URP 3215 RURAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

Definition, types and delineation of rural settlement. Need for rural planning, basis for
settlement and settlement pattern origin and growth of rural settlements; emergence
and factors responsible for growth; factors affecting site and location, rural settlement
pattern; form and structure; Village planning and community development. Rural
settlement land uses. Rural land use planning. Village infrastructure planning and
development. Concept and principles of resettlement; planning procedure and
implementation of resettlement proposals; case studies of resettlement schemes;
model village planning.

DEFINITION, TYPES AND DELINEATION OF RURAL SETTLEMENT

Settlement can be defined as a group of houses/homes that accommodates people for

the purpose of living, production and related activities. Settlement types depends on
their characteristics, size and functions. There are two main categories of settlements
namely: rural settlements and urban settlements.

Rural area: this refers to an area or geographic space around or far away from city
with low population, lacking basic facilities and services, and where greater
percentage of land in the area is used for agricultural activities/production.

Rural settlement

Rural settlement can be defined as group of houses located in rural areas. The
economy of rural settlements is based on agriculture, which comprises of cultivation
of crops and rearing of animals. They are characterized by homogenous social
relations, low population, dispersion, made up of temporary materials. Rural
settlements are influenced by mainly physical factors such as soil fertility, favourable
climatic factors particularly relief and rainfall. The dominant occupants of rural
settlements are farmers who engage in agricultural activities.

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Urban settlements

Urban settlement can be defined as a group of residential units located in urban areas.
This form of settlement is characterized by large area, high population density who
engage in mostly secondary and tertiary economic activities. The activities include
administration, commercial activities/retailing, manufacturing, and other urban related
services.

THE NEED FOR RURAL PLANNING

Rural planning is important because it promotes sustainable development of rural

areas through improvement of agricultural practices, improvement of welfare and
well-being of rural communities, protection of the natural resources, and ecosystem in
the rural setting.

The focus of rural planning has also broadened away from a narrow agricultural one to
planning for water resource allocation, water resource conservation, comprehensive
watershed management, irrigation and drainage. The management of natural resources
in sustainable production systems is beginning to replace the independent focus on
arable cropping, livestock production or forestry, etc. Human capital development,
infrastructure and social development are being woven into integrated rural
development strategies.

BASIS FOR SETTLEMENT

Basis for settlement vary from one reason to another. People settle in rural areas for
the purpose of farming. In this case, the people look for fertile land in the rural area
that can support crop production. Some settle in the rural areas for the purpose of
irrigation, therefore, the main determinant of their settlement is a river or pond and a
fertile land; or a fertile land with area where the underground water level is close so
that they can reach the underground water easily; others settle in the rural areas
because of the continuous search for fodder/pasture for their animals.

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 TYPES/PATTERN OF RURAL SETTLEMENT

Patterns of settlements in rural setting refers to the way and manner in which
residential units are arranged. This depends on either physical factors such as
topography, drainage etc; or cultural factors such as tradition, ownership, social
hierarchy.

Types of the settlement are determined by the extent of the built-up area and
inter-house distance. In the developing and under developed nations of the world,
factors and conditions responsible for different types of rural settlements include: (i)
physical features such as the relief of the area, favourable climatic condition
particularly rainfall, availability of resources like fertile land, water; (ii) socio-cultural
factors such as ethnicity, religion; (iii) security factors such as defence against
opponents.

The following are the different types of rural settlements:

1. Clustered, agglomerated or nucleated

2. Semi-clustered or fragmented
3. Hamleted
4. Dispersed or isolated.

Clustered Settlements

Clustered settlements refer to group of settlements that are concentrated in a particular

location. In this type of rural settlements, living environment which is the home is
completely different and separate from surrounding farmlands, plantations or animal
farm. Structure or arrangement of the settlements tend to take geometric shape in form
of rectangular, radial or linear shapes.

