African urbanisation will reshape development policies

Significance

This led to a significant increase in the provision of public services and living standards in rural areas as compared to urban ones. However, widespread urbanisation on the continent calls this model into question.

Impacts

• Efforts to reduce food costs for urbanites could discourage production in rural areas, leading to greater food shortages.
• Pressure will grow for the greater decentralisation of power and resources to mayors and municipal governments.
• Satisfying urban demands is likely to increase government spending and may contribute to sovereign and municipal debt crises.