Analyzing the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Land Use/Land Cover and Suitable Site Selection for Development of Urban Amenities: A Case of Urban Green Space in Ambo Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

Land use and land cover change has become a central component in current strategies for managing natural resources and monitoring environmental changes. LULC change in urban area is becoming the major factor in reducing green area extent. These necessitate the need for analyzing urban land use/land cover change. Urban green space (UGS) has emerged as a key component of the overall city planning due to its environmental benefits and human well-being. Despite its multiple benefits, UGS is under considerable pressure, particularly in rapidly growing cities in developing countries. Enhancing knowledge of UGS's spatiotemporal changes and efficient development planning are necessary to fully gain its benefits. However, investigations in this respect in Ethiopian urban centers are scant. This study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal changes in UGS in Ambo Town, Ethiopia, from 2006 to 2022 and scientifically select suitable sites for its development. Through object based image classification of time series spot_7 and Sentinel-2A images using the nearest neighboring algorithm, land use and land cover (LULC) maps of the study area for the years 2006, 2016, and 2022 were prepared, and then the spatiotemporal changes of LULC were investigated. Determinant physical, accessibility, environmental, and socio-economic factors for UGS development were identified through a literature review, focal group discussion, and expert interview. The factors were standardized based on suitability rankings. A Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was employed to determine the relative importance of each factor. Suitable sites were identified through weighted spatial overlay analysis in a GIS environment. The findings show that the built up area has grown at a rate of about 10.8% per year over the last 16 years, indicating rapid urban growth. During the study period, UGS coverage in the study area decreased by 1.4%. Moreover, the results show that 325.4 ha are highly suitable and 3191.5 ha are suitable for UGS development, distributed over the study area. This study would aid in the formulation of appropriate UGS planning and management policies. It would also give planners and stakeholders vital information regarding appropriate sites for the growth of UGS in the future in Ambo Town.