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Urbanization and land use pattern in Arba Minch town, Ethiopia: driving forces and challenges

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the driving forces of urbanization, land use pattern, and its challenges in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia. Mixed research design was employed to generate and analyze data. Four sample kebeles [Mehal Ketema, Dilfana, Bere and Woze] were selected using simple random sampling technique. Stratified proportional sampling technique was used to obtain data from selected kebeles (197 households) through questionnaires. Interviews were made with key informants. Aerial photo, Google Earth Image and Satellite images of LANDSAT (1975, 2000 and 2018) were visualized to quantify land use and land cover [LULC] change and its pattern. Field observation was made to cross-check results from other sources. Data was analyzed using SPSS (23), Erdas Imagine (2014) and ArcGIS (10.3). The study revealed rapid urbanization mainly induced by migration. Physically, Arba Minch has grown from fragmented neighborhoods (since 1950s to mid 1970s) to a conurbated urban fabric in recent years. Built-up area has increased by 780 ha at the expense of agriculture, plantation and mixed forests between 2000 and 2018. Continual land demand for development [road infrastructure, education and tourism] and rural economic transformation ignited rapid urbanization in Arba Minch. The study revealed housing shortage and the proliferation of informal settlements in different pockets of the town and poor vacant land management as challenges. Therefore; Arba Minch municipality and other stake holders should work hand-in-hand to promote sustainable urban development through: optimal vacant land management; monitoring informal settlements; promoting vertical development and preserving the scenic urban fabric.

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Notes

  1. Higher than country average.

  2. Smallest administrative units in Ethiopia.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Arba Minch University because it has fully funded the research project with a Funding Number GOV/AMU/TH13/GEO/01/02. All participants during household survey and key-informant interview are highly acknowledged for their time and willingness. We also would like to acknowledge staff members of Geography Department [Arba Minch University] who provided comments to improve the final work.

Funding

This study was funded by Arba Minch University (Grant Number: GOV/AMU/TH13/GEO/01/02).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Injibara University, PO BOX 40, Injibara, Ethiopia

    Amene Afework Jenberu

  2. Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Hawassa University, PO Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia

    Tesfaye Gebeyehu Admasu

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  1. Amene Afework Jenberu
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  2. Tesfaye Gebeyehu Admasu
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Correspondence to Tesfaye Gebeyehu Admasu.

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Jenberu, A.A., Admasu, T.G. Urbanization and land use pattern in Arba Minch town, Ethiopia: driving forces and challenges. GeoJournal 85, 761–778 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-019-09998-w

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