*3.1.4 Economic*

The economy of global South cities are affected by urbanization in several ways:

### *3.1.5 Unemployment*

Generally urbanization comes with it a spillover effect of hands that are not engaged in productive activities. The unemployment among developing countries of the global south cities have been a thing of worry. For instance, the official figure of Nigerian unemployment is put at 23%, while youth unemployment figure is put to about 52% as at 2018 [9]. The immediate side effect of this high level of unemployment is unrestrained increase level of poverty. As at 2017, Nigeria with a population estimated at about 200 million people had about 86 million in extreme poverty. This made her exceed India as the highest destination of poor people globally. On the wheels of this growing incidence of poverty is increased spate of criminal activities such as banditry, kidnapping, bribery and corruption among many other crimes. The basic explanation is that man is self-preservative, and in the absence of a genuine means of livelihood, resorts are made to criminal activities for survival. This fits into the age-long proverbial saying; that an idle hand/mind is a devil's workshop.

#### *3.1.6 Loss of natural ecosystem*

The springing up of urban sprawls is attended with the destruction of forests and natural reserves for squatter settlements. This leads to the loss of farm land which ordinarily would have been available to city dwellers for farming.

#### **3.2 Benefits of urbanization**

In as much as urbanization has negative effects on global South cities, however, there are immense benefits that accrue when cities get urbanized. Urban cities enjoy delivery of services in terms of supply of basic amenities such as water, electricity, and health attention. This flows from the fact that administrations of cities are usually planned. Different activities of city life are allotted to specific areas and are carefully monitored to ensure compliance. In comparative terms, life in the city is much more sophisticated and advanced than the rural areas. It boasts of better transport, communications, educational and health facilities. There is much more convenience and comfort in the city. Finally, products of different types both local and foreign normally find their way into the city. Larger markets are cited in the city and these attract buyers and sellers from diverse places. This result to growth in commercial activities much more than what obtains in the rural areas. Other benefits include: growth in economy, social and cultural integration, efficient use of resources.
