Rural Area Infrastructural Challenges and the Role of Architecture in Urban-Rural Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Urban and rural areas are diametrically opposed but related phenomena. It is often difficult to ascertain where the rural areas end and where the city begins; because in city’s growth process, the surrounding countryside is absorbed. Part of it disappears forever, but many of its elements are preserved, fitting into the urban environment with marked differences of infrastructure facilities. These Community infrastructures are the framework of physical facilities needed to support and sustain inhabitants to live and work. However, rural societies suffer neglect. Many elderly people retire and return to rural areas for the comfort, slow and communal lifestyle it offers. Yet, as the world advances at a rapid pace, rural areas and people are left behind. Employing a qualitative literature review, the study delves into the current state of rural infrastructure development in Nigeria, and review various programmes implemented by the government in years past. The findings reveal three phases of rural infrastructural development. It highlights the issues and challenges stemming from the neglect of rural infrastructural needs, and the role of architecture in facilitating urban-rural development. It concludes that focus must be turned to rural areas with architects playing significant role in advancing the quality of rural life.

Keywords: Infrastructure facilities, Rural development, Architecture, Environment, Urban-rural.