Climate Change Adaptation Measures in Addis Ababa City Administration, Ethiopia

Abstract

Climate change has become a global challenge in ensuring sustainable development and has a significant impact on the lives of human beings, particularly in cities of developing countries. This study explored climate change adaptation measures in Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia. A household survey, focus group discussion, key informant interviews, and observations were used to acquire data about city adaptation measures. About 376 randomly selected households from two sub cities and four woredas were included in this study. Moreover, reports and published sources were used to acquire secondary data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Mann- Kendall test while qualitative data was analyzed in narration form. The results indicated that residents perceive an increase in mean annual temperature, extreme hot temperatures, and annual rainfall. The MannKendall test on temperature and rainfall also supports the community's perception. The study results showed that the city has implemented various climate change adaptation measures such as tree planting, drainage system construction, construction of flood defenses/walls, terracing, and safeguarding drainage systems. While tree planting and drainage systems are the most widely used measures. The research results also confirmed that a lack of awareness, financial constraints, limited access to climate information, low support from responsible bodies, and limited decision-making power are barriers faced by the city residents to implementation measures. These barriers, along with the absence of formal housing for many residents, hinder their ability to actively participate in climatesensitive response measures. This study recommends improving awareness, access to information and implementing adaptation measures in a planned and cooperative manner