Situating the contribution of nature-based solutions in informal settlements within the context of urban metabolism: lessons from selected informal settlements in Ghana

Nalumu, Dorothy Julian;Perrotti, Daniela;Rosa, Elisabetta;Amponsah, Owusu;Takyi, Stephen Appiah
(2026) Local Environment : the international journal of justice and sustainability — n° 10.1080/13549839.2026.2644482, p. 1-29 (2026)

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Authors
  • Nalumu, Dorothy JulianUniversite catholique de Louvain
    Author
  • Perrotti, DanielaUniversite catholique de Louvain
    Author
  • Rosa, ElisabettaUniversite catholique de Louvain
    Author
  • Amponsah, OwusuKwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
    Author
  • Takyi, Stephen AppiahKwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
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Abstract
The assessment of nature-based solutions (NBS) in informal settlements (IS) offers significant potential to enhance urban metabolism (UM). However, there is little recognition of its contribution to UM and addressing socio-ecological challenges. This study selected IS in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana, to address the following research questions: What are the environmental and social challenges in the IS? What are the existing NBSs among the IS typologies, and how can the NBS contribute to UM? 770 household heads were interviewed, supported by 6 focus group discussions and observation. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and content analysis revealed common socio-ecological challenges, including waste disposal, water scarcity, and heat, which vary across the IS. For example, water scarcity was more severe in Nima, with 75.9% of residents affected compared to only 21.5% in Ayigya Zongo (p < 0.001). Additionally, challenges related to physical infrastructure, such as sanitation systems and access to potable water, were identified. Old Fadama has better sanitation (67.6%) compared to Dagomba Line (51.7%) (p < 0.009). Nevertheless, NBS positively contributes to UM through regulation/support, provision, and cultural/spiritual benefits. For example, Nima demonstrates higher provisioning benefits such as water harvesting (59%), thus reducing over-reliance on government water supply. Dakwadwom demonstrates high-temperature control (55%) and water regulation (87%), thus reducing water demands and energy. Policy should therefore focus on supporting NBS interventions such as rainwater harvesting, gardening, tree planting, and soil protection techniques at household levels in the IS, to address socio-ecological challenges and impact on overall UM.
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Nalumu, D. J., Perrotti, D., Rosa, E., Amponsah, O., & Takyi, S. A. (2026). Situating the contribution of nature-based solutions in informal settlements within the context of urban metabolism: lessons from selected informal settlements in Ghana. Local Environment : the international journal of justice and sustainability, 10.1080/13549839.2026.2644482, 1-29. https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2026.2644482 (Original work published 2026)