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Nature-based solutions for urban flood risk management: A case study of informal settlements in Kigali

Kjell, Anna LU and Lundberg, Minna LU (2025) In TVVR 5000 VVRM05 20242
Division of Water Resources Engineering
Abstract (Swedish)
Översvämningar i urbana miljöer är en växande utmaning i Kigali, Rwanda, särskilt i informella bosättningar där snabb urbanisering och bristfällig infrastruktur ökar risken. Denna studie syftade till att identifiera centrala hinder och drivkrafter som påverkar implementeringen av översvämningsåtgärder inom uppgraderingsprojekt, med särskilt fokus på naturbaserade lösningar (NBS). Genom intervjuer med nyckelaktörer kartlades både generella förutsättningar för översvämningshantering samt specifika faktorer som påverkar möjligheten att implementera NBS. En litteraturstudie användes för att stödja framtagandet av rekommendationer. Resultaten visade att ekonomiska och tekniska begränsningar, osäkerhet kring effektivitet av NBS samt brist på... (More)
Översvämningar i urbana miljöer är en växande utmaning i Kigali, Rwanda, särskilt i informella bosättningar där snabb urbanisering och bristfällig infrastruktur ökar risken. Denna studie syftade till att identifiera centrala hinder och drivkrafter som påverkar implementeringen av översvämningsåtgärder inom uppgraderingsprojekt, med särskilt fokus på naturbaserade lösningar (NBS). Genom intervjuer med nyckelaktörer kartlades både generella förutsättningar för översvämningshantering samt specifika faktorer som påverkar möjligheten att implementera NBS. En litteraturstudie användes för att stödja framtagandet av rekommendationer. Resultaten visade att ekonomiska och tekniska begränsningar, osäkerhet kring effektivitet av NBS samt brist på lokal kompetens utgör betydande hinder, som ofta leder till att konventionell grå infrastruktur prioriteras. Även socio-kulturella faktorer såsom lågt engagemang och begränsad kunskap bland lokalbefolkningen försvårar implementering. Samtidigt lyfts starka institutionella ramverk
och kopplingen till Rwandas strategi för grön ekonomi fram som viktiga drivkrafter. Nationella satsningar inom katastrofförebyggande och hållbar stadsutveckling skapar möjligheter att integrera NBS i långsiktig planering och finansiering. Utifrån resultaten rekommenderar studien att stärka
lokal kapacitet, främja småskaliga och hybrida grå-gröna lösningar, öka samhällsengagemang samt integrera NBS i policy och styrdokument – för att långsiktigt stärka stadens motståndskraft mot översvämningar (Less)
Abstract
Urban flooding is a growing challenge in Kigali, Rwanda, particularly in informal settlements where rapid urbanisation and inadequate infrastructure increase flood risk. This study aimed to identify key barriers and drivers that influence the implementation of flood risk measures in residential upgrading projects, with a specific emphasis on the potential of nature-based solutions (NBS). Stakeholder interviews were conducted to explore both general factors affecting flood risk management and specific conditions influencing NBS adoption. A literature review supported the development of recommendations. Findings revealed financial and technical limitations, perceived uncertainty about NBS effectiveness, and limited local expertise as major... (More)
Urban flooding is a growing challenge in Kigali, Rwanda, particularly in informal settlements where rapid urbanisation and inadequate infrastructure increase flood risk. This study aimed to identify key barriers and drivers that influence the implementation of flood risk measures in residential upgrading projects, with a specific emphasis on the potential of nature-based solutions (NBS). Stakeholder interviews were conducted to explore both general factors affecting flood risk management and specific conditions influencing NBS adoption. A literature review supported the development of recommendations. Findings revealed financial and technical limitations, perceived uncertainty about NBS effectiveness, and limited local expertise as major barriers, leading to a preference for conventional grey infrastructure. Socio-cultural barriers, including low public awareness and limited community involvement, also hindered implementation. However, strong governance frameworks and alignment with Rwanda’s green economy strategy emerged as key drivers. National priorities around disaster prevention and sustainable development created opportunities to integrate NBS into long-term urban planning and financing. Based on these findings, the study recommended strengthening technical capacity, promoting small-scale and hybrid green-grey solutions, enhancing community engagement, and integrating NBS into policy and governance structures. Addressing these factors can improve scalability and effectiveness of NBS, contributing to flood resilience and a sustainable urban Kigali. (Less)
Popular Abstract
As the city of Kigali grows, so does the risk of flooding — especially in informal settlements where poor infrastructure and dense populations leave communities exposed. This study explores how nature-based solutions can help reduce these risks and create greener, safer cities.

