Co-producing nature-based solution scenarios to improve water, flood and heat resilience in Ghana's informal settlements

Abstract

Informal settlements in rapidly urbanising African cities continue to face serious social-ecological challenges that affect residents’ well-being and place pressure on local resource systems. Although nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly recognised as promising approaches for improving sustainability in such marginalised areas, there is still limited empirical evidence on their local relevance, feasibility, and community acceptance. This study examined four questions in Dakodwom informal settlement in Kumasi, Ghana: the main social-ecological challenges in the community, the preferred NBS scenarios, the implementation challenges linked to those scenarios, and the possible ways to overcome them. A qualitative case study approach was adopted, using key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observation. The findings show that water scarcity, flooding, and heat stress are the main social-ecological challenges affecting the community. The study further found that underground rainwater harvesting, planting lemon grass along stream banks, and community biogas were the most potential NBS scenarios. These options were preferred because of their perceived collective benefits, their ability to improve everyday provisioning systems, and their connection with existing livelihood practices. However, important barriers to implementation were identified, including technical and cultural concerns, land and space constraints, and weak institutional support at the local government level. To address these challenges, the study suggests hybrid solutions, pilot projects, and stronger local knowledge production and governance support. Taking this case study as an example, the findings provide useful insights for developing more context-responsive and socially grounded NBS approaches in similar informal settlements across comparable urban settings in Africa.