تطور المدن السودانية: مستوى التحضر في السودان وانعكاساته الاقتصادية والاجتماعية (1955-2016)

Abstract

The study deals with the present situation of the growth of Sudanese towns, in order to probe changes in their number and distribution. It depends on analyzing the various population censuses conducted during the period 1956-2016. The study has focused on trends of urbanization in the country, distribution of towns, their ranking and classifying them according to their population size. Grater Khartoum has emerged as the dominant city in the country, as its population has exceeded 6 million. Fourteen towns ranked as a second category with population more than 100,000 persons. The third category amounts to 50 towns, with some of them subjected to changes in their size during the intercensal periods. Considering urban growth rates the country has augmented from 8.3% of the total population in 1956 to 28.8% in the year 2008. This increase in urban growth is attributed mainly to development of road transport, amelioration of administrative and social services and to the increased population mobility. Darfur Region has attained the largest urban growth rate among the regions. This accelerating urban growth rates have their positive and negative impacts. Negative impacts are manifested by pressure on services and infrastructure, spontaneous settlements and urban sprawl over agricultural lands…etc. the study has concluded with some recommendations to mitigate negative consequences of urbanization.