Urban water pollution and irrigated vegetable farming in Addis Ababa.

Abstract

Water pollution can be considered as a side-effect\nof economic growth and is a common phenomenon in\nfast growing cities in developing countries. This paper describes the situation in Addis Ababa by tracing\nthe origins of pollution and by focusing on urban and peri-urban\nfarmers who depend on polluted water\nsources for irrigated agriculture. Discharge of untreated effluent from industries, solid wastes and\nwastewater from households and institutions, are the major sources of pollution of the rivers flowing\nthrough the city. For existing industries, pollution control mechanisms such as discharge permits and\nlimits to the disposal of effluents into the environment should be enforced. The local and state\ngovernments should enhance public sensitization programs on hygiene, sanitation and environmental\nissues.