Evaluating Implementation of Adama City Land Use Plan Using Conformance-Based Approach

Abstract

Urban land-use plan is regarded as a useful tool to achieve urban sustainable development. However, presently it is unclear that how well the Plan is being implemented and major factorscontribute to the variation of its implementation in Adama city, Ethiopia. This research examinesthe extent to which Land-use plan of Adama city functioned from 2004 to 2014 has guided andcontrolled all spatial developments during planning period by measuring the degree to which actualland-use outcomes over a 10-year period conform to the Plan intention. Land-uses of the City as of 2004 and 2014 are mapped; conforming, nonconforming, and unfulfilled developments are identified through spatial overlay analysis in geographic information system environment; effectiveness of boundary containment and proposed land sufficiency are explored. Descriptiveexploratory approach was used to determine potential factors influenced the plan implementationfrom data collected by expert interview. The findings demonstrate that although the Plan proposed reasonable area, it has met difficulties to control and guide new spatial developments of housingland-uses followed by social services and total urban growth. The limitation is due to combined result of geographic variables, absence of regular monitoring and evaluation, lack of commitment, and political leadership influence. The study would support sustainable spatial policy and direction of spatial development with respect to sustainable urban environment