Urban Planning
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Item Sustainable Urban Green Space Planning in Response To Rapid Urbanization: The Case of Debre Berhan and Debre Markos, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2025-02-01) Alemaw Kefale Getnet; Aramde Fetene ( Associate Professor)Urban green spaces (UGS) play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in cities, particularly in terms of resilience to climate change (Bressane et al., 2024). However, rapid urbanization has severely impacted these areas, especially during the densification of urban functions. Unplanned growth has led to significant losses in urban landscapes, vegetation, and ecosystems. In develop ing countries, including Ethiopia, the effectiveness of current practices in green space planning and development is being questioned, highlighting the need for improved quality and provision. This study evaluated the availability, accessibility, quality, user preferences, and constraints re lated to urban green spaces in the rapidly urbanizing cities of Debre Berhan and Debre Markos. A mixed–methods approach was employed, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data. Sam pling techniques included probability and purposive sampling, with data gathered from document reviews, satellite imagery, field surveys, and insights from city administration offices and key informants. Tools for data collection included interviews, questionnaires, and document anal yses, with data processed using software such as SPSS and ArcGIS 10.8. The findings revealed a significant decline in vegetation cover in both cities from 2000 to 2020, with a marked transfor mation of green spaces and agricultural land into built environments. Many users stated that ur ban green spaces are neither accessible nor good quality. The planning of these spaces does not take into account users' preferences and perceptions. Users value green spaces for their recrea tional, aesthetic, and pollution-mitigating benefits. Notably, only quantitative standards were employed for green space planning, while alternative models remain unfamiliar in both cities. iii These results underscore the need for enhanced knowledge and strategies to effectively integrate and manage urban green spaces in rapidly urbanizing areas. Keywords: Urban green spaces, accessibility, quality, land use land cover (LULC), green space planningItem Assessment of The Impacts of Transit-Oriented Development on Light Rail Transit: The Case of Addis Ababa Light Transit(Addis Ababab University, 2024-10-01) Sahlit Girma Siyum; Berhanu Woldetensae (Associate Professor)This research aims to probe the impact of transit-oriented development (TOD) on light rail transit efficiency at selected Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit (AALRT) stations (Ayat, CMC, Megenagna, and Mexico Stations). It studied the integration of transit-oriented development principle (density, diversity, design, and destination accessibility) into the AALRT, the impact of integrating TOD into AALRT on the ridership pattern or passengers flow, and a lesson from successful implementation of TOD on other cities. Both quantitative and qualitative research approach used to conduct this research. Likewise, both primary and secondary data source was used for this particular research. Observation and spatial analysis (GIS) used to generate the existing land use and road network map for the selected stations and the TOD principles were calculated using different formulas based on the existing land use and road network maps. Counting of sold tickets at peak hours, data from AALRT transport department, and structured interview was used to determine passengers flow at peak hours, average daily passengers, and passengers flow within the TOD influence zone respectively. Through a literature review, different cities’ successful TOD implementation experiences were studied. Purposive and availability sampling were used to choose an AALRT station to study and to determine passenger flow at peak hours. Spatial multi-criteria analysis and SPSS were used to analyze the TOD index and the relation between the TOD index and passenger flow. The research found that Ayat station is with better integration of TOD and Mexico station is with least TOD integration or TOD index. With high TOD index at all selected station within 800-meters TOD influence zone, the research concluded that TOD principle is more integrated within the 800-meters TOD influence zone than within 400-meters TOD influence zone. The passenger flow both daily passenger and passengers flow at peak hours has direct relation with the TOD index. Ayat station has the highest passenger flow daily and at peak hours correspondingly highest TOD index value. The passenger flow at peak hours doesn’t not affect by the distance to transit as the result demonstrate that majority of the trip is generated outside of the TOD influence zone. It shows that a dearth of affordable house within the TOD influence zone. Key words: Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit, Transit-oriented development principles, Passengers flow, TOD index, AALRT EfficiencyItem Analyzing The Mobility Differences Between Neighborhoods in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababab University, 2025-02-01) Tigist Getachew Yenealem; Berhanu Woldetensae (Associate Professor)Addis Ababa is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa and administrative and financial capital of Ethiopia. However, in Ethiopian cities, the rate of urban physical growth has exceeded the rate of infrastructure and service provision in addition the scarce availability of data in Ethiopia remains a major impediment to precisely analyzing urban mobility challenges. This study is unique in that it employs third-party travel time data and very little land-use information. The smallest administrative unit i.e. Woreda was chosen as a traffic analysis zone; as well as travel time and distance between zones was gathered using Quantum Geographic Information System travel time plugin. The mobility and accessibility conditions in different neighborhoods of Addis Ababa were calculated using the neighborhood mobility index based on the free flow travel time and the peak hour travel time index. In this study it was found that all neighborhoods were above the acceptable threshold of Neighborhood Mobility Index 1.5, which means residents in Addis Ababa travel an additional of 50% of the free flow travel time, and among these, Woredas in the Central Business District counter more congestion relative to Woredas in the peripheries. Although, it reveals that they enjoy far more access; are able to reach more than 75% of the destinations within 30 minutes. while as we go further from downtown people have to travel further for jobs, shopping and social interactions. Furthermore, distance by physical routes divided by straight line distance, which unlike the above two analysis, showed no particular relationship between living in the city core or outside. Apparently, zones next to each other share similar values and to some extent it is displayed that zones in the periphery had less direct roads because of the lack of transport infrastructure in these