmental awareness
There is better access to education and information in urban areas. Increased education levels lead to increased environmental consciousness and awareness. Populations that understand the importance of environmental awareness are more likely to support and engage in environmentally friendly practices.
Economic opportunities
Urban areas provide more opportunities for economic enhancement from the widespread industries and sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and service industries. The income levels will increase allowing for economic growth in the country.
REFERENCES
Altaye Aydiko, W. (2015). The Cause and Consequences of Rural-Urban Migration: The Case of Wolatia Soddo Town, SNNPR Ethiopia. Germany: GRIN Verlag.
Characteristics, patterns and drivers of rural migration in Senegal. (2020). (n.p.): Food & Agriculture Org.
Lall, S. V., Selod, H., Shalizi, Z. (2006). Rural-urban Migration in Developing Countries: A Survey of Theoretical Predictions and Empirical Findings. United States: World Bank, Development Research Group, Infrastructure and Environment Team.
Lavuri, R. (2019). Evaluating the Factors Impact on Rural to Urban Migration - A Study. (n.p.): SSRN.
Park, H. Y. (1975). Economic Determinants of Rural-urban Migration: The Case of Korea. United States: Utah State University.
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