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UNIT 10:Rural and urban settlement in Rwanda.
Topic area: Human and economic Geography
Sub-topic area: Settlement and urbanisation
Key unit competence
By the end of this unit, you should be able to describe, explain and evaluate the impact of rural and urban settlements on sustainable development in Rwanda.
Unit objectives
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
• Name the various types of rural settlements.
• State factors and effects of rural settlements.
• Give the characteristics and functions of urban centres in Rwanda.
• State the factors favouring the growth of urban centres in Rwanda.
• Identify the major urban centres of Rwanda.
• Identify effects of urban settlements.
Rural settlements
Activity 10.1
Work in pairs.
1. Make an observation of your local environment.
2. Describe the characteristics of the area where you live.
3. Using the description that you have given, classify the area as urban or rural.
4. Give the type of settlement found in the area you have described. 5. Present your answers in a class discussion.
A settlement refers to a place where people live. They build homes and form a community. In some areas a rural settlement is considered to be any settlement in the areas defined by the government as rural. This may include even rural towns. In some other areas, rural settlements do not include towns. Common types of rural settlements are villages, hamlets and farms.
Traditionally, rural settlements were associated with agriculture. In modern times, other types of rural communities have been developed.
Activity 10.2
Work in groups of three.
1. Observe the local environment within the area near your school and homes.
2. Identify the different kinds of rural settlements that are common in Rwanda.
3. Describe the characteristics of the types of settlements that you have identified in (2) above.
(a) Clustered or nucleated rural settlement
This is a form of rural settlement where people live in houses that are grouped together in close proximity. These settlements are common in areas where extended families still hold a strong influence. In Rwanda, this type of settlement can be seen in parts of Rubavu, Muhanga, Musanze, Burera and Nyabihu districts.
(b) Dispersed, sparsed or scattered rural settlement
This is where people stay in houses that are far from each other. Most of the land is used for cultivation and grazing. This occurs in areas that have low populations. In Rwanda, this type of settlement is found in the Eastern Province where cattle rearing is a major activity. This settlement can also be found in areas near the National Park and other reserved areas like the Akagera and Birunga National Parks .
(c) Linear rural settlement
This is a type of settlement where people establish their homesteads in a linear form, usually along a road, a river, lake shores or a dyke. This type of settlement is evident in most parts of Rwanda, for example along the Kigali-Huye road.
(d) Planned rural settlement
This is a settlement that is established according to the standards put in place by the government. Such settlements are well-facilitated in terms of social facilities such as roads and health centres. It is a preferred type of settlement in areas faced with overpopulation. This is the common type of rural settlement in Rwanda. It was began during the land reforms program that came along with the introduction of the umudugudu.
Task 10.1
1. Define a settlement.
2. Name the types of rural settlements found in Rwanda.
3. Despite the government’s intervention in the modernisation of rural areas, the existence of rural settlements still persist in Rwanda. Give reasons for this.
Characteristics of rural settlements
Activity 10.3
Work in pairs.
1. From your own observation, explain the characteristics of the rural settlements of Rwanda.
2. Distinguish them from urban settlements.
3. Write down your findings and discuss them in a class presentation.
Some of the characteristics of rural settlements are discussed below.
(a) Sparse settlements
Rural settlements are usually associated with scattered homesteads that are established far apart from each other.
(b) Poor transport
network Most rural areas usually lack or have poor transport and communication networks especially roads.
(c) Limited social amenities
Most rural areas lack or have very few essential social facilities and amenities like hospitals and schools.
(d) Less developed economy
The economic activities carried out in rural areas are primary in nature and less developed. Agriculture is the main economic activity.
(e) Cultural rigidity Rural
settlements are still deeply absorbed in cultural traditions.
(f) Poor sanitation
Settlements associated with rural areas are usually characterised by poor sanitation. This is evidenced by poor toilets and families staying with domestic animals under the same roof.
(g) Unemployment
Rural settlements have small economies that are mostly agricultural based and subsistence in nature. A majority of the people stay idle all day long especially when it is not a farming season.
Low standards of living
The standard of living of most of the rural population is low due to the low incomes.
(i) Most of the houses in the rural areas are semi permanent
They are constructed using simple, cheap and locally available materials like clay soils and logs.
Factors influencing rural settlements
Activity 10.4
Use the Internet and other geographical materials.
