Human settlements and regions

What we do

Human settlements and regions

Human settlements and regions

We conduct data-driven research and innovation to inform policy, planning and investment decisions that foster liveable, safe, resource-efficient and inclusive urban and rural settlements.

CSIR Mining

Human Settlements & Regions

We conduct data-driven research and innovation to inform policy, planning and investment decisions to support the creation of liveable, safe, resource-efficient, and inclusive urban and rural settlements.

Contact information:

Prof Pravesh Debba
@email

Cathy Maidi
Business Development and Commercialisation 
@email

Gerbrand Mans 
Research Group Leader 
@email

Dr Mark Napier  
Research Group Leader 
@email

Highlights

Man pointing at item

Africa’s leaders must confront urban informality alongside climate threats

Despite increased investment in rural areas to curb rapid urbanisation, sprawling informal settlements remain a reality in Africa. Dr Mark Napier, a CSIR expert in human settlements and housing, says authorities must confront this challenge directly through sustainable settlement planning, ensuring that all urban residents, including temporary shack dwellers, are protected from climate risks and have access to basic services. Read more.

Our research

Housing and urban studies

Housing and urban studies

Go somewhere

We conduct applied research to support the development of liveable, safe, resource-efficient, socially integrated and economically inclusive cities, towns and neighbourhoods. Our team specialises in advancing sustainable human settlements through integrated approaches to urban and peri-urban development.

Urban and regional dynamics

Urban and regional dynamics

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Our work focuses primarily on research, development and innovation that generate evidence in support of policy, investment and planning decisions to realise developmental goals in urban and rural settlements and regions.