(a) Name any four functions of towns giving a specific example of each (b) In what four ways can the initial function of a town contribute to its growth? (c...

(a) Four functions of towns, with a specific example of each:

• Administrative (capital) function: the town is a seat of government, for example Abuja.
• Commercial/trading function: the town is a centre of trade and business, for example Onitsha (or Lagos).
• Industrial (manufacturing) function: the town is a centre of manufacturing, for example Kano (textiles) or Warri (petroleum).
• Educational function: the town is a centre of learning, for example Ibadan or Nsukka (university towns). (Others: mining town - Enugu; religious town - Mecca; port town - Port Harcourt.)

(b) Four ways the initial function of a town can contribute to its growth:

• Attraction of population: the original function (say administration or industry) draws workers and their families, so the population increases.
• Provision of employment and services: the function creates jobs, which in turn attract shops, schools, hospitals and other services, enlarging the town.
• Development of infrastructure: to serve the function, roads, electricity, water and communication are provided, encouraging further settlement and investment.
• Attraction of other functions: the initial function attracts related activities (a capital attracts commerce, banks and industry), so the town grows and diversifies (multiplier effect).

(c) Three ways rural settlements depend on urban settlements:

• Market for produce: villages sell their farm produce and raw materials in the town's markets.
• Source of manufactured goods and services: villagers obtain manufactured goods, and specialised services such as hospitals, banks, secondary schools and administration from the town.
• Employment and income: villagers travel to the town to work and earn wages, some of which they bring back to develop the rural area (also higher-order services like courts and universities).