Master’s Thesis from the year 2023 in the subject Geography / Earth Science – Demographics, Urban Management, Planning, grade: A, Ethiopian Civil Service University (ECSU), course: RESEARCH, language: English, abstract: The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the driving factors behind the emergence of informal settlements in Dessie city. It further examines the environmental degradation caused by these settlements and the availability of basic infrastructures within them. The study employs a mixed-method approach, incorporating surveys, structured interviews, and field observations. A total of 95 households from three sub-cities were randomly sampled, and six key informants were purposefully selected for interviews. The study concludes with recommendations for improving the land management system, increasing land plot supply, advancing the condominium housing program, and regularizing existing informal settlements.