Land Policy and Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation Strategies in Nigeria

Land use is a complex issue that presents various challenges and consequences, particularly in the face of climate disasters such as flooding. Nature-based solutions (NbS) have emerged as effective strategies for climate adaptation. However, the current planning laws and land use policies in Nigeria appear to be insufficient in accommodating this new paradigm. Moreover, the impacts of climate change are exacerbating the frequency of hazards, particularly for communities reliant on natural resources for their livelihoods. This raises important questions about the ability of planning policies to support the implementation of nature-based solutions in managing climate change and the adaptation strategies needed to mitigate its impact.

Using a mixed methodology, this research aims to explore land use policies and the integration of nature-based solutions into climate adaptation policies in Nigeria. The study will employ a participatory process to investigate citizenship participation in planning and assess the extent to which town planning laws comply with the development and management of climate hazards. The findings of this research will unveil climate adaptation strategies and identify the obstacles posed by land use policies to the implementation of nature-based solutions.
It will also provide insights into the importance of stakeholder engagement and compliance with planning laws to enhance resilience and reduce the vulnerability of communities to climate hazards. Ultimately, the research will inform policymakers and planners on the necessary steps to integrate nature-based solutions into land use policies for effective climate adaptation in Nigeria.