Technology and the Urban Future in Developing Countries
During the last century, population growth and rapid urbanization have been phenomenal in the developing world. Such rapid urbanization has created many urban problems on both local and regional levels. Technology has been a driving force for rapid urbanization in developed and developing countries. The main argument of this Chapter is that technology can be the answer to most of the urban problems associated with rapid urbanization in developing countries. In tackling this issue, a qualitative analysis of the literature review about technology and urban change, and a quantitative analysis of urban change patterns and challenges in Africa, as a group sample of the developing world, have been conducted. Then, the research recommends “Urban Decentralization” as a technology-enabled policy necessary for managing the urban future in developing countries. The research recommends “rural urbanization” and “small-size settlements' as necessary approaches for the efficient implementation of the proposed “Urban Decentralization” policy.