(a) Explain the term net migration. (b) Describe any four economic effects of rural to urban migration in your country.

Answer Details

(a) Net migration is the difference between the number of people entering a country or area (immigrants/in-migrants) and the number leaving it (emigrants/out-migrants) over a given period. When in-migration exceeds out-migration the net migration is positive (net gain of population); when out-migration exceeds in-migration it is negative (net loss).

(b) Four economic effects of rural-to-urban migration:

• Reduced agricultural output in rural areas: The movement of able-bodied youths to the towns leaves farming to the aged, lowering food production and rural incomes.
• Urban unemployment and underemployment: Migrants often exceed the jobs available in the towns, raising urban unemployment and encouraging the growth of the informal sector.
• Pressure on urban infrastructure and social services: Overcrowding strains housing, water, electricity, transport and health facilities, leading to slums and higher living costs.
• Supply of labour and skills to industry, but rising social costs: Towns gain cheap labour for industry and commerce, yet also suffer congestion, crime and pollution. (Rural areas may benefit from remittances sent home by migrants.)