1. Find out the factors that influence rural settlements in Rwanda. 2. Write down your findings for a class presentation.
Some of the factors that influence rural settlements in Rwanda include the following:
(a) High cost of living in urban areas
Most people settle in rural areas because of the high cost of living in urban areas. Life in rural areas is cheap and affordable.
(b) Need for space to run businesses
In rural areas, there seems to be enough space for business people to set up their businesses.
(c) Soils
In Rwanda, all areas with fertile soils encourage agriculture hence attracting human occupation.
(d) Agricultural activities
Areas dominated by pastoralism such as the Eastern Province have rural settlements. Areas dominated by crop agriculture such as the Western and Northern Province, also have dense rural settlements.
(e) Size of the families
Big families and the need to live with members of the extended family requires big spaces for settlements. Such spaces can only be found in the rural areas.
(f) Climate
Although Rwanda has favourable climatic conditions throughout the country, areas which receive heavy and reliable rainfall are densely settled on.
(g) Lack of employment
Most people settle in rural areas because they don’t have jobs in towns. This is because the cost of living is affordable to them.
Water logged areas are sparsely or not settled on. This is because they are associated with floods and insect vectors such as mosquitoes and snails which cause diseases.
(i) Transport
Most areas in Rwanda that have transport and communication networks have attracted human settlement. (j) Government policy
The government of Rwanda encourages grouped settlements by establishing settlement schemes. This has been done in order to get social services and amenities closer to people and to avail more land for agriculture and other activities.
(k) Relief
The gentle slopes and flat areas such as areas in the Eastern Province and the Central plateau were settled on more than the steep slopes. This is due to easy construction of transport and communication networks. Mountainous areas of the Northern Province of Rwanda discourage settlement because it is difficult for people to build houses on steep slopes.
Problems and solutions of rural settlements
Problems associated with rural settlements
Activity 10.5
Work in pairs.
Do the following from your own observation.
1. Find out the effects of rural settlements in Rwanda.
2. Identify some of the problems associated with rural areas in Rwanda.
3. Write them down for a class discussion.
Some of the problems associated with rural settlements are discussed below.
(a) Poor transport and communication facilities
Rural areas in Rwanda are not well served with roads and communication systems. This has led to slow economic development and difficulties in the movement of people and goods.
(b) Low levels of education
The concentration of schools especially higher institutions of learning is very low in rural areas. Due to this, the quality of education remains very low.
(c) Poor medical care
The numbers of hospitals and other health facilities are very low. The few that are there have insufficient medical personnel. This translates to poor medical care and a high death rate.
(d) Ease of spread of diseases
If there is disease outbreak or attack, many rural settlers tend to affected. This may be due to poor hygiene and ignorance caused by illiteracy.
(e) Lack of social services
Some rural areas in Rwanda completely lack facilities such as piped water and electricity. This makes some of the areas to remain remote.
(f) Unemployment
There are fewer job opportunities in the rural areas.
(g) Limited markets
Due to low population in some areas, agricultural production exceeds the consumption levels. Since there is no market for the surplus, this leads to wastage of food and eventually poverty.
In the rural areas of Rwanda, there is always a perennial problem of insufficient land. Conflicts between neighbours and relatives over land and other resources like rivers, pasture land and boundaries are a common occurrence.
(i) Underutilisation of resources
In most cases, rural settlements are under populated. The population available fails to properly utilise the available resources.
(j) Poverty and poor standards of living
The high levels of poverty have made the rural population to live under very poor living conditions. The houses in which they live in are small and are poorly constructed.
The people cannot afford decent clothing, meals, healthcare and other essentials of life.
Solutions to the problems of rural settlements
of the solutions to the problems of rural settlements include the following:
(a) Government housing and construction scheme
The government should construct better houses in the rural areas and make them affordable to all people. This will assist in solving the housing problem.
(b) Establishment of investments
Both local and foreign investors should be encouraged to venture into the untapped opportunities available in the rural areas of Rwanda. This will help to boost the economies of the rural areas and to improve the living standards of the population through employment opportunities.
(c) Development of the rural areas
Rural areas should be developed and provided with facilities to attract people to settle there. The facilities to be provided include electricity, piped water and social halls.
(d) Transport and communication facilities
Transport and communication networks should be established and developed in the rural areas. This will help to improve the economy of the rural areas and also to attract settlements.
