Abstract:
Urban expansion is a global trend that increasingly encroaches on rural areas, converting
agricultural land into non-agricultural uses, including in Ethiopia. This study aimed to
assess the impact of urban expansion on the expropriated farmers and agricultural lands in
the Laga Tafo-Laga Dadhi sub-city. Data collection involved farmer’s household surveys,
key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations in the Laga Dadhi
Dalle district of Laga Tafo-Laga Dadhi sub-city. Out of 371 farmers in the district, 193 were
selected using systematic random sampling, ensuring gender representation. Secondary data,
including satellite imagery from Landsat TM 1993, Landsat ETM 2003 and 2013, and
Landsat OLI for 2023, was used to track LULC changes. Pre-processing steps used
radiometric and atmospheric corrections to ensure data accuracy. Supervised classification
methods categorized LULC types, and post-classification comparison identified shifts from
agricultural to urban land use. The results were a 1,734.5% increase in built-up areas and a
45.24% decline in agricultural land from 1993 to 2023 caused by push and pull factors. The
push factors were population growth, infrastructure development, and investments, have
posed significant challenges for local farmers. Additionally, pull factors attract individuals
from other areas, increasing pressure on local farmers. Urban expansion has impacted
farmers in socio-economic ways. Socially, farmers have experienced disruptions, loss of job
opportunities, increased social tension, and conflict. Economically, adapting to the new
urban landscape has been challenging, leading to reduced income and rising unemployment
in the community. agricultural land degradation and waste accumulation from urban areas
have contributed to health issues. Urban expansion has also led to the loss, fragmentation,
and increased pressure on existing agricultural land, resulting in a decline in food
production, rising food prices, and heightened food insecurity among displaced farming
households. Expropriated farmers should receive skill-oriented training to develop new
livelihood strategies.
