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