Assessing The Impact Of Urban Open Spaces On Environment And Social Well-Being In The Inner Older Parts Of The City: The Case Of Aba Geda Sub-City, Adama City, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

Abstract

This Thesis Looks At The Multifaceted Impact Of Urban Open Spaces On Environmental Sustainability And Social Well-Being In The Aba Geda Sub-City Of Adama, Ethiopia, A Rapidly Urbanizing City That Is Struggling To Balance Infrastructural Development With Adequate Green Space Provision. The Study Used A Mixed-Methods Research Methodology, Combining Quantitative Data Acquired Through Structured Questionnaires With Qualitative Data Obtained Through In-Depth Interviews And Focus Group Discussions. This Method Tries To Capture Both The Objective Characteristics Of Open Spaces And The Subjective Experiences And Perceptions Of Inhabitants About Their Accessibility, Quality, And Impact On Their Everyday Lives. The Study Examines The Open Space Provision In Aba Geda Sub City, Comparing It To Established Standards And Evaluating Its Impact On Environmental And Social Well-Being Indicators Like Air Quality And Community Cohesion. It Also Examines Individuals' Perceptions Of Safety, Cleanliness, Facilities, And The Importance Of Open Spaces In Communal Life, Providing A Comprehensive Understanding Of The Complex Relationship Between Urban Growth, Open Space Supply, And Social Well-Being. The Findings Of The Study Reveal A Significant Disparity In Urban Open Spaces In Aba Geda Sub-City, With Under-Maintained Green Spaces Lacking Essential Services And Being Inaccessible To Many Residents. This Insufficiency Leads To Environmental Discomfort, Such As Temperature Anomaly And Air Pollution, And Negatively Impacts Social Interaction, Community Participation, And Overall Well-Being. Challenges Such As Limited Financial Resources, Insufficient Community Involvement, And Lack Of Coordinated Planning Hinder The Development And Administration Of These Spaces. Based On These Findings, The Thesis Provides Insights For Policymakers, Urban Planners, And Community Stakeholders To Improve Urban Open Space Planning, Development, And Management. It Emphasizes Participatory Planning, Long-Term Funding Models, And Community-Led Projects. By Following These Recommendations, Adama City Can Address Open Space Shortages And Create A Sustainable, Equitable Urban Environment. The Study Underscores The Importance Of Urban Open Spaces In Establishing Resilient, Vibrant Communities In Rapidly Growing Environments.