LUPO’s objective is to develop and implement an appropriate concept for land use planning (LUP) and natural resources management (NRM) with the local communities. The Land Use Planning and Resources Management Project in Oromia Region (LUPO) of the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) has been operating in Ethiopia since 1997. But, in many cases, it is not the data that is missing, but rather user-driven information products that can facilitate infrastructure planning.

Nevertheless, decisionmakers on regional level often mention the lack of reliable and accurate planning data as a major obstacle for rural development.

The quality of life is highly dependent on the distance to products and services, which are important for the people. Taking into account the basic needs of the local population, appropriate measures have to be taken, in order to improve the structural deficits and to satisfy the demands of the people. Socioeconomically sound planning of infrastructure facilities plays a major role in rural development. Rural areas in the majority of developing countries often lack social infrastructure facilities, and in many cases, they are characterized by a high demand for products and services with central functions. Mapping Central and Marginal Areas - Example: Assessment of social infrastructure deficits in rural areas in Ethiopia

Raster file distance from land