Dynamics Shaping Rural Transformation in Rapidly Urbanising Rural Areas in Central Kenya
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Date
2024
Authors
Muriithi, Joseph K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PPP
Abstract
It has been observed that Africa is one of the fastest-urbanising continents. Over the last
two decades, many rural areas in Central Kenya have witnessed considerable shifts
towards urbanisation, which has affected many rural areas. This study explores the
impacts of rapid urbanisation in rural Chaka town and its environs in Central Kenya, thus
triggering the transformation of the entire landscape. The aim is to highlight the drivers
shaping the transition to urbanisation in the case study town area. Using a qualitative
research approach that used rapid rural appraisal techniques like transect walks and
key informant interviews to collect data, the study reveals a trend towards increased land
sub-division and real estate development in the Chaka area, which poses a challenge to
traditional agricultural practices and an increase in non-farm activities, which indicates
diversification of livelihood strategies by the residents as agricultural practices continue
to face challenges, thus causing frustrations with farm-based activities and a decline in
productivity. These findings reveal that the changing socioeconomic and environmental
landscape in Chaka aligns to some extent with regional and national trends in the
complex interactions between urban and rural areas. These findings imply that there is
a need for policy interventions focusing on sustainable and balanced agricultural and
urban development, the need for integrated land use planning, and skill development
for liveable urban living in emerging urban and transformed rural areas.
Description
Article
Keywords
rural transformation, urbanisation, agricultural practices, land sub-division, livelihoods, Kenya
Citation
Muriithi, J. K. (2024). Dynamics Shaping Rural Transformation in Rapidly Urbanising Rural Areas in Central Kenya.