Spatial Assessment of Urban Growth on Green Spaces in Rwanda: An insight from Rebero Mountain Landscape in Kicukiro District, City of Kigali

Abstract

Green space is a crucial component of sustainable urban development that provides urban dwellers with several environmental and social benefits. This  study investigates the impact of urban growth on green space management on hilly landscape using a case study of Rebero Mountain in Kicukiro District,  Kigali City. The study used medium resolution satellite imagery (Landsat for 2000, 2010, and 2021) and high-resolution imagery (Quick Bird 2010  and Worldview 2 images of 2015) to assess Land Uses Land Covers (LULC) dynamics. To investigate the local community's perception on the effects of  urban growth on green space, interviews were conducted. The LULC changes detection revealed a significant decrease in green space with an increase in  the built-up areas. The urbanized area has been increasing from 7,422.10 Ha up to 14,730.94 Ha during the last two decades. The increasing built-up area  was in parallel with reduction of green space, specifically 44 Ha (-6.7%) of urban forest and 255 Ha (- 26.2%) of agricultural land, for the period  between 2000 and 2021. The reduction of green cover had a negative impact on the environment, such as soil erosion and biodiversity loss. In order to support decision-makers in fostering the development of sustainable and green smart cities, a spatially explicit assessment of the availability,  management, and accessibility of urban green areas is also important. Based on this research findings, the restoration of green spaces, including the  need for land-use and land-cover change monitoring, practical government physical planning interventions, and an inclusive strategy for managing the  city's green spaces that involves NGOs and citizens, and advocates for green city development are strongly recommended.