Impacts of Rapid Urbanization on Environmental Quality: A case study of Mbarara Municipality, Western Uganda.
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Date
2014-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences .
Abstract
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.
Description
A dissertation Submitted to the School of Engineering
and Applied Sciences in Partial Fulfillment for the
Award of Bachelors of Science Degree in Environmental Management of
Kampala International University.
Keywords
Environmental, Rapid Urbanization, Impacts, Mbarara Municipality