Adama (Oromo: Adaamaa or Hadaamaa, Amharic: አዳማ), officially known as Adaamaa and formerly Nazareth (Amharic: ናዝሬት), is a diverse and bustling metropolis located in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. Serving as a transportation hub, educational center, and economic nucleus for the region, Adama celebrates its rich cultural heritage while embracing modernity and has ambitious plans to become a smart city. This article delves into the city's history, culture, economic significance, and current challenges.
Location of Adama within Ethiopia.
Historical Background
The stretched railway from Djibouti to Addis Ababa was the main factor for the establishment of the city. Since its establishment in 1916 as a train depot, Adama has been serving as the administrative, commercial, manufacturing, and educational hub in the region and served as a distribution center for the surrounding areas as a lively city. Adama is one of the major towns that came into being with the introduction of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway line.
The city name Adama may have been derived from the Oromo word "adaamii," which means a cactus or a cactus-like tree. More specifically, "adaamii" means Euphorbia candelabrum, a tree of the spurge family, while "hadaamii" would mean Indian fig.
Following World War II, Emperor Haile Selassie renamed the town after Biblical Nazareth, and this name was used for the remainder of the twentieth century. But in 1992, when the country embraced federalism, many ‘baptized’ cities started using their older names. The name Adama is said to come from different sources, including the Adami plant, plentiful cacti which were found in the area when the town was established. In 2000, the city officially reverted to its original Oromo language name, Adama, though "Nazareth" is still widely used.
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Located 99 kilometers south-east of Addis Ababa on the Ethio-Djibouti corridor, Adama is one of the country’s key import-export routes and business hubs. The city sits between the base of an escarpment to the west, and the Great Rift Valley to the east. With an average temperature of 22 degree Celsius, Adama is one of the sunny and windy towns in the Rift Valley.
Demographics and Culture
Based on the 2007 Census conducted by the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia (CSA), this city has a total population of 220,212, an increase of 72.25% over the population recorded in the 1994 census, of whom 108,872 are men and 111,340 women. With an area of 29.86 square kilometers, Adama has a population density of 7,374.82; all are urban inhabitants. A total of 60,174 households were counted in this city, which results in an average of 3.66 persons to a household, and 59,431 housing units.
The four largest ethnic groups reported in Adama were the Oromo (39.02%), the Amhara (34.53%), the Gurage (11.98%) and the Silte (5.02%); all other ethnic groups made up 9.45% of the population. Amharic was spoken as a first language by 59.25%, 26.25% spoke Oromo and 6.28% spoke Guragiegna; the remaining 8.22% spoke all other primary languages reported.
Residents of Adama are hospitable, friendly and proud of their diverse, multi-cultural community. Citizens value historical traditions, family life and cultural celebrations such as marriage. Even though recent years have brought their own challenges, residents have managed to keep up their spirits.
“For people in Adama, life is elegant and cheap at the same time. They believe in love, and living together, no matter whatever your status is. It is a combination of good values, which is rare in many countries and towns,” says Negasi Lema, 41, a businessman raised in Adama.
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Economic Significance
Adama City, Ethiopia 🇪🇹 | Stunning Beauty & Vibrant Life in 4K!
Adama city has economic linkage with several regions and towns. The city is a destination for agricultural inputs and manufacturing and commercial products from Djibouti port. The city gets grain, livestock supply from Arsi, Bale and Borana while Kereyu and Afar were the main supplier of natural resources (fuel wood, charcoal). Oromia, SNNPRS and Amhara Regions are the main surplus labor supplier for the city.
As the previous capital of Ethiopia’s fertile Oromia region, and as its second largest city, Adama occupies a powerful position within the country. The city is also defined by its significant economic development potential, with investments being made in manufacturing, banking, agriculture, tourism and especially wind energy production.
Early October, 2018, marked an exciting event for the residents of Adama. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) was in town to inaugurate the city’s first industrial park, along with Lemma Megersa and Gedu Andargachew, the presidents of the states of Oromia and Amhara respectively, as well as Arkebe Oqubay, board chairman of the Industrial Parks Development Corporation. Even more, the completion of its first industrial park last month makes it one of the country’s most promising investment spots.
There are 25 government and 45 private bank branches, 15 insurance and ten microfinance branches. The Addis Ababa-Adama Expressway is a toll road that connects Addis Ababa to Adama. The highway, with six lanes on two sides for its 84.7-kilometre (52.6 mi) length, aims to abate the heavy traffic between its two endpoints.
The city also has 576 restaurants, 523 cafes and seven libraries, according to the Adama Investment Office.
