Urbanization, population distribution and economic development in Asia / Ernesto M. Pernia
Imprint
Manila : Asian Development Bank, 1993
Descript
24 p
SUMMARY
The paper provides a perspective on spatial population distribution by reviewing recent trends and patterns of urbanization, population growth and economic development in Asian developing countries. It also discusses the sources of change in urbanization patterns, analyzes the factors and forces underlying urbanization and spatial concentration, and then draws some implications for policy. The analysis shows that countries that have undergone rapid economic growth and dramatic structural changes have also experienced major shifts in the spatial distribution of population and economic activity. In most countries national urbanization levels are still at low or intermediate stages, but in a number of cases urban population growth has slowed and concentration in the traditional primate cities had begun to wane. This process of deconcentration is expected to continue but its speed and pattern are likely to depend on the nature and direction of economy-wide and sectoral policies as well as regional and urban policies, besides the spontaneous market forces. This spatial diffusion is likely to be in the form of mega-urban regions although it may be possible for public policy in conjunction with private sector initiatives to direct some of the spillover to designated regional growth centers and secondary cities. What will or should be the shape of future national urbanization (for instance, a dominant mega-urban region, a set of more dispersed regional centers, or some other form) and what will be best for national well-being remain an important question for research and a challenge to the government and the private sector ADB
