The paper presents the application of tools of urban management to promote sustainable urban development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The city of Addis Ababa was founded in 1886. Addis Ababa is located at the southern foot of Mount Entoto, in the Entoto Mountains, at an elevation of about 8000 feet above sea level, on a plateau that is crossed by numerous streams and surrounded by hills and mountains, in the geographic center of the country.
According to New World of Encyclopedia the city possesses a complex mix of highland climate zones. In addition, the physical structure of the city seems not well planned, and many settlements in many parts of the city are haphazard. With this regard Tolon stated that today’s high-rise apartment and office blocks dot the fronts of the main streets in Addis Ababa, giving a rather misleading impression of a well-built, spacious city. Together with a mixed or apparently well-integrated residential structure, these impressive roadside buildings often effectively mask the predominantly low standards of most housing units and residential neighborhoods.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Background of Addis Ababa
2. Major Issue of Urban Development in Addis Ababa
3. Vision
4. SWOT Analysis
4.1 Strength of the City
4.2 Weaknesses of the City
4.3 Opportunities
4.4 Threats
5. Objectives
6. Strategies
7. Urban Actors and Stakeholders
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to identify the critical bottlenecks hindering the urban development of Addis Ababa and to propose strategic interventions. By analyzing the current socio-economic and politico-administrative context, the research seeks to foster sustainable development through improved urban management, effective stakeholder coordination, and the promotion of balanced urban-rural integration.
- Analysis of socio-economic and physical urban development challenges in Addis Ababa.
- Evaluation of institutional frameworks and the city's dual mandate as a federal capital.
- Strategic planning for rural-urban and urban-urban integration.
- Identification of key urban actors and stakeholders to enhance governance.
- Proposed strategies for sustainable infrastructure, housing, and poverty reduction.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1.1 Physical Context of Addis Ababa
The city of Addis Ababa was founded in 1886 and was named Addis Ababa (“New Flower”) by the Empress Taitu, wife of Emperor Menilek II (reigned 1889–1913) (Encyclopedia Britannica). Addis Ababa is located at the southern foot of Mount Entoto, in the Entoto Mountains, at an elevation of about 8000 feet (2440 meters) above sea level, on a plateau that is crossed by numerous streams and surrounded by hills and mountains, in the geographic center of the country. Mount Yarer overlooks the city from the east and Mount Wochecha from the west (New World of Encyclopedia). The capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, is located at 900 030 latitude and 380 42E longitude, situated roughly in the center of the country (Embassy of Ethiopia, Berlin, 2017).
According to New World of Encyclopedia (2016) the city possesses a complex mix of highland climate zones, with temperature differences of up to 10°C (50° F), depending on elevation and prevailing wind patterns. The high elevation moderates temperatures year-round, and the city's position near the equator means that temperatures are very constant from month to month. The temperature in January ranges from a high of 68°F (20°C) to a low of 53°F (12°C). As stated by New World of Encyclopedia (2016) the area of the city increased from 85.73 square miles (222.04 square kilometers) in 1984 to 204.7 square miles (530.21 square kilometers) in 1994.
In addition, the physical structure of the city seems not well planned, and many settlements in many parts of the city are haphazard. With this regard Tolon (2008) stated that today’s high-rise apartment and office blocks dot the fronts of the main streets in Addis Ababa, giving a rather misleading impression of a well-built, spacious city. Together with a mixed or apparently well-integrated residential structure, these impressive roadside buildings often effectively mask the predominantly low standards of most housing units and residential neighborhoods.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides an overview of the physical, socio-economic, and administrative context of Addis Ababa.
2. Major Issue of Urban Development in Addis Ababa: Discusses primary challenges such as rapid population growth, housing shortages, corruption, and infrastructure deficits.
3. Vision: Outlines the long-term aspirations to transform Addis Ababa into a highly developed, integrated African city by 2030.
4. SWOT Analysis: Evaluates the internal strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats facing the city's development.
5. Objectives: Defines specific goals for socio-economic base strengthening, business environment improvement, and poverty reduction.
6. Strategies: Proposes actionable projects for urban development, environmental conservation, and integrated programming.
7. Urban Actors and Stakeholders: Identifies and defines the roles of the various entities responsible for the realization of the proposed strategies.
Keywords
Addis Ababa, Urban Development, Urban Management, Socio-Economic Development, Sustainable Development, Urbanization, Infrastructure, Governance, SWOT Analysis, Population Growth, Urban Planning, Urban-Rural Integration, Stakeholders, Poverty Reduction, Public Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The work focuses on analyzing the major bottlenecks preventing sustainable urban development in Addis Ababa and proposing comprehensive strategies to address them.
What are the central thematic fields?
Key thematic fields include urban planning, socio-economic development, housing, infrastructure management, and institutional governance within the unique context of Ethiopia’s capital.
What is the primary research objective?
The primary objective is to create a pathway for development that enables the city to improve its infrastructure, increase competitiveness, and provide equal access to public services for all residents.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The study utilizes a descriptive analytical approach, incorporating a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to evaluate the current urban environment.
What is covered in the main body of the paper?
The main body covers the current physical and socio-economic state of the city, identifies critical development issues, sets clear visions and objectives, and defines the roles of various stakeholders in executing developmental strategies.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Keywords include Urbanization, Sustainable Development, Addis Ababa, Urban Management, Stakeholders, and Strategic Planning.
How does the dual mandate of Addis Ababa impact its development?
The dual role of being both a federal capital and an autonomous city administration leads to blurred responsibilities, which creates administrative confusion and hampers effective service delivery.
What role does the community play in the proposed strategies?
The community is identified as a crucial stakeholder tasked with fundraising for local initiatives, maintaining local cleanliness, and practicing responsible resource usage.
Why is the "urban containment policy" proposed?
It is proposed to curb the limitless outward expansion of the city, which makes it difficult and costly for the administration to provide necessary infrastructure and services to outlying areas.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Emebet Hailemichael (Autor:in), 2018, Urban Management in Ethiopia. Promoting Sustainable Urban Development in Addis Ababa, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/915416
