Management of Rural Living (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)

Sustainable rural living

• Sustainable management of rural areas in developing and emerging countries is essential to:

  • reduce rural-urban migration

  • rural depopulation

• Sustainable management will help to:

  • increase food supplies

  • improve the environment (soil and air quality)

  • increase employment

  • improve water supplies

Sustainable rural living in Kenya

• Rural areas in Kenya are not currently economically, socially or environmentally sustainable

• Commercial horticulture has increased the GDP and created many jobs but has negative impacts:

  • Local farmers have been persuaded to sell land

  • The production of food for Kenyans has decreased leading to food shortages

  • Irrigation uses valuable water resources

  • Monocultures are damaging to the environment

• Tourism could increase rural sustainability by creating jobs and improving infrastructure but it can have negative impacts:

  • Many resorts are owned by foreign companies meaning that profits do not benefit Kenya

  • Jobs in tourism for Kenyans are often low paid 

  • Mass tourism can be damaging to the environment and wildlifStrategies for a Sustainable Rural Environment 

Sustainable strategies

• Soil quality

  • The use of organic fertilisers, terracing, cover crops and agroforestry can help improve soil quality

• Air quality

  • Reducing the use of fuel wood by increasing renewable energy sources for electricity and using solar cookers will reduce pollutants 

• Water supplies

  • The building of wells/boreholes in villages to ensure access to clean water

  • Using water butts to store water for irrigation

  • Drip irrigation to avoid waste

• Crop yields

  • The use of manure for fertiliser, drip irrigation and drought-resistant crops will all increase yields and reduce food shortages

• Health

  • Increased access to vaccinations, ante-natal and health care will improve the general quality of health

• Employment

  • Encouraging small businesses to set up with grants and loans

  • Increasing eco-tourism which involves the local community

• Housing

  • Support communities in the construction of higher quality housing with access to toilets with sanitation