Browsing by Author "Mugarura, Alexander"

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    Impacts of Rapid Urbanization on Environmental Quality: A case study of Mbarara Municipality, Western Uganda.
    (Kampala International University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences ., 2014-09) Mugarura, Alexander
    Urbanization in Mbarara is one of the most environmental management constraints and has become so rapid especially in the last two decades. Urbanization refers to the increase in number of people living or working in an area that changes it from the rural structure to town and modern structure, it becomes “rapid urbanization” when it is occurring at a faster rate than before and compared to other urban areas around the same region. This study focused on the impacts of rapid urbanization on environmental quality in Mbarara municipality b~ idcntif~ ing th~ lactors leading to rapid urbanization in Mbarara municipality, determining the effects of rapid urbanization on environmental resources and finding out the conservation measures being used to ensure better environmental quality. The study also determined the relationship between rapid urbanization and environmental quality. It was conducted in all the three divisions of Kamukuvi. Nyamitanga and Kakoba using Cluster and Judgmental sampling techniques. ‘l~he study found out that: rapid urbanization in Mbarara has been influenced by many factors which include: increased population, especially caused by rural urban influx, availability of natural resources ike River Rwiizi and good pastures for grazing. strategic location along the high~va~ government policy and peace and security. Rapid urbanization has led to various effects on environmental resources such as pollution, land degradation. soil erosion and floods, loss of of diversity and climate change. The conservation measures implemented are; environmental Ian’s and policies, construction of waste disposal sites, public awareness and participation. planting trees and flowers, water treatment and regulation of rural urban influx. Environmental impact Assessment. strengthening available laws and policies, capacity building and multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral approaches should be applied as suggested by the respondents. Using spearman’s correlation statistical test it was concluded that there is a negative correlation between rapid urbanization and environmental quality (r~ ~1. at p 0.05). The study recommended extension of development projects even to rural areas, better urban planning. and conservation projects like tree planting and implementation of environmental laws and policies.