Interrogating the Nexus Between Sparse Population Distribution and Underdevelopment in Rural Communities: Causes, Consequences, and Pathways to Progress
Conference: ISA 22nd Annual International Conference (2025)
Presenter(s): BenCollins Onyedikachi Okwesili, Nkiru Christiana Ohia
Tags: 2025 Nsukka University of Nigeria BenCollins Onyedikachi Okwesili Nkiru Christiana Ohia
Abstract
Population distribution is a key factor in assessing territorial development. Rural communities in Nigeria constitute the most backward areas of the country in multiple ways - education, politics, social and the economy. This paper seeks to interrogate the causes of sparse population distribution, including rural-urban migration, environmental constraints, and socio-cultural factors, explores the challenges sparse population pose on the development of rural communities with the view of proffering strategies for addressing them. It also examines the interconnected relationship between low population density and the socio-economic challenges faced by rural areas. The consequences of this phenomenon—such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to essential services, and economic stagnation—are analyzed in details, highlighting how these challenges perpetuate a cycle of underdevelopment. The study predicts that these factors will lead to recycling of poverty, urban overcrowding, extinction of some rural communities, insecurity and domination by cattle herders. It relied on primary data through observation method, and adopted “Human Capital Theory” as its analytical framework. The study found that the key factors linking population distribution to underdevelopment include limited access to services and infrastructure, social and political marginalization, education and skill gaps, healthcare disparities, and economic vulnerability. The paper concluded with some recommendations to address the challenge such as investment in rural infrastructure, promoting sustainable agriculture, decentralization of services, free and compulsory education, building and sustaining rural schools, and encouraging rural entrepreneurship.
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