Population Growth and Urban Renewal Programmes in Uyo and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The study attempts to assess the effects of Population Growth on Urban Renewal Programmes in Uyo and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Objectively, the study examines the causes and dangers of population growth on urban development policies, and how urban population growth rate could be reduced for sustained urban renewal programmes. The study employed elimination by substitution theory postulated by Udom Sunday Daniel to discuss the different measures of creating a balance between population growth and urban renewal programmes thus enhancing the quality of urban programmes and livelihood through the generated dividends of urban renewal opportunities. Data were collected using descriptive and survey techniques and the sample size consisted of 357 returned questionnaires from the 400 administered. The findings reveal that population growth does affect urban renewal programmes causing speedy decay and dilapidation of urban centres, thus the study encouraged rural development targeted at reducing urban migration. The findings further revealed that urban renewal projects should be planned in a linear balance to absorb the projected population. The study however recommended public-private partnerships for a sustainable urban renewal programme and participation towards enhancing livelihood through job creation and economic opportunities. Finally, the study recommends population registration centres for reliable population data planning and development as it will help to align population growth with urban renewal strategies, concluding that research on population growth, trends and dynamics on urban renewal/development be intensified as this will help to unveil other challenges of urban renewal advancement.