Assessing the Integration of Urban Agriculture in Housing Developments of Addis Ababa to Enhance Sustainability: The Case of Two Neighborhoods in Gofa Area
| dc.contributor.advisor | Yonas Alemayehu | |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Biruk Kebede | |
| dc.contributor.author | Tsion Tewodros | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-03-23T07:07:02Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-03-23T07:07:02Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-11-01 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Rapid urbanization in Addis Ababa has caused an ever-increasing demand for housing and food. Expropriating agricultural land for residential developments in the city has resulted in the loss of a productive landscape and increased food insecurity. The Addis Ababa City Administration has shown interest in urban agriculture (UA) as a tool for sustainable development by encouraging citizens to start farming inside their residences. This study aimed to investigate the practice, impact, and sustainability of UA in residential developments in Addis Ababa, employing a mixed-methods research approach. A case study method was used to assess the practice of UA among 180 farmers in the Gofa neighborhood. Socially, UA promoted food security, employment, social interaction, health, recreation, and inclusion of marginalized groups. Economically, it generated diversified income and lowered the cost of food. Environmentally, it prevented pollution, infiltrated rainwater, and minimized waste. While horticulture thrived in residential areas, insufficient access to tap water and the lack of alternative water sources, such as greywater, have limited year-round production. Animal husbandry faces challenges in obtaining permits, accessing affordable animal feed, and community acceptance due to its potential risks. The lack of integrated housing and infrastructural planning approaches has undermined the multifunctionality of UA, leading to a missed opportunity for circular urban metabolism. Despite the stakeholders' common understanding of the significance of UA, the integration of UA in housing has been hindered by legal and institutional barriers. To realize the multiple functions of UA, cross-sectoral collaboration, policy reforms, and sustainable infrastructural investments are recommended. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/8002 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Addis Ababa University | |
| dc.subject | Sustainability | |
| dc.subject | Housing | |
| dc.subject | Neighborhood | |
| dc.subject | Urban Agriculture | |
| dc.title | Assessing the Integration of Urban Agriculture in Housing Developments of Addis Ababa to Enhance Sustainability: The Case of Two Neighborhoods in Gofa Area | |
| dc.type | Thesis |