Question: Discuss in brief physical and cultural factor that influence rural settlement?
Difference of rural and urban
settlement? Describe the types of rural settlement on the basis of its pattern and periods, discuss the form, evolution and
pattern
Answer: Settlement – A place where a group of people life
Site – An actual piece of land in which a settlement is built
Situation – The study of the relationship between a settlement and its region
➢ The term 'Settlement Geography' has derived its name from the German word 'Siedlung Geographie', which involves
the study of visual imprints made by man upon the physical landscape in the process of occupancy (Singh, et al. 1976,
p.x)
➢ According to the eminent French Human Geographer Jean Brunhes (1952) 'Settlement Geography holds an exceptional
place in the geographic hierarchy of human phenomena.
➢ T.G. Jordan (1966) was very critical of Stone and suggested a more comprehensive definition :
➢ "Settlement geography is the study of the form of the cultural landscape, the word 'form' is equivalent to 'settlement
morphology' and includes: (a) vertical arrangements and dimen- sions (such as the number of stories in a house, (b)
horizontal arrangements and dimensions (such as the distribution of buildings, the floor plans of houses, or the
pattern of fences and fields), and (c) the material composition (such as brick versus wood in house construction or
live hedges versus wire fences."
Differences between a Rural and Urban settlement
➢ Rural settlements are mainly unifunctional (they have one main function) with only primary
economic activities occurring, e.g. farming or forestry
➢ Urban settlements are multifunctional (they have many functions), i.e. They have both
secondary activities (factories/manufacturing) and tertiary activities (services).
❖ How site and function affect the location of rural settlements
Early settlers forming villages would often live together for safety, for friendship, and to share
services. These early settlements would take on distinctive patterns based on the shape of the land
around them.
A settlement pattern refers to the shape of the settlement as seen from above. The shapes of
early settlements were influenced by the surrounding landscape. They were also shaped by other factors such as who
owned the land and whether the land was good for building on or not. Some examples of settlement patterns include,
nucleated settlements, linear settlements and dispersed
settlements.
Reasons for different shape of rural settlements
The site and situation of a settlement are influenced by various factors, which can differ depending on the geographical
location, historical context, cultural dynamics, and economic considerations. Here's an overview of some key factors:
1. Physical Geography:
• Topography: Terrain features such as mountains, valleys, and rivers can impact settlement location.
• Climate: Factors like temperature, precipitation, and seasonality affect suitability for settlement.
• Soil Fertility: Availability of fertile land for agriculture can attract settlements.
2. Natural Resources:
• Water: Proximity to water sources such as rivers, lakes, or oceans is crucial for drinking, irrigation,
transportation, and trade.
• Minerals: Settlements may develop near areas rich in minerals or other valuable resources.
• Forests: Availability of wood for construction and fuel can influence settlement patterns.
3. Accessibility and Transportation:
• Transportation Routes: Settlements often develop along trade routes, roads, rivers, or coastlines for easy
access to transportation.
• Proximity to Markets: Access to markets for trading goods and services influences settlement location.
• Port Facilities: Coastal settlements benefit from natural harbors or artificial ports for maritime trade.
4. Historical Factors:
• Cultural Significance: Settlements may emerge at sites of cultural or religious importance.
• Colonial Legacy: Historical colonization patterns can shape settlement distribution.
• Previous Settlements: Existing infrastructure or historical settlements may influence new settlement
locations.
5. Economic Considerations:
• Availability of Labor: Settlements may form near areas with a ready labor force for agriculture, industry,
or services.
• Industrial Centers: Proximity to raw materials, labor, and markets can attract industrial settlements.
• Government Policies: Incentives or regulations imposed by governments can affect settlement patterns.
6. Defense and Security:
• Natural Defenses: Settlements may develop in defensible locations such as on hilltops or surrounded by
water.
• Military Strategy: Strategic locations for defense or control of territory can influence settlement patterns.
7. Technological Advances:
• Infrastructure: Availability of modern infrastructure like roads, railways, and telecommunications can
shape settlement development.
• Urban Planning: Advances in urban planning influence the layout and design of settlements.
References and Definitions
• Site describes the point at which a settlement is located, it describes the land it is build on. Factors such as relief, soil,
water supply and other resources were important in choosing the sites of early settlements.
Situation describes where the settlement is located in relation to the surrounding features such as other settlements,
mountains, rivers and communications (roads, etc.). It is the situation of a settlement that determines whether it will grow
from a small village into a large town or city.
Site of a rural settlement
• When choosing a site for rural settlements, the following factors are considered:
• Availability of water
• Arable (fertile) land
• Pastoral (grazing) land
• Building materials
• Fuel such as wood from a forest
• Wet/dry point settlement (water supply)
• Arable land for crops
• Grazing land for animals
• Easy transport or communication
• Away from natural hazards eg. Flooding
• Fuel supply (warmth and cooking)
• Building materials
Situation of a settlement
When choosing a situation for rural settlements the following factors are considered:
• Above the flood line away from a river
• On the north-facing slope for warmer temperatures
• In the thermal belt for warmer night time temperatures Next to a road for accessibility
• Main transport links
• Other urban areas
• Where in country?
• Compass directions and distances
DIFFERENT TYPES OF RURAL SETTLEMENTS PATTERNS.
Patterns of rural settlements is influenced by the site of the village,
the surrounding topography and terrain.
i. On the basis of setting : The main types are
a. Plain villages,
b. Plateau villages,
c. Coastal villages,
d. Forest villages and
e. Desert villages.
ii. On the basis of functions: There may be
a. Farming villages,
b. Fishermen's villages,
c. Lumberjack villages,
d. Pastoral villages etc.
iii. On the basis of forms or shapes of the settlements: These may be a
number of geometrical forms and shapes such as:
Classification of rural settlements
Pattern
A settlement pattern re fers to the shape of the settlement as seen from above. The shapes of early settlements were
influenced by the surrounding landscape. They were also shaped by other factors such as who owned the land and
whether the land was good for building on or not.
Nucleated pattern
Nucleated settlements are ones where the houses are grouped closely together, often around a central feature like a
church, pub or village green. New settlements that are planned often have a nucleated pattern.
