Abstract:
There has been rapid urbanization in the world in the 21" century particularly in the developing countries
like Nigeria. This study examines the challenges faced by the family as a result of urbanization, identify the
coping strategies by families in urban areas, examine the effect of urbanization on the family structure in
Karu Local Government Area among others. A survey design was used to gather data through the
instrument ofquestionnaires. Simple percentages were also used for data analysis. Findings reveal that the
general living standards is low, where most households live in dilapidated, congested and overcrowded
apartments characterized by lack ofventilation and space due to high cost of living explained in terms ofthe
economic changes that have greeted societies in recent times. It is recommended that policy makers in both
private and public sectors should come to the plight of urban dwellers in the provision of basic
infrastructures to ameliorate the challenges of congestion and overcrowding through housing schemes, and
as well make agricultural policies that will support food production and agricultural activities through
incentives as subsidies, loans and financial empowerment to the general populace.
