COLLEGE OF FINANCE, MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

Course Title: Rural-Urban Development.

Course Code: MDM 5061.

Assignment Title: Theory Of Urban Development

Group Assignment: Group -3

Students Name……………..…………………………......................……………ID No

1. Alelign Gebeyehu………..………...………...............….…......... ECSU 2301944

2. Amanuel Firayta………………………………………………… ECSU 2301754

3. Etenesh Degefu ……………………………………………….. ECEU2202926

4. Tefera Ibsa…………………………………………………………ECSU 2301939

5. Kifle Guyfi…………………………………………………………ECSU 2301701

Submitted to: D.r Daniel

Date: April 7/2024

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

 CHAPTER FIVE
THEORY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
 Contents of the
presentation

1.Introduction
1.1.Definition and Basic Concepts
2. Suburbanization
3.Theory of the Evolutionary Ladder of
Development
4.The Dependency Theory of
development
5.Conclusion
 1.Introduction

1.1.Definition and Basic Concepts

• Urban: The term "urban" refers to areas characterized
by high population density, extensive human-built
structures, and various economic, social, and cultural
activities. Urban areas are typically associated with
cities and towns.
• City: A city is a large and permanent human
settlement characterized by a high population density,
significant economic activities, advanced
infrastructure, administrative functions, and a distinct
urban environment. Cities often serve as centers of
commerce, governance, and cultural exchange.
• Urbanism: Urbanism is a concept that encompasses
the social, cultural, and economic aspects of urban
life. It refers to the patterns of behavior, social
interactions, and cultural practices that are specific to
urban areas.
• Urban Development: Urban development refers to
the physical, economic, social, and environmental
changes that occur in urban areas over time. It
involves the planning, design, construction, and
management of cities, with the aim of enhancing the
quality of life, economic vitality, and environmental
sustainability of urban populations.
Difference between Rural and Urban Areas

In developed countries:
Rural areas are characterized by lower
population densities, agricultural activities, and
limited access to services and amenities.
 Urban areas have higher population densities,
diverse economic opportunities, and better access
to services and infrastructure
 Difference between Rural and Urban Areas

In developing countries:
Rural areas are typically characterized by
agriculture-based economies, lower population
densities, and limited infrastructure and services.
Urban areas have higher population densities, a mix
of economic activities, and relatively better access to
services and amenities.
Difference between Rural and Urban Areas

In Ethiopia:
Rural areas are primarily agricultural, with
subsistence farming as a common livelihood.
They often have lower population densities,
limited infrastructure, and access to basic
services.
Urban areas in Ethiopia have higher population
densities, a mix of economic activities, and
relatively better access to services and amenities
compared to rural areas
Characteristics of Urban Development:
• Concentration of Population: Urban development is
characterized by a significant concentration of people
within a relatively small geographic area.
• Economic Activities: wide range of job
opportunities, industries, and markets. Urban
development fosters economic growth, innovation,
and specialization.
• Infrastructure and Services: advanced
infrastructure, including transportation networks,
utilities, healthcare facilities, educational institutions,
and recreational amenities..
Characteristics of Urban Development
• Land Use and Built Environment: Urban
development involves the organization and
allocation of land for different purposes, such as
residential, commercial, industrial, and
recreational areas.
• Cultural and Social Diversity: Urban
development fosters cultural diversity, as cities
attract people from different backgrounds,
ethnicities, and cultures.
Suburbanization
It is a process where people and economic
activities move from urban centers to suburban
areas on the outskirts of cities.
This phenomenon is characterized by the
expansion of residential, commercial, and
industrial developments in suburban regions,
often driven by factors such as population
growth, improved transportation infrastructure,
and changing preferences for living
environments.
Suburbanization

Suburbanization refers to the outward

expansion of urban areas into surrounding
suburban regions, leading to the
development of residential, commercial,
and industrial spaces outside of traditional
city centers (Gordon & Richardson, 2015).
This phenomenon is observed in both
developed and developing countries,
including Ethiopia.
Characteristics of suburbanization
Low population density: Suburban areas have lower
population densities compared to urban areas.
Car-dependent: Suburban areas are often designed
around automobile transportation, leading to a reliance
on cars for commuting and daily activities.
 Residential focus: Suburban areas are primarily
residential, with fewer commercial and industrial
activities compared to urban areas.
 Single-family homes: Suburban areas are dominated
by single-family homes, with less multi-family housing
options
Advantages of suburbanization
More space
 Better quality of life
 Access to nature
Lower cost of living
Family-friendly environment
Challenges of suburbanization
• Traffic congestion: especially during rush hours.
• Lack of public transportation.
• Urban sprawl: loss of natural habitats and
farmland.
• Social isolation: disconnected from their
neighbors and community.
• Environmental impact: such as air and water
pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity
Theory of the Evolutionary Ladder of Development
• The Theory of the Evolutionary Ladder of Development,
also known as the Stages of Economic Growth theory,
was proposed by economist Walt Rostow in his 1960
book "The Stages of Economic Growth: A Non-
Communist Manifesto.
• " This theory suggests that countries go through a series
of stages of development, progressing from traditional
societies to modern industrialized economies.
• Rostow identified five stages of development:
traditional society, preconditions for take-off, take-off,
drive to maturity, and high mass consumption.
Theory of the Evolutionary Ladder of Development

