SPATIAL IMPACT OF GROWTH CENTRES IN A DEVELOPING REGION: A CASE STUDY OF GUSAU

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Date
1978
Authors
AMAECHI IBE, BONIFACE
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Abstract
The wide acceptance of the growth centre model as a key concept in regional economic planning c l e a r l y r e f l e c t s the hope that economic p r o s p e r i t y generated in the growth centre w i ll diffuse into the surrounding growth space. This study examines t h i s notion that growth centres induce f u r t h e r development and higher l e v e l s of prosperity over an extensive geographical area. The various processes by means of which such spread effects might take place are examined through the empirical consideration of the relevant s p a t i a l flows in the growth space around Gusau. It was discovered that the purchase of foodstuffs by growth centre workers; the purcjja se of i n d u s t r i a l raw m a t e r i a l s by growth centre firms; and the diffusion of innovations, c o n s t i t u t e the main spread mechanisms. The study revealed that direct impact through employment opportunities is minimal. A s u b s t a n t i a l leakage to other regions of this vital impact mechanism is thus revealed by the empirical a n a l y s i s. A further analysis of the-spatial pattern of growth, which reflected the level of development in the growth space to proximity to Gusau, shows that the zone of predominant spread effects around the growth center is largely confined to only 10 to 13 kilometers r a d i u s. Doubts are therefore cast as to the validity of assumptions on the spatial transmission of economic prosperity, and suggestions are offered to improve the effectiveness of the growth center strategy of regional development . One such suggestion relates to mechanisms for stimulating strong spread effects while at the same tine cushioning the effects of backwash forces. It is also suggested that for growth center strategy to be more effective, it should be seen as an integral part of a comprehensive regional development policy.
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A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AHM ADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA 1978
Keywords
SPATIAL,, IMPACT,, GROWTH CENTRES,, DEVELOPING,, REGION,, CASE STUDY,, GUSAU
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