Land use planning assignment

1.      Discuss urbanization in Kenya

Before the 1920s, Kenya was mainly a rural country in which people primarily practiced agriculture (Jedwab, Kerby, & Moradi, 2017). The only places that exhibited a bit of urbanization were the coastal regions, and this was associated with the incoming of Arab trade. Urban growth in Kenya is mainly linked to imperial capitalism, colonial administration, road network, and railway line. In 1886, the berlin conference was held, and this led to east African regions being opened up to British colonial administration, settlement, and imperial companies.

The imperial companies established railway lines and road networks essential for penetrating to the interior to acquire raw materials and transport them to their industries (Jedwab et al., 2017). The Kenya-Uganda railway was constructed for the transportation of raw materials between Mombasa and Kampala. From this railway line grew urban centers such as Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, etc. that served as central workshops and sleeping quarters for railway builders and engineers. These centers were regarded as the first level of urban centers.

The second level of urban centers was as a result of colonial administration. The imperialists needed protection, and as more colonies were discovered, not all colonial administrations could be accommodated in the already developing urban areas (Jedwab et al., 2017). The administration had to be distributed to all regions of new colonies to establish effective control and administration hence the rice of colonial administrative centers such as Murang’a, Siaya, Kakamega, Kisii etc. In these centers raw materials were collected, taxes and labor market were controlled

The third level urban centers were established along with road networks that connected the rising urban centers (Jedwab et al., 2017). As more people migrated to urban areas in search of labor, these centers developed further. However, there was gender imbalance due to the prevalence of the colonial labor recruitment systems for male workers and lesser female workers.

2.      Discuss land use planning stating its importance

Land use planning is defined as the “scientific, aesthetic, and orderly disposition of land, resources, facilities, and services to secure the physical, economic and social efficiency, health and well-being of urban and rural communities (Harrison, 2017).” Land use planning is multidisciplinary in that it involves various disciplines such as spatial planning, regional planning, urban planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban renewal, urban design, urban renaissance, architecture, etc. (Harrison, 2017).

Land-use planning has a lot of benefits. It helps in situating infrastructure and buildings where necessary and appropriate. It is essential in the locating of resources in areas that are convenient and accessible to all. It ensures that the physical aspects of the environment are preserved while securing and promoting the beauty of the locality and land. Generally, the purpose of land use planning is to select and put into practice those land uses that will best meet the needs of the people while safeguarding resources for the future (Calder, 2017).

3.      Discuss the types of GIS applied in land development and settlement

A geographic information system (GIS) is a system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on the earth’s surface (Caldieron, 2017). There are two types of GIS: manual and automated.

1. A manual GIS is also referred to as analog GIS. This type of GIS involves various data elements, such as aerial and ground photographs, field surveys, maps, statistical reports, etc. (Caldieron, 2017). Instruments such as planimeters, stereoscopes, and transferscopes are used to compile and analyze various manual data sets.
2. Automated GIS refers to digital or computerized information systems. These systems make use of digital geographic data and specially written algorithms to measure, analyze, and produce maps (Caldieron, 2017).

4.      Write short notes on:

       I.            Remote sensing

Remote sensing is the science of procuring information about objects or areas from a distance, e.g., from aircraft or satellites using a device without physical contact with them. Remote sensors collect data by detecting energy that is reflected by the object (McGlone et al., 2004). Remote sensors can be either passive or active. Passive sensors pick and record information by receiving energy from solar energy that is reflected by the object. Active sensors, on the other hand, produce their energy in the form of electromagnetic signals that are reflected by the object, and the sensor picks the information. Remote sensing can be applied in coastal applications, ocean applications, hazard assessment, and natural resource management (McGlone et al., 2004).

    II.            Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry is the art, science, and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through processes of recording, measuring, and interpreting photographic images and patterns of recorded radiant electromagnetic energy and other phenomena (McGlone et al., 2004). The term photogrammetry is derived from three Greek words: photos (light), gramma (something is written or drawn), and metron (Measure). Photogrammetry, therefore, basically refers to obtaining measurements graphically using light. Photogrammetry comprises techniques concerned with making measurements of real-world objects and terrain features from images. Applications include the measuring of coordinates, quantification of distances, heights, areas, and volumes, 3D topographic mapping, etc. Significant photogrammetry categories include Terrestrial, aerial, space, and extra-terrestrial photogrammetry (McGlone et al., 2004).

 III.            Zoning and land use planning

Zoning is defined as the practice of allocating and dividing a given area into parts for specific purposes or uses. Land use planning, on the other hand, is a process of organizing the use of land to meet occupant’s needs while respecting the capabilities of the area. Land use planning balances private property rights with the desired community character (Calder, 2017). Zoning is considered to be a planning control tool as it provides the regulations as to the way government bodies regulate the physical development of land-based on its usage, purpose, geology, etc. Land-use planning is dictated by zoning laws that are enacted by the local government to define how a specific parcel of land is to be developed and used (Harrison, 2017). The zoning code specifies the type of development allowed in each zone that is to be planed for given purposes to ensure the health, security, and well-being of the public.

5.      Discuss the relationship between housing and health.

Housing is an essential determinant of health, and substandard housing is a significant public health issue (Baker et al., 2017). Healthy homes promote good physical and mental health. Good health depends on having homes that are safe and free from physical hazards. In contrast, poor quality and inadequate housing contribute to health problems such as chronic diseases and injuries.

While attempts are made to create a safe environment, not all housing hazards and dangers can be eliminated since some are expected and coexist (Baker et al., 2017). Such coexisting hazards include lead paint on walls, use of electricity for heating and cooking, presence of stairs, and use of gas and fuel supplies.

Housing issues related to health are evidenced in the dampness of a dwelling, home accidents, and housing perceptions. Home accidents are often physical injuries brought about by the presence of hazards around the house e.g., a child can trip off the stairs or fall over the balcony and get hurt, or gas appliances can malfunction and lead to fires (Lawrence, 2017).

The presence of dampness and mold growth in the dwellings of individuals can affect the social and mental health of an individual (Baker et al., 2017). For example, this can make a teenager feel ashamed and avoid inviting her friends over to her home, resulting in loneliness. Friends may discriminate against her due to her home condition. Dampness in structural timber is a risk factor for fungal attacks. Houses may be extraordinarily cool due to humidity, which has an impact on thermal insulation.

Housing perceptions influence access to social services, which affects social well-being and brings about satisfaction (Lawrence, 2017). Neighborhoods should allow for social interactions in a safe environment free of violence and crime.

Reference

Baker, E., Beer, A., Lester, L., Pevalin, D., Whitehead, C., & Bentley, R. (2017). Is housing a health insult?. International journal of environmental research and public health, 14(6), 567.

Calder, V. (2017). Zoning, land-use planning, and housing affordability. Cato Institute Policy Analysis, (823).

Caldieron, J. M. (2017). Bibliographic Review: GIS Sciences and Informal Settlements. International Journal of Computing, 6(5), 155-165.

Harrison, A. J. (2017). Economics and land use planning. Routledge.

Jedwab, R., Kerby, E., & Moradi, A. (2017). History, path dependence, and development: Evidence from colonial railways, settlers, and cities in Kenya. The Economic Journal, 127(603), 1467-1494.

Lawrence, R. J. (2017). Constancy and change: key issues in housing and health research, 1987–2017. International journal of environmental research and public health, 14(7), 763.

McGlone, J. C., Mikhail, E., Bethel, J., & Mullen, R. (2004). American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Manual of photogrammetry. American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.