Engdawork AssefaAddis Taye2026-05-252026-05-252024-01https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/8130This dissertation explores urban environmental governance in Addis Ababa, focusing on the policies frameworks and institutional structures that shape the city's environmental governance practices. The study assesses the effectiveness of current strategies for green space management and solid waste disposal among urban households, identifying key socio-demographic and economic factors influencing these practices. The study also evaluates gender involvement in environmental governance, emphasizing the role of gender integration in decision-making processes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing qualitative data gathered from six key environmental institutions through expert interviews, archival documents, and policy reviews. This was complemented by a household survey of 200 participants, providing a comprehensive view of urban environmental governance in Addis Ababa. The study reveals that while Addis Ababa has a comprehensive environmental policy framework aimed at holistic sustainability including public health, climate resilience, and sustainable development challenges persist. These include resource constraints and uneven stakeholder engagement, which hinder effective policy implementation. Although environmental laws are in place, enforcement and monitoring mechanisms are inadequate, leading to gaps in implementation of legal frameworks. Institutional arrangements are varied and often suffer from overlapping responsibilities and coordination issues. Solid waste management practices are influenced by factors such as gender, age, education, employment status, income, family size, and attitudes. Gender mainstreaming within environmental institutions faces obstacles related to organizational culture, resource allocation, capacity building, and gender representation in leadership roles. Green space governance is affected by distribution and accessibility disparities, with higher education and accessibility improving perceptions of governance effectiveness, while distance and transportation costs negatively impact them. The study advocates for improved urban environmental governance in Addis Ababa through better inter- agency coordination, increased funding, and stronger law enforcement. It emphasizes the importance of gender-sensitive policies, greater women's involvement in decision-making and public awareness. Addressing green space accessibility disparities and tailoring solid waste management to socio-demographic factors are also key recommendations for a sustainable urban environment. Keywords: Urban Environmental Governance, Policy Effectiveness, Solid Waste Management, Green Space Governance, Gender Integration, Sustainable Development, Addis AbabaenUrban Environmental GovernancePolicy EffectivenessSolid Waste ManagementGreen Space GovernanceGender IntegrationSustainable DevelopmentAddis AbabaThesis