The dynamics of urban expansion and its impacts on land use/land cover change and small-scale farmers living near the urban fringe: A case study of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

This study evaluated the dynamics of urban expansion and its impacts on land use/land cover change and livelihoods of small-scale farmers living near the urban fringe of Bahir Dar in northwest Ethiopia. Aerial photos for the years 1957, 1984, and 1994 as well as field mapping using GPS for the year 2009 were employed and analyzed using GIS. Heads of 271 households affected by the expansion were interviewed to evaluate the impacts of expansion and compensation modalities in practice. Results showed that the urban area expanded annually by about 12%, 14% and 5% during the periods: 1957–1984, 1984–1994 and 1994–2009, respectively. The area showed an overall annual increment of 31%, from 279 ha in 1957 to 4830 ha in 2009. Built-up areas increased as a result of horizontal expansion, from 80 ha in 1957 to 848 ha in 1994, but also due to intensification at the expense of agricultural areas, from 80 to 155 ha, during the same period. A total of 242.2 ha of farmland was expropriated from 271 households between 2004 and 2009, and 96% of those interviewed believed that the compensation was insufficient, as the decision is influenced by the government's land ownership system. We predict that the current urban area will double by 2024. This will have far-reaching ecological, socio-economic and environmental impacts. A better understanding of the dynamics of urban growth and its associated impacts in the urban fringe can help form a basis for sustainable planning of future developments of areas experiencing urban expansion.

► We evaluate urban expansion and its impacts on farmers living near the urban fringe.
► The urban area expanded by about 32% annually where built-up areas accounting for 75%.
► The farmers face land expropriation leading to social unrest.
► Government land ownership system influences implementation of fair money compensation.