Challenges And Mitigation Methods Of Informal Urban Settlements In Ethiopia: The Case Of Adama City

Abstract

Informal settlement has been one of the most significant urban concerns in many cities. Asone of Ethiopia's most notable cities, Adama has also experienced urban population growth,which has resulted in informal urban settlement in several parts of the city. This researchwas aimed to investigate the informal urban settlements within Adama City, Ethiopia. Itexplored the multidimensional challenges caused by these settlements, ranging frominadequate access to essential services to the absence of formalized land tenure. The studywas conducted in Adama city specifically two woredas named Hangatu and Melka Adama.It used mixed research methods employing both qualitative (interview, literature review) andquantitative (observation, questionnaire) research methods. For this study 193 residents ofan informal settlement were selected through probability (Simple random) sampling. Inaddition 13 Government officials and 5 farmers from both woredas, totally 211 respondetswere selected through nonprobability (purposive) sampling techniques. The data collectedfrom respondents through Questionnaire was analysed using SPSS (ver 20). And the datafrom key informant interview was summarized in an essay form.The study identified themajor cause of informal settlement is poverty and lack of affordable Houses for the lowincome group. The lack of formal housing provision, financial problems and migration arereasons for living in of informal settlements and it highly contributed to an increase ofinformal settlement. Respondents witnessed that informal urban settlements in Adama Cityface different challenges, including inadequate access to basic services such as water,sanitation, and electricity, as well as limited tenure security and vulnerability to crimes. Thegovernment authorities are currently implementing measures to demolish informalsettlements. Integrated approach for planning combining both city level and local level,prioritizing formal housing provision and introducing more flexibility in planning isrecommended as curative and preventive mitigation methods.