Title: Population spatial distribution policies in Egypt.

POPLINE Document Number: 101738

Author(s):

Nassar H

Source citation:

In: Population spatial distribution, [compiled by] United Nations. Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia [ESCWA]. Social Development, Population and Human Settlements Division. [Amman, Jordan, ESCWA, 1993 Aug 8. :38-82. (E/ESCWA/POP/1993/4)

Abstract:

In Egypt there is a concentration of population and economic activities in urban centers, particularly Cairo. Urban areas are defined as urban governates (Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said, and Suez), capitals of governates, towns and market districts, and towns with no rural settlements nearby. 42% of urban population was concentrated in Cairo and Alexandria governates in 1986. Population growth in Cairo alone in 1986 exceeded total population of the 23 new localities added to cities with over 50,000 population. Cairo has a population density 5 times greater than Port Said. Cairo Planning Region has 25.5% of total population and 61% of total crime; unemployment was 17.3%. Quality of life differences cannot be explained by disparities between rural and urban areas or urban governates and governates of Lower and Upper Egypt. A conceptual framework for describing population spatial distribution policies is provided, although the emphasis is on the main features of policies rather than specific policies. Policies can be explicit and implicit; regional, urban, or rural oriented in their approaches to migration and human settlements; with a range of policy instruments such as subsidies, tax incentives, infrastructure construction, housing, social services, industrial and investment allocation; and reflected at the national, enterprise, and/or individual levels. Policy approaches are deconcentration of population away from cities and the Delta, reconstruction of Canal cities, redirecting encroachment into agricultural land, and reclamation and development of uninhabited desert areas. The master plan for Greater Cairo Region considered all four approaches. An effectiveness evaluation was made of some urban, rural, and regional policies. The conclusion was that there has been a concentration on demographic aspects at the expense of socioeconomic aspects. Efforts have been directed to the Cairo metropolitan area, which undermines redistribution in other areas in Egypt. Recommendations were to integrate urban and rural oriented policies, reducing push factors in rural areas and pull factors in urban areas, promotion of secondary and medium sized towns, promotion of industrial and commercial development from the bottom up, redevelopment of congested areas, decentralized planning, and development of new towns.

Keywords:

Egypt
Summary Report
Urbanization
Population Distribution
Social Policy
Recommendations
Africa, Northern
Africa
Developing Countries
Urban Population Distribution
Geographic Factors
Population
Policy