Abstract:
Urban expansion is an unstoppable phenomenon that requires systematic management and continuous study. The main aim of this study was to assess the effects of horizontal urban expansion on rural households in Ambo town. In the study area, the expansion of the town has occurred at the expense of converting productive land belonging to rural households located on the peripheries of the town, resulting in livelihood insecurity. The research utilized a descriptive design. To achieve the objective, both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were employed. A household survey was conducted with 124 households sampled using systematic random sampling techniques. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, while secondary data were obtained from various written and documented sources. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS v.23 software to obtain the study findings and draw related conclusions. The results of the study reveal that urban expansion in the area is continuously increasing at the expense of peripheral farmers' productivity, impacting their livelihoods. Rural households lack awareness of urbanization in advance, do not participate in decision-making, and do not receive sufficient compensation for their productive land, forcing them to change their way of life in the area. Many of them are forced to take temporary jobs and earn low incomes. Additionally, these rural households commonly lose farmland, grazing land, houses, their identity, social bonds, trees, vegetables, fruits, and livestock assets, which further jeopardizes their livelihoods. They do not receive significant support from the municipality and are deeply concerned about their future. It is recommended that rural households, government bodies, and stakeholders work cooperatively to manage urban expansion and address the challenges. Proper implementation of related policies and regulations is crucial. Providing advance awareness, entrepreneurship training, and close follow-up for impacted rural households due to urbanization are important tasks for the municipality