ADVANTAGES OF THE NUCLEATED PATTERN
• The residence has on a daily base social contact with each other. The community are much more involved with
each other matters.
• Protection is easier.
• Sharing and helping each other.
DISADVANTAGES OF A NUCLEATED PATTERN
• No independent decision-making can take place.
• Cannot show show individual initiative.
• Machinery must be shared
• Difficult to be economically successful.
✓ Linear pattern
Linear settlements are settlements where the buildings are constructed in lines, often next to a geographical feature like
a lake shore, a river or following a road. Where linear settlements follow a road, the road often predates the settlement.
✓ Dispersed pattern
Dispersed settlements are ones where the houses are spread out over a wide area. They are often the homes of farmers
and can be found in rural areas.
ADVANTAGES OF A DISPERSED PATTERN
• Farmer works for himself, keeps own profits.
• More efficient / Enough land
• Can use his own initiative / plans
• Lives on his own single tract of land.
• Can maximize use of machinery (no need to share).
• There is privacy.
DISADVANTAGES OF A DISPERSED PATTERN
• No social contact-far from neighbours.
• No protection / No Security- this lead to farm murder Function
Most rural settlements take part in agricultural activities. Most of the land is use for the
commercial and subsistence cultivating of crops. Farming and forestry are the primary
economic contributing factor
a. Linear pattern: In such settlements houses are located along a road, railway line, river, canal edge of a valley or along
a levee. The linear form is comprised of buildings along a road, river, dike, or seacoast. Excluding the mountainous zones,
the agricultural land is extended behind the buildings. The river can supply the people with a water source and the
availability to travel and communicate. Roads were constructed in parallel to the river for access to inland farms. In this
way, a new linear settlement can emerge along each road, parallel to the original riverfront settlement
b. Rectangular pattern: Such patterns of rural settlements are found in plain
areas or wide inter-montane valleys. The roads are rectangular and cut
each other at right angles.
c. Circular pattern: Circular villages develop around lakes, tanks and
sometimes the village is planned in such a way that the central part
remains open and is used for keeping the animals to protect them from
wild animals.
d. Star like pattern: Where several roads converge, star shaped settlements
develop by the houses built along the roads.
e. T-shaped, Y-shaped, Cross-shaped or cruciform settlements : T –shaped
settlements develop at tri-junctions of the roads. Y–shaped settlements
emerge as the places where two roads converge on the third one and
houses are built along these roads. Cruciform settlements develop on the
cross-roads and houses extend in all the four direction.
f. Double village: These settlements extend on both sides of a river where
there is a bridge or a ferry
Scattered Rural Settlements
A scattered dispersed type of rural settlement is generally found in a variety of landforms, such as the foothill, tableland,
and upland regions. Yet, the proper scattered village is found at the highest elevations and reflects the rugged terrain and
pastoral economic life. The population maintains many traditional features in architecture, dress, and social customs, and
the old market centers are still important. Small plots and dwellings are carved out of the forests and on the upland
pastures wherever physical conditions permit. Mining, livestock raising, and agriculture are the main economic activities,
the latter characterized by terrace cultivation on the mountain slopes. The sub-mountain regions, with hills and valleys
covered by plowed fields, vineyards, orchards, and pastures, typically have this type of settlement.
Isolated Rural Settlements
This form consists of separate farmsteads scattered throughout the area in which farmers live on individual farms
isolated from neighbors rather than alongside other farmers in settlements. The isolated settlement pattern is dominant
in rural areas of the United States, but it is also an important characteristic for Canada, Australia, Europe, and other
regions. In the United States, the dispersed settlement pattern was developed first in the Middle Atlantic colonies as a
result of the individual immigrants’ arrivals. As people started to move westward, where land was plentiful, the isolated
type of settlements became dominant in the American Midwest. These farms are located in the large plains and plateaus
agricultural areas, but some isolated farms, including hamlets, can also be found in different mountainous areas
❖ Mention the types and characteristics of rural market. Role of rural market in rural economy?
Characteristics of rural markets
[Link] number of consumers
:According to the 1991 census, the rural population constitutes about 74% of thetotal population in our country. While the
population went from 55 crores (same asin 1971). There are states like U.P, M.P, Bihar, Rajasthan and Orissa where rural
population varies from 80 to 90 percent. Therefore a large population gives anopportunity for marketing a variety of
goods and services. However income and purchasing power play a major role in determining the demand in rural areas.
[Link] pattern:
Agriculture and related actvities continue to be the main occupation for majority of the rural population. Land is the
major source of income for about 77%of the population. Others are engaged in business (10%), non-agriculture labour
(9%), salary earners (2%) and not gainfully employed (2 It has been estimated thatthe rural literacy level is 36% compared
to 62% in urban areas. Literacy is one of the important factors in developing awareness and knowledge about
technologicalchanges. As many as 16 major languages are spoken adding to the complexities inrural communication.
3. Low standard of living:
Low income, low purchasing power, overall social and economic backwardnesslead to low standard of living. In general a
rural consumer spends less on non-fooditems.
[Link] reach:
The media reach in rural household is low. Statistics indicates that the reach of Print media is 10%, followed by TV 31%,
Radio 32% and Cinema 36%.Therefore the marketer has to consider rural specific promotion media andmethods to reach
the villagers.
[Link] facilities:About 50% of the markets are not connected by road. Most of the roads arekachha and become
unusable during rainy season. Many farmers use bullock cartfor transporting their produce from village to the market.
This means of transport istime consuming.
[Link] electrification:
The main objective is to provide electricity for agricultural operations and for small industries in rural areas. About 5
lakh villages (77%) have electric supply and this has increased the demand for electric supply and this has increased the
demand for electric motors, pumps and agricultural machinery.
[Link] facilities:
Medical facilities are quite inadequate and the villagers have to travel long distances for getting medical treatment.
Rural markets can be categorized into various types based on the products and services they offer, as well as their
economic activities. Here are some common types of rural markets:
1. **Agricultural Markets**: These markets revolve around agricultural products such as crops, livestock, poultry, and
dairy. Farmers and agricultural producers typically sell their produce in these markets, which may operate on a daily,
weekly, or seasonal basis. Agricultural markets are crucial for the rural economy as they facilitate the exchange of
primary agricultural goods.
