Land value capture for preservation of green landscapes: Case of peri-urban Kumasi, Ghana

Ghana is experiencing high urbanization rate with over 56% urban population. Due to high urban population, there is increased demand for land for urban development which has resulted in uncontrolled expansion of urban areas.

Kumasi, the fastest growing city in Ghana is rapidly expanding to its peri-urban areas. These peri- urban areas are undergoing land use changes which have resulted in loss of green landscapes and increase in land values. Legislation provided capture of increments in land values due to land use changes through betterment charge which is unique within African context.

The objectives of this research were to explain the extent by which local governments capture increments in land values due to land use change through betterment charge to finance preservation of green landscapes in peri-urban Kumasi, and to investigate if betterment charge is known by actors, if the instrument is operationalized and if it is used to capture increments in land values arising from changes in land use.

To achieve these objectives, the main research question “to what extent do local governments capture increments in land values due to land use change through betterment charge, to finance the preservation of green landscapes in peri-urban Kumasi?” was asked. A theoretical review of key concepts like peri-urbanization, land use change, land value change, land value capture, and preservation of green landscapes was done, and conceptual developed and operationalized.

A case study strategy was used to answer the research questions. Kwabre East and Asokore Mampong municipalities were chosen due to differences in land size and level of greenery. Primary, secondary, and primary-secondary data sources were used to collect data. Methods used to collect data include Semi-structured interviews, content analysis, and photo documentation. Purposive, quota sampling, and snowball sampling were used to select key actors relevant to the research. primary data was collected through face-to face and online interviews.

The findings indicate that land use changes result to increase in land values in peri-urban Kumasi. Also, betterment charge due to land use change has not been operationalized, and not implemented resulting in loss of revenues. On the other hand, land use plans and zoning regulations are ineffective in preserving green landscapes due to inadequate financing of enforcement of zoning regulations.

Recommendations were made regarding capture of land values due to land use change and on enhancing effectiveness of land use plans and zoning regulations in preserving green landscapes.