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Integrating Landscape Gene Mapping and Environmental Adaptation for Sustainable Rural Settlements in Rwanda's Western Highlands

Author

Listed:
  • Athanase Niyogakiza
  • Liu Qibo

Abstract

This study introduces a novel landscape gene mapping framework, addressing a critical gap in rural development research by integrating spatial analysis with indigenous ecological knowledge. It conceptualizes rural settlements in mountainous regions as repositories of inherited environmental, cultural, and spatial traits essential for adaptive design. A five‐phase methodology (Gene Identification, Interpretation, Expression, Extraction, and Synthesis) combined field surveys, participatory ethnography, and geospatial analytics (GIS, remote sensing, spatial statistics) to analyze settlement patterns in Rwanda's Western Highlands. Results reveal statistically significant preferences for moderate elevations (1400–1900 m), gentle slopes (

Suggested Citation

  • Athanase Niyogakiza & Liu Qibo, 2026. "Integrating Landscape Gene Mapping and Environmental Adaptation for Sustainable Rural Settlements in Rwanda's Western Highlands," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(2), pages 2000-2021, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:2:p:2000-2021
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70432
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