(e) Social services
There should be improvements in the provision of social services to the rural population. Health centres should be constructed and more schools should be established in order to reduce the pressure being exerted onto the few existing ones.
(f) Implemention of regional balance by the government
The government should develop well balanced policies that will ensure equal development of all regions in the country.
(g) Mass education
The rural population needs to be educated on the disadvantages of migration to towns and on how to solve the social challenges that they face.
Financial and credit institutions should endeavour to economically empower the rural masses by giving them loans and credit facilities. This will help them to eradicate poverty.
(i) Diversification of the rural economy
The rural economy should be diversified through the establishment of other economic activities that will enable the farmers and the rural population in general to earn extra income.
Government policy towards rural settlement
Activity 10.6
Use the Internet and other geographical documents.
1. Find out Rwanda’s government policy towards rural settlement schemes in the country.
2. Discuss the importance of having rural settlement schemes in the country.
3. Write a report on your findings and share it in a class discussion.
The Rwandan government has dealt with rural populations through the establishment of rural settlement schemes known as the imidugudu. The scheme was created to deal with thousands of landless people who returned to the country after the 1994 genocide. This scheme was created as part of the land reforms program in the country to promote equal sharing of land and to help the poor to build homes with the government’s assistance.
Reasons for establishment of imidugudu settlement schemes in Rwanda
(a) To improve the living standards of the people
The Imidugudu settlements in Rwanda were created to improve the living standards of people especially the poor landless refugees who returned to the country after the civil unrest.
(b) To promote peace and unity among the Rwandese people
The establishment of the Imidugudu was part of the concerted effort by the government of Rwanda to restore peace and unity among the people of Rwanda.
(c) To utilise the natural resources around the country
The government of Rwanda decided to put people in the imidugudu schemes in order to find more land that could be used for other economic activities.
(d) To provide better social services to its citizens
The government of Rwanda decided to put its citizens in the imidugudu scheme in order to provide them with better social services.
(e) To provide general education and other social services
When people were put in the imidugudu, it became easy for the government to provide education to the poor thus increasing the literacy levels in the country.
(f) To implement the government’s policies and programs
The government of Rwanda put its citizens in the imidugudu so that it could be easy for it to implement its policies and programs on a population that is easy to reach out to.
(g) To settle thousands of refugees who returned after the 1994 genocide
The government of Rwanda put people in the imidugudu to settle the returned refugees from other countries.
The government wanted to provide land to the people who were homeless and landless.
Importance of imidugudu (villagisation) settlements in Rwanda
(a) Resettling the returning refugees
The settlements enabled the resettling of hundreds of refugees after the genocide in 1994.
(b) Easy provision of better housing for the low income earners
In Rwanda, they are many poor people. The government decided to settle them in the imidugudu because it is cheap and also the best way to help the poor afford a place to live.
(c) Easy provision of social services
The program enables the rural population to have access to better schools, health facilities, electricity, and water.
(d) Promotion of peace and security
The program helped to address the animosity between the people: the greatest problem after the genocide when the society had been torn apart.
(e) It supported the land reform program
The land reform program was implemented and its goals achieved. Land was well utilised and landless people were given land.
(f) It reduced the problem of land shortage
The problem of shortage of land was solved since land was set aside for different economic activities. There is enough land for industrialisation and agriculture.
(g) Support of the implementation of government policies and programs
Since people are put together, it is easy to implement and follow-up on the government’s policies from the grass root level.
The program created more land for other activities thus supporting the diversification of the economy.
Disadvantages of imidugudu rural settlement schemes
(a) Lack of privacy
The scheme is good but it is associated with a general lack of privacy. This is due to the closeness of houses.
(b) Improper disposal of garbage
Domestic garbage and other wastes are poorly disposed of in the settlement schemes. This is due to the absence of places designated for waste disposal.
(c) Spread of diseases
Due to the close proximity of the houses in the scheme, infectious diseases spread very fast.
(d) Lack of room for expansion
The land that is provided to each family is so small. This leaves very little or no room for expansion of homes.
(e) Conflicts and social misunderstandings
The scheme brings together people with different characters and since they live so close to each other, there are constant misunderstandings between neighbours.
(f) Unsuitable for some practices
This system discouraged some activities like pastrolism that had for many years been part of the culture of some communities in Rwanda.
(g) Moral decay
The influx of returning refugees who had stayed in different places with varying social backgrounds brought home different cultures some of which are unacceptable.
