An Assessment of the Effect of Noise Pollution on Land Use: The Case of Adigrat Town

Abstract

Noise pollution has become an increasingly significant environmental and urban planning challenge in Adigrat Town due to the expansion of high-volume and incompatible activities within residential areas, often without consideration of settlement patterns, despite the provisions of Ethiopian Proclamation No. 300/2002. This study assesses the effects of noise pollution on land use, with particular emphasis on residential, heritage, and tourism-related areas. Using a mixed-methods research approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources, including surveys, interviews, direct observation, and GIS analysis. A random sample of 50 residents was selected from a target population of 800, and data were analyzed using SPSS and GIS tools. The findings reveal that noise levels are especially high during weekday mornings and dawn, with approximately 25.2% of the study area affected. Small-scale spice grinding activities were identified as the major source of noise pollution. The study demonstrates that noise pollution significantly affects the efficient use of land, disrupts residential services, degrades health-promoting and outdoor spaces, complicates street and sidewalk functions, and negatively impacts heritage assets. The results highlight the need for improved land-use planning and enforcement of noise control regulations to enhance urban livability and sustainable development in Adigrat Town.