A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY PAPER 2, 2019

SECTION B - HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Question 6

(a) Using three criteria, distinguish between rural and urban settlement (8 marks)

An urban settlement is an area with a high population density and large size, where the people are occupied in non-agricultural industries. On the other hand, a rural settlement is an area with a lower population density and size, and the inhabitants are occupied with agricultural activities. Based on these definitions, the distinction or differences between urban settlements and rural settlements can be seen at the level of
* Population density: the population in urban areas is denser than it is in rural areas;
* Size of areas: urban areas are larger than rural areas;
* Activities: people in urban areas are occupied with secondary and tertiary activities, whereas in rural areas people are occupied with primary activities such as agriculture.

(b) Explain three factors often considered when choosing the location of a rural settlement (8 marks)

The choice of a rural settlement is generally influenced by a number of environmental factors which include the following:
* Water supply: people will tend to settle in rural areas where water supply is abundant for its various uses;
* Climate: people will tend to settle in rural areas where climatic conditions are favourable, for example, for the growth of crops;
* Soil availability: since agriculture is one of the main economic activities in rural areas, people will tend to settle where soil is available for the cultivation of crops;
* Relief
* Defense
* Drainage

(c) Explain how the creation of Green Belts and New Towns can be used to redress urban sprawl (9 marks)

Urban sprawl is the unrestricted expansion/growth in many urban areas of housing, commercial development and roads on large expanses of land, with little concern for urban planning. In order to redress this, Green Belts and New Towns can be created.
Green Belts are open spaces around bigger cities. They aim to maintain the designated area for agricultural activities, forestry, and provide habitat for wildlife. This way, they help reduce urban sprawl as some urban settlers will turn to live in these areas and focus on other activities than the main ones carried out in urban areas.
On the other hand, New Towns are new settlements built on either rural land transformed to urban land use or on new reclaimed land. Their aim is to relocate populations away from large cities by grouping homes, hospitals, industries and other facilities and infrastructure. This way, they help redress urban sprawl.
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Proposed by Séverin Ateba (Sevy)

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