Impacts of Urbanization on Neighbuoring Agricultural Communities Livelihoods: The Case of Gimbi Town, West Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of rapid urbanization on livelihoods in the peri-urban areas of Gimbi town. The study focused on three of the peri-urban communities that surround the town of Gimbi, namely Choli, Wara Sayo and Melka Hola. The study took on a survey design which involved both quantitative and qualitative analysis of the effects of the town& #039, s growth on the livelihoods assets of residents.144 household heads were selected using simple random sampling technique from three neighborhoods which were chosen purposively. The major impacts of town& #039, s expansion in the study area included farmers& #039, displacement, expropriation of croplands, compensation problems, social and environmental problems. The major findings of the study indicated that urban expansion program around Gimbi town was not participatory, people were not given awareness, leaders and representatives were not consulted formally or informally. With regard to natural capital the town& #039, s expansion resulted in a total loss of 52.1, 12.1and 10.9 heactars crop, forest and pasturelands respectively. With the decline in these land holdings, the production of livestock has also declined. In addition, the communal social networks which enable residents to extend mutual support to one another in times need has declined. Furthermore, results obtained from the investigator field observation indicated notable deteriorations in the peri-urban environments. The physical growth of the town should be managed in a manner that protects the natural environment.