The system never put the young people and children into consideration during the allocation of land. The effect of this is that it has resulted into more landless people.
(i) Incomplete houses
Most of the imidugudu houses were not fully constructed. The people who live in the houses are poor and cannot afford to do the finishing on their own.
(j) Shortage of land
The available land per household is very little. The land allocated for agricultural activities is also very little yet agriculture is the only source of livelihood for most of the people who live in the schemes.
Task 10.2
1. Discuss Rwanda’s policy towards rural settlements.
2. Explain the significance of establishing the imidugudu in Rwanda.
3. The establishment of the imidugudu settlement scheme in Rwanda was not a waste of time and resources. Discuss.
4. Suppose you are appointed a minister, how would you solve the challenges associated with the imidugudu scheme in Rwanda?
Urban settlement
Activity 10.7
An urban area is a built-up area such as a town or city. Urbanisation means an increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas compared to those living in the rural areas. As a country industrialises, the number of people living in urban areas tends to increase.
Rwanda has a high growth in population as well as development of urban centres. Many people are now found in cities and towns. The once small trading centres are now developing into municipal towns. The urban centres of Rwanda include the following:
• Huye
• Gicumbi
• Rusizi
• Rubavu
• Muhanga
• Nyaruguru
• Ngoma
• Ruhango
• Kigali
• Nyanza
• Musanze
• Rwamagana
• Nyamagabe
• Kayonza
• Karongi
• Nyamata
• Nyagatare
Characteristics and functions of urban centres in Rwanda
There are many characteristics associated with the urban centres in Rwanda. They include the following. (a) They are administrative centres
Urban centres in Rwanda are the headquarters for most of the government agencies and provinces. The urban centres host government offices.
(b) They host various recreation facilities
Urban centres have better hotels, museums and green belts, theatres and social halls. These facilities are used by both locals and tourists.
(c) They have improved infrastructure and social facilities
Urban centres enjoy a variety of infrastructure and social facilities that are of higher standards compared to the ones in the rural areas. The facilities include roads, highways, better hospitals, schools and higher institutions of learning, water fountains, electricity, street lights and cinema halls.
(d) They have trade supporting aids
Urban centres are hosts to financial institutions such as banks, insurance companies and other micro finance institutions that offer loans and credit facilities to the urban dwellers to carry out businesses.
(e) They have a high population
Urban centres have a high population. The ever increasing number of people migrating from rural to urban areas rapidly increases the number of people living in urban centres. This influx results in congestion and overcrowding in the urban centres.
(f) They have slum settlements
The rural-urban migration results in too many people living in the urban areas. The high population causes a shortage of resources including housing. Shortage in housing leads to the development of unplanned settlements around the edges of the urban centres.
(g) They have poor waste disposal facilities
Poor waste disposal in the urban areas of Rwanda is a common characteristic. In some parts of the towns and cities, residents dump wastes in the nearby water bodies while others create dumpsites near residential areas. This affects the environment, causing foul smell and eye sores. Other areas lack proper drainage systems leaving waste water and sewage to flow everywhere within the towns.
Most urban centres are characterised by the presence of a variety of commercial services. The urban centres of Rwanda are the commercial hubs of the country.
(i) They are characterised by high cost of living
Urban centres are associated with high cost of living due to the dense population and sometimes because of shortage of some goods and services. The demand for the goods and services is always higher than the supply. This difference in demand and supply increases the cost of some items.
(j) They have traffic jams
In cities like Kigali, there are always inconveniences that are caused by traffic jams. This is because of too many people and vehicles coupled with narrow roads.
(k) They have modern buildings
Urban centres are associated with better and modern buildings and houses. The buildings are beautiful and some are of international stature.
(l) Employment opportunities
The economic activities in urban centres are a source of employment to many people. This is the main cause of migration from rural to urban areas.
(m) Industrialisation
Most urban centres of Rwanda have industrial areas in their out-skirts. For example , the Gikondo area in Kigali city is an industrial area.
Limited land
There is usually a scarcity of land in the urban centres. The price of land in the urban centres is also very high.
Activity 10.8
Work in pairs.
1. Observe the area in which your school is located.
2. Identify the characteristics of urban centres that you can point out in the area.
3. Discuss the importance of the growth of urban centres in Rwanda.
4. Write down your points and discuss them in a class presentation.
Factors favouring the growth of urban centres
Activity 10.9
Work in groups of three.