2. **Consumption Markets**: Consumption markets cater to the daily needs of rural consumers by offering a wide range
of products such as food items, household goods, clothing, and basic necessities. These markets often consist of local
grocery stores, general merchandise shops, and roadside vendors. Consumption markets are essential for fulfilling the
day-to-day requirements of rural households.
3. **Traditional Markets**: Traditional markets hold cultural significance in rural areas and often feature handmade
crafts, artisanal products, and traditional goods specific to the local culture and heritage. These markets serve as hubs
for preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship, cultural practices, and indigenous products. They attract both
local residents and tourists interested in experiencing the authentic rural lifestyle.
4. **Financial Markets**: Financial markets in rural areas provide access to banking services, microfinance, credit
facilities, insurance, and investment opportunities tailored to the needs of rural communities. These markets play a vital
role in promoting financial inclusion, empowering rural entrepreneurs, and facilitating economic development in remote
areas. Financial institutions, cooperatives, and self-help groups are key players in rural financial markets.
5. **Technology Markets**: With the increasing penetration of technology, rural markets are witnessing the emergence of
markets for technological products and services such as mobile phones, solar panels, agricultural machinery, and
renewable energy solutions. These markets facilitate access to modern technologies that improve agricultural
productivity, enhance communication networks, and promote sustainable development in rural areas.
6. **Livestock Markets**: Livestock markets are specialized markets where farmers buy, sell, and trade livestock such as
cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and other animals. These markets play a crucial role in the livestock value chain by
providing a platform for livestock producers to sell their animals, traders to purchase livestock for resale, and
consumers to acquire meat and dairy products.
7. **Tourism Markets**: Rural areas blessed with natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational attractions often
have tourism markets that cater to tourists seeking authentic rural experiences. These markets offer a range of products
and services such as accommodations, guided tours, adventure activities, local cuisine, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Tourism markets contribute to the rural economy by generating income, creating employment opportunities, and
promoting sustainable tourism development.
Understanding the types of rural markets is essential for businesses, policymakers, and development practitioners
seeking to address the unique needs and opportunities present in rural areas. By recognizing the diversity and dynamics
of rural markets, stakeholders can design strategies and interventions that support rural livelihoods, foster economic
growth, and enhance the overall well-being of rural communities.
Rural Economics deals with the application of economic principles in understanding and developing rural areas. In
general, rural areas are geographical areas located outside towns and cities. According to the Census of India, the basic
unit for rural areas is the revenue village. Rural economy refers to villages, and rural community refers to people living
in villages. Rural areas have problems like backwardness of agriculture, low income , low employment opportunities,
poverty, low infrastructural development, low illiteracy, low labor productivity, lower prices of agricultural products,
surplus labour force, larger population, high level of migration and high dependency on natural resources and nature.
Features of Rural Economy
Main characteristics of rural economy are:
1. Village is an Institution: The Village is a primary institution and it satisfies almost all the needs of the rural community.
The rural people have a feeling of belongingness and a sense of unity towards each other.
2. Dependence on Agriculture: The rural economy depends much on nature and agricultural activities. Agriculture and
allied activities are the main occupation in rural areas.
3. Life of Rural People: Lifestyles in villages are very simple. Public services like education, housing,health and sanitation,
transport and communication, banking, roads and markets are limited and [Link] people rely much on faith,
superstitions and traditional cultural practices. The standards of living of majority of rural people are poor and pitiable. In
terms of methods of production, social organization and political mobilization, rural sector is extremely backward and
weak. In recent years, the incidence of alcohol drinking has gone up.
4. Population Density: Population density, measured by number of persons living per sq. km is very low and houses are
scattered in the entire villages.
5. Employment: There exists unemployment, seasonal unemployment and underemployment in rural areas.
Unemployment refers to the situation of people with willingness and ability to work but is not getting employed.
Underemployment also called disguised unemployment is the situation of people employed in excess, over and above the
requirement. Disguised unemployment is a situation Where people work but
no increase in production. Both the situations are common in rural areas.
6. Poverty: Poverty is a condition where the basic needs of the people like food, clothing and shelter are not being met.
According to the 2011-12 estimates, About 22 crores of people in rural areas are poor and live below the poverty line.
7. Indebtedness: People in rural areas are highly indebted owing to poverty and underemployment, lack of farm and non-
farm employment opportunities, low wage employment, seasonality in production, poor marketing network etc. A famous
British writer Sir Malcolm Darling (1925) stated that ‘An Indian farmer is born in debt, lives in debt, dies in debt and
bequeaths debt’. Since formal loan facilities are not available
to the villagers, they depend on local money lenders who, like a parasite, squeeze the villagers. Hence the villagers
commit suicide frequently.
8. Rural Income: The income of the rural people is constrained as the rural economy is not sufficiently vibrant to provide
them with jobs or self – employment opportunities.
Large proportion of labourers and skilled persons are underemployed and the scope for increasing their income is
limited.
9. Dependency: Rural households are largely dependent on social grants and remittances from family members working
in urban areas and cities.
10. Dualism: Dualism means the co existence of two exteremely
different features like developed and underdeveloped, organized and unorganised, traditional and modern, regulated and
unregulated, poor and rich, skilled and unskilled
and similar contradicting situations in a region. These characteristics are very common in rural areas.
11. Inequality: The distributions of income, wealth and assets are highly
skewed among rural people. There are number of historical, social, economic and political reasons behind the existence
of inequality. Landlords and landowners dominate the rural activities. Land, livestock and other assets are owned by a
few people.
12. Migration: Rural people are forced to migrate from villages to urban areas in order to seek gainful employment for
their livelihood. This character of the development gives rise to the formation of cities. Enmity and Lack of basic
amenities in rural areas also
push the people to migrate to urban areas. This is called’ double poisoning’ by Schumacher, one side villages are empty,
on the other side towns are congested. His book is ‘’ Small is Beautiful “describes the dangers of the present kind of
development.