regions. Conclusively, the pragmatic finding indicate that whereas people living far away have to travel longer to access activity’s, residents living in the center also have to counter more congestion. The study suggests that priority must be given to efficient land use, Infrastructure Improvements and public transportation. Key words: Addis Ababa, Congestion, Mobility, Neighborhoods, QGISItem Analyzing Urban Land Acquisition for Housing In Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia(Addis Ababab University, 2024-11-01) Dereje Tessema Adgeh; Birhanu Girma (PhD)This dissertation examines urban land acquisition for housing in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia, focusing on its processes, challenges, and policy implications. The study investigates urbanization trends, land expropriation, formal cooperative housing schemes, informal land acquisition practices, and administrative and policy barriers affecting urban land supply. A mixed methods approach was employed, incorporating key informant interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis to track peri-urban land conversion from 2011 to 2021. Findings reveal that rapid urban expansion, driven by a 7% annual population growth rate, has resulted in an 8% conversion of peri-urban land, often displacing farmers with inadequate compensation and disrupting livelihoods. While cooperative housing schemes have allocated over 35,000 certified land plots to low- and middle-income residents, only 7,000 members have completed construction due to high costs, administrative inefficiencies, and prolonged land servicing. Meanwhile, informal land transactions have flourished due to inefficiencies in formal land allocation and inadequate compensation for expropriated farmers, with brokers and local administrators facilitating these transactions. To address these challenges, the study recommends policy reforms aimed at improving formal land supply mechanisms, streamlining cooperative housing processes, strengthening land registration and banking systems, and enhancing institutional coordination. Additionally, alternative funding mechanisms, such as an urban land development fund, are proposed to support affordable housing initiatives. Overall, the research underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions to promote sustainable urban development and equitable access to housing in Bahir Dar City.Item Analysis of Land Use /Land Cover Dynamics In Relation To Urban Expansion: The Case of Hawassa City, Ethiopia(Addis Ababab University, 2025-04-01) Mefekir Woldegebriel Tessema; Birhanu Girma Abebe (Associate Professor)Land Use and Land Cover Changes (LULC) are some of the worldwide factors that have the most impact on city growth. This study examines land use and land cover changes in relation to urban expansion in Hawassa City. The objectives of the study include quantifying land use and land cover changes over three decades, examining public perception on urban green infrastructure and land use management, physical and socio-economic driving forces of land use and land cover change, and identifying challenges of urban land management. The data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and key interviews. Finally, the data were analyzed in different ways, using figures and tables, for example. Descriptive and econometric models were also used to analyze the data and probit regression models were used to investigate the impact of urban expansion on the livelihood of displaced farmers in the surrounding area. The study used multi-spectral satellite images from 1990 and 2020, and employed packages like QGIS version 3.2, ArcGIS 10.3, ENVI 4.2, and ERDAS Imagine 2013 for image classification. Descriptive and econometric analyses were used to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data using SPSS version 25. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that the effect of urban expansion on the combined dependent variables, namely, on land use, socioeconomic activities, culture, and environmental change, is statistically significant F(8, 616) =12.704, p = 0.000, Wilk’s Lambda (λ) = .737, partial eta squared(partial η2) = 0.142, observed power = 1.000. Comparatively, the area covered by farmland, built-up areas, and bushland increased from 19.46% to 26.51%, 11.97% to 18.71%, and 3.07% to 4.51%, respectively. Hawassa City has developed very rapidly, growing from a surface coverage of 4.98 km2 in the 1983s to built-up area coverage of around 48.29 km2 in 2018. The mean score for the level of social relationship and values after land expropriation was 1.7 moderate, with a standard deviation of 0.852 in comparison with the mean score for the level of social relationship and values before land expropriation, which was 3.21 high, with a standard deviation of 0.79. There isn’t much of a difference between them in the second category, where the lease price was increased from the starting price by (457%) from 2015 to 2016. The f-statics or f-ratio were 91.656 and the sign value of highly significant as (p=.000<0.01). Keywords: Change detection, Green Infrastructure, Land Use/ Land Cover, Informal Settlement, Probit model, Urban Expansion.Item Infrastructure integration in Historic Places: Case of Shonke Village, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2025-07-01) Hiwot Ergetie; Zegeye Chernet (Phd)Historic urban development presents unique challenges, the risks of neglect on one hand and over-commercialization on the other, making preservation and modernization a complex task. This study explores how to manage this balance through infrastructure integration in the historic place of Shonke Village. The research employed a single case study design and a mixed-methods approach, utilizing qualitative and quantitative research methods. Primary data were collected through survey, key informant interview, focus group discussion, and transect walks, while secondary data were collected from published and unpublished sources. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select 89 household heads, 10 key informants, and 7 Focus group discussion participants, ensuring diverse perspectives and representation. Transect walks along four routes provided valuable observations on the village's infrastructure, historic features, and land use patterns, offering insights into the unique opportunities and challenges of the places. The collected data is analyzed using spatial, thematic, statistical, and comparative methods. The study highlights that Shonke Village possesses a rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage with sustainable development potential. However, inadequate infrastructure like water, sanitation, energy, transportation, and ICT threatens heritage and drives resident relocation. Notably, it proposes hybrid renewable energy, eco toilets, and sustainable transportation. Focusing on small targeted interventions that generate ripple effects across social, cultural, environmental, and economic domains, the proposed solutions aim to improve essential services, foster economic growth, attract tourism, and preserve Shonke’s cultural heritage. The findings underscore that strategic infrastructure improvement is grounded in a nuanced understanding