Implications of urban growth and development on land use distribution in Jinja Municipality

Abstract

This study examined the implications of urban growth and development on land use in Jinja Municipality. The objectives were: to identify the forms of land use change, to examine the factors of urban growth and development; and to establish the impactions of growth and development on land use in Jinja Municipality. Data was collected using GIS, Remote sensing and a survey that targeted Household Heads and Local Council leaders (LCs). Key Informants Interviews were carried out with: the Population Officer, Land Officer and Urban Planning Officer from the Municipal Council. Satellite maps for the years 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016 were used to ascertain the changes in land use cover of Jinja Municipality. The study findings revealed that there is a tremendous transformation in the various land use in Jinja Municipality. The built-up area has shown the highest rate of expansion while green area, swamps and general vegetation cover suffered the greatest loss. The increasing urbanization has had negative implications on the environment particularly the weather and water supply. This is due to the fact that the areas initially conserved for environment, green areas, wetlands are being degraded to pave way for industrialization. Further, increased illegal settlements (slums), increased garbage dumping, use of former parking spaces in the municipality as commercial centers, breakdown of the sewerage system among others in the municipality indicates rapid unplanned urban growth characterized by dis-proportionality between population growth and economic transformation in the municipality. Basing on the findings of the study, the research recommends that Jinja Municipality should design, implement and periodically review an integrated strategic plan for the existing infrastructure to avert the negative effects of growth and development on the existing infrastructure and land in the study area. The study further recommends that comprehensive land use planning and development policies should be introduced, strengthened and incorporated into the Jinja Municipality master plan. Lastly the study recommends that Jinja Municipal Council should address aspects of the existing land laws and regulations of acquisition of land for development with the view of simplifying and decentralizing the procedures so that they are easily accepted and followed by the public.