Environmental Challenges (Dec 2023)
Land use planning implementation and its effect on the ecosystem in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Abstract
Land use planning plays a pivotal role in the enhancement of urban ecosystems. However, very few studies evaluate the implementation of land use planning in Ethiopia and the subsequent effects on ecosystems. This study aimed to assess the efficiency and constraints of the implementation of the land use plans of Addis Ababa and their effects on the enhancement of the ecosystem. The data were collected from the Urban Planning and Development Commission, satellite images, and expert surveys. GIS, descriptive statistics, and expert judgment are employed to analyze the data. The model used for evaluating land use planning was the conformance approach, while the benefit transfer method was employed to assess the ecosystem service values. The findings revealed a disparity between the two land use plans. Both plans failed to align with the actual land use, converting the proposed land for ecosystems into physical structures. Comparing the 2006 land use plan with the 2011 land cover, it was observed that 68 %, 62.8 %, 48.8 %, and 35.2 % of proposed agriculture, urban green, waterbodies, and forest lands were transformed into built-up structures, respectively. A similar trend was observed when comparing the 2017 land use plan with the 2023 land cover, with 41 %, 25 %, 52.1, and 59 % of agricultural, forest land, urban green, and water bodies, respectively, transformed into physical structures, mainly settlements. This inconsistency between the land use plans and the actual land use hurts ecosystem services due to the encroachment by built-up structures. The lack of adherence to proposed land use plans in Addis Ababa can be attributed to poor planning projection, the proliferation of informal settlements, and interference by local governments and developers. Inadequate implementation results from the proliferation of informal settlements, a lack of proper prosecution of land violations, interference from stakeholders, a lack of synergy, and the absence of an effective legal framework. Addressing these issues requires effective security services, the involvement of relevant agencies, a land use plan review, and stringent enforcement and monitoring of the land use plan.