of a place's cultural values, social needs, physical context, economic vitalities, and environmental considerations. This research contributes to the broader discourse on urban planning in heritage-rich cities, offering a model for harmonizing development with preservation through locally rooted, context-sensitive infrastructure solutions. Keywords: Integrated infrastructure, Urban Planning, Heritage Preservation, Shonke VillageItem The Effect of Urban Expansion on the Livelihoods of Farmers: The Case of Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-10-01) Yeshitla Agonafir Ayenachew; Birhanu Girma (PhD]Rapid urbanization induced extensive land expropriation in Ethiopia particularly in Addis Ababa city. Land expropriation in turn leads to land use land cover changes and affects the livelihoods of farmers in expansion areas. The study explored the effect of urban expansion on the livelihoods of farmers in Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia. A mixedmethod approach was employed, by combining qualitative and quantitative research approaches to collect data from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected through 349 household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations. Secondary data was gathered from relevant governmental offices and literature. Additionally, spatial analysis using GIS and remote sensing was conducted to assess LULC changes over two decades from 2000 to 2020, and illustrate the extent of urban expansion into peri-urban agricultural areas. The findings revealed significant gaps in the implementation of legal and policy frameworks regarding land expropriation, valuation, compensation, and resettlement. Over the study period, Addis Ababa's built-up area increased by 25.28%, predominantly at the expense of agricultural land, which decreased by 15.92%, and vegetation cover, which declined by 9.35%. This rapid urban expansion has led to widespread land expropriation, particularly in the peripheral areas, fundamentally altering the peri-urban landscape. The socio-economic impact on expropriated farmers was substantial, with many experiencing a 45.5% decline in income. Before expropriation, 99% of farmers were fully engaged in agriculture, but after dislocation, 33% became unemployed, while 42.4% were forced into temporary, low-paying jobs. Despite government resettlement and livelihood restoration efforts, compensation was inadequate, and resettlement programs lacked the necessary support to restore long-term livelihoods, leaving many farmers impoverished. The study concludes that land expropriation in Addis Ababa had a profound adverse effect on farmers’ livelihoods. The study recommended more equitable compensation payment, improved livelihood restoration programs, and inclusive urban planning that prioritizes displaced people. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers addressing urban expansion, land expropriation, and socio-economic justice. Keywords: expropriation, valuation, compensation, resettlement, livelihood, farmers Addis Ababa, EthiopiaItem Leveraging On-Site Rainwater Harvesting For Water Supply Challenges of High-Occupancy Mixed-Use Buildings In Addis Ababa; The Case of Crown Hotel 40/60 Condominium(Addis Ababa University, 2024-05-01) Ashenafi Belina Hunde; Tibebu Assefa (PhD)Addis Ababa City Administrations has built different types of condominium housing since 2005 through its Housing Development Program. 40/60 condominium is one of the program schemes intends for higher middle income residents. However, most of these housing sites supplied water twice a week. This research aims to investigate the water supply demand gap as well as potential rooftop and surface runoff RWH for supplementary water supply and flood reduction in Crown Hotel 40/60 condominium site. Monthly water demand is projected from household survey data collected from 193 residential and commercial units; the current water consumption determined from six-month monthly water bill. Rooftop RWH potential of site is calculated by interpolating the mean monthly rainfall data of 15 rain gauge stations collected from National Meteorological Agency. As well as, the catchment hydrology is analyzed using rational methods; infiltration trench and basin is proposed for surface runoff harvesting in accordance to the catchment suitability criteria. The result indicates, the study site has a monthly water supply gap of 0.41m3 per housing units. Each buildings have rooftop RWH potential of 1190.2m3 annually, this amount can contribute 11 percent of the buildings annual water demand. The required size of infiltration trench and basin are 14.72m2 for trench and is 22.7m2 basin. These components have a potential of 22,511.28m3 surface runoff harvesting annually by infiltrating to ground soil. Both rooftop and surface RWH system can reduce 63 percentages of floods generated from the study site. Thus, practicing both surface and rooftop RWH systems are comprehensive to encounter the city water supply challenges and flood related problems caused by the combination of population growth, climate and land use change. Keywords: Water sensitive urban design, water; rooftop rainwater harvesting; surface runoff, stormwater, 40/60 condominiumItem Analyzing the Effect of Manufacturing Industries on Environment in Sheger City: Implication for Sustainable Industrial Development(Addis Ababa University, 2025-01-01) Milkessa Jagemma Tolerra; Hailu Worku (Professor)Urbanization-driven industrialization refers to the growth of industries as cities and towns expand due to migration, population growth, and infrastructural development. This transformation leads to economic benefits but also creates significant environmental challenges. A balanced approach is required, emphasizing sustainable industrial development to mitigate adverse environmental effects while ensuring positive economic growth. Ethiopia's urbanization-driven industry has disrupted the environment and social well-being, as it does in many other emerging nations. The implications for sustainable industrial expansions and the impacts of Sheger city's manufacturing industry on the environment were the main objectives of this study. To evaluate the effectiveness of industry expansion strategies, economic impacts, and industrial agglomeration effects, survey questionnaires were used. Furthermore, laboratory research was conducted on the geographical differences in the physicochemical properties and heavy metal concentrations in the areas of industrial wastes, water, soil, and vegetables. To quantitatively analyze the data, common statistical tools such as one-way ANOVA, correlation coefficient, hazard index, bio concentration factor, and regression analysis were employed. The findings of this study showed that the levels of heavy metals and physicochemical characteristics were higher than allowable limit, which had an impact on the soil, water, and plants on land. In addition, the country's industrial policy has failed to take advantage of the potential to efficiently employ locally accessible resources and promote connections between isolated industrial zones. This study conclude that industry policy has to be initiated, accessible industrial effluence control standards