The Impact of Land Use and Land Cover Changes on Community Livelihood: A Case of Bugesera District
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t2574Abstract
The study assessed the impact of land use and land cover (LULC) changes on community livelihoods in Bugesera District, where rapid population growth, urban expansion, infrastructure development, and rising land demand have driven significant environmental and socio-economic change. Using a mixed-methods approach combining satellite imagery (2016, 2020, 2025) and household surveys, the findings show that cropland remains the dominant land use but is increasingly fragmented due to expanding built-up areas along settlement and transport corridors. Wetlands and water bodies remained relatively stable, while vegetation and tree cover fluctuated due to natural dynamics and agroforestry practices. Key drivers of LULC change include urbanization and infrastructure development (mean > 4.2), weak land use policy enforcement (mean = 4.80), population pressure, and economic factors, while agricultural expansion had a moderate influence (mean = 3.81). The study also reveals significant livelihood impacts, including declining soil fertility (mean = 4.39) and increased land degradation (mean = 4.29), leading to reduced agricultural productivity, food insecurity, and lower household income. Statistical results show strong correlations among drivers (r = 0.58–0.81) and significant negative relationships with livelihood outcomes (r = -0.52 to -0.81). Regression analysis confirms that LULC drivers significantly predict livelihood outcomes (R² = 0.55–0.62, p < 0.001), highlighting population growth, urbanization, and economic pressures as key negative predictors.
Keywords: Community Livelihoods, Ecosystem Services, Land Use and Land Cover Change (LULC), Remote Sensing, Urbanization.
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