The rural market plays a significant role in the overall rural economy, contributing to economic development, employment
generation, poverty alleviation, and social well-being. Here are some key roles of the rural market in the rural economy:
o Income Generation: The rural market serves as a platform for buying and selling goods and services produced by
rural households. By participating in economic activities such as agriculture, handicrafts, small-scale industries, and
services, rural residents generate income, which contributes to their livelihoods and overall economic well-being.
o Employment Opportunities: Rural markets create employment opportunities for a significant portion of the rural
population. Agricultural activities, agribusinesses, small-scale industries, retail shops, transportation services, and
other economic ventures operating in rural areas provide livelihoods for farmers, artisans, traders, and service
providers, thereby reducing unemployment and underemployment.
o Market Access for Rural Producers: Rural markets provide rural producers, including farmers, artisans, and small-
scale entrepreneurs, with access to markets where they can sell their products and earn income. Through local
markets, farmers can sell agricultural produce, artisans can market handicrafts, and small-scale manufacturers can
distribute their goods, ensuring that rural products reach consumers and generate revenue for rural producers.
o Supply of Goods and Services: Rural markets fulfill the diverse needs and preferences of rural consumers by offering
a wide range of goods and services, including food items, household goods, clothing, agricultural inputs, healthcare
services, education, and entertainment. Access to essential goods and services through local markets improves the
quality of life and enhances the standard of living in rural areas.
o Rural-Urban Linkages: Rural markets serve as nodes of economic interaction and exchange between rural and urban
areas. They facilitate the flow of goods, capital, labor, and information between rural producers and urban consumers,
fostering economic linkages and integration between rural and urban economies. This interconnectedness contributes
to regional development and balanced economic growth.
o Promotion of Entrepreneurship: Rural markets provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and business development
by enabling individuals to start and operate small businesses, micro-enterprises, and self-employment ventures.
Entrepreneurs in rural areas can identify market opportunities, innovate products and services, create value chains,
and contribute to local economic development through their entrepreneurial activities.
o Social Cohesion and Community Development: Rural markets serve as social hubs where people from diverse
backgrounds come together to engage in economic transactions, social interactions, and cultural exchanges. By
fostering social cohesion, mutual trust, and cooperation among community members, rural markets contribute to
community development, collective action, and grassroots empowerment in rural areas.
Overall, the rural market plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and enhancing the well-being
of rural communities. Recognizing the importance of the rural market in the rural economy can inform policy
interventions, investment decisions, and development strategies aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable rural
development.
❖ what do you meant by rural development? components of rural development?
Rural Development Definition
Rural development refers to the ongoing and extensive socio-economic efforts aimed at enhancing every aspect of rural
life. Historically, it concentrated on utilizing land-based resources like forests and agriculture. However, due to increasing
urbanization and shifts in global production networks, the nature of rural areas has transformed significantly
Rural Development Objectives
The main goals of rural development encompass the following aspects:
**Promoting economic growth among rural residents by ensuring adequate access to essentials like food, shelter, clothing,
education, and employment. By offering similar opportunities available in urban areas, rural individuals can have equal
footing in terms of income options.
**Introducing modern agricultural techniques in rural regions to enhance productivity. Rural development plays a vital role
in implementing sustainable and affordable technologies, boosting production for the national market.
**Ensuring consistent development of rural infrastructure throughout India, involving local communities. This approach
empowers them to make significant economic decisions, fostering area-based financial growth.
**Closing the gap between local governing bodies and the Central administration for improved economic communication.
Additionally, rural development aims to delegate executive powers to local councils to execute policies crafted by experts.
**Utilizing natural resources within a region to maximize economic benefits for the residents. This involves implementing
crucial land reforms to enhance agricultural output and productivity for everyone involved.
Components of rural development
The main three components of rural development are
✓ Agriculture
We are aware that the occupation of most of the individuals in rural areas is agriculture, and it is dependent on
environmental conditions. Empowering the farmers by educating them with dynamic ways of agriculture is one of
the components of rural development.
✓ Ecological settings
It is all about generating awareness and educating people about using and conserving natural resources, for
example, educating about soil wetness, solar exposure and wind exposure, biogas combustion, etc.
✓ Technology
This component includes generating awareness about the significance of technology. Various new agricultural
technologies are going to make their work manageable and are going to increase their yields.
✓ Infrastructure and self-reliance
Infrastructure is an integral part of rural development. It includes facilities such as roads, transportations,
communities, power supplies, electricity supplies, water supplies, etc. the people in rural areas, are blessed with
great skills men and artisans. Using their art and craft can make them more self-reliant in every aspect.
✓ Law and order
A distributive law and order can help individuals in managing their tasks effectively. It is one of the vital components
of rural development.
✓ Medical and healthcare
People in rural areas are facing poor health and sanitation due to poverty. Generating awareness and employment
opportunities to people can help them to raise their livelihood healthily.
✓ Education
Education is not only the fundamental right of every individual but also it is a need to bring a better society. Hence,
this component of rural development is all about increasing access to education to individuals in rural development.
Process of Rural Development
1. Human Resource Development: The quality of human resources must be improved through:
• Proper attention to literacy (particularly female literacy), schooling and skill development,
• Better health facilities for physical growth, and
• Sanitation facilities in homes and workplaces.
2. Infrastructure Development: Infrastructure development involves improvement in electricity, irrigation, credit,
marketing, and transportation facilities, and improved agricultural research, extension, and information dissemination.
3. Land Reforms: Its objectives include the elimination of exploitation from land relations, realisation of the ‘land to the
tiller’ objective, widening the rural poor’s land base that improves their socioeconomic circumstances, and improving
agricultural productivity.
4. Poverty Alleviation: Approximately 22% of the total population is still poor or below the poverty line, and approximately
75% of the total poor (approximately 27.82 crores) reside in rural regions. Specific measures/schemes for poverty relief
must be implemented.
5. Development of Productive Resources: Productive resources in each rural location are to be identified and developed so
that existing resources can be used to their full potential and opportunities for investment and employment in farm and
non-farm areas can be developed.
