Work Guide Rural Depopulation

WORK GUIDE 10 Rural depopulation Refers to the decrease in the number of people found in the rural areas. Causes of rural depopulation a) Rural urban migration (refer to work guide 9 showing push and pull factors) b) Death c) Migration e.g. going overseas etc Consequences of rural depopulation on people and the economy a) Decline in wage earners therefore decreased buying power. b) Dwindling population results in shops closing down, decreasing staff or reducing stock c) Facilities close down e.g. banks, post office d) Residents have to travel greater distances services that close down e.g. travel to other towns e) Schools close down or quality of educational facilities decrease f) Land value drops g) Younger and more productive people leave resulting in an ageing population h) Decrease in productivity of the area i) Ghost towns could develop j) Increase in poverty k) Cycle of rural decline and decay sets in l) Decrease in use of resources in rural areas, resources not used to develop economy m) Cycle of poverty continues for many people

Activity FIGURE 10 1 Explain the term rural depopulation 2 State THREE causes of rural depopulation 3 Explain THREE social consequences of rural depopulation 4 Explain THREE economic consequences of rural depopulation 5 Explain the difference between rural depopulation and rural urban migration Memorandum 1. Rural depopulation refers to the decrease in the number of people found in the rural areas. 2. - Rural urban migration - Death - Immigration e.g. going overseas etc 3. – Lack of job opportunities result in poverty - Families are separated as part of family move to urban areas. - Recreational facilities close down taking away facilities where people socialise.

4. - Decline in wage earners therefore decreased buying power. - Dwindling population results in shops closing down, decreasing staff or reducing stock - Decrease in use of resources in rural areas, resources not used to develop economy 5. Rural-urban migration is the movement of people from rural areas to urban areas whereas rural depopulation refers to the decrease in the number of people found in the rural areas.