Exploring the nexus of migration dynamics and urban expansion: key drivers of horizontal spatial growth in Woldia Township, Ethiopia
Ethiopia remains one of the least urbanized countries globally, although many of its urban centers, including Woldia, the capital of the North Wollo Zone, are undergoing rapid growth. Woldia has recently faced significant urban challenges due to its expanding horizontal growth. One of the major issu...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Human Dynamics |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fhumd.2024.1517341/full |
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| author | Mulu Fasigo Fente Birhanu Girma Abebe Mintesnot Gebeyehu Woldeamanuel |
| author_facet | Mulu Fasigo Fente Birhanu Girma Abebe Mintesnot Gebeyehu Woldeamanuel |
| author_sort | Mulu Fasigo Fente |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Ethiopia remains one of the least urbanized countries globally, although many of its urban centers, including Woldia, the capital of the North Wollo Zone, are undergoing rapid growth. Woldia has recently faced significant urban challenges due to its expanding horizontal growth. One of the major issues associated with this growth is the increasing demand for land and space, driven by population pressure, largely attributed to migration. This migration has led to the annexation of agricultural land at the rural periphery, further contributing to the town’s horizontal expansion. This study aims to explore the key drivers behind the horizontal growth of Woldia, particularly in its peripheral areas. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to a randomly selected sample of 395 respondents, complemented by key informant interviews and secondary data sources. Both qualitative and quantitative analytical methods were employed. The findings indicate that poor social services and poverty in migrants’ areas of origin are the primary push factors. Conversely, improved social infrastructure and job opportunities at the destination are the main pull factors. Consequently, the influx of migrants has resulted in significant pressure on peri-urban areas, where housing availability and accessibility remain limited. The study recommends that local government officials and urban planners enhance their understanding of migration dynamics to effectively manage the town’s spatial expansion and address the challenges of accommodating a growing population. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-29a460e0d7a64e319c18878b96d450e1 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2673-2726 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Human Dynamics |
| spelling | doaj-art-29a460e0d7a64e319c18878b96d450e12025-01-24T16:48:11ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Human Dynamics2673-27262025-01-01610.3389/fhumd.2024.15173411517341Exploring the nexus of migration dynamics and urban expansion: key drivers of horizontal spatial growth in Woldia Township, EthiopiaMulu Fasigo Fente0Birhanu Girma Abebe1Mintesnot Gebeyehu Woldeamanuel2Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development (EiABC), Addis Ababa, EthiopiaDepartment of Urban and Regional Planning, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development (EiABC), Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCollege of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Urban Studies and Planning, California State University, Northridge, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesEthiopia remains one of the least urbanized countries globally, although many of its urban centers, including Woldia, the capital of the North Wollo Zone, are undergoing rapid growth. Woldia has recently faced significant urban challenges due to its expanding horizontal growth. One of the major issues associated with this growth is the increasing demand for land and space, driven by population pressure, largely attributed to migration. This migration has led to the annexation of agricultural land at the rural periphery, further contributing to the town’s horizontal expansion. This study aims to explore the key drivers behind the horizontal growth of Woldia, particularly in its peripheral areas. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to a randomly selected sample of 395 respondents, complemented by key informant interviews and secondary data sources. Both qualitative and quantitative analytical methods were employed. The findings indicate that poor social services and poverty in migrants’ areas of origin are the primary push factors. Conversely, improved social infrastructure and job opportunities at the destination are the main pull factors. Consequently, the influx of migrants has resulted in significant pressure on peri-urban areas, where housing availability and accessibility remain limited. The study recommends that local government officials and urban planners enhance their understanding of migration dynamics to effectively manage the town’s spatial expansion and address the challenges of accommodating a growing population.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fhumd.2024.1517341/fulldriversEthiopiamigration dynamicsnexusurban expansionWoldia |
| spellingShingle | Mulu Fasigo Fente Birhanu Girma Abebe Mintesnot Gebeyehu Woldeamanuel Exploring the nexus of migration dynamics and urban expansion: key drivers of horizontal spatial growth in Woldia Township, Ethiopia Frontiers in Human Dynamics drivers Ethiopia migration dynamics nexus urban expansion Woldia |
| title | Exploring the nexus of migration dynamics and urban expansion: key drivers of horizontal spatial growth in Woldia Township, Ethiopia |
| title_full | Exploring the nexus of migration dynamics and urban expansion: key drivers of horizontal spatial growth in Woldia Township, Ethiopia |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the nexus of migration dynamics and urban expansion: key drivers of horizontal spatial growth in Woldia Township, Ethiopia |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the nexus of migration dynamics and urban expansion: key drivers of horizontal spatial growth in Woldia Township, Ethiopia |
| title_short | Exploring the nexus of migration dynamics and urban expansion: key drivers of horizontal spatial growth in Woldia Township, Ethiopia |
| title_sort | exploring the nexus of migration dynamics and urban expansion key drivers of horizontal spatial growth in woldia township ethiopia |
| topic | drivers Ethiopia migration dynamics nexus urban expansion Woldia |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fhumd.2024.1517341/full |
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