Urban Areas and Planning in the Lake Tana Region

Abstract

Ethiopia is currently one of the least urbanized countries with just under 20% of its population living in urban areas, but it is expected to urbanize rapidly (around 4.8% per annum), over the next 40 years. Projections for the Lake Tana region are similar. This chapter reviews the distribution of urban areas and towns in the Amhara Region, gives an overview of the type of infrastructure available, and explains the approach to planning for these urban areas. With a growing population and high rate of urbanization, careful coordination of plans and resources will be critical in the region for sustainable development.