RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Rural-urban migration has become a defining demographic trend in many developing and developed countries, profoundly impacting resource allocation and urban development. This paper examines the drivers of rural-urban migration, the challenges it poses to efficient distribution of resources, and the socio-economic consequences for both rural and urban areas. It explores how migration influences access to housing, employment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure in urban centers while simultaneously affecting rural economies and resource availability. The study employs case studies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to illustrate these dynamics and evaluates policy frameworks aimed at managing migration flows and equitable resource distribution. Recommendations focus on integrated planning, investment in rural development, and sustainable urban management to balance migration pressures and resource demands.