Land cover change under unplanned human settlements: A study of the Chyulu Hills squatters, Kenya

Abstract

While population growth is widely acknowledged as an important driver of land cover change, the role of unplanned human settlements is not adequately recognised. Many such settlements occur in the semi-arid lands of Kenya, which in the past had relatively lower human populations, but significant wildlife populations. Over the last four decades, the Chyulu Hills, adjacent to the Tsavo and Chyulu National Parks, have experienced rapid land cover changes associated with migrant squatter settlements. We used the Chyulu Hills to advance our understanding of the nature of land cover change under squatter settlements. We evaluated land cover change from aerial photographs and satellite images within a Geographic Information System (GIS) and combined it with landscape metrics and community surveys. Community perceptions of land cover change revealed comparable trajectories in major land cover types derived from the GIS analysis. Landscape metrics showed fragmentation of native vegetation followed by coalescence to contiguous patches of cultivation as settlements increased. Land cover trajectories under squatter settlements were influenced by historical land policies, protected area management as well as regional power structures. Our findings emphasize the importance of land use histories and community involvement in evaluating and understanding land cover change. Resolution of squatter conflicts should take cognisance of community perceptions, as well as the historical and political land use antecedents. We recommend human and social capacity building of squatters towards non-land-intensive micro-enterprises, and research and investment in ecotourism.