Effects of population pressure and urban development on land degradation: a case study of Dar es Salaam city
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Date
2006
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The deterioration of the quality of land resources in Dar es Salaam city has been attributed to population growth and urban development activities such as that of the construction industry. Such activities have increased demands for building materials for both buildings and roads thereby escalating exploitation of these resources now and then. This study sought to identify and establish as well as explain the demographic and socio-economic factors that are contributing to population increase and related pressure on the degradation of the land and its resources in Dar es Salaam city. The study examined, analyzed and characterized the nature, extent, causes city. The study examined, analyzed and characterized the nature, extent, causes and impact of land degradation. The research had showed that the study area exhibit high population growth rate of about 4.3% per annum. This rapid growth of population has resulted into land degradation in the area in form of deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of fertility due to the extraction of building materials from various deposits and sites where these materials are easily available. Also results show that thousands of tons of building materials are extracted annually and land left useless, incapable of any production activities. Annual production of sand, aggregate, stone and soil (base course material) are estimated at 1,166,916,625,296, 157,200 and 681,432 tons respectively. These quantities of materials are extracted annually and are too large, lead to the land degradation. The main conclusion of the study is that pressure on land resources in Dar es Salaam is likely to continue unless corrective measures are taken. Land degradation will continue to be a problem because it is difficult and unrealistic to prevent it completely given the rate of urban growth and concomitant demand for building materials for the construction of buildings and roads.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class Mark ( THS EAF GF75.T34B6)
Keywords
Environmental degradation, Urban development, Population, Cities and towns, Growth, City planning
Citation
Bogohe, S. C (2006) Effects of population pressure and urban development on land degradation: a case study of Dar es Salaam city, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam