Functions and effects of new connectivities on rural-urban symbiosis and integrated planning in Enugu metropolis, South-East Nigeria

Rural-urban circularity – a local scale of circular migration - is dominant in Southeast Nigeria. Associated connections and round trips derive from underlying economic and socio-political factors as well as cultural attachment to rural roots. Hometowns represent a place of identity and belonging, and they are not only a haven of seeming commonality, culture and tranquillity but also the nucleus of rural-urban linkages and community development. Amidst the massive increase in active mobile telephone subscribers, the paper explored the functions and effect of new connectivities (or telecommunications-enabled connections and transfers) on rural-urban symbiosis, emphasising the planning and shared development implications of Enugu, Southeast Nigeria. Questionnaire surveys with a random sampling of about 145 respondents elicited the study data. The results show that growing reliance on mobile technologies can strengthen and weaken circular migration without necessarily abetting the level of rural-urban symbiosis or circular flows (people, goods, services, resources and information) and investments. As a verified correlate of local community development, we proffer rural-urban symbiosis and its shared development gains as both the prerequisite and vital building block for integrated settlement planning and development in Nigeria.