Impact of Urbanization on Socioeconomic Conditions of Rural Areas of Faisalabad City

Abstract

This research study aims at finding out the impact of urbanization on the socio- economic condition of the people residing in the fringes of Faisalabad city. Urbanization is a dynamic process involving multiple factors. This phenomenon is attracting the attention of all the stack holders not only in the developed countries but also in the developing countries. The most prominent outcome of this urbanization process is the emergence of slums. Urbanization casts deep impact on the socio-economic conditions of the dwellers of the neighbouring and bordering settlements. All the major cities of the country, Pakistan, are witnessing the same. Faisalabad is the 3rd largest city of Pakistan with a huge population residing in the adjacent localities of the city, Faisalabad. This study is based on the satellite imageries of Faisalabad for the last 24 years (1998-2022) acquired from USGS and processed and techniques used to find out the Land Use and Land Cover (LULC). The spatio-temporal variations of the urbanization process of Faisalabad were detected with the help of LULC by analysing and interpreting built up areas, open spaces, agricultural lands and water bodies. Furthermore, a baseline survey was conducted in the urban vicinities and adjoining rural areas through questionnaires and interviews. The study shows both, positive and negative, impact on the socio-economic condition of the people of the adjacent areas of the city. This study reveals that urbanization casts negative impact in health and housing structure and positive impact on education and economic conditions. This study will be of great importance for planners to for see the impact of urbanization on adjacent rural areas and to handle the upcoming adverse situation.