Impact of Urban Expansion on the Expropriated Farmers and Agricultural Lands in Laga Tafo-Laga Dadhi Sub-City, Sheger City, Oromia, Ethiopia

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.