Navigating climate adaptation in urban Africa: lessons from Kigali

The Rwanda capital’s experience of addressing climate risks offers valuable insights into the complexities of urban climate adaptation – highlighting the intricate interplay between local and national governments, urban planning processes, community engagement and climate justice

Parveen Kumar's picture Emmanuel Mwenje's picture
Parveen Kumar is a transdisciplinary senior researcher at Wageningen University and Research; Emmanuel Mwenje is a lecturer at the Technical University of Kenya
03 October 2024
Collection
The transition to a predominantly urban world
A series of insights and interviews designed to share the experiences of community leaders, professionals, researchers and government from the global South
Image of Kigali, Rwanda.

Downtown of Kigali, Rwanda (Photo: erdbeernaut, via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0)

Climate change poses significant challenges for cities worldwide, but especially in Africa, where rapid urbanisation and environmental pressures converge. Mainstreaming climate adaptation strategies in urban development is crucial for building resilience, yet integrating these efforts into local policies and actions remains a daunting task.

Development challenges and current mitigations

Despite its commitment to addressing climate risks, Kigali faces various obstacles that hinder the effective mainstreaming of adaptation measures into its development policies and climate adaptation practices. 

To tackle these challenges various initiatives have been implemented to mitigate climate risks and enhance climate resilience.

Physical challenges

Kigali's hilly terrain increases the risk of landslides and flooding, worsened by unplanned urban sprawl into vulnerable areas such as wetlands and steep slopes. For instance, the Nyabugogo commercial district frequently experiences disruptive flooding, highlighting the need for comprehensive flood management and land use planning strategies. 

The city's rapid growth has also led to the encroachment of residential and commercial areas into high-risk zones, further compounding the physical challenges.

Policy challenges

While Rwanda has made progress with national initiatives such as Vision 2020 and the Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy, translating these policies into practical, actionable steps at the local level has been slow. Many urban development plans have historically overlooked climate risks, resulting in infrastructure that lacks resilience. 

Additionally, there is a lack of coordination and coherence between national-level policies and local-level implementation, leading to disconnects and inefficiencies in addressing climate adaptation needs.

Justice and equity challenges

The enforcement of climate adaptation measures, particularly the eviction and resettlement from high-risk zones, has brought to light significant justice and equity issues.

The city government's policy aims to mitigate disaster risks by relocating residents from vulnerable areas. However, this policy does not provide adequate financial support or long-term resettlement solutions for the displaced families, affecting more than 7,361 households.

This approach, intended to enhance urban safety and encourage natural spaces, has carelessly raised critical ethical concerns. There is a growing need to balance environmental initiatives with the rights and welfare of vulnerable populations. 

Without incorporating fairness and support into climate measures, such actions can unconsciously deepen social disparities and undermine both climate adaptation efforts and community engagement.

In Kigali, the initial outcomes of climate adaptation initiatives have been mixed. While infrastructural improvements have effectively reduced disruptions from seasonal floods, and green urbanism efforts have enhanced stormwater management and biodiversity, significant challenges remain. The long-term sustainability of these projects is still uncertain. 

More critically, questions persist about the social responsibility and inclusiveness of these measures. As the climate continues to change, ensuring that these initiatives not only protect against environmental risks, but also equitably involve and benefit all segments of the community will be essential for their success.

A framework for mainstreaming climate action

To better assess and mainstream climate adaptation efforts in Kigali, we tested the '3A framework’ conceived by Moser and Luers in 2008 and subsequently developed in our research in cities in India:

  • Awareness: the initial phase focused on evaluating and enhancing the understanding of climate risks through surveys and interviews with key stakeholders. It became apparent that current development policies did not adequately address these risks, highlighting the need for clear articulation and dissemination of critical information to this group – which included policymakers, urban planners and local communities.
  • Analysis: this involved a thorough evaluation of the effectiveness of existing and planned infrastructure and urban policies in mitigating identified climate risks. Targeted studies assessed the resilience of critical infrastructure such as drainage systems and flood defences, as well as the adequacy of land use policies in guiding development away from high-risk areas.
  • Action: the final phase centred on implementing practical measures to mitigate identified risks, including infrastructure upgrades such as improved drainage systems and the enforcement of building codes that require new constructions to incorporate climate resilience features. Additionally, the city has been proactive in reforestation efforts and wetland restoration projects, recognising the role of natural systems in climate adaptation.

Our assessment using the 3A framework revealed critical gaps in local climate risk awareness and knowledge, which hinder the effective integration of climate challenges into local policies and actions. These gaps highlight the urgent need for greater commitment and resource allocation to ensure established development authorities can proactively address climate risks. 

Without comprehensive data and informed decision-making, efforts to mainstream climate adaptation will fall short, making it essential to prioritise improved information systems and long-term planning for resilience.

Lessons from Kigali: challenges and opportunities

Kigali's experience offers valuable lessons for other African cities navigating climate adaptation. Climate change is a dynamic and evolving phenomenon, requiring adaptation strategies to be flexible and responsive to new climate information and changing conditions.

Regularly updated climate vulnerability assessments should guide and refine these measures, ensuring that strategies stay relevant and effective as climate patterns shift and new challenges emerge.

A major takeaway is the essential need to embed climate risk information and adaptation into every aspect of development and policymaking at the city level while engaging communities in its planning processes.

Kigali's adaptation strategy included the forced resettlement of residents from high-risk zones without any support. This policy underscores the urgent need for integrating ethical considerations and climate justice into climate adaptation efforts. 

Kigali's approach serves as a vital lesson for other African cities on the importance of embedding human rights and social justice within climate resilience practices. It is crucial that adaptation measures do not disproportionately affect underprivileged communities. Inclusive development is vital to sustain public support for climate actions.

As cities across Africa confront the challenges of climate change, lessons drawn from cities such as Kigali indicate the importance of tailoring mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the unique needs and circumstances of individual communities. 

The challenges, risks and resources available can vary greatly from one place to another. Strategies or solutions that work well for one community may not necessarily be effective or appropriate for another. 

Therefore, it is crucial to consider the distinct social, economic and environmental contexts of each community when developing adaptation plans, ensuring that the solutions are not only effective but also sustainable.

About the author

Parveen Kumar is a transdisciplinary senior researcher at Wageningen University and Research

Emmanuel Mwenje is a lecturer at the Technical University of Kenya

Parveen Kumar's picture Emmanuel Mwenje's picture