Which issue is commonly associated with rapid urbanization in developing countries?

Which issue is commonly associated with rapid urbanization in developing countries?

• A. Growing informal settlements and inadequate service provision
• B. Slums and strained housing/services
• C. Enhanced urban planning and adequate housing
• D. Decreasing migration into cities

Answer: (B)

Rapid urbanization tends to outpace the expansion of housing and public services in developing cities. When the population grows quickly, housing supply and infrastructure like water, sanitation, electricity, roads, and schools can’t keep up, leading to overcrowded living conditions and informal settlements. This pattern gives rise to slums and strained housing and services, which is why this option best reflects the common consequence of fast urban growth. The other ideas describe conditions that don’t typically accompany rapid urbanization in developing contexts, such as widely improved planning or a decline in city migration.

Rapid urbanization tends to outpace the expansion of housing and public services in developing cities. When the population grows quickly, housing supply and infrastructure like water, sanitation, electricity, roads, and schools can’t keep up, leading to overcrowded living conditions and informal settlements. This pattern gives rise to slums and strained housing and services, which is why this option best reflects the common consequence of fast urban growth. The other ideas describe conditions that don’t typically accompany rapid urbanization in developing contexts, such as widely improved planning or a decline in city migration.