Rethinking sustainable urban management: Effects of urbanization on the socio-spatial structure of the Tamale Metropolis

Abstract

The urbanization process in countries in the global south has enormous implications for the social and the spatial structure of cities. Despite the complexities associated with urbanization and the socio-spatial structure of urban centers, there is limited research in this area of study. This study seeks to assess the effects of urbanization on the socio-spatial structure of the Tamale Metropolis. The research relied on both secondary and primary sources of data. The primary data was collected through the interview of 68 respondents in the Central Business District of the Tamale Metropolis. The researchers also interviewed representatives of the Physical Planning Department, Development Planning Office and the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority. The results of the study showed that there is a major shift from the extended family system to the nuclear family system. The changes in the social structure have led to a considerable urban expansion with the built-up area increasing from 12% to 24%. The urbanization process has led to the creation of sub-CBDs to respond to the changes on the spatial structure. This has resulted in the paradigm shift in the spatial structure of the metropolis from a monocentric structure to a polycentric structure. This research therefore concludes that there is a direct relationship between the social structure and the spatial structure of the Tamale Metropolis and this has implication for sustainable urban management.