Question: Discuss in brief physical and cultural factor that influence rural settlement? Difference of rural and urban
settlement? Describe the types of rural settlement on the basis of its pattern and periods, discuss the form, evolution and
pattern
Answer: Settlement – A place where a group of people life
Site – An actual piece of land in which a settlement is built
Situation – The study of the relationship between a settlement and its region
➢ The term 'Settlement Geography' has derived its name from the German word 'Siedlung Geographie', which involves
the study of visual imprints made by man upon the physical landscape in the process of occupancy (Singh, et al. 1976,
p.x)
➢ According to the eminent French Human Geographer Jean Brunhes (1952) 'Settlement Geography holds an exceptional
place in the geographic hierarchy of human phenomena.
➢ T.G. Jordan (1966) was very critical of Stone and suggested a more comprehensive definition :
➢ "Settlement geography is the study of the form of the cultural landscape, the word 'form' is equivalent to 'settlement
morphology' and includes: (a) vertical arrangements and dimen- sions (such as the number of stories in a house, (b)
horizontal arrangements and dimensions (such as the distribution of buildings, the floor plans of houses, or the
pattern of fences and fields), and (c) the material composition (such as brick versus wood in house construction or
live hedges versus wire fences."
Differences between a Rural and Urban settlement
➢ Rural settlements are mainly unifunctional (they have one main function) with only primary
economic activities occurring, e.g. farming or forestry
➢ Urban settlements are multifunctional (they have many functions), i.e. They have both
secondary activities (factories/manufacturing) and tertiary activities (services).
❖ How site and function affect the location of rural settlements
Early settlers forming villages would often live together for safety, for friendship, and to share
services. These early settlements would take on distinctive patterns based on the shape of the land
around them.
A settlement pattern refers to the shape of the settlement as seen from above. The shapes of
early settlements were influenced by the surrounding landscape. They were also shaped by other factors such as who
owned the land and whether the land was good for building on or not. Some examples of settlement patterns include,
nucleated settlements, linear settlements and dispersed
settlements.
Reasons for different shape of rural settlements
The site and situation of a settlement are influenced by various factors, which can differ depending on the geographical
location, historical context, cultural dynamics, and economic considerations. Here's an overview of some key factors:
8. Physical Geography:
• Topography: Terrain features such as mountains, valleys, and rivers can impact settlement location.
• Climate: Factors like temperature, precipitation, and seasonality affect suitability for settlement.
• Soil Fertility: Availability of fertile land for agriculture can attract settlements.
9. Natural Resources:
• Water: Proximity to water sources such as rivers, lakes, or oceans is crucial for drinking, irrigation,
transportation, and trade.
• Minerals: Settlements may develop near areas rich in minerals or other valuable resources.
• Forests: Availability of wood for construction and fuel can influence settlement patterns.
10. Accessibility and Transportation:
• Transportation Routes: Settlements often develop along trade routes, roads, rivers, or coastlines for easy
access to transportation.
• Proximity to Markets: Access to markets for trading goods and services influences settlement location.
• Port Facilities: Coastal settlements benefit from natural harbors or artificial ports for maritime trade.
11. Historical Factors:
• Cultural Significance: Settlements may emerge at sites of cultural or religious importance.
• Colonial Legacy: Historical colonization patterns can shape settlement distribution.
• Previous Settlements: Existing infrastructure or historical settlements may influence new settlement
locations.
12. Economic Considerations:
• Availability of Labor: Settlements may form near areas with a ready labor force for agriculture, industry,
or services.
• Industrial Centers: Proximity to raw materials, labor, and markets can attract industrial settlements.
• Government Policies: Incentives or regulations imposed by governments can affect settlement patterns.
13. Defense and Security:
• Natural Defenses: Settlements may develop in defensible locations such as on hilltops or surrounded by
water.
• Military Strategy: Strategic locations for defense or control of territory can influence settlement patterns.
14. Technological Advances:
• Infrastructure: Availability of modern infrastructure like roads, railways, and telecommunications can
shape settlement development.
• Urban Planning: Advances in urban planning influence the layout and design of settlements.
References and Definitions
• Site
describes
the point at
which a
settlement is
located, it
describes
the land it is
build on.
Factors such
as relief, soil,
water supply
and other
resources
were
important in
choosing the
sites of early
settlements.
• Situation
describes
where the
settlement is
located in relation to the surrounding features such as other settlements, mountains, rivers and communications (roads,
etc.). It is the situation of a settlement that determines whether it will grow from a small village into a large town or city.
Site of a rural settlement
• When choosing a site for rural settlements, the following factors are considered:
• Availability of water
• Arable (fertile) land
• Pastoral (grazing) land
• Building materials
• Fuel such as wood from a forest
• Wet/dry point settlement (water supply)
• Arable land for crops
• Grazing land for animals
• Easy transport or communication
• Away from natural hazards eg. Flooding
• Fuel supply (warmth and cooking)
• Building materials
Situation of a settlement
When choosing a situation for rural settlements the following factors are considered:
• Above the flood line away from a river
• On the north-facing slope for warmer temperatures
• In the thermal belt for warmer night time temperatures Next to a road for accessibility
• Main transport links
• Other urban areas
• Where in country?
• Compass directions and distances
DIFFERENT TYPES OF RURAL SETTLEMENTS PATTERNS.
Patterns of rural settlements is influenced by the site of the village,
the surrounding topography and terrain.
i. On the basis of setting : The main types are
a. Plain villages,
b. Plateau villages,
c. Coastal villages,
d. Forest villages and
e. Desert villages.
ii. On the basis of functions: There may be
a. Farming villages,
b. Fishermen's villages,
c. Lumberjack villages,
d. Pastoral villages etc.
iii. On the basis of forms or shapes of the settlements: These may be a
number of geometrical forms and shapes such as:
Classification of rural settlements
Pattern
A settlement pattern re fers to the shape of the settlement as seen from above. The shapes of early settlements were
influenced by the surrounding landscape. They were also shaped by other factors such as who owned the land and
whether the land was good for building on or not.
