Browsing by Author "Tesfaye Hailu"

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
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    Assessing the significance of dedicated bike lanes for sustainable mobility in the Jemo-Mebrat Haile corridor in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2025-06-01) Solomon Kushu; Tesfaye Hailu
    This study assesses the contribution of dedicated bike lanes to sustainable mobility within the Jemo-Mebrat Haile corridor in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, necessitated by rapid urbanization and increasing traffic congestion. Utilized a mixed-methods approach, the research employed a purposive sampling method to survey 60 active cyclists using the corridor's bike lanes, with inclusion criteria focused on regular users. Key findings indicate that bike lanes significantly improve cycling accessibility, yet perceived safety remains a critical concern (2.8/5) due to inadequate enforcement and obstructions, acting as the strongest predictor of usage. The study also highlights gender disparities in safety perception and reveals that utilitarian motives like health/exercise (50%) and commuting (35%) are the primary drivers for bike lane use, rather than environmental concerns, alongside a critical need for infrastructure upgrades, policy enforcement, and network expansion. In conclusion, while the bike lanes are a foundational step towards sustainable mobility, their full potential is hindered by issues of safety, enforcement, and integration, leading to recommendations for strategic investments in physical barriers, enhanced policy enforcement, inclusive design, and integrated urban planning to maximize their effectiveness and sustainability in Addis Ababa and similar African urban contexts. Keywords: Urban cycling infrastructure, bike lane effectiveness, sustainable transportation, Addis Ababa, transport policy, active mobility
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    Evaluating Urban Green Infrastructure Connectivity and Microclimate Perceptions: Lessons Learned from Piassa Corridor Development, Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2026-06-01) Alazar Berhanu; Muluken Tilahun; Tesfaye Hailu
    apid urbanization and road corridor development in Addis Ababa present a critical challenge to the spatial integrity, microclimate, connectivity, and sustainability of the city's Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI). This study evaluates the impact of road corridor expansion on UGI in the historical Piassa area of Addis Ababa between 2015 and 2026, using a sequential mixed-methods design that integrates multi-temporal satellite Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) classification and FRAGSTATS landscape metrics with a structured survey of 60 local stakeholders and institutional Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Within the 180-hectare study area, total vegetated cover increased by 158.9%, from 15.1 to 39.0 hectares, driven primarily by formalization of the Kechene river corridor into Arada Park. This consolidation reduced the landscape Splitting Index (SPLIT) by 92%, from a severely fragmented baseline of 182 to a corridor-anchored value of 14, while landscape cohesion rose from 34 to 82. However, these structural gains coexist with a planning paradox: persistent micro-level functional and environmental deficits along active transit axes. Survey findings show 65% of respondents perceive the area as warmer since redevelopment, 60% report inadequate pedestrian shade, and 70% observe that corridor design prioritizes vehicular traffic over ecological and public-space functions. Key informant interviews trace this gap to a systemic policy-practice disconnect, where Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) are prepared only after road geometries are fixed, resulting in removal of mature indigenous trees and their replacement with narrow-canopied ornamental species. The study concludes that expanding structural green cover does not automatically guarantee ecological performance or pedestrian comfort without integrated governance. It recommends sequencing ecological design before road geometry is finalized, embedding canopy continuity targets into design briefs, establishing formal pre-design public consultations, and instituting a 3:1 compensatory green-space replacement ratio for mature trees removed during construction.
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    Harmony in Vertical Living: Innovative Solutions for Integrating Apartment Buildings and Vertical Farming in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-11-01) Melat Kebede; Tesfaye Hailu
    Rapid urbanization has led to an increase in demand for fresh agricultural goods and affordable housing, which has put Addis Ababa in a difficult urban position. In order to improve food security and sustainability, this study, "Harmony in Vertical Living: Innovative Solutions for Integrating Apartment Buildings and Vertical Farming in Addis Ababa," investigates the viability of incorporating vertical farming into residential complexes. The research assesses the technical, economic, social, and environmental issues of retrofitting new and existing apartment buildings with vertical farms through a combination of surveys, literature reviews, and design concepts. According to the research, this kind of integration can potentially save costs and promote sustainability while also optimizing land usage, lowering reliance on food imports, and improving air quality. In order to promote eco friendly surroundings, reduce waste, and encourage urban agriculture, the study suggests implementing vertical farming techniques in residential areas. The information offered aids citizens, decision-makers, and governmental organizations in advancing sustainable urban development and enhancing Addis Ababa's food accessibility. Key Words: Urbanization, Vertical Living (VL), Vertical Farming (VF), Integration of Vertical Living, Sustainable Solutions
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    Integration of Flexible Water Infrastructure with Local Building Systems for Emerging Small Towns of Ethiopia. The Case of Dannisagorotown, Ginchi
    (Addis Ababa University, 2020-11-01) Bilisaf Teferir Taressa; Tesfaye Hailu
    The recent rapid urbanization and boom of building construction in Ethiopia has outpaced provision of water and sanitation infrastructure creating unsuitable working and living conditions in buildings. The general objective of the study is integration of flexible water infrastructure in local building systems to improve the standard of buildings and the livability in the emerging small towns of Ethiopia by taking Danissa Goro town as a case study area to design and demonstrate. The study area is located in Eastern Showa Zone, Oromia regional state, 125km from the city of Addis Ababa. The study investigates the negative impact of absence of water and sanitation infrastructure on housing developments, identify methods of integrating flexible water and sanitation infrastructure with local building system and assess feasibility of integrating flexible water harvesting and utilization infrastructure to the local building systems. Primary and secondary data collection methods are applied to collect quantitative and qualitative data and applied stratified interviews with 45 participants. The result of the study shows that underutilization of water sources, the absence of water infrastructure and sanitation infrastructure has a direct correlation to low quality of life, and degradation of buildings systems. Decentralized and flexible water systems are not technically complicated to integrate in local building system. Finally, the research concludes that integrating of rainwater harvesting, water conservation and wastewater disposal systems into the existing local buildings will improve the quality of life of dwellers in the emerging small towns of Ethiopia. Besides, planning and design regulations have to integrate optional spatial standard for integration of flexible water infrastructure systems as a precondition for the future development of small towns in Ethiopia. Keywords: Rapid urbanization, water harvesting, sanitation, decentralization & urban water system
