Abstract:
Squatter settlement is present a critical urban management challenge in Ethiopia. The objective
of this study was to examine spatial change of squatter settlements and determinant factors in the
Sululta town, Shegger City, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A mixed research approach with a
sequential descriptive survey design was employed. Both qualitative and quantitative data were
systematically collected and analysed using software like Arc Geographical Information System.
Primary data was collected from 385 samples, 8 key informant interviews, and encompassing
remote sensing analysis to examine land use and land cover changes from 1991 to 2022. Analysis
of satellite imagery demonstrated a substantial increase in built-up area, rising from 3.08% in
1991 to 46.17% in 2022, indicating rapid urban growth. Most of the squatter settler occupied
land without consent of legal procedures and the held land also above current standard area of
land plots allowed 140-meter square that has been implemented based on land lease law in
Sululta town. The binary multiple linear regression analysis indicated that, education, income,
family size, occupation, high growth rate, and inefficient land administrations were significantly
determined by a combination of demographic and socioeconomic factors, including the high price
of land, unemployment, location preference, shortage of houses and house rent. Regarding the
consequences of squatter settlement expansion, the study found that socio-economic consequences
such as marginalization, lack of basic infrastructure provision, property loss, and insecure tenure
were prevalent. Whereas, disposal of wastes, flooding, and shrinkage of agricultural and forest
land were major environmental consequences in the study area. To this end, the findings of the
study indicate that controlling the squatter settlements were challenging due to, administration
and socio-economic problems in the study area. The paper concludes that the growth of such
settlements is questionable to be reversed in the future unless a viable and appropriate policy
measure is in place. Therefore, it is recommended that the reinforcement of preventive
approaches such as improved land and housing provision, regularization of existing settlements,
but with the provision of adequate services.