Nucleated pattern
Nucleated settlements are ones where the houses are grouped closely together, often around a central feature like a
church, pub or village green. New settlements that are planned often have a nucleated pattern.
ADVANTAGES OF THE NUCLEATED PATTERN
• The residence has on a daily base social contact with each other. The community are much more involved with
each other matters.
• Protection is easier.
• Sharing and helping each other.
DISADVANTAGES OF A NUCLEATED PATTERN
• No independent decision-making can take place.
• Cannot show show individual initiative.
• Machinery must be shared
• Difficult to be economically successful.
✓ Linear pattern
Linear settlements are settlements where the buildings are constructed in lines, often next to a geographical feature like
a lake shore, a river or following a road. Where linear settlements follow a road, the road often predates the settlement.
✓ Dispersed pattern
Dispersed settlements are ones where the houses are spread out over a wide area. They are often the homes of farmers
and can be found in rural areas.
ADVANTAGES OF A DISPERSED PATTERN
• Farmer works for himself, keeps own profits.
• More efficient / Enough land
• Can use his own initiative / plans
• Lives on his own single tract of land.
• Can maximize use of machinery (no need to share).
• There is privacy.
DISADVANTAGES OF A DISPERSED PATTERN
• No social contact-far from neighbours.
• No protection / No Security- this lead to farm murder Function
Most rural settlements take part in agricultural activities. Most of the land is use for the
commercial and subsistence cultivating of crops. Farming and forestry are the primary
economic contributing factor
a. Linear pattern: In such settlements houses are located along a road, railway line, river, canal edge of a valley or along
a levee. The linear form is comprised of buildings along a road, river, dike, or seacoast. Excluding the mountainous zones,
the agricultural land is extended behind the buildings. The river can supply the people with a water source and the
availability to travel and communicate. Roads were constructed in parallel to the river for access to inland farms. In this
way, a new linear settlement can emerge along each road, parallel to the original riverfront settlement
b. Rectangular pattern: Such patterns of rural settlements are found in plain areas or wide inter-montane valleys. The
roads are rectangular and cut each other at right angles.
c. Circular pattern: Circular villages develop around lakes, tanks and sometimes the village is planned in such a way that
the central part remains open and is used for keeping the animals to protect them from
wild animals.
d. Star like pattern: Where several roads converge, star shaped settlements develop by the houses built along the roads.
e. T-shaped, Y-shaped, Cross-shaped or cruciform settlements : T –shaped settlements develop at tri-junctions of the
roads. Y–shaped settlements emerge as the places where two roads converge on the third one and houses are built along
these roads. Cruciform settlements develop on the cross-roads and houses extend in all the four direction.
f. Double village: These settlements extend on both sides of a river where there is a bridge or a ferry
Scattered Rural Settlements
A scattered dispersed type of rural settlement is generally found in a variety of landforms, such as the foothill, tableland,
and upland regions. Yet, the proper scattered village is found at the highest elevations and reflects the rugged terrain and
pastoral economic life. The population maintains many traditional features in architecture, dress, and social customs, and
the old market centers are still important. Small plots and dwellings are carved out of the forests and on the upland
pastures wherever physical conditions permit. Mining, livestock raising, and agriculture are the main economic activities,
the latter characterized by terrace cultivation on the mountain slopes. The sub-mountain regions, with hills and valleys
covered by plowed fields, vineyards, orchards, and pastures, typically have this type of settlement.
Isolated Rural Settlements
This form consists of separate farmsteads scattered throughout the area in which farmers live on individual farms
isolated from neighbors rather than alongside other farmers in settlements. The isolated settlement pattern is dominant
in rural areas of the United States, but it is also an important characteristic for Canada, Australia, Europe, and other
regions. In the United States, the dispersed settlement pattern was developed first in the Middle Atlantic colonies as a
result of the individual immigrants’ arrivals. As people started to move westward, where land was plentiful, the isolated
type of settlements became dominant in the American Midwest. These farms are located in the large plains and plateaus
agricultural areas, but some isolated farms, including hamlets, can also be found in different mountainous areas
❖ Mention the types and characteristics of rural market. Role of rural market in rural economy?
Characteristics of rural markets
[Link] number of consumers
:According to the 1991 census, the rural population constitutes about 74% of thetotal population in our country. While the
population went from 55 crores (same asin 1971). There are states like U.P, M.P, Bihar, Rajasthan and Orissa where rural
population varies from 80 to 90 percent. Therefore a large population gives anopportunity for marketing a variety of
goods and services. However income and purchasing power play a major role in determining the demand in rural areas.
[Link] pattern:
Agriculture and related actvities continue to be the main occupation for majority of the rural population. Land is the
major source of income for about 77%of the population. Others are engaged in business (10%), non-agriculture labour
(9%), salary earners (2%) and not gainfully employed (2 It has been estimated thatthe rural literacy level is 36% compared
to 62% in urban areas. Literacy is one of the important factors in developing awareness and knowledge about
technologicalchanges. As many as 16 major languages are spoken adding to the complexities inrural communication.
3. Low standard of living:
Low income, low purchasing power, overall social and economic backwardnesslead to low standard of living. In general a
rural consumer spends less on non-fooditems.
[Link] reach:
The media reach in rural household is low. Statistics indicates that the reach of Print media is 10%, followed by TV 31%,
Radio 32% and Cinema 36%.Therefore the marketer has to consider rural specific promotion media andmethods to reach
the villagers.
[Link] facilities:About 50% of the markets are not connected by road. Most of the roads arekachha and become
unusable during rainy season. Many farmers use bullock cartfor transporting their produce from village to the market.
This means of transport istime consuming.
[Link] electrification:
The main objective is to provide electricity for agricultural operations and for small industries in rural areas. About 5
lakh villages (77%) have electric supply and this has increased the demand for electric supply and this has increased the
demand for electric motors, pumps and agricultural machinery.
[Link] facilities:
Medical facilities are quite inadequate and the villagers have to travel long distances for getting medical treatment.