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    Intermittent Water Supply and Aging Infrastructure as Determinants of Water Quality: Evidence from Lideta Subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2025-05-01) Dawit Degefa; Tesfaye Hailu
    This study assesing the compounded effects of intermittent water supply (IWS) and aging infrastructure on water quality in Wereda 04 and 05 of Lideta Sub-City, Addis Ababa. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates hydraulic modeling—applying the HazenWilliams equation, chlorine decay analysis, and water age estimation—with field inspections, household surveys, and stakeholder interviews. Framed by systems theory, infrastructure lifecycle theory, and public health models, the study identifies critical zones with low flow velocities (below 0.3 m/s) and extended water residence times (exceeding 8–10 hours), which contribute to reduced disinfectant levels and microbial contamination. Field observations revealed severe pipe corrosion and leakage, while community feedback highlighted discolored water, unpleasant odor, and reliance on unsafe coping strategies such as prolonged storage and alternative water sources. The findings confirm that IWS and aging infrastructure interact to degrade water quality and public trust. In response, the study recommends: Prioritize Replacement of Aged and Corroded Pipelines, Reconfigure Network Layout to Reduce Dead-End Segments, Upgrade Storage and Elevation Infrastructure, Establish Routine Maintenance and Inspection and Integrate Hydraulic Modeling into Planning . Key Words: Intermittent Water Supply (IWS), Urban Water Quality, Ageing Water Infrastructure, Hydraulic Modeling, Chlorine Decay
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    Pregnancy Outcomes in HIV Infected and Uninfected Women Attending ANC/PMTCT in Mekelle Town, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2011-05) Tesfaye Hailu; Fikre Enquoselassie
    Background: Birth weight is a powerful predictor of infant survival, growth, long-term health and psychosocial development. Low birth weight has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as weight at birth of less than 2,500 grams. Low birth weight (LBW) is a risk factor for infant mortality, morbidity, growth retardation, poor cognitive development and chronic diseases later in life. HIV infection during pregnancy may have a negative effect on birth weight, preterm birth and still birth. Objective: the main objective of this study is to determine the effect of HIV infection on birth outcome. Methodology: Health facility based comparative cross sectional study was conducted to determine the effect of HIV infection on birth outcomes. A pretested data collection form was used to extract data from records of systematically selected pregnant women and their birth outcomes. Data was entered and validated using Epi -Info 3.5.1 for windows. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16 for windows. Bivariate analysis using student’s t-test was performed to compare means of continuous variables. Differences in proportions was analyzed using the chi-square test. Ethical clearance was obtained from the ethical review committee of the school of public health (SPH) and institutional review board (IRB) of College of Health Science of Addis Ababa University. Result: A total number of 711 pregnant women, 237 (33.3%) HIV infected and 474 (66.7%) HIV uninfected and their newborn characteristics was extracted from ANC and delivery registers and analyzed. The overall LBW rate was 11.7%% while mean birth weight was 2953+20.98(SE). Mean birth weight tend to be lower in infants born to HIV infected women compared to HIV uninfected women (2724.78 + 41 grams VS 3064.55 + 22 grams , independent t test , P<0.001). HIV infected women were more likely to have preterm births (OR = 1.534, 95% CI; 1.046, 2.249). Although not statistically significant, HIV infected women had higher proportion of still births (3.4%) compared to HIV uninfected women (1.9%) (X2 =1.47, P = 0.23). Conclusion and Recomendation: HIV infected pregnant women are at increased risk for preterm birth and lowbirth weight. Therefore, we suggest promoting of HIV infection among reproductive age group.
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    Waste for Value: Designing Small-Scale Energy Recovery Centers for Apartment Dwellers in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2025-06-01) Yasmin Teleha; Tesfaye Hailu
    This research investigates the feasibility and transformative potential of small-scale waste-toenergy (WtE) systems in Addis Ababa’s apartment complexes to address escalating solid waste management challenges and foster sustainable urban development. The study aimed to design community-driven WtE solutions that minimize landfill dependency and produce renewable energy. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrated quantitative waste characterization, resident surveys, technical assessments, and qualitative stakeholder interviews across three apartment complexes of varying sizes in diverse neighbourhood. The research quantified waste generation patterns, revealing substantial organic waste suitable for WtE conversion, and evaluated technologies, identifying anaerobic digestion (AD) as the most viable due to its compatibility with high-moisture organic waste, low emissions and compact design suitable for urban constraints. Technical assessments confirmed AD’s feasibility, particularly in medium complexes, where sufficient basement space and garbage chute availability facilitate integration, producing energy for communal lighting or cooking. Socially, strong resident willingness to sort waste, motivated by incentives like energy credits, supports adoption, though challenges such as social stigma around waste handling and irregular collection require targeted interventions like resident committees and awareness campaigns. Economically, AD systems are viable with initial costs offset by potential savings and subsidies, aligning with global models like Bangalore’s residential AD success. The study proposes AD pilots in medium complexes to reduce landfill pressure, enhance energy reliability amidst frequent outages, and position Addis Ababa as a model for contributing to urban resilience and sustainable development goals. Keywords: waste-to-energy, anaerobic digestion, solid waste management, apartment complexes