Analysis of the Trends of Land Use Land Cover Change and its Management: The Case of Dukem Town, Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia
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Date
2025-02-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study investigates the trends of land use and land cover changes and its management in Dukem town between the years 1994-2024 through identifying driving factors and actors. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches using spatial analysis of remote sensing and GIS techniques and survey methods. Both primary and secondary data sources were used for the study; and the Primary data were collected using questionnaires and observations. While the secondary data were collected using satellite images. Accordingly, the result showed a significant increase in the built-up area of the town. Between 1994 and 2024, the study town expanded from 498 hectares (5%) to 3447 hectares (36%). This rapid growth meant that built-up areas were taking over large portions of other land types, such as agricultural land. Unfortunately, agricultural land decreased substantially during this period, declining from 6258 hectares (65%) in 1994 to 3889 hectares (40%) in 2024. Besides, the research found that the rate at which land is being consumed is significantly higher than the rate of population growth, except between 2014 and 2024. This suggests inefficient utilization of land, as the ideal scenario is for land consumption to be slower than population growth. Therefore, to improve land use efficiency in study town, efforts should focus on managing urban land and addressing the factors that are driving these land use changes. The goal is to reduce the ratio of land consumption to population growth to a level below one. This study recommended for several key actions. Firstly, it emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring of land use changes through technologies like remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This will help track urban growth and assess the success of urban planning policies. Secondly, the study stressed the importance of protecting natural resources and mitigating the environmental damage caused by urban expansion. Essentially, the study calls for a multi-faceted approach to sustainable urban development that involves continuous monitoring, environmental protection, improved planning regulations, community engagement, and strong inter-agency collaboration. Key words: land use land cover change, change detection,
Key factors, Key actors, ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate (LCRPGR)