Back to mother nature : the potential of using nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change vulnerabilities along the coast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract: Climate change has been identified as one of the greatest threats facing our world today. The effects of climate change are expected to increase global sea level rise and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This poses a significant risk to cities due to their high population density and economic, political, cultural and commercial activities. Coastal cities in low- and middle-income countries are most at risk due to their low adaptive capacity. Global assessments have identified East Africa as one of the most threatened coastal regions. This is because East African cities are undergoing substantial unplanned growth, which increases the exposure of people and assets to climate change impacts. Little research has been conducted on potential adaptation measures to climate change in this region. This thesis assesses the potential for nature-based solutions to be used to mitigate climate change vulnerabilities along the coast of Dar es Salaam, where grey infrastructure solutions have traditionally been used. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used to do so. Key informant interviews combined with a geospatial analysis was used to identify vulnerabilities to climate change and locate suitable areas for different nature-based solutions. The results showed that there were suitable areas for nature-based solutions to address adaptation gaps in coastal Dar es Salaam. Mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass and sand dunes were found to be viable options along the coast of Dar es Salaam. This thesis concludes that the use of nature-based solutions can offer relatively inexpensive, effective and long-lasting climate change adaptation solutions that create a range of co-benefits both for coastal ecosystems and for the economic lives of local communities in and around Dar es Salaam’s coastal region. This thesis provides a scientific basis to support evidence-based policy making on sustainable adaptive management in Tanzania, with potential applications in other coastal urban areas in sub-Saharan Africa and other developing countries.