Urban water scarcity in Addis Ababa city: hard versus soft path solutions: a systematic review

Addis Ababa, which explores the multifaceted challenges of urban water management in the context of rapid urbanization, climate change, and inefficient water system, is the focus of the review. The paper employs a systematic review methodology, searching for findings from published and unpublished materials and cross sectional analyzing data from the reviewed materials to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of water resources and management practices in the city. Key findings indicate that the existing water supply infrastructure is inadequate to meet the growing demand, leading to significant public health risks, particularly from waterborne diseases. The review highlights the necessity of adopting Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) strategies, which encompass the diversification of water sources, sustainable resource exploitation, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration. The recommendations provided in the paper advocate for a holistic approach to water management that integrates supply, sanitation, and land use planning, aiming to improve water security and quality in Addis Ababa. This review underscores the urgency of implementing these strategies to address the pressing water scarcity issues and promote sustainable urban development in the city.