Government-led resettlement schemes and land based investments have altered land systems

• Forest and land degradation are directly linked to rapid population growth. • Land cover modification affects forest ecosystem services. • Both subsistence and commercial agriculture contribute to deforestation. • Government-led resettlement schemes and land-based investments have altered land systems. Land use land cover (LULC) changes significantly modify the natural environment if not well managed. This study aimed to quantify four decades (1984 to 2024) of LULC change in the resettlement areas of the Kellem Wollega Zone using geospatial technologies. Landsat imagery from 1984, 1994, 2004, 2014, and 2024, derived from Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 7 ETM+, Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS, and Landsat 9 OLI/TIRS-2 were downloaded for LULC change assessment. Results show that cultivated land increased from 782.35 km² to 1075.45 km², with an increment of 293.10 km². Similarly, the built-up areas experienced an increasing trend from 14.53 km² to 49.62 km², gaining 35.09 km². In contrast, shrubland and grazing land declined from 482.54 km² to 371.86 km² and from 417.35 km² to 311.47 km², with net losses of 110.68 km² and 105.88 km², respectively. Similarly, forest cover and bare land decreased by 86.70 km² and 24.93 km², respectively. These changes reflect increasing pressure on land resources due to population growth and resettlement. Results show that cultivated land and built-up areas are experiencing a significant increasing trend, while forest, shrub land, grazing land, and bare land are experiencing a declining trend. The study recommends effective land use planning that promotes sustainable agriculture while ensuring environmental resilience.