Semi-Clustered Settlements

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These types of settlements are also called fragmented settlements. They are dispersed
settlements with a tendency of clustering at some places. They mainly occur due to
fragmentation of compact villages. This situation mostly occurs particularly for rural
villages that comprises of two or more ethnic group, cultural/religious or other forms
of affiliations. In this scenario, the dominant group maintain or occupy the main
village, while the weak group move further away from the village to establish another
settlement.

Hamleted Settlements

Hamleted settlements refers to the types of settlements that are separated into several
units but located in the same area and bear the same name. Occupants of each separate
unit or settlement tend to have similar characteristics such as tribe, or other socio-
cultural characteristics.

Dispersed Settlements

Dispersed settlements are also known as isolated settlements. They are similar to
hamleted settlements and are characterized by few numbers of residential units
isolated in the rural setting. In this type of settlements, farmlands, animal farm and or
pastures are located adjacent to the settlements. The extent of dispersion depends
largely on the topography of the area, availability of fertile agricultural land for
cultivation and habitability of the area.

Characteristics of rural settlements

1. The population is small

2. They are mostly located in remote areas
3. They lack well planned layout
4. Farmlands may be located close or adjacent to residential areas
5. Settlements are constructed from local or temporary materials

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 6. They lack basic infrastructural facilities

ORIGIN AND GROWTH OF RURAL SETTLEMENTS

Origin of human settlements can be traced back to human existence on the earth
surface. At the beginning, humans live in caves, before they later started using
temporary materials for construction of temporary houses. Majority of urban areas in
Nigeria started as rural settlements by either farmers, hunters or pastoralists. However,
urbanization during the agricultural revolution, followed by industrial revolution and
the present process of globalization facilitated the growth and expansion of those rural
areas to the present-day urban areas. The growth of the present-day rural areas is
neglected. In Nigeria, rural settlements do not grow. However, they are continuously
encroached or absorbed by urban areas or cities close to them as a result of
urbanization.

In Nigeria, growth of rural settlements can be categorized into three: pre-colonial

period (before 1854), colonial period (1854 – 1959) and post-colonial (from 1960 –
date). During the pre-colonial era, Nigeria comprises of rural population distributed
across the country. The major occupation of the people distributed in rural settlements
were pastoralists and few practicing subsistence agriculture. Typical example of those
rural settlements were those located in the northern part of the region specifically in
the Hausa kingdom of Kano, Zaria and Katsina and Kanem-Bornu. The location of
those settlements along the trans-saharan trade route linking North Africa and West
Africa gave them a comparative advantage over other settlements inland, which
contributed to their present status of development and commercial activities. Similar
settlements such as Ibadan and Ijebu-ode later emerged in the western part of the
country.

The colonial period falling in the 19th century modified the existing setting, where
exploitation of natural resources and export of agricultural produce. These gave rise to
evolution of new settlements for the benefit of the colonial masters. During this era,
the British developed transportation networks comprising of roads and rail lines

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linking areas where resources are being extracted to major ports for export.
Establishment of the transportation networks provided a conducive environment for
emergence of settlements with different function, where most of those settlements are
presently major cities. Examples of those settlements include Jos, Kaduna, Port
Harcourt and Lagos.

The post-colonial era which is taking place in the era of globalization continue to
facilitate urbanization and the growth of rural settlements. The era witnessed massive
upgrading of rural settlements to urban, and this was facilitated by the increased
income from oil revenues.

FACTORS AFFECTING SITE AND LOCATION OF RURAL SETTLEMENTS

Factors influencing rural settlements type or pattern are as follows:

1. Physical factors: these factors are also referred to as climatic factors. They
occur naturally and are controlled by humans. These factors include: (i) relief,
topography or altitude of an area, which determines the elevation of that area or
height of that given location above sea level; (ii) land or soil fertility, this is
very important factor determining the location of sentiments in a rural setting.
This is because land is a factor of agricultural production; (iii) drainage and
ground water level are also important determinants of rural settlements because
water is second most important element to air. It is used by residents in all
forms of activities ranging from domestic, to agricultural/irrigation and for
animal consumption. Settlements can hardly be found where there is no water.
It is important to understand that, majority of the present Nigerian cities started
along riverine areas and most of them were named after the rivers. In rural
setting with specific water points, settlement patterns tend to be compact or
clustered around the water point.

