URBAN EXPANSION AND ITS EFFECTS ON PERI-URBAN LAND COVER AND LIVELIHOODS IN BEDELE TOWN, BUNO BEDELE ZONE, OROMIA, ETHIOPIA

ADVISOR: TOLERA MEGERSA (PHD) Abstract Urban expansion in peri-urban areas profoundly impacts land cover and livelihoods, prompting the need for comprehensive studies. This research investigates the effects of urban expansion on land use/land cover (LULC) and livelihoods in Bedele town, Oromia, Ethiopia. An integrated GIS-based LULC analysis of Landsat images and socio-economic surveys approach was employed. Landsat Images of 1992-2022 were used analyzed. The result revealed that significant transformations, with agricultural lands declining as built-up areas expanded, driven by population growth and economic activities. These changes disrupted traditional livelihoods, leading to reduced access to agricultural land, shifts in crop production, and heightened livelihood vulnerabilities. Conversely, urban expansion created non-agricultural opportunities, such as entrepreneurship and employment in service sectors. The study underscores the importance of sustainable urban planning to mitigate adverse impacts while leveraging urbanization benefits. Recommendations include enhancing landuse policies, promoting inclusive development strategies, and integrating peri-urban perspectives in urban governance to foster resilient communities. Keywords: land use/land cover, livelihoods, peri-urban, urban expansion