INDUCED CHANGES IN THE RURAL AREAS OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT), ABUJA

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Date
1990-05
Authors
GAZA, LAZARUS Z. B.A.
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Abstract
A B S T R A C T A c r i t i c a l examination of the s t r a t e g i e s for rural transformation in the Third World Countries reveals the decisive roles usually assigned to the creation of a conducive socio-spatial structures (Lea and Chaudhri, 1985). Indeed, as argued by Mabogunje (1980), much of development has to do with "the creation and organization of spatial forms and structures" (P.53). Since human a c t i v i t i es invariably take effect over space, effective management of geographic space is very crucial to the development process. The study seeks to understand the socio-spatial changes -and rural transformation induced by the creation and development of the new Federal Capital, Abuja. The transfer of the Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja involves the flow of people, huge amount of capital intensive and extensive construction a c t i v i t i e s by both national and multinational companies. Their a c t i v i t i e s are a l l directed towards creating a new landscape in the development of the new Federal Capital. These new developments in an area that had r e l a t i v e l y been neglected for a long time by previous development efforts are bound to have a profound effect on the physical, social and economic aspects of the indigenous population inhabiting the rural settlements in the FCT. In view of these, the changes which the new Federal Capital is expected to bring, should be such that they lead to a greater improvement in the welfare of the inhabitants. The positive impact of these changes can only be guarranteed by positive adaptation to these changes and a dynamic v i v i i government policy at all stages or phases of development of the new Federal Capital. The thesis reviews a number of relevant theoretical formulations that have been put forward by regional planners to explain various aspects of the process and pattern of regional development. The Central place Theory and Growth Centre theory and Integrated Planning strategy are among several theoretical formulations that have been put forward to explain and rationalize the strudtures and functions of economic landscapes with a view to f a c i l i t a t i n g s p a t i a l integration of human a c t i v i t i e s in the development process. The integrated planning strategy contends that the highest level of effectiveness in planning, can only be achieved when a l l facets of development are completely integrated. The research findings revealed that certain problems and implications arising from the changes induced by the development of the Federal Capital are iminent. Such problems as population growth, migration, unemployment, inadequate provision and distribution of social, i n s t i t u t i o n al and communal f a c i l i t i e s u t i l i t i e s and services, uncontrolled development, land appropriation and resettlement exercise of the people affected by the development projects, are among several problems that have resulted in the process of the development of the FCT. The study further revealed that there are, however, positive changes that could be strengthened to enhance and f a c i l i t a t e the improved standard of living of the inhabitants of the study area.
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Department of Geography Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Ahmadu Bello university Z a r i a - Nigeria.
Keywords
INDUCED,, CHANGES,, RURAL,, AREAS,, FEDERAL,, CAPITAL,, TERRITOR,, ABUJA.
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