THE URBAN AND THE RURAL IN THE DEVELOPMENT DEBATE: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

There is much confusion in the use of the terms ‘urban’ and ‘rural’. The article defines these terms and shows that the South already has a high degree of urbanisation. From 1945 onwards, ideas about the primacy of rural or urban investments for economic growth and development have shifted. An overview of these ideas is presented, together with the evolving strategic vision of UN-Habitat.

Keywords:

• urban
• rural
• development
• industrialisation