2018 Reports

The Challenge of Developing Cities: The Case of Addis Ababa

Oteng-Abanio, Martin

Addis Ababa produces high volumes of municipal solid waste with a predominance of organic materials, much of which is managed informally by scavengers and small-scale enterprises. Waste collection covers approximately 80% of the city, but disposal relies on a single aging open dumpsite, creating environmental and health hazards. Attempts to implement a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) landfill gas project aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide social and economic benefits, but the project failed due to financial, administrative, and data challenges. Sustainable waste management in the city requires integrating informal actors, improving collection and disposal infrastructure, and establishing robust policies and monitoring systems.