Citizen-led initiatives and hydro-meteorological risks reduction: Who is implementing nature-based solutions?

Abstract

Citizen-led initiatives are crucial in mitigating hydro-meteorological hazards such as floods, extreme heat, and drought, as they complement state-led efforts and fill gaps where institutional responses fall short, especially in developing regions. As advocacy for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) grows—valued for their efficacy, cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and multifunctionality—there is an urgent need to understand how citizens are adopting these measures to inform strategies for scaling NbS uptake. This study surveyed 1286 respondents across the dense Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) and the rapidly growing Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area (GKMA) in Ghana to map citizen-led initiatives and identify factors influencing NbS adoption using a multinomial logit model. The results show that GAMA residents predominantly rely on non-structural measures, such as temporary relocation and water conservation, reflecting spatial constraints and dense urban form. In contrast, GKMA residents favor structural measures, particularly NbS, including tree planting, rainwater harvesting, and home gardens. Demographic and household factors significantly influenced NbS uptake. Younger individuals, those with technical education, and larger households were more likely to adopt NbS. Older individuals and those with higher education levels often preferred conventional or reactive strategies. Prior hazard experiences increased the likelihood of NbS adoption; however, more severe experiences tend to shift preferences toward immediate non-structural or conventional measures, highlighting perceptions of the time-intensive nature of NbS effectiveness. The findings advocate for integrating NbS into urban planning frameworks, supported by policies that incentivize citizen-led initiatives and address spatial and financial barriers. Furthermore, underutilized local knowledge and widely adopted non-structural strategies offer complementary pathways to enhance NbS adoption and foster more inclusive and sustainable urban resilience. This study provides actionable insights for promoting NbS in rapidly urbanizing cities of the Global South.