The Impacts of Mixed Land Use Planning on Socio-Economic, Physical and Environmental Development
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Date
2025-06-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of Mixed Land Use Planning (MLUP) on socioeconomic, physical, and environmental (SEPE) development in Kir-kos and Bole subcities of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with particular reference to MCC, MC, SC, and AGJ neighborhoods. The research addresses four key aims: (1) assessing the spatial pattern of urban functions and their influence on land-use patterns, (2) judging urban planners' and stakeholders' view regarding the effectiveness of MLUP in sustainable development, (3) investigating SEPE effects, particularly socio-economic equity, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, and (4) ascertaining root causes of implementation problems of MLUP, including policy gaps, governance issues, and socio-economic inequalities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates qualitative interviews with 14 key informants (planners and officials) and 40 planning practitioners with quantitative surveys of 384 households in the four neighborhoods of study. GIS analysis, stakeholder perceptions, and field observation for the planning decade 2002–2017 were synthesized. Findings indicate clustered land-use patterns (χ²=47.763), disproving spatial randomness, with MLUP increasing accessibility but showing uneven socio-economic benefits. While planners endorsed MLUP potential, residents were dissatisfied with economic outcomes, regulatory ambiguities, and transport inefficiencies—citing overuse of taxis. The study concludes that effective regulatory mechanisms, synchronized transport planning, and stakeholder coordination are required for optimal MLUP attainment to maximize SEPE impacts. Among the recommendations are context-sensitive zoning, policy coherence, and community participation to enhance sustainable urban growth. Future research must examine longitudinal MLUP impacts and equity dimensions in rapidly urbanizing African cities.
Keywords: Mixed land use, urban planning, socio-economic development, sustainable cities, Addis Ababa