Factors influencing the changing urban land use Patterns in mbale municipality since 1995.

Abstract

This study focused on the factors influencing the changing Urban land use patterns in Mbale Municipality since 1995. There were three main objectives set in the study, that is, to describe the previous and current land use patterns in Mbale Municipality since 1995, to examine the underlying causes and effects of the changing urban land use patterns in Mbale Municipality since 1995, and to establish the relationship between urban land uses and Mbale urban structure plans or schemes for 1954 and 1997. Purposive sampling method was used to arrive at the samples for the study. A population of study was selected. They included business community (commercials), homesteads, industrialists and planners. Observation, questionnaires and interviews guides were the major research instruments used. Observation was used especially on observing the current land use changes. Questionnaires and interview guides were administered to collect data from the sampled categories • of people in Mbale Municipality. Documentary review was used to supplement on primary data obtained from interviews and questionnaires. The data was analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages, Tables, pie charts, graphs, maps and photographs. Previously, before 1995 low lying areas and valleys were reserved for conservation and public open spaces. Gently sloping areas were mainly for residential, administrative, institutional and commercial purposes. Currently after 1995, land uses have been mixed up in all the three divisions. You find both residential and commercial activities taking place in areas meant for industrial or conservation area. The changes in land use patterns in Mbale municipality have been influenced by mainly socio-economic factors. The effects resulting from the changing urban land use patterns are diverse which included the following: Destruction of wetland areas, encroachment on open spaces, urban farm land and land use conflicts among others. A comparison of the changes in land use patterns in Mbale municipality are not in line with the Mbale urban structure plans/schemes of 1954 and 1997. It was recommended that stakeholders devise measures such as implementing land use regulations among other measures to ensure proper growth of the town as it processes for a city status.