EFFECT OF URBAN EXPANSION ON THE SURROUNDING RURAL COMMUNITY:THE CASE OF SULULTA TOWN, IN OROMIA SPECIAL ZONE SURROUNDING ADDIS ABABA, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA

ABSTRACT The growing effect of urbanization in, Sululta town of the OromiaSpecial Zone Surrounding Addis Ababa is a result of a combination of natural population increase and migration to town. This study addresses the effect of urban expansion-induced expropriation on the socio-economic and physical environment of the surrounding rural environment. To achieve this aim, the study sampled 391 selected households using random sampling. In addition, the study sought further information from key informants, FGD, and observation. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the households using a structured questionnaire. The quantitative data was analyzed by SPSS software while the qualitative data was analyzed by descriptive and narrative techniques. The study revealed that the Sululta area is experiencing the impact of urban expansion due to its proximity to Addis Ababa city. The impact urban expansion of Sululta town has increased demand for land and the informal land market. As a result, land use and land tenure of the surrounding farmers have changed drastically, with both positive and negative effects on the physical environment, cultural practice and social relationships, and economic lives of the farm community. Some of the positive effects of urban expansion identified by the sample respondents include the availability of road infrastructure, schools, markets, and easy access to banks. The negative effects were the loss of agricultural land, environmental pollution (inappropriate solid waste disposal, lack of an efficient drainage system, bad odor and aesthetic disturbance), forest degradation, and unemployment for the immigrants. These effects have in turn led to the loss of grassland and new agricultural land strategies among the Sululta community. The study recommends that there is a need to undertake an integrated and community-driven urban planning framework for the region and other emerging urban centers.