1. Identify the urban centre in the area near your school and home.
2. Find out from resource people like traders and elders and from geographical sources some of the factors that favoured the growth of the urban centre that you have identified.
3. Write down your answers and share them in a class discussion.
There are several factors that have contributed to the development and growth of urban centres in Rwanda. Some of the factors are discussed below.
(a) Mining
Towns develop and grow due to the natural resources that are exploited in a given area. Mining is an economic activity that attracts a large population. Most of the people migrate to mining areas to look for employment opportunities.
(b) Transport and communication
Transport and communication have facilitated the growth and development of towns. They facilitate trade and the development of other social facilities. Some of the examples of towns that have grown as a result of transport and communication include Kigali, Musanze and Kayonza.
(c) Industrialisation
Areas that have many industries usually turn out to be industrial towns. The employment opportunities available attract many people.
(d) Supportive government policies
The government through policy makers identifies areas that have to be developed into towns. The master plan for Kigali includes all areas around the city which are rural in nature but are now being developed into urban centres.
(e) Historical factors
This is a major factor that contributed a lot to the development and growth of Nyanza town. Historically, the town used to host the king’s palace. As a result, many people were attracted to the town where they settled and invested in.
(f) Strategic position
The location or position of a place in relation to major facilities contributes a lot to the growth of an urban area. Kigali City for example developed because of its location at the centre of the country.
(g) Social facilities
The presence of facilities such as schools and hospitals influence the development of urban centres since they attract many people.
Areas which are associated with trading activities easily develop into urban centres. Such areas include Musanze, Kigali, Rubavu and Gicumbi. They all developed due to the convenience they offered to the business community.
(i) Power
This has contributed to the development and growth of some towns in Rwanda. The presence of electric power stations and other sources of energy such as methane gas play a great role in attracting various activities to areas. An example is the Bralirwa industry in Rubavu–Western Province.
(j) Favourable climate
Areas with favourable climatic conditions usually attract dense settlements. This so because people can practice agriculture and they are assured of food security.
Major urban centres
Activity 10.10
Use the Internet and an administrative map of Rwanda.
1. Identify the major urban centres in Rwanda.
2. Account for their growth and development.
3. Compile a list of the urban centres and share them in a class discussion.
Rwanda has several urban centres throughout the country. Some of the major centres are discussed below.
(a) Kigali City
Activity 10.11
1. Name and describe the capital city of Rwanda in terms of location and population
2. Discuss the functions of Kigali City.
3. Write down your findings and discuss them in a class presentation.
Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda and the largest city in the country. It is found in Kigali Province. It was founded in 1907 by Richard Kant but was made the capital city in 1962.
Kigali covers a land surface area of about of 730 km2 . It is composed of three districts that are Nyarugenge, Kicukiro, and Gasabo. These districts are further divided into 35 sectors which are also divided into 161 cells. The cells consist of 1061 villages. The city’s urban area covers 70% of the municipal boundaries. It has an estimated population of about 1,132,686 people according to the 2012 population census. It has a population density of about 1600 people per square kilometre.
Factors that influenced the development and growth of Kigali City
(a) Its strategic position
The geographical location of Kigali at the centre of the country offered an excellent advantage of the town becoming the capital.
(b) Favourable climate
Kigali has a favourable climate with moderate climatic conditions. It has a tropical savannah climate, with cool breezes that descend upon it from the Northern region.
(c) Colonial influence
During the colonial period, Kigali acted as an outpost for the colonialists. This marked the foundation for its growth and development.
(d) Trading centre
Kigali area had served as a trading centre during the German colonisation period .It was therefore well known and economically developed compared to other areas.
(e) High population
Due to its state as a regional trading hub, and the migration of people from other rural areas to Kigali, there was an increase in its population.
(f) Defense and security
Since the colonial times prominent leaders and administrators stayed in Kigali. The city was therefore safe and considered more secure than other towns in the country.
Functions of Kigali City
(a) Transport and communication: The city has major roads leading to it from different parts of the country and also from other countries in the region. It also has an international airport – the Kigali International Airport. It is the headquarters of telecommunication companies such as the MTN and TIGO.
(b) It is a financial centre with major banks and insurance companies.
(c) It is a recreational centre hosting the Amahoro National Stadium and several night clubs, hotels, swimming pools and cinema halls in different parts of the city.
