The impacts of urbanization on the agricultural land use : a case study of Kawempe division, Kampala Uganda

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impact of urbanization on agricultural land use in Kawempe Division, Kampala District. To this end, h e exiting land use patterns, l a n d use practices and factors for urbanization were investigated. A total of 60 people who were involved in the study were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Observation method was also used to visualize the impacts of urbanization on agricultural land use. The study findings indicated that industrialization is the key factor for the urbanization of Kawempe Division and this is closely followed by increased rates of rural urban migration. The dominant land use in this area was human settlement that includes housing for the increased population that seeks employment in this urban area. This study has established that industrialization in the area has resulted to land use changes from bare land to build up areas or from agriculture land to build up area. This has not only reduced agricultural land but has also contributed to degradation through waste deposition. Based on the study findings, it was concluded that urbanization and its associated development activities are responsible for the agricultural land use changes. As such, it was recommended that there is need for government and relevant stakeholders to revisit and make operational the policy frameworks in place such as the urban development and town and country planning acts. Doing this may contribute to sustainable land use practices in urban areas.