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Types of settlement patterns

Answer Text:
Settlement pattens
a) Nucleated/Clustered Settlement Pattern
- Buildings are close to each other
- This pattern is encouraged by:
- Availability of social amenities such as schools and health care
- Favorable climate leading to high agricultural potential e.g. Kenya highlands.
- Fertile soils.
- Presence of natural resources e.g. minerals in Magadi, Mwadui, Kimberly.
- Security concern especially in banditry prone areas

b) Linear Settlement

- Buildings are arranged in a line
Presence of a transport line e.g. road or railway.
Presence of a river or a spring to provide water for domestic or commercial use
Presence of a coast line which has a favorable fishing ground e.g. shore of E. African coast.
Suitable terrain for cultivation of crops such as at the foot of a scarp
c) Dispersed/Scattered Settlement
- Buildings are scattered
Plenty of land to build whenever they want
Avoidance of harsh climate e.g. arid and semi-arid areas. Poor infertile soils.
Pests and diseases.
Physical features such as ridges, valleys which separate houses.

d) Radial Pattern

Buildings are arranged like a star
-Common at cross roads where housing units point in all directions.