2. Socio-cultural: these include factors that are related to culture/tradition of the

people, religious and other related indices such as social status. The socio-

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 cultural factors in some instances results to disintegration of settlements into
smaller units, where people with similar culture, belief, tradition or other
related features tend to form a separate unit.

3. Historical factors: these factors are mostly related to past activities, event,
beliefs and root origin of forefathers. Some culture and traditions have the
belief that, they can only do well when they live where their forefathers lived.
Some may even see it as a taboo to do otherwise.

4. Defence factors: these factors play significant role in pattern of rural

settlement. compact or nucleated settlements in some rural settings may be due
to security measure. The residents tend to settle together in a single place
irrespective of their differences in order to defend themselves against attack.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE SETTLEMENT CHARACTERISTICS

The following factors influence settlements’ characteristics such as their sizes, shapes
and function.

1. Setting of the area or location: the physical characteristics of a rural area

determine the type of rural settlement that evolves in the area. for example,
highlands are characterized by plateau villages, forested areas are characterized
by forest villages, coastal villages are characterized by
2. Function of settlements: settlements can be characterized by the dominant
function or activities taking place in it; or the dominant activities of the people
settling in the area. for example, farming villages are those villages whose
majority are farmers; pastoral villages are those villages whose residents are
mainly pastoralists.
3. Settlements based on forms or shapes: rural settlements take different forms or
shapes such as linear pattern, rectangular, Y-shaped, T-shaped, circular pattern
depending on some factors that result to that.

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 a. Linear settlements are those type of settlements that take the linear or
straight-line pattern. They take this shape because residents build along
transportation networks such as roads, railway lines, river or along a valley.
They normally adopt this pattern in order to take advantage of the networks
in obtaining access to products and services. Those located along river do
so in order to get easy access to water.
b. Circular pattern: some rural settlements appear in circular form. Such
settlements are those located around a lake or pond so as to derive benefit
from the lake or pond around them. In some instances, the rural residents do
plan their settlements to take the circular shape so that they can provide
adequate open space at the centre for the safety and security of their animals
against any danger.
c. T-shaped, Y-shaped and other related pattern of settlements emerge at the
intersection of two more roads. In this case, residents build along each of
the roads and the intersection, thereby giving a shape of “T” when a road
intersect with another road at right angle, it gives a shape of “Y” when a
road intersects with another road on either 60 0, 450 or similar degree, while
a cross (+) or rectangle shape is obtained on a cross junction, where two
roads crosses each other a right angle.

VILLAGE PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Village planning is the process of transforming villages or rural settlements in such a

way that they can be habitable and restrain village population from migrating to urban
areas. This result to development of the communities in the villages.

Village planning involves some procedures as stated below:

1. Village area demarcation: this involves demarcating the boundary of the village
based on combination of the following: natural features, cultural features,
functionality

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2. Defining the needs of the village:
3. Establishing a vision and goal:

1. Collect information from the village to be planned and use the information to
create a database. At this stage, the planner should be able to identify problems
affecting the village. The planner should cover all parts of the village. This can
be best achieved by involving the villages members (local citizens, volunteers),
groups, experts, consultants, other government agencies, non-governmental
organizations and associations available in the village. Creation of a
comprehensive database.

The first move here is to determine the village boundary. The demarcation of
boundary here may adopt several approaches such cultural, functionality, or
natural features. This is followed by data collection about the village resources,
features and its potentials for development. The next stage is to determine the
type of data required, which is mainly village data and household data. Village
data include natural features, cultural, layout and width of roads, available
infrastructure, public facilities, existing facilities and amenities and their
condition. Information obtained should be organized in the database for easy
access by planners, and in such a way it can be easily updated.

