Girma Semu (PhD)Esayas Ayele2023-12-152023-12-152022-06-20http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/1046The major objective of this thesis is to assess the level of LCP (Local Community Participation) at the different stages of the URP (Urban Renewal Program) implemented in Addis Ababa City Administration with a particular emphasis on the relocated households from the Basha Wolde Chilot area. The study has considered about 298 purposively and systematically selected relocated households. A mixed data collection method with inclination to qualitative data collection approach was used. The study used qualitative data collection methods including KIIs (Key Informants Interview), FGDs (Focus Group Discussions), IDIs (In-depth Interviews), and case studies. Structured interview with close-ended questions was also used to gather quantitative information. Both primary and secondary data sources were used in collecting the qualitative and quantitative data required to capture the objectives of the study. The study has employed convergent – parallel data analysis method where the qualitative information was supported by some descriptive analysis methods. Findings indicated that the LCP at all stages of the URP was quite minimal and nominal. A substantial portion of the relocated households (79.87%) confirmed that their participation at the planning stage of the URP was either significantly low (62.08%) or low (17.79%). Only 2.01% of the relocated households reported their level of participation was significant. The relocated households also revealed that they had little control over the implementation and management of the URP that have significant effect on their livelihood. Despite the nominal participation of the local community, the empirical findings indicated that the URP has benefited some of the relocated households in terms of having their own houses with improved quality of life. It was found that the local community quality of life in terms of access to safe and pure water, kitchen facility, toilet, and electricity has significantly improved due to implementation of the URP. The findings have also demonstrated that although relocated household benefited in terms of an improved quality of new houses, the URP has negatively affected their livelihood. For instance, on average, the URP has increased their travel time to the nearest open public market by 16.9 kilometers while it has increased the number of travels to their work place by extra 7.55 kilometers. Increasing cost of travel, loss of economic opportunities acquired from long years of co-existence, loss of job and income generating activities, narrow job opportunities, and isolation from a well-established social group in the inner city, among others were reported as major challenges of the URP implementation. Based on findings, this study strongly recommend that future URPs must include active LCP and in-situ relocation with the implications of relocation on the lives and livelihood opportunities of the local community. Despite the inclusion of active LCP the local community should be heard and its valuable comments must be taken into account because a development for the people by the people is always a success.enUrban Renewal, Community Participation, Relocation, Livelihood, Quality of LifeThesis