Rural-urban migration in LEDCs often results in overcrowded cities with inadequate infrastructure and services. Shanty towns that house migrants typically lack clean water, sewage systems, sufficient housing, reliable power and regular rubbish collection. Pollution, traffic, violence and disease spread easily in such crowded, underserved urban environments. When people leave rural areas, those left behind can experience higher levels of poverty due to loss of income. Rio de Janeiro exemplifies these issues, with 25% of its 11 million residents living in favelas (shanty towns) with poor infrastructure and social problems.

1. Managing change in the human environment Rural-urban migration in LEDCs What are the effects of rural-urban migration in LEDCs?

2. What are the problems in LEDC cities? Poverty – for most people in cities Overcrowding – particularly bad in shanty towns with extended families living together Clean water – scarce, often from a standpipe or brought at high cost Sewage systems – inadequate or non-existent, tracks become open drains Housing – made out of anything in shanty towns Power supplies – inadequate, often illegal Pollution – of water, land and air is “normal” Rubbish – infrequently collected but may be used by local population Traffic congestion – shanty towns have especially poor road access Violence and intimidation - common Healthcare – scarce and expensive, disease spreads quickly Education – provision varies but shanty town children less well educated than other children

3. LEDC City Plans The shape of most LEDC cities is irregular, with expensive housing near the CBD and the biggest area of land covered by shanty towns. Industry extends along line of communication, in particular roads. The pattern is different from LEDC cities Shanty towns or informal settlements grow quickly on land not already used.