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.