Rural markets can be categorized into various types based on the products and services they offer, as well as their
economic activities. Here are some common types of rural markets:
1. **Agricultural Markets**: These markets revolve around agricultural products such as crops, livestock, poultry, and
dairy. Farmers and agricultural producers typically sell their produce in these markets, which may operate on a daily,
weekly, or seasonal basis. Agricultural markets are crucial for the rural economy as they facilitate the exchange of
primary agricultural goods.
2. **Consumption Markets**: Consumption markets cater to the daily needs of rural consumers by offering a wide range
of products such as food items, household goods, clothing, and basic necessities. These markets often consist of local
grocery stores, general merchandise shops, and roadside vendors. Consumption markets are essential for fulfilling the
day-to-day requirements of rural households.
3. **Traditional Markets**: Traditional markets hold cultural significance in rural areas and often feature handmade
crafts, artisanal products, and traditional goods specific to the local culture and heritage. These markets serve as hubs
for preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship, cultural practices, and indigenous products. They attract both
local residents and tourists interested in experiencing the authentic rural lifestyle.
4. **Financial Markets**: Financial markets in rural areas provide access to banking services, microfinance, credit
facilities, insurance, and investment opportunities tailored to the needs of rural communities. These markets play a vital
role in promoting financial inclusion, empowering rural entrepreneurs, and facilitating economic development in remote
areas. Financial institutions, cooperatives, and self-help groups are key players in rural financial markets.
5. **Technology Markets**: With the increasing penetration of technology, rural markets are witnessing the emergence of
markets for technological products and services such as mobile phones, solar panels, agricultural machinery, and
renewable energy solutions. These markets facilitate access to modern technologies that improve agricultural
productivity, enhance communication networks, and promote sustainable development in rural areas.
6. **Livestock Markets**: Livestock markets are specialized markets where farmers buy, sell, and trade livestock such as
cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and other animals. These markets play a crucial role in the livestock value chain by
providing a platform for livestock producers to sell their animals, traders to purchase livestock for resale, and
consumers to acquire meat and dairy products.
7. **Tourism Markets**: Rural areas blessed with natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational attractions often
have tourism markets that cater to tourists seeking authentic rural experiences. These markets offer a range of products
and services such as accommodations, guided tours, adventure activities, local cuisine, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Tourism markets contribute to the rural economy by generating income, creating employment opportunities, and
promoting sustainable tourism development.
Understanding the types of rural markets is essential for businesses, policymakers, and development practitioners
seeking to address the unique needs and opportunities present in rural areas. By recognizing the diversity and dynamics
of rural markets, stakeholders can design strategies and interventions that support rural livelihoods, foster economic
growth, and enhance the overall well-being of rural communities.
Rural Economics deals with the application of economic principles in understanding and developing rural areas. In
general, rural areas are geographical areas located outside towns and cities. According to the Census of India, the basic
unit for rural areas is the revenue village. Rural economy refers to villages, and rural community refers to people living
in villages. Rural areas have problems like backwardness of agriculture, low income , low employment opportunities,
poverty, low infrastructural development, low illiteracy, low labor productivity, lower prices of agricultural products,
surplus labour force, larger population, high level of migration and high dependency on natural resources and nature.
Features of Rural Economy
Main characteristics of rural economy are:
1. Village is an Institution: The Village is a primary institution and it satisfies almost all the needs of the rural community.
The rural people have a feeling of belongingness and a sense of unity towards each other.
2. Dependence on Agriculture: The rural economy depends much on nature and agricultural activities. Agriculture and
allied activities are the main occupation in rural areas.
3. Life of Rural People: Lifestyles in villages are very simple. Public services like education, housing,health and sanitation,
transport and communication, banking, roads and markets are limited and [Link] people rely much on faith,
superstitions and traditional cultural practices. The standards of living of majority of rural people are poor and pitiable. In
terms of methods of production, social organization and political mobilization, rural sector is extremely backward and
weak. In recent years, the incidence of alcohol drinking has gone up.
4. Population Density: Population density, measured by number of persons living per sq. km is very low and houses are
scattered in the entire villages.
5. Employment: There exists unemployment, seasonal unemployment and underemployment in rural areas.
Unemployment refers to the situation of people with willingness and ability to work but is not getting employed.
Underemployment also called disguised unemployment is the situation of people employed in excess, over and above the
requirement. Disguised unemployment is a situation Where people work but
no increase in production. Both the situations are common in rural areas.
6. Poverty: Poverty is a condition where the basic needs of the people like food, clothing and shelter are not being met.
According to the 2011-12 estimates, About 22 crores of people in rural areas are poor and live below the poverty line.
7. Indebtedness: People in rural areas are highly indebted owing to poverty and underemployment, lack of farm and non-
farm employment opportunities, low wage employment, seasonality in production, poor marketing network etc. A famous
British writer Sir Malcolm Darling (1925) stated that ‘An Indian farmer is born in debt, lives in debt, dies in debt and
bequeaths debt’. Since formal loan facilities are not available
to the villagers, they depend on local money lenders who, like a parasite, squeeze the villagers. Hence the villagers
commit suicide frequently.
8. Rural Income: The income of the rural people is constrained as the rural economy is not sufficiently vibrant to provide
them with jobs or self – employment opportunities.
Large proportion of labourers and skilled persons are underemployed and the scope for increasing their income is
limited.
9. Dependency: Rural households are largely dependent on social grants and remittances from family members working
in urban areas and cities.
10. Dualism: Dualism means the co existence of two exteremely
different features like developed and underdeveloped, organized and unorganised, traditional and modern, regulated and
unregulated, poor and rich, skilled and unskilled
and similar contradicting situations in a region. These characteristics are very common in rural areas.
11. Inequality: The distributions of income, wealth and assets are highly
skewed among rural people. There are number of historical, social, economic and political reasons behind the existence
of inequality. Landlords and landowners dominate the rural activities. Land, livestock and other assets are owned by a
few people.
12. Migration: Rural people are forced to migrate from villages to urban areas in order to seek gainful employment for
their livelihood. This character of the development gives rise to the formation of cities. Enmity and Lack of basic
amenities in rural areas also
push the people to migrate to urban areas. This is called’ double poisoning’ by Schumacher, one side villages are empty,
on the other side towns are congested. His book is ‘’ Small is Beautiful “describes the dangers of the present kind of
development.
