Land Use Management and Urban Land Expansion in Kabul: A Case Study of Rapid Urbanization

Abstract

As a response to the challenge of rapid growth of urbanization and lack of reliable data for urban planning and management, especially in the developing countries, this paper evaluates land use change and urban spatial expansion, from 1970's to 2018, in Kabul city, the capital of Afghanistan, using satellite images, field observation and socioeconomic data. The city is highly representative of Afghanistan's rapid urbanization process. As the city rapidly expands, there are enormous challenges to the sustainable use of land and resources. The discussion covers the increase in rural-to-urban land conversion, the delineation of urban growth boundaries, urban upgrading, and the investigation of illegal construction. This study considers the aspects of urbanization and land management systems in Afghanistan. Efficient frames are outlined in Kabul for the following elements: governmental self-restraint and policy modification. The results indicated the necessity of appropriate policies and regulations particularly for limiting linear sprawl along the main roads. The conclusion seeks to synthesize land-use interventions into an agenda for Kabul's sustainable development which can also provide a reference for other cities in Afghanistan.

Patterns of Urban Compactness: Indicators of Balance between Built-Up Area and Voids

“…It should be noted that the possibilities for preventive action are very large, but this is especially true technologically, while there remains considerable application resistance from political and management bodies (Besio & Monti, 1999;Murgante, 2008;Zoppi, 2012;Hidayat & Kajita, 2019).…”

Analysis of land conversion to economic growth: the case of other purpose areas

“…Due to the rising general demand for land, there are significant obstacles to land use and land management systems, such as urbanization, that might impact the scope of land conversion [19], [29]. In order to manage the greatest land conversion plan, policymakers may set scientific and logical development goals by taking into account the social, economic, and ecological advantages of this land use transformation process.…”

Socioeconomic Impacts of Development-Induced Displacement on Informal Settlement in Qalacha Khamdan, Kabul City, Afghanistan

“…In Ghana, the Akosombo dam has forcibly relocated 80000, while in India, the Narmada Sardar Sarovar dam has displaced 127000 population, equal to 0.013% of their population (Stanley, 2004). Roadinduced displacement project Qala-e-Musa in Kabul, Afghanistan, in which 181 properties have been expropriated and 179 families were displaced (Hidayat & Kajita, 2020). In Ethiopia, the Gilgel Gibe dam has displaced 100 families.…”

“…Many development projects, such as dam projects, airports, and road projects, have been implemented during the new establishment in Afghanistan. Wazir Akbar Khan (Qala-e-Musa) was the first roaddevelopment project successfully implemented in Kabul capital of Afghanistan which has several socioeconomic impacts on displaced people (Hidayat & Kajita, 2020).…”