Urban Expansion and Environmental Change: Impacts on Peri-Urban Farming Communities in Burayu, Shaggar City, Oromia

As Shaggar City of Ethiopia’s Oromia Region expands outward, farmland around Burayu sub-City is shrinking and the environment is changing. This study looks at how farming families are coping with these pressures, using maps and local voices to understand both the drivers, magnitude and patterns of conversion, challenges and the strategies they use to adapt. By doing so, the research intends to generate insights that can inform more inclusive, sustainable urban planning and policy responses in Ethiopia’s rapidly changing urban fringe. A mixed-method approach was employed using survey and satellite image, FGDs and KIIs. Primary data were collected through household survey questionnaires (n = 145), focus group conversations with residents (six FGDs), key informant interviews (n = 12) with experts in the area, on-site observations incorporating GIS-based assessment of land use dynamics and environmental changes using satellite images analyses for a span of 23 years (2000–2023). Analysis was performed utilizing tools such as SPSS, Arc GIS, ERDAS, descriptive and thematic analyses. Findings indicate that developed areas increased from 42.4% (3682 ha) to 55.9% (4855 ha), while agricultural land shrank from 40.1% (3485 ha) to 24.4% (2120.8 ha). The land use and land cover data for 2023 reveals a significant shift towards urbanization, with built-up areas now comprising the largest portion of land use at 55.9%, an increase from 42. 4% in 2000. This trend suggests continued urban expansion, which may lead to the reduction of other land types. Majority of respondents (67.6%) reported the conversion of farmland to other uses, resulting in smaller plots and forcing people to relocate. Major factors contributing to this growth include insecure land ownership (26.2%), Policy and institutional gaps (23.45%), Market or economic pressure (20.69%) prompting many farmers to sell or rent their land. Consequently, communities are experiencing displacement, reduced farm sizes, lower food output, and heightened social stratifications. Women are particularly vulnerable; with 42.1% stating they were left out of land-related decisions. The findings show that while urban growth disrupts land, water, and community systems, farmers are finding ways to stay resilient. By sharing their experiences, the study connects local realities in Oromia to wider conversations about sustainable cities and climate-smart development. To adapt, individuals are seeking alternative income sources (70.3%) and negotiating for better agreements with others (46.2%). The research highlights that unchecked urban growth is causing serious problems for farmland near cities. It stresses the need for better planning of cities to protect farmland, ensure food security, and support the rights and resilience of affected farming communities in study setting.