Chad's capital, N'Djamena, has faced significant flooding in three of the past five years, leading to widespread displacement. The increasing frequency of these floods highlights the inadequacy of current flood protections. Unplanned urban development and the expansion of impermeable surfaces exacerbate flooding and other hazards like extreme heat.
The World Bank-financed N’Djamena Urban Resilience Project is addressing these issues by integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) such as green spaces that absorb rainwater alongside traditional drainage systems. These measures aim to reduce flood risks while also cooling urban areas and providing recreational spaces.
This situation is not unique to N’Djamena. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, communities are under growing environmental pressure amid economic growth efforts. The region's population is expected to nearly double by 2050, increasing exposure to natural hazards and straining governments' ability to manage land and water resources effectively. With an annual infrastructure financing gap exceeding $100 billion, urgent investment is necessary for a sustainable future.
A new report titled "Growing Resilience: Unlocking the Potential of Nature-Based Solutions for Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa" explores how NBS can address these challenges. Jointly published by the World Resources Institute, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank, it evaluates nearly 300 projects over the past decade using data and expertise from these organizations. The report identifies progress, barriers, and recommendations for scaling up NBS adoption.
From 2012 to 2023, investments in NBS in Sub-Saharan Africa grew by approximately 15% annually, surpassing $21 billion in total funding. However, this amount remains insufficient for comprehensive protection.
The report emphasizes that overcoming policy, institutional, technical, social, and financial barriers is crucial for successful implementation of NBS. Examples include a tree-planting project in Freetown requiring local team training; wetland restoration awareness efforts in Ethiopia securing government support; and clear land rights agreements preventing conflicts in Ghana.
To enhance NBS use across the region, six key recommendations are outlined:
1. Integrate NBS into national policies and planning.
2. Build technical capacity for investment-ready projects.
3. Incorporate equity and community needs into projects.
4. Diversify funders and funding sources.
5. Tailor strategies to each country's unique challenges.
6. Enhance monitoring and evaluation processes.
Nature-based solutions offer a sustainable path forward for Sub-Saharan Africa but require greater investment and commitment from governments, private sectors, and development partners.
For more information on GFDRR's advancement of nature-based solutions or to access the full report: [Link]