1.Traditional Society: In this initial stage,

economies are typically agrarian-based, with
subsistence farming as the primary economic
activity. Social structures are often
hierarchical, and technological advancements
are limited.
2. Preconditions for Take-Off: This stage
involves the development of infrastructure,
education systems, and institutions that create
a foundation for economic growth .
Theory of the Evolutionary Ladder of Development

3. Take-Off: The take-off stage marks the

beginning of industrialization and economic growth
driven by increased investment and technological
advancements
4. Drive to Maturity: During this stage,
economies experience sustained growth,
diversification of industries, and improvements in
living standards
5. High Mass Consumption: In this final stage,
economies achieve high levels of consumption and
a higher standard of living for the population
The main assumptions of the theory of the evolutionary
ladder of development

According to Rostow, the main assumptions of the

theory include:
1. Countries progress through a linear path of
development.
2. Economic growth is driven by the accumulation
of capital and technological advancements.
3. Industrialization is a key factor in achieving
economic development.
4. Development is characterized by increasing
levels of investment, productivity, and income.
Characteristics of the theory of the Evolutionary
Ladder of Development

1. Linear progression: The theory suggests that

societies move through a series of stages in a
linear fashion, from less developed to more
developed.
2. Technological determinism: The theory
posits that technological advancements drive
societal progress and economic development.
3. Eurocentric bias: Critics argue that the
theory has a Western-centric perspective and does
not account for the diversity of development
paths in different regions.
The theory of the Evolutionary Ladder of Development
and its Relevance in Ethiopia.
Applying the Evolutionary Ladder of Development theory
requires a nuanced understanding of the country's unique
challenges and opportunities.
Factors such as political stability, environmental
sustainability, and social cohesion play crucial roles in shaping
Ethiopia's development trajectory.
 By addressing these complex issues holistically and adopting
a multi-dimensional approach to development, Ethiopia can
overcome obstacles and achieve sustainable economic growth
that benefits its entire population.
Policymakers and stakeholders in Ethiopia must tailor
development strategies to address local needs effectively and
promote inclusive and sustainable growth for the long term.
Critics of the Evolutionary Ladder of Development
theory

• Linear and deterministic: oversimplifies the

complex process of development and ignores the
diversity of development paths taken by different
societies.
• Euro centrism: a Western-centric bias and not
accounting for the unique historical, cultural, and
social contexts of non-Western societies.
• Technological determinism: Critics argue that the
theory's emphasis on technological advancement as
the primary driver of development overlooks other
important factors such as political institutions, social
structures, and human agency.
The Dependency Theory of Development
• The Dependency Theory of development is a critical
perspective that emerged in the 1960s as a response to
the dominant modernization theory.
• According to Frank (1966), dependency theory posits
that underdevelopment in the Global South is a result
of the exploitative relationship between the developed
and underdeveloped countries.
• It argues that the economic, political, and social
structures of developing countries are shaped by their
dependency on developed countries for capital,
technology, and markets.
The main assumptions of the Dependency Theory

1.The global economy is structured in a way that benefits

developed countries at the expense of developing countries.
2. Developing countries are integrated into the global
economy in a subordinate position, which perpetuates their
underdevelopment.
3. The development of one country is often at the expense of
another, leading to unequal power relations (Amin, 1974).
Characteristics of dependence theory of development

 Center-periphery model: The theory posits a core-

periphery structure in which developed countries
dominate and exploit less developed countries.
Critique of capitalist development: The theory
challenges the assumptions of free-market
capitalism and calls for alternative economic
models to promote equitable development.
Structural analysis: The theory focuses on the
underlying structural factors that perpetuate
underdevelopment, such as unequal trade
relationships and debt burdens.
Criticism of dependence theory of development
Overemphasis on external factors: Critics argue that dependence theory
places too much emphasis on external factors such as colonialism and
global economic structures, while neglecting internal factors such as
governance, corruption, and domestic policies that also contribute to
underdevelopment.
Lack of empirical evidence: Some critics argue that dependence theory
lacks empirical evidence to support its claims about the exploitative nature
of global economic relations and the impact of dependency on
underdevelopment.
One-size-fits-all approach: Critics argue that dependence theory tends to
generalize the experiences of developing countries and does not account
for the diverse economic, social, and political conditions that shape
development outcomes in different contexts .
The Dependency Theory In the context of Ethiopia

In the context of Ethiopia, the Dependency Theory

can be applied to understand the country's historical
relationship with colonial powers and its current
position in the global economy.
Ethiopia has been subjected to external influences
that have shaped its economic and political structures,
contributing to its underdevelopment (Todaro &
Smith, 2011).
Policymakers in Ethiopia should consider addressing
internal factors such as corruption, poor governance,
and lack of infrastructure in addition to challenging
external dependencies.
Conclusion
• Urbanism in developing countries reflects a mix of
traditional and modern practices, with unique cultural
influences shaping urban life.
• Social interactions, economic activities, and cultural
practices in urban areas are influenced by factors
such as rapid urbanization, population growth,
informal economies, and diverse cultural
backgrounds.
• Urban development in developing countries often
faces challenges such as rapid population growth,
inadequate infrastructure, informal settlements,
environmental degradation, and social inequality.
Conclusion

• Governments and urban planners in these countries

work towards improving infrastructure, providing
basic services, promoting sustainable development,
and addressing the needs of marginalized populations.
• Overall, the theory of urban development highlights
the complex interplay between physical, social,
economic, and environmental factors in shaping urban
areas.
• Understanding the dynamics of urban development is
crucial for creating sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant
cities that enhance the quality of life for all residents
Thank you for
your attention!