Land use dynamics are increasingly transforming rural landscapes and influencing socio-economic development in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Bui Division in the North West Region of Cameroon has experienced substantial land use changes over the last four decades due to population growth, agricultural expansion, urbanization, infrastructural development, and the prolonged socio-political crisis. This study examined land use dynamics and their implications for socio-economic development in Bui Division between 1985 and 2025. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted. Primary data were collected from 540 households through questionnaires, field observations, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Secondary data comprised Landsat satellite imagery (1985, 2000, 2015, and 2025), government reports, and published and unpublished sources. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques were employed to classify land use and land cover changes. The findings revealed significant changes in land use patterns over the study period. Forest cover increased from 214.67 km² in 1985 to 255.28 km² in 2025, while settlement area expanded from 328.30 km² to 565.98 km² in 2015, then slight drop 447.66km² in 2015. Agricultural land fluctuated between 1,305.90 km² in 1985, 1226.90 in 2000, 1324.6km² in 2015 and 1,243.60 km² in 2025, reflecting changes in farming practices and land availability. Water bodies declined from 6.27 km² in 1985 to 3.62 km² in 2015, suggesting increasing pressure on water resources. These changes contributed to improved agricultural production, employment opportunities, market expansion, and infrastructure development. However, they also accelerated land fragmentation, soil degradation, declining water availability, conflicts over land resources, and increasing livelihood vulnerability. Population growth and changing economic activities remained the principal drivers of these transformations. Land use dynamics have therefore generated both positive and negative socio-economic outcomes in Bui Division. Promote sustainable land use planning, strengthen land governance, and support environmental conservation to ensure balanced socio-economic development and the sustainable use of natural resources.