The Peri-Urban Sprawl: Characterization and Analysis of Rice Cropland Conversion Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques in Butuan City

Some major cities in the Philippines have been experiencing an apparent conversion of rice cropland into nonagricultural use.Understanding the dynamics of rice cropland conversion in peri-urban areas is essential for minimizing excessive conversion.This study examines the conversion of rice cropland in Butuan City to non-agricultural uses over a 2-year decade from 2003 to 2023.Multispectral imagery and GIS techniques, biophysical and socioeconomic characteristics of areas undergoing conversion were analyzed.A total of 784 hectares were from 2003 to 2013 and 117 from 2013 to 2023.The results indicate significant patterns, with areas mostly less than 1000 square meters located at elevations around 12.49 meters and gentle slopes of 1.1 to 3 consisting of loam soil.Socio-economically, conversions were proximate to infrastructure, less than 230 meters from rivers and 85 meters from roads.These findings underscore patterns in managing land use effectively and preserving agricultural lands, particularly rice croplands.