Abstract

The researcher studied urbanization trend in Awka town from 1991 to 2014. The purpose of the study was to examine if urbanization has taken place in Awka town, forces behind the urbanization, where the changes have taken place, when changes occurred, impacts of urbanization, and how changes are managed in the area. The researcher formulated five (5) research questions to ensure an efficient study. A descriptive survey research design was used. The population of the study was all the males and females that live in Awka town. A sample population of one hundred and fifty nine (159) respondents was used for the study. The data used were collected using structured questionnaire on a four point modified likert scale format. The collected data were presented in tables and analyzed using mean and percentage. From the study, the researcher discovered that urbanization trend in Awka town from 1991 to 2014 has its bearing from the town becoming an administrative, educational, commercial and religious centers. Also the availability of large undeveloped land area also helped to boost the explosion. By implication, the high inflow of population in Awka town can cause over population, poor urban planning in some areas, decline of labour force in rural area, environmental degradation and problems of congestion etc. The researcher therefore made certain recommendations that will help manage urbanization in urban centers and in Awka town specifically. The study was however limited to Awka town of Anambra state. The researcher consequently suggested that similar studies should be carried out in other urban areas.