ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the process of urbanization, its functions and contributions to structural transformation and human development as well as the formidable challenges it poses. Cities perform vital roles in the process of structural change and economic development - though rapid rates of urbanization also generate problems. In analyzing urbanization vis-a-vis rural development and rural–urban interaction, it often seems as though "rural" and 'urban" were two clearly distinct categories. Sub-Saharan Africa has been experiencing a process of urbanization that is unparalleled historically in terms of its velocity. This has been the result of population growth within cities as well as rural-to-urban migration. Closely related to issues of urbanization and rural to urban migration is "regional development" that is the relative levels and rates of development of the regions of a country. The chapter explores the governance dimension is unfortunately beyond the scope and length limitation.
