Urban and Regional Development

The world's population has been estimated to increase to 6.9 billion people in 2010. In 1900, only 13% of the world's population lived in urban areas. Rapid urbanization prompted the figure to increase by over 50% in 2006. This growth tendency is particularly pronounced in developing countries, and about 80% of the world's urban population is expected to be centered in developing countries by 2030.

The effects of rapid urban development may drive economic expansion but can also give rise to poor living environments, traffic congestion, air and water pollution, increased garbage, lack of public security and the buildup of slums areas. It also widens the gap between urban and rural areas, which leads to several problems such as regional economic deterioration, outdated social infrastructures and deficient public services.

JICA believes that all issues cannot be resolved from an individual perspective and that a holistic approach to development in specific regions is crucial to reduce these negative effects due to rapid urbanization.