Mapping Pollution Vulnerability and Hotspots Associated with Tannery Risks in Mojo, Ethiopia

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Disaster Risk Management and Development, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

2 Center for Food Security Studies, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

3 Center for Population and Gender Studies, School of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

10.22059/poll.2026.409043.3288

Abstract

Industrial tanning processes generate substantial hazardous waste, posing ongoing socio-economic and health risks to nearby communities. However, systematic methods for evaluating vulnerability to tannery-related pollution are lacking, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study introduced the Tannery Pollution Vulnerability Index (TPVI) tailored to the tannery industry in Mojo, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 368 households purposively sampled from five villages found in Mojo Industry Town. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were employed to triangulate the study findings. Classifying village vulnerability using pollution indicators across social, economic, and health domains is a new approach. The TPVI was developed to compare, classify, and rank villages in terms of their vulnerability levels. The TPVI for each village was computed using an unequal weighting method for indicators. The Inverse Distance Weighting interpolation, numerical, and hotspot analysis further identify that the Mojo city villages. Accordingly, two villages, Kersa and Tafi Abo, were persistent hotspots for social and health risks, while Shara Dibandiba and Kuruma Fatole were economic-vulnerability hotspot villages. Meanwhile, Momo Shuki village consistently emerges as a resilient neutral spot. The study’s results confirm that tannery pollution significantly contributes to household vulnerabilities in Mojo Town. Hence, a Federal Environmental Protection Authority should consistently monitor the quality of the soil, water, and air. Strict enforcement of the plantation of fourth-level waste treatment facilities can significantly reduce economic and health risks. Policymakers should enforce industrial zoning regulations, improve environmental monitoring, and implement targeted health and livelihood interventions in identified vulnerability hotspots. 

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References

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Pollution
Volume 12, Issue 2
May 2026
Pages 640-654

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