The Influence of Urban Expansion on Physical Environment: the case of Debre Markos Town, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.
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Date
2014-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of urban expansion on
environmenl. Ihe case of Debre Markos lown. II investigaled Ihe trend of urban
expansion, the causes and impacts of urban expansion and jinally recommended some
possible allernative solutions. The sludy employed various techniques of data collection
and analysis. The required dala were gathered Ihrough household survey, key informal7l
interview, observation and documel7l inspection. A total of 119 respondems were
involved on the study by using probability (systematic sampling) and II government
officials and expel'/s by non probability sampling lechnique (purposive). Descriplive and
narrative were used 10 analyze the necessGlY data. Thejinding of the study was presel7led
by using table, jigure, maps and photographs. The jindings of the study showed that the
Irend of urban expansion increase through time and mostly foresl and cullivaled land
have been changed into dijJerent urban development uses such as residential, industrial,
and commercial and other various institutions. The major causes of this expansion in the
lown are populalion growth. lack of land informal ion system (cadastres) . availabililyof
dijJerent injrasl/'llcture and topography. This expansion exerted an adverse impact on
environment mainly on cultivated land, forest, wetland, grassland, WaleI' bodies and
other. Therefore, Ihis sludy proposes thaI municipality and cily administralion of Debre
Markos lown together with the Amhara National Regional State should develop propel'
policies thaI would bring sustainable urban development.
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Keywords
Physical Environment