(d) It is the health centre of the country by the fact that it hosts several major and referral hospitals, health centres and clinics, for example King Faisal hospital.
(e) It is a cultural and religious centre. The city is home to many church headquarters, mosques and other centres of worship. It also has historical sites like Kigali/Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre, Kigali National Museum, Kandt House Museum and many more places that hold the history of Rwanda.
(f) It is the industrial hub of the country. It offers a variety of processing and manufacturing industries.
(g) It is the education centre of the country. It hosts several universities and institutions of higher learning for example, Kigali Institute of Education.
(i) It is the country’s commercial centre with major shopping areas like Simba and Nakumatt supermarkets. This is further supported by private shops and other businesses that are conducted in and around the city. Shopping malls are still being set up for the expansion of this function.
(j) It is a major residential area with houses in major estates such as Kiyovu, Nyarutarama, Kimiroko and Kicukiro. The city also hosts people of different classes with varying social backgrounds.
(k) It is the centre for the provision of essential services for example treatment and delivery of water to different areas takes place in the city.
(l) It is the country capital defence centre.
It has facilities for the army and the air force.
(m) It acts as a tourist attraction to Rwanda with tourist attraction sites like memorial sites and art galleries.
(b) Huye
It is located in the Southern Province of Rwanda. It has a total surface area of 581.5km2 . It consists of 14 sectors, 77 cells and 509 villages. The district has a population of about 314,022 people with a population density of 540 people per km2 .
Factors for the establishment of the Huye urban centre
(a) Historical factors
The town traces its origin from colonial influence,whereby colonialists chose it as an administrative centre that was then named Astrida.This created the basis for the growth of Huye as a town.
(b) Fertile soils
The area has fertile soils which favour agriculture. This attracted settlements because people wanted to practice agriculture in order to get enough food and to trade.
(c) Tourism
The area has various tourist attraction sites which include the national museum and other historical sites. (d) White settlers
The presence of foreigners who lived there in the early years contributed to the growth of the town. Functions of Huye town
(a) It is an education centre in the region. It hosts one of the branches of The University of Rwanda.
(b) It is a tourist attraction centre with tourist attraction sites like the National Museum and many more others.
(c) It is an agricultural centre where cash crops like coffee and rice are grown.
(d) It is an industrial centre for agricultural products such as coffee, rice and other industries.
(c) Rubavu
The Rubavu urban centre is found in the Western Province of Rwanda. It is divided into 12 sectors and 80 cells. It has a total land area of 388 km2 , a population of 403,662 people and a density of 1,000 people per km2 .
Factors that influenced its development and growth
(a) Favourable climate
Rubavu has a good climate that supports agriculture. This is because of its location near Lake Kivu. Its climate is characterised by a cool breeze that favours settlement.
(b) Relief
Rubavu town is situated in an area where the relief is relatively gently sloping. This terrain supports easy construction of buildings, homes and other facilities necessary in urban settings.
(c) Strategic location
Rubavu town is geographically located near the Democratic Republic of Congo. This has for many years offered the area a commercial advantage that has helped in developing the area into a successful urban centre.
Functions of Rubavu
(a) It is an education centre with good schools.
(b) It is a tourist attraction centre with forests like Gishwati, caves, Lake Kivu and hot springs.
(c) It is an agricultural centre with tea plantations, trees and dairy keeping.
(d) It is an industrial area for processing agricultural products. It also has one industry for mining methane gas.
(e) It is a mining centre where mining of important minerals has grown over time.
(d) Musanze
Musanze is located in the Northern Province of Rwanda. It has 15 sectors. It is characterised by mountains and a wide range of flora and fauna. The area has mountain gorillas and contains the largest part of the Volcanoes National Park. It has a population of 368,264 with a population density of 690 people per square kilometre. It has a land area of 530 km2 .
The factors responsible for the growth and development of Musanze town
There are several factors that influenced the development and growth of Musanze town. They include the following:
(a) The presence of flora and fauna
There are a variety of plants such as the bamboo vegetation and animals such as the mountain gorillas that attract tourists to the area. Due to the influx of tourists to the area, many people settled there owing to the economic benefits associated with tourists.
(b) Fertile soils
The presence of fertile soils in the area has favoured agriculture in the area.
(c) Enriched scenery
The area has one of the most beautiful sceneries in Rwanda. This natural beauty has made the area a tourist centre contributing to the development and growth of the town. The volcanic mountains, lakes and vegetation in the area are scenic.
