Nature Towards Global Climate Change : The Pertinence of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to Combating Effects of Climate Change on Human Livelihoods on a Global and Country-Specific Context – Zambia as an Example

Abstract: As a result of Climate Change (CC) being one of the most urgent problems facing the twenty-first century, the adoption of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) is receiving international attention in the Global Development studies as a sustainable way to mitigate the negative effects of CC. However, there is a lack of grounded information on their effectiveness and efficiency, particularly in the Global South.  By focussing on Zambia to exemplify a country in the Global South, this study seeks to understand the relevance of adopting NbS towards combating effects of CC on human livelihoods (eliminating societal challenges) and fostering country-specific developmental objectives. The study primarily uses semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from projects involved in the implementation of NbS activities inclined to the preservation, conservation, restoration, management, or replication of natural ecosystems as ideal CC solutions. Firstly, the study adopts the DIFD-SLF to explore the most pressing challenges that people face, and to reveal the livelihood strategies implored by NbS project implementers to achieve the desired Livelihood outcomes within the communities of their influence (landscapes). Secondly, the study uses the development tenets of the two policy documents - Agenda 2030 and Zambia's 8NDP – for assessing the relevance of NbS towards the actualisation of both global and a country-specific developmental objectives, respectively.  The findings reveal that two livelihood strategies – Livelihood diversification and Agriculture Intensification/Extension – are being promoted by the projects to eliminate societal challenges, inspire economic growth, and environmental protection. Additionally, the study demonstrates how developing countries like Zambia can record progress towards achieving their country-specific development goals by leveraging on activities promoted through NbS adoption.