The effects of land use change on land surface temperatures and its health risks on street traders in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Rapid urbanization and land use change in African cities are intensifying the urban heat island effect, yet their specific human health consequences for vulnerable populations remain critically understudied. This research addresses this gap by investigating the nexus between land surface temperature (LST) rise and health risks for street traders in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, a city experiencing significant urban expansion. We integrated multi-temporal Landsat and MODIS satellite data (1995–2022) with socio-economic surveys of 150 street traders to quantify thermal trends and their perceived health impacts. Our analysis reveals a significant 228% increase in built-up area, driving a pronounced warming trend, with summer LST reaching 43.4°C. This thermal amplification is strongly correlated with impervious surfaces and shows a clear inverse relationship with vegetation cover. Critically, survey data expose severe heat-related morbidity, with nearly all traders (98.7%) reporting symptoms like headaches and 63.3% experiencing fainting spells, with the highest burden concentrated in high-density and industrial zones. This study conclusively demonstrates that land use changes are directly translating into severe occupational health hazards for the informal workforce. The findings provide an urgent, evidence-based mandate for urban planners and public health officials to implement targeted interventions—such as strategic urban greening, provision of shade infrastructure, and heat early-warning systems—to safeguard vulnerable populations and build climate-resilient cities in the Global South.