Nature-Based Solutions in Enhancing Well-being of Urban Cities in Nigeria

Olufunmilola A. Obakin, Oluranti M. Oladunmoye, Ireoluwa D. Olukayode, Nathaniel O. Akinyokun, Kareem A. Uthman and Adekunle Adewole

Journal of Sustainable Development, 2026, vol. 19, issue 4, 78

Abstract: The rapid urbanization of Nigerian cities has put a lot of pressure on the environment such as heat accumulation, flooding, and the continued loss of urban green spaces, which significantly impacts human well-being and cultural identity. Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) are an integrative approach to address these challenges by the integration of natural systems into the built environment. This paper explores the role architectural NbS plays in improving well-being, and ecological identity, within urban cities in Nigeria, with a specific focus on Ibadan. The research uses a descriptive mixed-methods approach and combines a rich literature review with a questionnaire survey administered to 287 residents across eight neighborhoods in Ibadan. The study explored their access to urban nature, perceptions of green spaces, well-being, ecological identity, and attitudes towards NbS. Quantitative data were analysed through descriptive analysis, while qualitative data via thematic analysis. The results indicate that residents recognise NbS as important contributors to thermal comfort, stress reduction, mental restoration, and urban liveability. However, effectively implementating NbS is constrained by challenges such as unequal access across different neighbourhoods, including governance, maintenance and policy-related challenges. Respondents strongly supported integrating greening strategies in buildings and the urban environment such as the integration of courtyards, shaded communal spaces, and culturally-responsive design strategies. It concludes that, when equitably distributed, culturally sensitive and supported by effective governance frameworks, architectural NbS can meaningfully contribute to sustainable urban developments in Ibadan. It emphasises the importance of architectural NbS in enhancing environmental resilience, well-being and ecological identity in Nigerian cities.

Date: 2026
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