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Tourism and Attractions
Since Adama sits at the crossroads of passages to all parts of the country, it attracts many guests, for conferences and tourism alike. A room at one of its 235 hotels would run from ETB250 upwards. In fact, even though Adama and its surroundings are full of historical and natural tourism thrills, many Ethiopians know only Sodere, a natural steam spring located 27 kilometers from Adama.
Adama, a vibrant city in Ethiopia, serves as a testament to the nation’s rich history and cultural evolution. One of its most striking features is its historical landmarks, which narrate the story of Ethiopia’s past. Visitors can wander through the streets lined with charming architecture that reflects a mix of traditional Ethiopian designs and modern influences.
As you explore Adama, make sure to visit its historical sites that offer a glimpse into the city’s significance. The city is not just about its past; it also boasts a lively atmosphere filled with markets, restaurants, and cafes where you can taste authentic Ethiopian cuisine. The vibrant colors and sounds of the local markets are a feast for the senses, providing a unique shopping experience for those looking to bring home souvenirs or local crafts.
Transportation
Adama is a busy transportation center. The city is situated along the road that connects Addis Ababa with Dire Dawa. A large number of trucks use this same route to travel to and from the seaports of Djibouti and Asseb (though the latter is not currently used by Ethiopia, following the Eritrean-Ethiopian War).
If you're traveling by car from any location in Shewa, start by heading towards the main highway, the Addis Ababa - Adama Road (also known as the A1 road). Make sure to follow the signs towards Adama. The drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Once you reach Adama, follow the signs to Muger St.
To travel to Adama by public transportation, locate a bus station in your area of Shewa. The main bus service to Adama operates from the central bus station. Purchase a ticket to Adama, which typically costs around 50 Ethiopian Birr. The buses usually leave every hour and the journey takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.
If you prefer a more private means of transportation, you can hire a taxi or use a ride-hailing service like Ride or ZayRide. Make sure to negotiate the fare beforehand or check the app for pricing.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the growth in businesses’ desire to invest in Adama, the city administration has been unable meet demands for investment licenses, which have accumulated for the past four years. Recurrent water shortages and rising living costs have remained challenges for the city’s residents.
In spite of this, many entrepreneurs testify that Adama is exceptionally difficult for new investment ventures especially in manufacturing, due to various reasons, including difficulties in accessing land and poor institutional services, as well as insufficient government support, which has decreased business activities, especially over the last three years.
On the other hand, new investment licenses have not been granted in the last three years, except to four hotels and seven micro and small enterprises that graduated to the medium level, according to Debela Chala, Lease Contract Follow up Process owner at the Adama City Land Management Office. As a result, the number of requests for investment licenses and land has accumulated to over 400, according to Debela. The requests for investment licenses have become higher than ever, due to the large number of Diaspora coming home.
Adama’s road coverage is around 10Pct, according to data from the Adama Municipal Office, less than the 30Pct requirement at a national level. Migrants from all over the country constitute a large part of the youth demographic in the city, making unemployment one of Adama’s features.
“A large section of the population waste their time chewing khat and drinking, increasing HIV prevalence and crime rates. This puts the town’s good image at risk,” argues Dawit Tadesse a former football player for various clubs, including Adama Kenema.
The boom in businesses and rise in number of residents is, however, challenged by a shortage of water supply, which has been insufficient and unsafe. The water in the Rift Valley naturally has a high fluoride content, which damages teeth and bones. The demand for water in the city is 14.4 million cubic meters, but the supply is around 7.24 million cubic meters, excluding leakages.
Government and Services
Adama is one of the reform cities in the region and has city administration consisting of 14 urban and four rural kebeles. Mayors typically run their city or town’s day-to-day administration and work with the legislative body to enact laws. The public service office in Adama focuses on serving the community and ensuring smooth municipal operations. The Water Supply & Sewerage Office in Adama is responsible for ensuring reliable water supply and efficient sewerage systems. The Agricultural Development Office in Adama focuses on promoting agricultural growth and development. The Women & Children Affairs Office in Adama is dedicated to promoting the rights and welfare of women and children.
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Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU) (formerly Nazareth Technique College) is located in Adama.
In 2000, the government moved the regional capital of Oromia from Addis Ababa to Adama, sparking considerable controversy.
Critics of the move believed that the Ethiopian government wished to deemphasize Addis Ababa's location within Oromia. On the other hand, the government maintained that Addis Ababa "has been found inconvenient from the point of view of developing the language, culture and history of the Oromo people". On June 10, 2005, the Oromo Peoples' Democratic Organization (OPDO), part of the ruling EPRDF coalition, officially announced plans to move the regional capital back to Addis Ababa.
A bustling street in Adama City.
Sister Cities
Adama has established sister city relationships with:
- Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Sivas, Turkey
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