should be enforced more strictly, installing plant treatment, industrial leftovers should be converted into biogas products, and public awareness should be increased. Keywords: Agglomeration, heavy metal, Industrial wastes, physiochemical, SpatialItem The Impact of Urban Renewal Projects On Low- Income Residents in Addis Ababa: The Case of American Gibi, Addis Ketema Sub-Cit(Addis Ababa University, 2024-10-01) Anteneh Negussie; Bosena Yirga (PhD)This study examines the impact of urban renewal projects on low-income residents in American Gibi, a neighborhood in Addis Ketema Sub-City, Addis Ababa, and to identify determinant factors of satisfaction level of relocates. The researcher used a mixed research approach and the research is both descriptive and inferential/analytical in type. Both primary and secondary data were gathered for this study. The primary data were collected from relocated site households and secondary data were collected from different journals, books, papers, and other recorded documents. The sample of displaces was selected through stratified random sampling and simple random sampling methods. Data were gathered through questionnaires and in-depth interviews through open-ended and close ended questions. Primary and secondary data were analyzed based on qualitative, descriptive, and inferential analysis methods depending on the type of data to be collected. From this study, the researcher concludes that due to urban renewal projects, relocates lost their social and informal interactions, jobs and locational advantages, and sufficient compensation for their loss. The researcher also concludes that the relocates satisfaction level is determined by variables age, educational status, employment status, transport access, and access to basic infrastructures. To alleviate these problems, the researcher recommended for the concerned body to change the socio economic conditions of relocates, to participate the community, to work on determinant factors of satisfaction level to satisfy the relocates. Keywords: Addis Ababa, urban renewal, low-income householdsItem Analysis of the Trends of Land Use Land Cover Change and its Management: The Case of Dukem Town, Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2025-02-01) Neguma Hika Gibe; Birhanu Girma (PhD)This study investigates the trends of land use and land cover changes and its management in Dukem town between the years 1994-2024 through identifying driving factors and actors. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches using spatial analysis of remote sensing and GIS techniques and survey methods. Both primary and secondary data sources were used for the study; and the Primary data were collected using questionnaires and observations. While the secondary data were collected using satellite images. Accordingly, the result showed a significant increase in the built-up area of the town. Between 1994 and 2024, the study town expanded from 498 hectares (5%) to 3447 hectares (36%). This rapid growth meant that built-up areas were taking over large portions of other land types, such as agricultural land. Unfortunately, agricultural land decreased substantially during this period, declining from 6258 hectares (65%) in 1994 to 3889 hectares (40%) in 2024. Besides, the research found that the rate at which land is being consumed is significantly higher than the rate of population growth, except between 2014 and 2024. This suggests inefficient utilization of land, as the ideal scenario is for land consumption to be slower than population growth. Therefore, to improve land use efficiency in study town, efforts should focus on managing urban land and addressing the factors that are driving these land use changes. The goal is to reduce the ratio of land consumption to population growth to a level below one. This study recommended for several key actions. Firstly, it emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring of land use changes through technologies like remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This will help track urban growth and assess the success of urban planning policies. Secondly, the study stressed the importance of protecting natural resources and mitigating the environmental damage caused by urban expansion. Essentially, the study calls for a multi-faceted approach to sustainable urban development that involves continuous monitoring, environmental protection, improved planning regulations, community engagement, and strong inter-agency collaboration. Key words: land use land cover change, change detection, Key factors, Key actors, ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate (LCRPGR)Item Assessment of Community Based Neighborhood Parks’ Planning, Practice and Management: The Case of Woreda Six in Kolfe Keraniyo Sub-City, Addis(Addis Ababa University, 2024-04-01) Mulatu Assefa; Hayal Desta (PhD)The proportion of people living in major cities is rapidly growing. There was high movement of individuals from rural to urban areas. Built-space density is rising, housing is developing, infrastructure is being created, and industrial zones outside the city are being reorganized. Because of this, the green spaces in the capital have seen excessive exploitation and significant degradation as a result of a lack of meticulous management of green spaces and insufficient greening operations. One of the solutions would be to build and preserve community-based neighbourhood parks and green spaces. The study area location where found in Addis Ababa city, Kolfe Keraniyo sub-city, woreda 6. The main objective of the research was to examine community-based neighbourhood-park planning, practice, and management (PPM), with a focus on planning provision, community perception, organization, and administrative issues related to its ecosystem services. The most important issues of the research were assessing urban green area planning provision, and management of communities’ knowledge of urban neighborhood park benefit, practice and problem identifying, as well as government involvement in human and funding resources, and stakeholders’ contribution to green space development.The research study follows descriptive research approach to notice both quantitative and qualitative data, helps in assessing people’s preferences, and including planning status, engagement practice, and management to solve challenges. The method used mainly field survey tactic across the study area through analyzing or investigating existing condition using primary as well as secondary data sources. The data was analyzed and findings were created using SPSS, Microsoft-word, Excel, Arc GIS, Auto CAD, and some related tools. The results were described as follows- A, The Addis Ababa Structure Plan's 30, 30, and 40 percent land use provisions were not intended to be followed in the planning of green space. The green area is smaller than 1 m2 per person, it is less than World Health Organization (WHO) requirement; additionally, neighbourhood park plan distribution was improperly spread within a 300m radius; farther more, the planning process was not participatory in and of itself; and finally, there are implementation problem issues. The rate of plan change, grading, and monitoring for local