Rwanda’s capital is urbanising rapidly, and with more people living in vulnerable areas, floods are becoming harder to manage. Climate change adds to the pressure by making rainfall more
intense and unpredictable. Informal settlements, often built in flood-prone areas, are particularly at risk due to poor drainage and limited public services.

Flood management has traditionally relied on “grey” infrastructure like pipes, drains, and channels that move water... (More)
As the city of Kigali grows, so does the risk of flooding — especially in informal settlements where poor infrastructure and dense populations leave communities exposed. This study explores how nature-based solutions can help reduce these risks and create greener, safer cities.

Rwanda’s capital is urbanising rapidly, and with more people living in vulnerable areas, floods are becoming harder to manage. Climate change adds to the pressure by making rainfall more
intense and unpredictable. Informal settlements, often built in flood-prone areas, are particularly at risk due to poor drainage and limited public services.

Flood management has traditionally relied on “grey” infrastructure like pipes, drains, and channels that move water away as quickly as possible. But these systems alone aren’t enough. Nature-based solutions (NBS) offer a different approach: they work with natural processes to slow, absorb, and filter rainwater. Examples include restoring wetlands, planting vegetation, creating permeable surfaces, and collecting rainwater. These methods not only reduce flooding, but can also cool urban areas, improve air quality, support biodiversity, and offer green spaces that improve mental well-being. By working with nature, NBS supports cities’ adaptation to climate change while making neighborhoods healthier and more livable.

This study explores how NBS can be included in Kigali’s ongoing efforts to upgrade informal settlements. Through interviews with experts and a review of policies and research, the study explores the opportunities and obstacles to using nature as part of the city’s flood response. The findings reveal that while Rwanda’s policies support green and climate-resilient development, turning those policies into action remains a challenge. Barriers include limited technical knowledge, lack of funding, design challenges in dense settlements, and doubts about how well NBS perform compared to conventional infrastructure. Community involvement is often limited, and long-term maintenance responsibilities are unclear.

Still, there is strong potential. Rwanda’s green economy goals, political support, and existing urban planning frameworks provide a solid starting point. The study highlights key steps to move
forward: invest in local expertise, promote small-scale and combined green-grey solutions, engage communities in the planning process, secure long-term funding, and ensure that NBS are
fully embedded in city planning and policy.

With the right strategies and support, NBS could help transform high-risk areas into more resilient, healthy, and inclusive neighbourhoods — not only in Kigali, but in fast-growing cities
across the globe. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Kjell, Anna LU and Lundberg, Minna LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
Naturbaserade lösningar för urban översvämningshantering: En fallstudie av informella bosättningar i Kigali
course
VVRM05 20242
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
nature-based solutions, flood risk management, urban floods, informal settlement, upgrading project, climate resilience
publication/series
TVVR 5000
report number
TVVR25/5010
ISSN
1101-9824
language
English
additional info
Examiner: Johanna Sörensen
id
9208925
date added to LUP
2025-08-08 08:26:13
date last changed
2025-08-08 08:26:13
@misc{9208925,
  abstract     = {{Urban flooding is a growing challenge in Kigali, Rwanda, particularly in informal settlements where rapid urbanisation and inadequate infrastructure increase flood risk. This study aimed to identify key barriers and drivers that influence the implementation of flood risk measures in residential upgrading projects, with a specific emphasis on the potential of nature-based solutions (NBS). Stakeholder interviews were conducted to explore both general factors affecting flood risk management and specific conditions influencing NBS adoption. A literature review supported the development of recommendations. Findings revealed financial and technical limitations, perceived uncertainty about NBS effectiveness, and limited local expertise as major barriers, leading to a preference for conventional grey infrastructure. Socio-cultural barriers, including low public awareness and limited community involvement, also hindered implementation. However, strong governance frameworks and alignment with Rwanda’s green economy strategy emerged as key drivers. National priorities around disaster prevention and sustainable development created opportunities to integrate NBS into long-term urban planning and financing. Based on these findings, the study recommended strengthening technical capacity, promoting small-scale and hybrid green-grey solutions, enhancing community engagement, and integrating NBS into policy and governance structures. Addressing these factors can improve scalability and effectiveness of NBS, contributing to flood resilience and a sustainable urban Kigali.}},
  author       = {{Kjell, Anna and Lundberg, Minna}},
  issn         = {{1101-9824}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{TVVR 5000}},
  title        = {{Nature-based solutions for urban flood risk management: A case study of informal settlements in Kigali}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}