Evaluating Nature-Based Greening Solutions in Nairobi’s Informal Settlements: Mitigating Urban Heat Effects and Enhancing Food Security

Authors and Collaborators:

• Bolly Echessa
• Loraine Kabaka
• Okeyo Fred
• Mercy Osumo

Summary:

Urban informal settlements face acute challenges related to climate change, environmental degradation, and limited access to green infrastructure. Nature-Based Climate Solutions (NbCS) presents an innovative approach to addressing these challenges by integrating ecological systems into urban environments to enhance climate resilience, and food security. The research was conducted across five informal settlements in Nairobi municipality: Githurai, Zimmerman, and Githunguri as intervention sites, and Kibera & Mkuru kwa Njenga. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining household surveys (n = 111), focus group discussions, field measurements, and observations in intervention areas, where NbCS projects had been implemented, and in control areas that were lacking NbCS. Quantitative data were analyzed using chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression. Findings indicate that households in intervention areas had significantly higher awareness (p < 0.001) and engagement in NbCS activities, with home gardening (84%) and green spaces (65%) being the most common practices. Environmental measurements showed that air quality was significantly better in intervention areas, with reduced particulate matter levels compared to control areas. Additionally, NbCS interventions contributed to lower ambient temperatures, with intervention sites recording temperatures 2–3°C cooler than control sites, demonstrating the cooling effects of NbCS. Challenges hindering NbCS adoption included limited access to land (66.7%), water scarcity (59.1%), and lack of information (58.3%), especially in control areas. Education level and group exposure were significant predictors of awareness and participation. Strategies that enhanced long-term stewardship include capacity-building programs, strong community leadership, and participatory planning processes. The study recommends scaling NbCS initiatives through integrated urban planning and establishing community-led governance structures. Improving air quality and mitigating urban heat through NbCS can enhance both environmental health and quality of life, making these interventions important for creating climate disaster resilient urban communities.