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