Human Settlement is a process of creating and/or developing a space in which people may live. It includes all aspects of the built environment, from the planning and construction of housing to the creation of public spaces. The process of human settlement is often long and complex, involving multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, developers, architects, engineers, planners, and residents.
The United Nations defines human settlements as “inhabited areas where human beings live with each other in an organised way.” This definition encompasses a wide range of settlements, from small rural villages to large urban metropolises. All human settlements share certain basic features: they are all created by people, for people; they provide shelter and protect their inhabitants from the elements; they have infrastructure that supports the needs of their residents; and they are places where people interact with each other on a daily basis.
In many cases, the process of human settlement is driven by economic factors. People settle in areas where there are opportunities for employment or business development. In other cases, settlement is driven by political factors such as conflict or natural disasters. Whatever the reason for settling in a particular location, the process of creating a human settlement typically follows certain steps:
# Finding a suitable location: This step involves identifying an area that meets all the necessary criteria for supporting human life. The location must have access to water resources (for drinking, cooking, and sanitation), adequate rainfall or another source of irrigation water (for agriculture), sufficient land for building homes and other structures (such as hospitals and schools), and enough sunlight (to support plant growth).
# Planning: Once a suitable location has been found, it must be planned in order to ensure that future residents will have access to all the necessary amenities and services. This step usually involves drawing up maps showing proposed roads, buildings, parks, etc., as well as making sure that these plans comply with any relevant laws or regulations.
# Construction: Once the plans are approved, construction can begin on homes, public buildings ,and infrastructure such as roads and sewer systems . This stage also involves putting in place any necessary utilities such as electricity , gas ,and water .
# Population growth : As more people move into the settlement , additional homes ,services ,and facilities will be required . For example , new schools may need to be built to accommodate increased numbers of children .