The Impact of Rural-Urban Influx on Jamaican Society
Jimmy Kazaara Tindigarukayo

Abstract
Three main factors seem to have led to rural-urban migration in Jamaica: the underdevelopment of the rural sector in comparison with the urban; lack of a strong peasantry system in Jamaica, capable of keeping small growers wedded to the land; and prevalence of poverty within rural areas, arising mainly from unequal distribution of land in disfavor of small growers. In the attempt to escape this rural poverty, those who were able have migrated to urban centres looking for a better life. As indicated in this paper, the rural-urban migration has led to two main problems in Jamaica: growth of squatter settlements and increases in levels of crime and violence, each of which has had a significant impact on the Jamaican state and society. The paper concludes by providing pertinent recommendation relating to the reduction of the twin problems of squatting and violence in Jamaica.

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