Spatio- temporal analysis of urban sprawl and its socio-economic impacts: the case of debre markos town, north western Ethiopia

Abstract

Uncontrolled and unplanned urban sprawl is a common event for both developed and developing countries. Nevertheless, the level and cause varies from one country to another. Urban sprawl in developed countries is related to socio- economic development and industrialization, but the major factor contributing for rapid urban sprawl in the developing countries is attributed to rural to urban migration, natural increase and others. Debre Markos town is one of rapidly expanding town of Ethiopia over the last decade due to different factors. As a result, the objective of this study is to examine the spatial extent, pattern, rate, and socio- economic impact of urban sprawl on the community living on the outskirt of Debre Markos town with the help of GIS and RS techniques. To achieve this objective both quantitative and qualitative research approach had been used together with primary and secondary data sources. As the Analysis of the data indicate that the extent of built up land use/cover area progressively increased throughout the study period from3163.05 Ha (12.01%) to 5952.69 Ha (22.61%) in 2001 and 2017 respectively other than, farmland diminished from 11863.35Ha (45.01 %,) to 9811.53(37.27%). This LULC change is more significant impact on the socioeconomic condition and status of the study area. As the outcome proves, 84.4% of the respondent lost their land, consequently their production decrease in different amount. Generally the total expansion of the town within the sixths year duration 88.2% while, it’s annual Increment was 5.5% per year. Hence, the major corrective measures could be take on the spatial planning which can balance the land demand of urban areas and reduction of agricultural land in the fringes of Debre Markos town.