RURAL AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT: DIALECTICAL LINK AND COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Welson Amgbiri Erekake 1 & Michael Effiong Ukpong 2
Department of Public Administration, University of Uyo 1& 2
Corresponding Email: mikeukpong20@gmail.com 2
Abstract
Urban and rural areas differ in economic, social and environmental terms. Despite these known disparities, it has been discovered over the years that these disparities can be bridged if the right approach is adopted. Yet, the development literature on rural and urban development has continued to view them as being mutually exclusive mostly to the detriment of rural development, especially in the developing countries. This paper examined the linkages existing between rural and urban areas in the context of spatial and sectoral relationship. The Paper equally undertook a conceptual analysis of the major concepts such as rural, urban, rural development and rural-urban linkage where some methodological and theoretical problems were unearthed. In an attempt to do that, the tools to bridge rural-urban disparity such as local government, agriculture as well as infrastructural development were examined. Dependency theory and Social Exchange theory provided relevant insights into the issue of rural-urban linkages. Based on the observed gaps, it was recommended among others that an integrated development approach based on the understanding that the interdependence and synergy between rural-urban areas is inevitable should be adopted, Investment in rural infrastructure (e.g., feeder roads, storage facilities) to ensure agricultural producers in peri-urban areas have access to urban markets should be prioritized.
Keywords: Development, Rural Development, Urban Development, Comparative Analysis.
