Rural to Urban Rio, Brazil
Becky, Ashleigh, Damon
General facts about the city
- The second largest city of Brazil
- The third largest metropolitan area in South America
- Sixth largest in the Americas and 26th in the world
- The city was the capital of Brazil for nearly two centuries, from 1763 to 1815.
- Rio de Janeiro represents the second largest GDP in the country.
- The most visited city in the Southern hemisphere and is known for its natural settings, carnival celebrations, samba, Bossa Nova, beaches.
- Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympics.
People in Brazil move from rural, poorer areas to Rio de Janeiro and other urban centresin search of jobs and a better quality of life by gaining a better job.
Rural-to-urban migration is trending in many Latin American countries such as Brazil.
65% of urban growth in Rio de Janeiro is a result of migration.
Favelas
Rio de Janeiro, like most 3rd world cities, is experiencing a dramatic increase in population. This increase has come mostly in the form of the rural poor migrating to the cities. Because of the high land values and the enormous demand for space, these poor and forced into squatter settlements known as favelas. Named after the location of the first such settlement, the hill Morro daFavela, these settlements usually occur in two areas of Rio: 1, along the steep hill sides or, 2, along the outer fringes of urban expansion. The most famous favelas are those built along the hillsides.
The houses are usually made first from wattle-and-daub, a mixture of sand and clay, and eventually to the use of wood, brick and sheep metal. One can tell the length of time that each family has lived in the favela by the type of material the house is made from and its location. Usually the first settle near the bottom of the hills and as time goes by the hill fills upwards. Since there is no rent to pay, the money saved is used to purchase strong materials such as brick and cinderblocks. These are then used to modify and solidify the structure. Houses are only upgraded if the sides are safe from landslides and demolition by the city.
How the people of Rio view the favelas
The image that most people have of the faveladors revolves around their rural origins, supposed lack of urban experience and that they are only leeching off the infrastructure of Rio. Many consider the favelas the source of Rio’s urban problems, citing them for crime, violence, promiscuity, family breakdown and the creation of a culture of poverty. The prevailing view is that the favelas are just a transfer of poverty from the country to the city and are responsible for the negative effects of over urbanization.
This overurbanisation is seen by some as a positive aspect, creating a perfect atmosphere for new industrial development. Because of the cheap, surplus labour that exists in the favelas, industries could find an easier marker for locating and making money. Still others view the favela as just another part of the framework of Rio. It is a natural occurrence of the city and is compared to a weed growing in a garden, there will always be weeds. Despite these views, little is being done to modernize the favelas or even deal with the shortage of utilities.
Push factor from rural areas
Modernisation of agriculture in countries such as Brazil has resulted in more machines and the need for fuel workers. Many workers have migrated to the cities, e.g., Rio de Janeiro.
Not enough jobs
Few opportunities
Primitive conditions
Desertification
Famine or drought
Political fear or persecution
Poor medical care
Loss of wealth
Natural disasters
Death threats
Lack of political or religious freedom
Pollution
Poor housing
Landlord/tenant issues
Bullying
Discrimination
Poor chances of marrying
Pull factors
Job opportunities
Better living conditions
Political and/or religious freedom
Enjoyment
Education
Better medical care
Attractive climates
Security
Family links
Industry
Better chances of marrying
Inadequate jobs in the rural areas also make many youths migrate to the urban areas that can provide better opportunities for them.
Rural areas are decreasing population while the cities (urban areas) are increasing in population. One of the factors that is responsible for rural-urban migration is lack of-inadaquate social amenities and facilities in the rural areas. These include pipe borne water, electricity, good roads, hospitals, schools and recreational centres.
Rural-urban migration has negative consequences. It leads to overpopulation of the urban areas thus encouraging crime in the society. Those who engage in crime prefer the urban areas being turgid with wealthy individuals.
Rural-urban migration slows down the rate of development of the rural areas. In view of the negative consequences, government of each country of the world should strive to provide social amenities and facilities in the rural areas and also provide jobs for the citizens in the rural areas.
Population growth
Population pyramid 2010
Total population
6,186,710 in 2008.
Metropolitan area of 14,387,000.