An evaluation of the analytical and operational ... · An evaluation of the analytical and...
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An evaluation of the analytical and operational application of various settlement typologies in SA Dr. Isabelle Schmidt EM: Social Statistics Social Statistics
Transcript of An evaluation of the analytical and operational ... · An evaluation of the analytical and...
An evaluation of the analytical and operational application of various settlement typologies in
SA
Dr. Isabelle SchmidtEM: Social Statistics
Social Statistics
This paper will expand on the importance of settlement typologies, summarize the typologies currently in use and will argue for greater synergy and integration across Government.
National Spatial Development PerspectiveNSDP provides spatial guidelines for planning processes at all spheres of Government and more specifically IDP, PGDS and the Medium Term Strategic Frameworks. Aligned towards changing spatial inequality created by apartheid system. Apartheid spatial distortions corrected via: development corridors and nodes that link main growth points.
Primary principle : economic growth supersede all other policy objectives especially those in relation to poverty alleviation.
The way we define settlement typologies influence the way we conceptualise, plan and allocate
resources;
Resource allocation and planning
Measurement of outcomes for the Medium Term Strategic Framework (2009-2014)
Targeting of development interventions
International reporting e.g. MDGS, BRICS, OECD.
Urbanisation rates and demands on urban services and infrastructure
How is it used?
What happens if we do not get it right?
• Lack of understanding of rural–urban context and settlement systems in general lead to misclassification and misguided policy formulation (Brown & Cromartie2004).
• Erroneous interpretations of rural trends and opportunities (Isserman 2001) as well as urbanisation processes (Champion & Hugo 2004).
• Without good classification systems limited ability to better target and measure our achievements related to greater equity between rural and urban areas (CSDH 2008) and development of the different sub-components of the South African settlement system.
Rural urban context in South Africa
• Constant flows of people, goods, services, other resources and waste between different kinds of urban settlements; also between urban and rural areas.
• The existence of pockets of dense rural settlements that are remnants of the apartheid ideology and predominantly consist of former Bantustan/homeland territories (Naudé et al. 2008, Van Huysteen et al. 2009a).
• Evidence of significant circular migration streams and resource flows between urban and rural areas (Cross 2006, Gelderblom & Adams 2006, Wentzel et al. 2006).
• Rural integral part of settlement systems and not residual to urban.
Rural urban context in South Africa (continued)
• Urban and rural poverty are manifested differently and need different solutions
• Inequality i.t.o. access to basic services, health, education between urban and rural.
• Pockets of relative wealth with good infrastructure and highly sophisticated commercial farming activities in rural areas.
• Qualified health and education staff shortages in rural areas; inclusion of special rural allowances essential for equitable rural policy.
• Rapid urbanisation in certain city regions in Gauteng and the Western Cape leading to a spatially unbalanced urban system and inability to provide adequate services and infrastructure.
Emergence of dynamic and complex urban systems
Recognition of the diversity of rural space
Relevance of urban–rural dichotomies questioned
(Champion & Hugo 2004) and locally (Naudé et al. 2008, Van Huysteen et al. 2009a, NUDF 2009).
……..need for more nuanced settlement typologies
……..need for greater harmonisation and
standardisation across planning and service
delivery space.
Focus
How can we achieve greater integration and synergy?
Functional definition based on continuum that can be used for national planning, resource allocation, implementation and M&E within context of developmental state.
Methodology
• Qualitative: interviews with representatives of 21 different groups and individuals. Critical comparison in terms of international best practice as well as the criteria identified during the group interviews
• Quantitative: GIS used to analyse spatial overlaps and differences between typology classes
Criteria from Literature
FlowsContiguity
Heterogeneity
Specific purpose
Different charac-teristics
Dynamic
One principle
Subgroup mutually exclusive
Logical consis-tency
Objects same kind
Important characte-
ristics
Grigg’s (1965) relevant principles of classification:
Additional criteria• Alignment with national policy and strategy• Functionality in terms of development
imperatives• Spatial distortions corrected – spatial
comparability • Easy linkages with socio-economic data sources• Ease of use at provincial and local municipal level• Conceptual linkages with IDP planning processes
and rural–urban typology use at local level• Comparability over time• International comparability
Rural Stipends Functional/strategy and policy formulation
Statistical reporting and research
Social DevelopmentHealth Education
DWACSIRTransportNational TreasuryCOGTADRLD (22 districts)
StatsSA
Two classes: rural – urbanDSD continuum
Multiple classes, based on multiple variablesDRLD –administrative boundaries; service delivery backlogs
Four classes, based on one variable
Graphical representation of the overlaps between Stats SA and DWA typology
ConclusionsContext of needs of Developmental State and increased synergy and integration
• CSIR Settlement typology performed best
• Linkages and flows• Economic activity
considered • Good linkages with NSDP• Add more refined
classification for rural areas e.g. DWA
Conclusions•Need for national guidance that would serve following purposes:•Simplify and clarify planning processes in multi-faceted and complex environments. •Need for use of a more integrated and widely used set of typologies for resource allocation, monitoring and evaluation.•Focus allocation of resources in all spheres of Government.•Guide planning and implementation processes in such a way that monitoring and impact assessment of especially changes in spatial inequalities can be executed adequately.•Ensure the consistent application of policy guidelines and better targeting of development interventions once subsets or communities have been identified that share specific characteristics and warrant similar interventions.
Acknowledgement: Thanks to Danie Du Plessis for his support, comments and contributions