parks and green areas received less attention. B, according to half of the respondents, had less awareness on neighbourhood parks important and necessary, which explains fewer funds are being contributed to the construction of community IV parks. primary objective of the neighbourhood park and with regard to its comfort, security, and green space planting, most respondents stated that it was in poor character. The majority of community parks lacked proper plants and had poorly designed features including lights, benches, trash cans, sidewalks, and safety obstacles. C, the neighbourhood park committee was not given any official training or experience; members were elected and serve voluntarily. The results show that there was inadequate partner coordination, poor consultation, and a lack of teamwork. Ultimately, the committee's efforts have resulted in the expenditure of time, money, resources, and authority that an individual or group of committee members have committed to the process of growth and management. The majority of communityfocused local parks lacked a legally required park design. The majority of neighborhood parks are devoid of elements that should be present in a green area, like playground areas, benches, lighting, gates, and paths. Every green space must abide by the proportionate norm of 80 percent green space and 20 percent amenity. The following recommendations were made based on the study's results. A communitybased neighborhood and other parks will need systemic reforms to better link economic, environmental, and social policies and institutions. These changes must be politically and economically feasible while also discovering synergies, weighing and giving solution. Advocate for and promote the creation of a comprehensive, integrated neighborhood park management plan that addresses the pressing concern and opportunity posed by the existing NPs vacant lots. In order to address the aforementioned challenges, the woreda administration must work very hard and also offer training to export personnel working in various institutions as well as devoted community members. When the next structural design is being prepared, it might be important to include neighborhood parks for the protection of land use violation. In order to promote environmental sustainability, create effective plans, formulate strategies, and utilize synergies, it is vital to build on the financial support that the community has previously contributed for local parks. Keywords: Community, Neighbourhood Park, Plan, Practice, and Management.Item Urban Water Metabolism for Promoting Water-Sensitive Urban Planning Interventions in Adama City, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2025-01-01) Abraha Tesfay Abraha; Tibebu Assefa (PhD)Urban metabolism quantifies resource flow within urban boundaries focusing on urban water, energy, nutrients and wastes. However, in developing nations, little research has been done to provide a quantitative picture of how water is consumed and transformed in urban landscape, as well as the water sensitive planning interventions needed to improve urban water security. This research was aimed to analyze the urban water metabolism of Adama city, Ethiopia as a foundation for evidence-based decision-making for water sensitive urban planning and enhance urban water security. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and urban water mass balance to track and trace water inflows, outflows and losses. Geo spatial tools were used to map water supply source locations, distribution networks, consumption patterns and water stress. Water security was quantified using the Integrated Urban Water Security Index (IUWSI). The study applied the Random Forest algorithm in R version 4.0.5. This algorithm was used to identify factors influencing residential water consumption. Key informant interviews and surveys were conducted to collect data on consumption and conservation behaviours across households, commercial, institutional and industrial water users. The data collection was conducted by combining both the bottom-up and top-down data collection systems. Findings indicated that Adama city is located in a water-stressed geographical location that receives less than 1700 m³ of water per person annually. The city's daily per capita water consumption is 69 liters falling short of Ethiopia's standard of 80 liters. The water distribution network covers only 45% of the area outlined in the master plan. The result also indicated a 38% gap between water demand and supply. Furthermore, nearly 30% of households receive water just at most three days a week. The centralized water supply accounts for 61% of the total consumption with 90% sourced from the distant Awash River indicating the city’s dependency on remote sources. Water conservation practices in Adama are limited. This reflects a linear take-make-use-dispose model that overlooks internal alternative water harvestings. The urban water security index of 1.95 revealed that Adama lacks water sensitive planning and strategies to ensure the urban water security. The study also revealed that key factors influencing water consumption are family size, housing quality, income levels, the number of rooms, parcel legal status, supply reliability, climate and topography. In conclusion, Adama is experiencing significant urban water insecurity due to both economic and physical water scarcity along with limited water-sensitive interventions. Adama city is heavily dependent on a centralized water source which lacks internalization and diversification practices coupled with underdeveloped conservation practices. Another conclusion that can be drawn is that as long as the city’s business as usual water consumption practice doesn’t change, the water supply problem will worsen over time. Hence, to strengthen urban water security, Adama city should implement water-sensitive urban planning interventions and strategies that encompass community engagement, the adoption of water-saving technologies, water-sensitive urban land use planning and the establishment of a robust water sensitive legal framework to promote urban water security. Keywords: Metabolism, water mass balance, water stress, water security, water sensitive, Adama, EthiopiaItem Transport Vulnerability and Coping Strategy in Addis Ababa: A Focus on Public Transit Service Users(Addis Ababa University, 2024-07-01) Eleni Gebremeskel Habtu; Berhanu Woldetensae( Associate Professor)The exacerbated mobility challenges in many developing cities poses great challenges on planners and policy makers. Cities are increasingly growing and are undergoing rapid changes. As a result, a rising number of urban residents are facing higher cost of transport, traffic congestion, travel time and the resultant increase in their vulnerability. Vulnerability is a concept that has been applied in transport discourse or research in order to address the social dimension of mobility. The objective of this study is to examine the vulnerability, exposure of public transit users to travel difficulties and their coping strategies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Personal, travel attributes and the contribution of broad factors such as government policies, population