Community-led nature-based solutions for urban climate resilience: Practices, challenges, and institutional dynamics in Dessie City, Ethiopia

Environmental and socioeconomic vulnerabilities in cities are being amplified by rapid urbanization and climate change. Nature-based solutions are increasingly promoted as a sustainable way to enhance urban resilience, but there is limited empirical evidence on community engagement and implementation challenges. The study used a sequential mixed-method design to examine community participation, practices, and constraints in the implementation of nature-based solutions in Dessie City, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 305 household surveys, 22 key informant interviews, 3 focus group discussions, field observations, and four case studies. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Problem Confrontation Index. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings reveal that community participation is largely limited to labor-based activities, with little involvement in planning and decision-making. Top-down governance structures impose major constraints, including high maintenance costs, a lack of financial incentives, weak coordination among institutions, limited accessibility, and low community ownership. Additionally, case studies exemplify that successful initiatives are characterized by strong institutional support, community participation, and integration with livelihoods. The study illustrates the importance of integrated management frameworks that integrate ecological restoration with community engagement, financial support, and capacity building. The study suggests that NbS have the potential to improve urban climate resilience, promote community well-being, and enable sustainable development. The study provides practical lessons for scaling up nature-based solutions initiatives in similar urban contexts by documenting best practices, key constraints, and the role of local participation. The results contribute to evidence-based strategies for the realization of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities in accordance with SDG 11.7.