Taking a livelihood perspective to building urban water resilience: Potential and challenges in Addis Ababa. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Habtemariam, Liku Workalemahu; Tufa, KetemaAbebe; Herslund, Lise Byskov; Mguni, Patience
• Is Part Of: Progress in development studies. Volume 18:Number 4(2018:Oct.)
• Page Start: 235
• Page End: 251
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Livelihood -- water-resilient -- water resource -- leapfrogging -- green space -- LSM; Economic development -- Periodicals; Development economics -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Periodicals; 307.14
• DOI: 10.1177/1464993418786775
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1464-9934

Abstract

This article explores how livelihoods in two typical communities, condominium housing and urban agriculture cooperatives, in Addis Ababa manage water resources and green spaces in order to identify key challenges and potentials for building water-resilient livelihoods. Results show that livelihoods in the two communities are heavily affected by water stress. Being dependent on natural assets makes the farming community vulnerable, but also more flexible than people in condominiums who are locked into a malfunctioning water infrastructure. However, there is potential for building water-resilient livelihoods, if broader policy frameworks are bottom-linked with locally specific situations using landscape-based stormwater management.