Developing World Cities (Leaving Cert Geography): Revision Notes
Developing World Cities
Introduction to developing world cities
The rapid growth of cities in developing countries has created significant challenges. As of 2016, there were 28 megacities worldwide, with most located in developing nations.
Megacities are urban areas with populations exceeding 10 million people.
The combination of rapid population growth and limited economic resources in many developing countries has led to numerous urban problems that require urgent attention.
Rural to urban migration
One of the primary drivers of urban growth in developing countries is the movement of people from rural to urban areas. This migration occurs because:
- Rural areas in poorer developing countries often experience extreme poverty
- People migrate seeking better opportunities for food and shelter
- Urban areas offer families improved chances of survival, particularly for children
- Cities provide better access to employment opportunities
This massive movement of people creates rapid population increases in urban areas, often overwhelming the capacity of local governments to provide adequate services and infrastructure.
Major urban problems
Growth of shanty towns
The rapid influx of rural migrants creates a housing crisis that governments and local authorities struggle to address. Key issues include:
- Inadequate housing provision: Authorities cannot build homes fast enough for growing populations
- Informal settlements: People construct temporary shelters using whatever materials they can find
- Poor living conditions: These settlements lack basic services and infrastructure
Shanty towns are informal settlements characterised by poor-quality housing, lack of basic services, and overcrowded conditions. Globally, approximately 1 billion people live in shanty towns.
Traffic congestion
Developing cities face severe traffic management problems due to:
- Poor traffic management systems: Infrastructure cannot cope with increasing vehicle numbers
- Rapid economic growth: As countries become wealthier, more people purchase cars
- Inadequate public transport: Limited alternatives to private vehicle use
This congestion leads to significant air pollution and reduces the efficiency of urban transport systems.
Air pollution
Air pollution represents a major health crisis in developing cities, caused by:
- High traffic volumes: Large numbers of vehicles emit harmful pollutants
- Lower safety standards: Less stringent environmental regulations compared to developed countries
- Industrial activity: Factories and power plants contribute to air quality problems
The health consequences are severe, with increased rates of respiratory diseases placing additional strain on already limited healthcare services.
Waste disposal
Poor waste management systems create environmental and health hazards:
- Inadequate collection: Large populations produce more waste than systems can handle
- Harmful disposal methods: Waste often ends up in large landfill sites with negative environmental impacts
- Water contamination: Run-off from landfills contaminates water supplies and agricultural land
- Informal recycling: Many of the poorest residents work as waste pickers, sorting recyclable materials for income
Case study: São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo serves as an excellent example of the challenges facing developing world cities and the solutions being implemented.
Basic facts
City Profile: São Paulo
- Location: Largest city in South America
- Population: 21 million people (2016 figures)
- Growth pattern: Rapid expansion due to internal migration from poorer regions like Sertão
- Infrastructure strain: Limited services struggle to cope with population growth
Air pollution crisis
São Paulo faces severe air quality challenges:
- Vehicle numbers: Approximately 6 million cars and 1 million motorbikes
- Industrial pollution: Over 2,000 industrial plants contribute to poor air quality
- Health impacts: The city has earned the nickname 'cough city' due to respiratory problems
- Pollution types: Both particle matter (dust and smoke) and poisonous gases affect air quality
Particle matter (PM) refers to pollutants suspended in the air, including dust and smoke particles.
Traffic congestion problems
Transportation issues severely impact daily life:
- Extreme congestion: A traffic jam of 293 km occurred in 2009
- Rapid vehicle growth: Over 1,000 cars purchased daily
- Infrastructure overload: The city serves as a focal point for many major roads
- Slow travel speeds: Average speed reduced to just 17 km/h
Worked Example: Operation Rota System
The Operation Rota system was introduced to tackle congestion by:
- Prohibiting cars from being driven one day per week based on licence plate numbers
- Achieving a 20% reduction in traffic volume
- Reducing air pollution by 15%
- Gaining compliance from 90% of the population
Shanty towns (favelas)
Approximately 20% of São Paulo's population live in favelas, which face multiple challenges:
- Location: Originally formed in areas rejected by wealthier residents
- Lack of services: No proper sanitation, water supply, or healthcare
- High crime rates: Criminal gangs exploit vulnerable young people
- Infrastructure problems: Narrow streets prevent rubbish collection, increasing fire risk and disease spread
- Social issues: Poverty makes residents vulnerable to exploitation
Solutions to urban problems
The Brazilian government has implemented various strategies to address these challenges:
Site and service schemes:
- Government provides basic plot and concrete foundation
- Residents receive full ownership rights
- Basic services (water, electricity, sewerage) included
- Residents complete construction at their own cost
Self-help schemes:
- Local councils provide building materials for shelter improvements
- Communities establish education and medical services
- Authorities supply electricity, water, and waste disposal
Housing developments:
- Large favela areas cleared for redevelopment
- Residents relocated to improved housing elsewhere
- Aims to reduce social inequality within the city
Transport improvements:
- Underground Metro system constructed
- New road, rail, and bus services developed
- Central business district areas pedestrianised
- Reduced reliance on private vehicles
Industrial development:
- New industrial estates built near favelas
- Provision of water, sewerage, and electricity infrastructure
- Job creation in high unemployment areas
- Environmental benefits through biogas production from landfills
Biogas is natural gas, such as methane, produced from the fermentation of organic material.
Environmental initiatives:
- Burning biogas from landfills generates carbon credits
- São Paulo earns €15 million annually for environmental projects under international agreements
Key Points to Remember:
- Megacities (population >10 million) are predominantly located in developing countries, creating unique urban challenges
- Rural to urban migration occurs primarily due to poverty in rural areas and better opportunities in cities
- Major urban problems include inadequate housing leading to shanty towns, traffic congestion, air pollution, and poor waste management
- São Paulo demonstrates both the scale of urban problems and the range of solutions that can be implemented
- Successful solutions require government investment in housing, transport, environmental controls, and job creation programmes