From Spatial Gene Mapping to Adaptive Planning Codes: A Governance Framework for Resilient and Sustainable Rural Settlements in Mountainous Regions

ABSTRACT

This study develops an integrated spatial gene–adaptive cycle–network framework for adaptive rural settlement planning in Rwanda's Western Mountainous Region. The framework combines GIS‐based Multi‐Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), Delphi–Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), socio‐ecological network analysis, and adaptive cycle theory to assess environmental, infrastructural, socio‐economic, and institutional dimensions of settlement resilience. Spatial gene indicators were synthesized within a GIS‐based resilience assessment framework, while network metrics were incorporated as independent spatial diagnostic layers to interpret and validate resilience patterns without modifying global MCDA weights. Three settlement typologies were identified: High Resilience Zones (40%), Vulnerable Zones (35%), and Development Opportunity Zones (25%). Cooperatives emerged as key resilience hubs (normalized average betweenness centrality = 0.65). Model reliability was supported by CR < 0.10, 87% classification accuracy, and a Kappa coefficient of 0.81. The framework provides a reproducible decision‐support approach for resilience‐oriented rural planning and sustainable development in mountainous socio‐ecological systems.