Land cover change under unplanned human settlements: A study of the Chyulu Hills squatters, Kenya

G Muriuki; L Seabrook; C McApline; Christine L Jacobson; B Price; G Baxter

doi:10.1016/j.landurbplan.2010.10.002

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Land cover change under unplanned human settlements: A study of the Chyulu Hills squatters, Kenya

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Land cover change under unplanned human settlements: A study of the Chyulu Hills squatters, Kenya

G Muriuki, L Seabrook, C McApline, Christine L Jacobson, B Price and G Baxter

Landscape and Urban Planning, Vol.99(2), pp.154-165

2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2010.10.002

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Abstract

squatters

landscape analysis

community assessments

conservation

GIS

Kenya

While population growth is widely acknowledged as an important driver of land cover change, the role of unplanned human settlements is not adequately recognised. Many such settlements occur in the semi-arid lands of Kenya, which in the past had relatively lower human populations, but significant wildlife populations. Over the last four decades, the Chyulu Hills, adjacent to the Tsavo and Chyulu National Parks, have experienced rapid land cover changes associated with migrant squatter settlements. We used the Chyulu Hills to advance our understanding of the nature of land cover change under squatter settlements. We evaluated land cover change from aerial photographs and satellite images within a Geographic Information System (GIS) and combined it with landscape metrics and community surveys. Community perceptions of land cover change revealed comparable trajectories in major land cover types derived from the GIS analysis. Landscape metrics showed fragmentation of native vegetation followed by coalescence to contiguous patches of cultivation as settlements increased. Land cover trajectories under squatter settlements were influenced by historical land policies, protected area management as well as regional power structures. Our findings emphasize the importance of land use histories and community involvement in evaluating and understanding land cover change. Resolution of squatter conflicts should take cognisance of community perceptions, as well as the historical and political land use antecedents. We recommend human and social capacity building of squatters towards non-land-intensive micro-enterprises, and research and investment in ecotourism.

Details

Title: Land cover change under unplanned human settlements: A study of the Chyulu Hills squatters, Kenya
Authors: G Muriuki (Author) - University of Queensland
L Seabrook (Author) - University of Queensland
C McApline (Author) - University of Queensland
Christine L Jacobson (Author) - University of Queensland
B Price (Author) - Department of Sustainability and Environment, Australia
G Baxter (Author) - University of Queensland
Publication details: Landscape and Urban Planning, Vol.99(2), pp.154-165
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2011
DOI: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2010.10.002
ISSN: 0169-2046
Organisation Unit: Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450231102621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Ecology; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geography, Physical; Regional & Urban Planning; Urban Studies

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