The Impact of Urbanization on the Livelihood of Bor Community in Bor County of Jonglei State, South Sudan

Abstract

The increasing rate of urbanization in South Sudan as a result of a combination of natural urban increase and net in-migration to urban areas has an impact on the livelihood of the pastoral communities that live around the urban centres. This study addresses the impact of urbanization on the livelihood of the Bor community in Bor County. To achieve this aim, the study sampled 60 Bor community households using cluster sampling. In addition, the study sought further information from key informants and opinion leaders in the community. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected from the households using a questionnaire covering various aspects of the study’s research objectives. The quantitative data was subjected to summary statistics, while the qualitative data was subjected content analysis. The study revealed that Bor County is indeed experiencing rapid urbanization due to its proximity to Juba city. The rapid urbanization of Bor County has led to increase in demand for land and increased land sub-division. As a result land use and land tenure has changed drastically, with both positive and negative impacts on the livelihood of the Bor community. Some of the positive impacts of urbanization identified by the Bor community include availability of goods and services; improved education facilities; employment opportunities; and easy access to banks. The negative impacts were environmental pollution; unemployment to the immigrants; sub-division of land; and soil degradation. These impacts have in-turn led to livelihood diversification and new livelihood strategies among the Bor community. The study recommends that there is need to undertake an integrated and community-driven urban planning framework for the County and other emerging urban centres.