An analysis of spatio-environment and health inequalities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The dimensions of environmental and health inequalities in spatial context is one of the concern to be critically analyzed to comprehend environmental justice. Addis Ababa harbors about 3.5 million plus population, the seat of... [ view full abstract ]

The dimensions of environmental and health inequalities in spatial context is one of the concern to be critically analyzed to comprehend environmental justice. Addis Ababa harbors about 3.5 million plus population, the seat of Ethiopian federal government and headquarters of African Union (AU), where socio-economic, spatio-environment and health inequalities is commonly visible. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship (based on exposure and effects) between socio-economic, spatio-environment, and health conditions in the diverse neighborhoods of the city. To achieve the objective, six different types of neighborhoods (Kara-the informal settlement, Summit-the condominium housing, Cherkos-slum settlement, Lideta- slum upgraded, Merkato-old central commercial cum residential area and Akaki-industrial cum residential settlement) were selected purposively. With aid of social, environmental and health indicators, inequalities were analyzed. Total of 300 households (50 from each neighborhoods) were selected randomly and questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain information’s form the households on the issues under the study. Further, field observation using checklist was also conducted particularly to complement the information about the spatio-environment condition in selected neighborhoods. Chi-square test was conducted to check significant relationship between socio-economic status and health effects, and spatio-environment condition and health effects. Simple comparative analysis of spatial environment of different neighborhoods was also done. The findings reveal that, low income households living in low standard housings in Kara, Cherkos and Merkato neighborhoods are highly exposed to environmental and health hazard, particularly with waterborne and indoor air pollution and related health effects. In Akaki neighborhoods is more households complained of sound and dust pollution from heavy vehicles and Akaki river pollution due to industrial discharge. It was also found that, spatio-environment condition of Summit and Lideta neighborhoods comparatively better off with rest of neighborhoods as they are newly planned housing area.

Keywords: Addis Ababa, socio-economic, spatio-environment, health inequalities