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Settlement in urban areas

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Key points
  • No one option is ideal. Settlement planning is context specific and must be adapted to the specific urban context, addressing a variety of environmental, socio-cultural and economic factors.
  • A sound settlement strategy may combine several settlement options. Accommodation in collective centres, although not ideal, may be the most common in some urban areas. Camps may not be avoidable, but may be combined with other alternatives.
  • Host arrangements in cities can be particularly overcrowded and prolonged shared accommodation may strain relationships with host families. Rental accommodation may be more appropriate.
  • Natural resources are scarcer in urban areas; access to water, cooking and heating fuel may be limited and/or be cash based.

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