growth, physical expansion of the city and motorization rate to transit related vulnerability were considered in the analysis. Based on the pragmatic philosophical stance, the research used a mixed method approach. The analysis is based on a data collected in Addis Ababa from 457 public transit users. The study applied proportions, percentages and cross tabulation of key variables and statistical methods, such as one-way ANOVA, multinomial and binary logistic regression to analyze vulnerability and coping strategies of transit users. The result showed that low- and middle-income groups bear a higher level of travel burden, in terms of total travel time and percentage of income spent on transport than high income groups. The result also revealed that coping strategy use is higher among long distance travelers, middle income groups (regular commuters) and females than other groups. In terms of policy measures, the implementation of Urban Development Policy (UDP), inner-city redevelopment program induced relocation of low-income residents in the outskirts of the city and resulted in significant transit service coverage gap. Therefore, policy efforts that are meant to address social problems such as housing development policies have to properly be integrated with transport planning. This involves facilitating the integration of peoples and homes with employment and other essential infrastructure by mixing housing and job opportunities in the inner city and surrounding areas. From the results obtained by the analysis of desired improvement on public transport service, the first suggested area for improvement is availability followed by safety and security, affordability and comfort. The message is that public transit users are aware of the need for the improvement of the above-mentioned service parameters. Therefore, the research emphasizes the need to improve the current state of public transit service provision in the city by considering the needs and priorities of users. Keywords: Public transit, Vulnerability, Coping strategy, Addis AbabaItem Urban Water Metabolism for Promoting Water-Sensitive Urban Planning Interventions in Adama City, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2025-01-01) Abraha Tesfay Abraha; Tibebu Assefa (PhD)Urban metabolism quantifies resource flow within urban boundaries focusing on urban water, energy, nutrients and wastes. However, in developing nations,little research has been done to provide a quantitative picture of how water is consumed and transformed in urban landscape, as well as the water sensitive planning interventions needed to improve urban water security. This research was aimed to analyze the urban water metabolism of Adama city, Ethiopia as a foundation for evidence-based decision-making for water sensitive urban planning and enhance urban water security. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and urban water mass balance to track and trace water inflows, outflows and losses. Geo spatial tools were used to map water supply source locations, distribution networks, consumption patterns and water stress. Water security was quantified using the Integrated Urban Water Security Index (IUWSI). The study applied the Random Forest algorithm in R version 4.0.5. This algorithm was used to identify factors influencing residential water consumption. Key informant interviews and surveys were conducted to collect data on consumption and conservation behaviours across households, commercial, institutional and industrial water users. The data collection was conducted by combining both the bottom-up and top-down data collection systems. Findings indicated that Adama city is located in a water-stressed geographical location that receives less than 1700 m³ of water per person annually. The city's daily per capita water consumption is 69 liters falling short of Ethiopia's standard of 80 liters. The water distribution network covers only 45% of the area outlined in the master plan. The result also indicated a 38% gap between water demand and supply. Furthermore, nearly 30% of households receive water just at most three days a week. The centralized water supply accounts for 61% of the total consumption with 90% sourced from the distant Awash River indicating the city’s dependency on remote sources. Water conservation practices in Adama are limited. This reflects a linear take-make-use-dispose model that overlooks internal alternative water harvesting s. The urban water security index of 1.95 revealed that Adama lacks water sensitive planning and strategies to ensure the urban water security. The study also revealed that key factors influencing water consumption are family size, housing quality, income levels, the number of rooms, parcel legal status, supply reliability, climate and topography. In conclusion, Adama is experiencing significant urban water insecurity due to both economic and physical water scarcity along with limited water-sensitive interventions. Adama city is heavily dependent on a centralized water source which lacks internalization and diversification practices coupled with underdeveloped conservation practices. Another conclusion that can be drawn is that as long as the city’s business as usual water consumption practice doesn’t change, the water supply problem will worsen over time. Hence, to strengthen urban water security, Adama city should implement water-sensitive urban planning interventions and strategies that encompass community engagement, the adoption of water-saving technologies, water-sensitive urban land use planning and the establishment of a robust water sensitive legal framework to promote urban water security. Keywords: Metabolism, water mass balance, water stress, water security, water sensitive, Adama, EthiopiaItem Informal Settlements and Their Impacts on Urban Land Use Planning in Burayu City, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-12-01) Tefera Beyera Bayuma; Birhanu Girma Abebe (PhD)Informal settlement is one mode of urbanization in developing countries, through which shelter is provided in urban areas such as Burayu City. However, informal settlements continue to create challenges for planned development. The purpose of this study was to analyze informal settlements and their impacts on urban land use planning in Burayu city. This study utilized a case study research design with a combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches with a range of primary and secondary data sources. Simple random sampling was used to select informal households for the questionnaire survey, while purposive and snowballing sampling was used to select respondents for focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The study also benefited from field observations and documentary reviews. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were used to determine the satisfaction level, while a Generalized Linear Model was used to analyze predictors of residential satisfaction in terms of the socio-economic and demographic features of the respondents. In the process and factors of informal settlement, qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, whereas quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The interaction among actors was analyzed by social network analysis. Finally, the impact of informal residential use and its conformance with urban land use planning were analyzed based on the conformance analysis method using GIS. The study found that the majority of the residents (54%) were satisfied with their residential areas, as indicated by the positive sustainability indicators. Marital status and occupational type emerged as the main predictors of residential satisfaction. The findings of the study revealed that informal institutions play a decisive support in informal settlement expansion which is reinforced by social networks. The study identified speculation, rural-urban migration, lack of good governance and locational choice as triggering causes for informal settlement development. Moreover, actors use formal institutional ambiguities to participate in informal buildings. Land brokers are the principal actors who play very significant roles in informal land transactions. Furthermore, the findings revealed that 81% of the informal houses occupied more than 140 m2 which is greater than the set standard. The research also found that 69.10% of informal residential land use types iii adhere to the land use plan. In conclusion, the findings of the study indicated that understanding informal settlers' needs, actor interaction networks behaviors and conformance interpretation of informal settlement would not only help to solve this puzzle but would also illuminate the factors driving informal urban expansion. This provides insights for controlling informal development and ameliorating land governance. Key worlds: Burayu City, Conformance, Informal actors, Informal settlement, Land use plan, Residential satisfaction.Item An Economic Menace or Growth Opportunity of Land Speculation: The case of Shashemene City(Addis Ababa University, 2020-11-01) Bedane Shata Gemeda; Birhanu Girma Abebe (PhD)Land speculation in urban and periurban area can be extremely strenuous to the upheld intensification of cities, which is critical to economic development. Inaccurately, speculative land investors, worried about benefits from exchanging landed possessions, can influence urban development supporting populace, where the principle is often inadequately controlled and exceptionally bureaucratic. The key troubles of governing land speculation are rapidly deeming hot spot zones of eagerness, naming land jobbers, and directing encouraging and negative spats of property speculation. The research employed the case study, desk review, and survey research stratagem. Also, multiple regressions, Cumulative Sum statistics, and the Principal Component Analysis systems were used to scrutinize facts. The MORRIS and TOPISS models were also used to rate the space-based expansion of the city. Next to the case study folklore, a mix of various facts collection tools, for instance, questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions, key informant interviews, and direct field observation, were exploited to collect study truths as of the case study district. The Shashemene city admin was intentionally chosen while the case study area in the first stage of the case study district choice procedure. Four urban villages, explicitly: Awasho, Alelu, Burka Gudina, and Buclhena, were chosen in the next stage. Further, policy documents were reviewed, and a survey was conducted to get adequate data. The result indicates that the land worth is assenting and expansively allied with the size of property seizing by regional land jobbers. According to influential variable estimate, one birr m2 swell of land price would prompt local speculators to hoard 39.7𝑚2 more land per year. Land conjecture, which raises land worth 13 times its opportunity outlay - raised societal expenditures by 5.6% to 11.3%. Local GDP turn down by 33%, district revenue lifted by 15.1%, and unfair distribution of the middling property increment worth ratio for farmers (1.8%), local governments (19%), and builders (79.2%) correspondingly. The subsequent three tips are recommended to control land speculation: (1) one-personnel-single-plot law, (2) property value tax and (3) land development time limitations. Keywords: Land speculation, property rights, land rent, opportunity cost, EthiopiaItem Analyzing the Impacts of Urbanization and Climate Change on Urban Flood and Planning of Resilience-Based Flood Hazard Management: A Case of Adama City, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2021-06-01) Dejene Tesema Bulti; Birhanu Girma (PhD)Urban flooding, which occurs when rainfall exceeds the capacity of urban drainage systems, has become a major concern in many cities across the world. Due to urbanization-driven increases in impermeable surfaces and climate change-induced increases in extreme precipitation, urban flood is anticipated to rising in frequency and intensity in the future. The majority of Ethiopian cities are susceptible to urban floods, although there is little research on the subject. Understanding of the contributions of main drivers at appropriate spatial and temporal scales, features of potential floods under current and future conditions and various flood frequencies, as well as flood adaptation measures at smaller spatial scales can aid efforts to effectively respond to the current problem of urban flooding, as well as consideration of its potential future increase. This study aims to analyze the impacts of urbanization and climate change on urban flood in Adama City and to devise resilience-based flood hazard management strategies. By mapping LULC of the City at about 5-year interval from 1995 to 2019 and computing the runoff depth at respective years using SCS-CN method, the dynamics of the City’s hydrologic characteristics attributable to urbanization-induced spatio-temporal changes of LULC was analyzed. Statistical downscaling model (SDSM) and extreme precipitation indices were, respectively used for downscaling daily precipitation from the projections of two Global Circulation Models (CanESM2 and HadCM3) and for analyzing the impacts of climate change on the historical and future extreme precipitation events. Further, the potential changes in the relationship between intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) of extreme precipitation in present-day and future periods were compared and contrasted. IDF curves and their functions were deduced using Gumbel Type I probability distribution and power-regression model, respectively. Flood inundation model was developed with coupled 1D-2D flood modeling method using PCSWMM, and used for simulating potential floods for a range of return periods and possible combinations of existing and future LULC and climate scenarios. Flood hazard levels were determined based on flow depth-velocity approach, for each scenario. The theory of urban resilience to floods was adopted for assessing the flood resilience level of the study area and for planning resilience-based flood hazard management. Flood-prone area was selected from the 100-yr flood scenarios and under the combined future LULC and climate. Localized flood adaption strategies were identified and their suitability for the selected prone area was assessed.The findings show that the built-up area undergone 7.9% expansion rate from 