Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.
Q. 5. Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.
Migration:
Migration refers to the movement of people from one location to another, either within a country (internal migration) or across international borders (international migration). It can be temporary or permanent, voluntary or forced, and is driven by various factors such as economic opportunities, conflict, environmental changes, or family reunification.
Reason behind migration towards large cities
1. Economic Opportunities
Primary driver: Cities offer diversified employment in formal/informal sectors (e.g., manufacturing, services, gig economy).
Wage differentials: Urban wages are 2–3× higher than rural areas in countries like India and Nigeria [World Bank, 2022].
Data: 55–56% of migrants cite “earning opportunities” as their main reason for moving [International Organization for Migration (IOM), 2020].
2. Access to Services & Infrastructure
Education: 10–11% of migrants relocate for better schools/colleges unavailable in villages [UNDP Human Development Report, 2021].
Healthcare: Cities host 70% of tertiary-care hospitals in nations like Bangladesh and Kenya [WHO, 2019].
Utilities: 24/7 electricity, piped water, and public transport attract households from poorly serviced rural areas.
3. Social Mobility & Security
Aspirational pull: Cities are perceived as hubs for upward mobility (e.g., skill development, entrepreneurship).
Safety: 15% of migrants to cities like Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) cited conflict-free environments [Asian Development Bank (ADB), 2018].
4. Urbanization Challenges
Housing crisis: Slums house 33% of urban populations in South Asia and 50% in Sub-Saharan Africa [UN-Habitat, 2023].
Resource strain: Developing nations must build infrastructure for 2.7 billion new urban residents by 2050 [World Bank, 2020].
5. Policy Implications
Need for rural development: Reducing migration pressure requires improving small-town job markets and healthcare.
Inclusive urban planning: Upgrade slums, expand affordable housing, and decentralize economic opportunities.
Conclusion: While cities remain migration magnets due to unmatched opportunities, developing countries must balance urban growth with equitable resource distribution to avoid systemic crises.