(d) Location
Musanze town is located in the Northern Province in Musanze district border. There are a lot of activities that take place there due to its location on the border.
The functions of Musanze town
(a) It is a residential centre with many houses where people live. There are also many hotels that offer residence to foreigners who stay in that area.
(b) It is an industrial area. There are manufacturing industries of cement due to the presence of rocks. There are also agro based industries for the tea and coffee that are grown in the Northern Province.
(c) It is a very resourceful area for academicians. Many people go to the mountains, the Volcanoes National Park and the waterbodies to do research.
(d) It is an administrative area.
(e) It is an educational centre. It is home to many schools and institutions of learning. (f) It is a commercial centre which hosts a variety of businesses.
Effects of urban settlements The process of urbanisation has both positive and negative effects. Urbanisation is the process by which towns and cities form.
Positive effects of urban settlements
Case study
Read the short story below and use it to answer the questions that follow. Felix Gasasira is eighteen years old. He had never been to Kigali City in his life yet his home area is in Mayage a place that is only a short distance away from Kigali. One day, his brother decided to take him to Kigali. Gasasira was very excited and fascinated by all the things that he saw. The first thing he noticed was that there were so many people in the city. He wondered where all of them were going to. He also saw many vehicles lining up on the roads. He wondered how there could be so many cars like those ones in one place. He also saw very many shops that sold different goods. The roads that he saw were different from the ones in his home area. There were street lights in all the streets that they passed. The buildings that he saw were very tall and beautiful. Some of them were made of pure glass. He was awed by his new surroundings. As he went back to his home, he promised himself to go back to the big city again someday.
(a) Explain why Gasasira was fascinated by his journey.
(b) Identify the advantages of urbanisation from the story.
(c) Apart from the advantages mentioned in (b) above, mention other benefits that are associated with urbanisation in Rwanda.
Urbanisation has brought a lot of socioeconomic developments in Rwanda. Below are some of the positive effects of urbanisation:
(a) Urban centres provide employment opportunities to many people because of the various activities.
(b) Urban areas provide people with high standards of living through the provision of facilities such as piped water, electricity and good housing facilities.
(c) Urban areas enable the provision of modern transport and communication facilities such as good roads, telephones and the Internet.
(d) Urbanisation helps the government to be able to raise its revenue through taxes and other levies that are taxed on urban facilities like roads, water, house rents and land rates.
(e) Urban centres provide markets for goods that are produced in the rural areas especially agricultural products.
(f) People acquire skills in urban areas which they use in the transformation of rural areas.
(g) Urbanisation brings about unity among different people through friendship and intermarriages hence creating a united society.
(i) Urbanisation leads to the development of industries due to the presence of ready market.
(j) Urbanisation reduces the problem of land shortage. Many people are accommodated in small areas.
Task 10.3
1. Define the term urbanisation.
2. Explain the characteristics of urban areas in Rwanda.
3. Examine the problems that affect the urban areas of Rwanda.
4. With reference to a specific urban centre in Rwanda, describe the factors that influence the development and growth of urban centres.
5. Suggest the solutions to the challenges faced by urban settlers in Rwanda.
Problems of urban centres in Rwanda
Activity 10.12
Study the photograph below and use it to answer the questions that follow:
Urban centres are mainly associated with following problems.
(a) Unemployment.
(b) Environmental pollution.
(c) Deforestation that occurs due to the need for space for expansion and timber for building.
(d) Decline in agriculture due to ruralurban migration.
(e) Congestion of people posing a risk of infections and the spread of other diseases.
(f) High rates of crime and other social ills that arise due to the large number of idle youths.
(g) Loss of culture that occurs because of mixing of people from different cultural backgrounds.
Solutions to the problems of urban centres
(a) Reclamation of swamps to create more land for expansion.
(b) Construction of sky scrapers in order to use less land and gain space for other activities.
(c) Recycling, treatment and proper disposal of industrial waste to avoid pollution of the environment.
(d) Strengthening the police force in order to fight the increase of crime.
(e) Developing transport systems in order to avoid traffic congestion.
(f) Construction of more industries to create more employment opportunities.
(g) Mass education on the danger of rural urban migration in order to have fewer people in the urban areas and other people practicing agriculture in the rural areas.
(i) Devolving essential services and institutions to the rural areas to contain rural urban migration.