1995 to 2019. Likewise, the runoff depth is increased by 9.5 % in the City administration and 12.9 % and 6.9 % within the two sub-watersheds. At all spatial scales, the temporal change of runoff depth is linearly associated with the rise of imperviousness ratio. Moreover, statistically significant trends were obtained for the majority of extreme precipitation indices computed for historical daily rainfall records of 1967-2016, indicating that climate change has had an impact on historical precipitation. Moreover, extreme precipitation is expected to rise in the future up to 2080. The findings also reveal that extreme precipitation intensity over the years 2021-2070 in Adama City would increase up to 49.5% or decrease up to 106.2%, depending on GCM, storm duration and return period considered. Furthermore, the study area is flooded under both existing and future land cover and climate conditions, with increasing in the water depth, flow velocity and inundation extent as the return period increases. Under historical climate and existing land-use scenario, 123.7 (5-yr)-204.3 ha (100-yr) is prone to flood whereas the extent varies from 178.2 to 396.8 ha, under the combined effect of future land use and climate changes. Moreover, the study area is associated with lower level flood resilience. Finally, elevated configuration, dry-proofing, wet-proofing, temporary measures and site and landscape interventions are proposed as effective strategies for building flood resilience of the prone community. In line with sustainable flood risk management in the City, it is suggested that the stakeholders recognize the level of potential associated risk and improve the awareness of the prone community. Future developments should be guided with impervious surface based land-use regulation in order to better control the hydrological effects of urbanization. Further, the standards and guidelines presently employed by the City for the planning and design of stormwater management infrastructure should be revised in such a way that they reflect global climate change impacts at local level. Designing and updating local development plans on flood-prone areas should also aim to ingrate localized flood adoption strategies to build flood resilience of the prone community. Finally, urban planning policies should aim to promote urban flood modeling as a base for urban flood hazard management operations, and personal responsibility in flood safety. Keywords: urban flood, climate change, flood modeling, flood hazard, statistical downscaling, flood resilience, extreme precipitation, IDFItem Managing the Challenges of the Built Environment Development Process In Ethiopian Urbanization: The Environmental Responsiveness Failure of the Management System in the Addis Ababa and Sebeta Urban Region.(Addis Ababa University, 2023-03-01) Solomon Benti Abuna; Heyaw Terefe (PhD)The built environment has become not only a major component of the physical environment but also one that has opportunities and challenges for the other components like the natural and working landscapes especially since the industrial revolution, which triggered rapid urbanization of the world and growth of urban centers. The literature review indicated that the main challenges were depletion and pollution of the landscapes that unless managed the built environment development process can fail to be responsive to the challenges. This research aims at studying the challenges of depletion of the natural and working landscapes in the context of rapid built environment development process, an emerging management of the process, and public ownership of land. The general objective of the research is investigating why the management of the Built Environment Development Process's responsiveness to its challenges for the natural and working landscapes in Ethiopia appears to have gaps and how the gaps can be reduced by taking Sebeta town, one of the emerging towns surrounding Addis Ababa, as a case. Both quantitative and qualitative methods including interview, focus group discussion, document review, and observation were used for the research. In addition, land use/land cover analysis based on time series satellite imageries; Participatory Geographical Information System (PGIS) were used as analysis methods. The result indicates that the built environment development process (BEDP) in the study region has significant gaps of responsiveness to the natural and working landscapes: it has led to the loss of 3,956.26ha of the landscapes from 2005 to 2018. In this process, the most affected areas include fertile agricultural lands, environmentally fragile zones including forested mountains, spaces providing cultural iv and spiritual opportunities, and riverbanks. The driver for the BEDP responsiveness gaps on the natural and working landscapes is the failure management system: (i) Its in existence that has led to spontaneous BEDP .(ii) Its inadequacy in terms of gaps in urban plans and their implementation. (iii) Limited availability of national and regional land use plans, and (iv) Gaps in the implementation of the public ownership of land policy that has not contributed as much as is expected. Keywords: Built Environment; Environmental Responsiveness; Emerging Towns; Green Field Development; Natural and Working Landscapes; Urban Management FailuresItem Environmental Impacts of Urban Growth in Akaki-Kality Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-01) Truesaw Kebad; Solomon Benti (PhD)This research is aimed to analyze land use/land cover dynamics of Akaki Kality sub city with their driving factors, and related environmental impacts. Spatial analysis were done majorly by using different time series satellite images that were compiled from land sat 5,7 and 8, and the supervised image classification of Arc GIS 10.4 and ERDAS IMAGINE 15 software programs were applied. Other non-spatial environmental impacts were addressed with the aid of primary data collected from households using structured questionnaire and other secondary data that were collected from Ethiopian National Metrology Agency. Similarly, Land Surface Temperature change done with Arc GIS. The 1996-2021 land uses/ land cover result analysis shows bare land decreased from 40% to 24%, which were mostly changed to construction; vegetation and forest, decreased from 43% to 23%; water bodies have shown only about 2% change and built up area increased from 10% to 46 %. Major driving factors for the increment of human induced land uses in the study area were population Growth; GDP growth and Governmental policy such as, industrialization policy and condominium-housing program. In order to minimize anthropogenic induced impacts on the urban environment in the country, government should revise investment policy and balance investment flow between inter regional and create job for youths in regional towns that can potentially reduce rural urban migration and the demand for urban land. Additionally, developing enough infrastructures to regional towns and foster private investors to invest their capital to regional towns. Moreover, vertical developments should be encouraged. Keywords: Environment Impacts; Government Policy; Land use/Land cover; Urbanization; urban growth model