Analyzing spatial distribution and accessibility of primary schools in Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia

Education is a major force in economic, social and cultural empowerment. Primary education is compulsory, and the first stage in the education system of Ethiopia, and urges the provision of accessible service. However, presently, it is unclear that how well the services have been distributed and accessed in Bishoftu town, Ethiopia. For this primary schools in the town are considered and their spatial distribution and accessibility to the residents are explored using geographic information system as a tool for analysis. Location quotient and nearest neighbor analysis have been used to analyze spatial concentration and spatial distribution pattern of the schools, respectively. Computing service areas using road network distance and population density, the spatial accessibility of the schools has been compared and contrasted with standards in planning guide. As a result, inequality of service provision between neighboring areas in the town is found and the overall spatial distribution of the schools shows a clustered pattern. In addition, 23.9% of the residents are expected to travel more than twice of the maximum standard distance, indicates the current service provision is inadequate. The limitation is due to the combined effect of population distribution, spatial variables, socio-economic, and absence of regular monitoring and evaluation. The study would support the planning efforts being made to improve service provision, and it helps the government in formulating effective policies to the context.