Population Growth and Agricultural Land Conversion in Ha Foso: Examining Land Tenure Conflicts and Socioeconomic Drivers

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of population growth, housing expansion, land tenure conflicts and economic incentives on land-use change and farmland depletion in Ha Foso, a peri-urban area near Maseru in Lesotho. Quantitative data obtained from household questionnaires were coded and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0. Land-use change and farmland depletion remain critical challenges in peri-urban environments where rapid population growth and urban expansion place increasing pressure on limited agricultural land resources. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, integrating household questionnaires, interviews, field observations and geospatial analysis to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. Stratified sampling was used to ensure adequate representation across different settlement densities within the study area. Qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes. In addition, historical satellite imagery and spatial datasets were processed and analysed using ArcGIS 10.8 to examine land-use dynamics between 2000 and 2024. The findings revealed that rapid population growth, increasing housing demand, expansion of commercial land transactions, and persistent land tenure disputes have collectively intensified the conversion of agricultural land into residential and informal settlements. The study provides evidence for improved land-use planning and sustainable development in peri-urban areas. These results underscore the need for stronger land governance frameworks, participatory planning and enforcement of zoning regulations to mitigate uncontrolled urban expansion and protect remaining agricultural land for future food security and livelihoods in Lesotho.