Rural-urban migration and urbanization in Zambia during the colonial and postcolonial periods
Mijere, N.J.; Chilivumbo, A.
Population growth and environmental degradation in Southern Africa: 147-177
1994
Document Number: 303325
The chapter examines the impact of rural-urban migration in Zambia on urban growth and social development. It looks at the relationship between rapid urban growth and the availability of employment opportunities, provision of educational facilities and transport infrastructure, and the implications for the development of rural areas in general. First, the impact of colonial and post-colonial policies on rural-urban migration is discussed. Secondly, the social and economic consequences of labour migration on rural and urban economies are explored in greater detail. It is argued that the current development crisis in rural Zambia is a result of post-colonial development policies. One of the first tasks of the government was to abrogate policies that promoted selective and cyclical labour migration. This ushered in a free flow of people from rural to urban areas. The government created more jobs in small and large urban areas through expansion of the civil service, and instigated policies with inbuilt urban bias. For example, the pricing of agricultural produce was deliberately kept low to ensure a less expensive life for the urban dwellers. The unrestricted rural-urban movement during the post-colonial period has had a significant impact on rapid urbanization, making Zambia the second most urbanized country in Africa.