The rural market plays a significant role in the overall rural economy, contributing to economic development, employment
generation, poverty alleviation, and social well-being. Here are some key roles of the rural market in the rural economy:
o Income Generation: The rural market serves as a platform for buying and selling goods and services produced by
rural households. By participating in economic activities such as agriculture, handicrafts, small-scale industries, and
services, rural residents generate income, which contributes to their livelihoods and overall economic well-being.
o Employment Opportunities: Rural markets create employment opportunities for a significant portion of the rural
population. Agricultural activities, agribusinesses, small-scale industries, retail shops, transportation services, and
other economic ventures operating in rural areas provide livelihoods for farmers, artisans, traders, and service
providers, thereby reducing unemployment and underemployment.
o Market Access for Rural Producers: Rural markets provide rural producers, including farmers, artisans, and small-
scale entrepreneurs, with access to markets where they can sell their products and earn income. Through local
markets, farmers can sell agricultural produce, artisans can market handicrafts, and small-scale manufacturers can
distribute their goods, ensuring that rural products reach consumers and generate revenue for rural producers.
o Supply of Goods and Services: Rural markets fulfill the diverse needs and preferences of rural consumers by offering
a wide range of goods and services, including food items, household goods, clothing, agricultural inputs, healthcare
services, education, and entertainment. Access to essential goods and services through local markets improves the
quality of life and enhances the standard of living in rural areas.
o Rural-Urban Linkages: Rural markets serve as nodes of economic interaction and exchange between rural and urban
areas. They facilitate the flow of goods, capital, labor, and information between rural producers and urban consumers,
fostering economic linkages and integration between rural and urban economies. This interconnectedness contributes
to regional development and balanced economic growth.
o Promotion of Entrepreneurship: Rural markets provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and business development
by enabling individuals to start and operate small businesses, micro-enterprises, and self-employment ventures.
Entrepreneurs in rural areas can identify market opportunities, innovate products and services, create value chains,
and contribute to local economic development through their entrepreneurial activities.
o Social Cohesion and Community Development: Rural markets serve as social hubs where people from diverse
backgrounds come together to engage in economic transactions, social interactions, and cultural exchanges. By
fostering social cohesion, mutual trust, and cooperation among community members, rural markets contribute to
community development, collective action, and grassroots empowerment in rural areas.
Overall, the rural market plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and enhancing the well-being
of rural communities. Recognizing the importance of the rural market in the rural economy can inform policy
interventions, investment decisions, and development strategies aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable rural
development.
❖ what do you meant by rural development? components of rural development?
Rural Development Definition
Rural development refers to the ongoing and extensive socio-economic efforts aimed at enhancing every aspect of rural
life. Historically, it concentrated on utilizing land-based resources like forests and agriculture. However, due to increasing
urbanization and shifts in global production networks, the nature of rural areas has transformed significantly
Rural Development Objectives
The main goals of rural development encompass the following aspects:
**Promoting economic growth among rural residents by ensuring adequate access to essentials like food, shelter, clothing,
education, and employment. By offering similar opportunities available in urban areas, rural individuals can have equal
footing in terms of income options.
**Introducing modern agricultural techniques in rural regions to enhance productivity. Rural development plays a vital role
in implementing sustainable and affordable technologies, boosting production for the national market.
**Ensuring consistent development of rural infrastructure throughout India, involving local communities. This approach
empowers them to make significant economic decisions, fostering area-based financial growth.
**Closing the gap between local governing bodies and the Central administration for improved economic communication.
Additionally, rural development aims to delegate executive powers to local councils to execute policies crafted by experts.
**Utilizing natural resources within a region to maximize economic benefits for the residents. This involves implementing
crucial land reforms to enhance agricultural output and productivity for everyone involved.
Components of rural development
The main three components of rural development are
✓ Agriculture
We are aware that the occupation of most of the individuals in rural areas is agriculture, and it is dependent on
environmental conditions. Empowering the farmers by educating them with dynamic ways of agriculture is one of
the components of rural development.
✓ Ecological settings
It is all about generating awareness and educating people about using and conserving natural resources, for
example, educating about soil wetness, solar exposure and wind exposure, biogas combustion, etc.
✓ Technology
This component includes generating awareness about the significance of technology. Various new agricultural
technologies are going to make their work manageable and are going to increase their yields.
✓ Infrastructure and self-reliance
Infrastructure is an integral part of rural development. It includes facilities such as roads, transportations,
communities, power supplies, electricity supplies, water supplies, etc. the people in rural areas, are blessed with
great skills men and artisans. Using their art and craft can make them more self-reliant in every aspect.
✓ Law and order
A distributive law and order can help individuals in managing their tasks effectively. It is one of the vital components
of rural development.
✓ Medical and healthcare
People in rural areas are facing poor health and sanitation due to poverty. Generating awareness and employment
opportunities to people can help them to raise their livelihood healthily.
✓ Education
Education is not only the fundamental right of every individual but also it is a need to bring a better society. Hence,
this component of rural development is all about increasing access to education to individuals in rural development.
Process of Rural Development
1. Human Resource Development: The quality of human resources must be improved through:
• Proper attention to literacy (particularly female literacy), schooling and skill development,
• Better health facilities for physical growth, and
• Sanitation facilities in homes and workplaces.
2. Infrastructure Development: Infrastructure development involves improvement in electricity, irrigation, credit,
marketing, and transportation facilities, and improved agricultural research, extension, and information dissemination.
3. Land Reforms: Its objectives include the elimination of exploitation from land relations, realisation of the ‘land to the
tiller’ objective, widening the rural poor’s land base that improves their socioeconomic circumstances, and improving
agricultural productivity.
4. Poverty Alleviation: Approximately 22% of the total population is still poor or below the poverty line, and approximately
75% of the total poor (approximately 27.82 crores) reside in rural regions. Specific measures/schemes for poverty relief
must be implemented.
5. Development of Productive Resources: Productive resources in each rural location are to be identified and developed so
that existing resources can be used to their full potential and opportunities for investment and employment in farm and
non-farm areas can be developed.