URBANIZATION IN JAMAICA:A Presentation to the Government

Compiled and Presented by:

Dexter R. Williams

Urbanization is defined by the United Nations as movement of people from rural to urban areas with population growth equating to urban migration. (www.wikipedia.org )

Urbanization

Availability of White Collar JobsProper Infrastructure – roads, water,

electricity, etc.Availability of social facilities – health,

education, recreation, postal services and police stations

A wide Variety of Entertainment and Nightlife facilities. (Modules in Social Studies 4th Ed., Rampersad Ramsawak & Ralf Umraw, 2005, Printed in Trinidad)

Pull Factors Towards Urban Areas

Scarcity of jobs except in agriculture which most people consider to be low paying, laborious, risky and menial.

Lack of (or poor) infrastructurePoor social facilities – education, health

and security.Lack of Entertainment and Recreational

Facilities.

Push Factors from Rural Areas

Urbanization?What's the Big Deal?

An examination of the Caribbean region will reveal that there are high densities of population in the cities and their suburbs such as Port of Spain in Trinidad, Bridgetown in Barbados, Kingstown in St. Vincent, Castries in St. Lucia and New Kingston in Jamaica. (Modules in Social Studies 4th Ed.,

Rampersad Ramsawak & Ralf Umraw, 2005, Printed in Trinidad)

In The Caribbean

1970

2005

2030

(pro

jected

)0

1020304050607080

Urban PopulationRural Population

Percentageof the Total PopulationIn Jamaica

Urban Growth Due to Urbanization

By UN Human Settlement Programme

19211943196019701982199120010

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Kingston, St. Andrew, (since 1970)Portmore

Perc

enta

ge o

f the

Tot

al

Popu

lati

on

Population Growth in Kingston and Surroundings Due to Urbanization

Data obtained from the Caribbean Environment, Mark Wilson Page 116

Shortage of housing facilities and development of slums.

Rising unemployment levels leading to poverty.Rising pollution levels – Land, Air, Water.Natural environment cleared for housing

development.Pressure on social facilities due to overcrowding.Rise in crime rate, and deviant and criminal

behavioursTraffic congestionIncrease in pests and diseases due to unsanitary

conditions

Problems of Urbanization–Urban Areas

Squatter settlements in Kingston, Jamaica

Civil conflict in Kingston

Skilled labourers leaving the area – teachers, doctors, engineers.

Government and private sector pays less attention to the development of rural areas – infrastructure, health, education, businesses and industries.

Rural areas remain undeveloped.

Problems of Urbanization – Rural Areas

FIX UP THE SLUMSRestructure the slums & ghettoes into

organized, low income housing schemes. Linear settlement; frequent garbage collection and frequent street and drain cleaning

Build high rise buildings, which accommodates more residents using less land space.

Attract new industries to these suburbs by marketing them as ‘brown field sites’.

Solving Urban Problems

ENGAGE THE COMMUNITIESOn going social work: sensitizing about

environmentally friendly practices, family life, education, work ethics, etc.

Increase community policing.Skills and Entrepreneurship training.

Solving Urban Problems, Cont.

FIX UP THE TOWNEnlarge schools, hospitals, post offices,

police stations.Build high rise car park buildings to

accommodate plenty vehicles, while using less land space.

The improvement of public transportation – decreasing the high volumes of traffic on the roads.

Solving Urban Problems, Cont.

Solving Rural to Urban Migration by:[An integrated approach must be taken in encouraging persons to reside in rural Jamaica.]

Solving Rural ProblemsEducating the citizens about the issue of

urbanization and the benefits of living in the rural area.

Improvement of rural infrastructure – roads, water supply, telecommunications, electricity, internet.

Providing new and improving the social facilities in rural areas – health, entertainment .

Assisting farmers to improve production by providing loans, fertilizers, seeds etc.

Promote rural areas as ‘green field sites’ thus attracting industries, recreation and town development.

Solving Rural Problems

Educate rural residents that there are many similar problems in the urban areas just the same.For example:

Sensitization Campaign

Urban-Rural Differences in St. LuciaUrban Rural

Unemployment 19% 19%Has been crime victim

8% 4%

Percentage of population in each area, 2004Data obtained from the Caribbean Environment, Mark Wilson Page 114

Advantages of rural life:More peacefulLess risk of crime and disorderMore spacious living conditionsRental and living costs lowerFamiliar surroundings, with family and old

friendsLess pollutionEven without a job, food and shelter are available

( the Caribbean Environment, Mark Wilson Page 115)

Sensitization Campaign, cont.

Any Questions?

THANK YOU

THE END