(j) Provision of decent and affordable housing to the people to contain the emergence of slums.
Activity 10.13
Work in groups of three.
1. Name the urban area that is near your school.
2. Observe the area and identify a sustainable development project in the area.
3. Evaluate the impact of urbanisation on the project identified in (2) above.
4. Write a detailed report discussing the effects of urbanisation on the project identified and suggest possible solutions.
5. Discuss your work in a class presentation.
Development of slums
Activity 10.14
Study the photograph below and use it to answer the questions that follow.
1. What is the name given to the area shown in the photograph above?
2. Give examples of such areas that you know.
3. Explain the causes of such areas in urban centres.
4. Discuss the problems associated with such areas.
5. Provide solutions to the problems that you have listed.
6. Write down your findings and present them in a class discussion.
A slum is an extremely dirty and unpleasant place that is overcrowded within the suburbs of a city. It is usually occupied by poor people. Slums have poor living conditions and unplanned buildings. Examples of slums in Rwanda include the following: Kimicanga, Bannyahe, Myembe and Kiniha.
Characteristics of slums in Rwanda
(a) They are characterised by small, compact and poor houses.
(b) The houses are usually semi-permanent.
(c) There are narrow footpaths between houses.
(d) They are characterised by many social ills that include prostitution and drug abuse.
(e) They are sometimes hideouts for law breakers(criminals). (f) They are usually overcrowded. (g) They are characterised by poor sanitation,drainage and waste disposal systems.
Causes of slums in Rwanda
(a) Rural–urban migration
(b) Poverty.
(c) Poor planning of the urban areas leads to the development of slums.
(d) Urbanisation.
Problems faced by slums in Rwanda
(a) Poor sanitation.
(b) Spread of diseases.
(c) Unemployment.
(d) Crime.
(e) Illiteracy.
(f) High populations.
(g) Congestion and lack of privacy.
Solutions to problems of slums in Rwanda
Below are some of the solutions to the problems associated with slum areas.
(a) Scaling up of the delivery of basic infrastructural services such as safe water, sanitation, better and affordable housing, waste removal and access to land tenure rights.
(b) Resettling of people to better places that are free from the congestion and filth associated with slum areas.
(c) Provision of free primary education to all slum children by the government.
(d) The government should provide family planning education to the slum dwellers so as to contain the birth rates in the slum.
(e) Recruitment of the unemployed youth in the slums to the National Youth Service or the army to help earn a living and to keep them busy.
Activity 10.15
1. Go for a field visit to the urban area around your school.
2. Identify the slum area(s) in the area.
3. Find out the causes of the development of the slum(s) identified.
4. Find out the problems and challenges that are associated with the slum areas from the slum dwellers.
5. Relate the link between the development of the urban area identified and the development of the slum(s) identified. 6. Compile a report on your findings.
7. Write down an essay on the causes and effects of urbanisation and slum development.
8. Discuss your report and essay in a class discussion and present them to your teacher for assessment.
Did you know?
• In rural areas about 64.7% of the population lives in poverty.
• Rural livelihoods in Rwanda are based on an agricultural production system that is characterised by small family farms of less than one hectare.
• The rural enterprise sector offers alternative employment for a growing rural population living on increasingly scarce land.
• The future of Rwanda is urban.
• Rwanda has a significantly higher proportion of people in cities and towns than neighbouring Uganda and Burundi.
End of unit revision task
1. (a) Define a rural settlement.
(b) Giving examples, discuss four types of rural settlements that are found in Rwanda.
(c) List five characteristics of rural settlements in Rwanda.
2. (a) Explain five factors that influence rural settlements in Rwanda.
(b) List three problems of rural settlements in Rwanda and give their solutions.
(c) Discuss in detail Rwanda’s government policy towards rural settlements.
3. (a) Define urbanisation.
(b) Discuss five characteristics of urban centres in Rwanda.
(c) Explain five factors that have favoured urbansiation in Rwanda.
4. Giving examples, discuss the functions of four major urban centres in Rwanda.
5. (a) Evaluate three positive and three negative effects of urban settlements in Rwanda.
(b) Provide solutions to the negative effects that you have listed in (a) above.
6. (a) Giving examples, investigate the causes of the development of slums in the urban centres of Rwanda.
(b) Analyse the problems associated with slum areas in Rwanda.
(c) Suggest solutions to the problems highlighted in (b) above.