2. The next step is to study the issues and problems identified. Determine the
percentage of the village population that faces a problem. Then outline the
problem that needs urgent solution. At this stage, planners need to suggest
means of improve current conditions, infrastructure, facilities and amenities
3. Collaborate with the village people and discuss in detail the problems and
provide a suitable and lasting solution to the identified problem. The
participation of the village people is important because they are the ones
affected and can sometimes better suggest the solution.

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4. The process needs to be sustained and institutionalized. This is to keep
motivating the people and bring about development. This can also facilitate
improvement of village conditions, people’s involvement and contribution in
implementation and management of projects and community programs
5. The next stage is the planning and management. in this stage, identifying the
major problem faced by majority of the people is the main thing.
6. This should be followed by designing and finding an appropriate solution to the
problem. At this stage, contributions from the village people to finding a lasting
solution is important. Both advantages and disadvantages of each solution
should be evaluated.
7. The next stage is diagnosing the solution in detail and planning execution. The
focus at this stage is detailing and designing of projects, and devising proper
systems of implementation, monitoring and reporting progress. This include the
physical design, budgeting and source of funds and assigning of
responsibilities.
8. Devising a means of finding resources for village development. The resources
here include funds, people, skilled personnel and technology.
9. Determine who will operate, maintain and manage the development/projects
provided for the village.

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 RURAL SETTLEMENT LAND USES

Rural settlement land uses refers to land uses commonly found in residential areas of a
rural settlement. this include uses such as residential, circulation, commercial, and
other related land uses. A rural land use is sub-set of rural land, and any land use that
could be expected to occur in a rural zone.

The most common land uses in rural areas include:

i. Residential
ii. Recreational
iii. Agricultural land uses mainly farmlands
iv. Forest
v. Commercial

RURAL LAND USE PLANNING

Land use planning is a process by which the use of land is regulated so as to achieve a
better economic, social and environmental outcome. It ensures efficient use of land
resources for the greatest sustainable benefits. UN defines Land use planning as the
systematic assessment of land and water potential, alternatives for land use and
economic and social conditions in order to select and adopt the best land use options.
Its purpose is to select and put into practice those land uses that will best meet the
needs of the people while safeguarding resources for the future.

Rural land use planning is similar to land use planning as it involves regulating the use
of rural lands and the efficient use of resources in order to boost primary activities of
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agricultural production in the rural setting, promote environmental conservation,
reduce pollution of all forms, prevent land use conflicts, and avoid emergence or
spread of sprawl.

The ultimate goal of land use planning in the rural setting is to ensure compatible and
harmonious arrangement of land uses in the rural setting through allowing
development in specific areas, encourage the environmental conservation in order to
meet general social, economic and environmental needs

Advantages of rural planning are:

To protect rural lands

To support economic development

To manage and improve natural landscapes

To protect environmental resources

To protect public health

To protect the natural and unique landscape

To minimize environmental damage caused by human activities

To avoid land use conflicts

VILLAGE INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

The first step towards planning and developing village is to put in place basic
infrastructure such as transportation network. This is the key to all forms of
development. Provision of transportation networks specifically roads contributes to
the development of rural areas and facilitates movement of people, goods and services
from area of surplus to areas of demand. It contributes in development of rural areas in
the aspect of agriculture, trade, small scale industries and other forms of development.
It plays significant role in boosting socio-economic activities in rural areas.

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Other infrastructure required for the development of villages or rural areas rural water
infrastructure, which includes complete management of water shed and water
resources in the village or rural areas for the benefit of the people, their animals and
agricultural/irrigation activities; agricultural infrastructure such as machines and
storage facilities for the rural people who are mostly farmers. This is to reduce loss
and encourage agricultural activities; health centres for the well-being of the rural
people; educational facilities to enable children of the villagers have access to
education as their counterparts in the urban areas; and security for the protection of
their lives and property. Provision of these infrastructural facilities can assist in
improving the quality of life of the people living in those areas.

Planning for these infrastructures should be in line with the procedures outlined in
village planning and community development.

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