Successful CBA/LLA Practice in My Community: Wetland Restoration in Kigali
Challenge Addressed: The initiative addresses urban flooding, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss, particularly in areas like Nyandungu Wetland, where drainage congestion and unplanned construction had worsened flooding during heavy rains.
Community Engagement:Local residents, schools, and youth groups were actively involved in planning, planting, and monitoring the wetland. Community meetings allowed stakeholders to identify key areas for restoration, agree on rules for water use, and participate in tree planting and cleanup activities.
Outcomes/Impacts:
Reduced urban flooding and waterlogging in surrounding neighborhoods
Improved water quality and availability for households
Increased local awareness of environmental stewardship
Creation of green spaces for recreation and education
Traditional/Indigenous Practices:Communities historically relied on natural wetlands for water storage, fishing, and flood control, recognizing seasonal water flow patterns. These practices also included planting local vegetation to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
Relevance Today: These traditional practices remain relevant but were threatened by urban expansion. The restoration project revived them and integrated them with modern planning and technical support.
Connection to Local Values and Identity:Wetlands are tied to community identity and culture, serving as sources of livelihood and natural heritage. Protecting them reinforces respect for nature and local traditions.
Integration into LLA Framework:This initiative exemplifies Locally-Led Adaptation because the community retains ownership of decisions, manages resources directly, and combines indigenous knowledge with technical support from NGOs and government agencies.
Barriers:Challenges include ongoing urbanization, limited policy enforcement, and the risk of younger generations losing traditional knowledge. Continuous education and incentive programs are needed to sustain these practices.
Example of Successful Integration:The Nyandungu Eco-Park project demonstrates how traditional knowledge about wetland management can be combined with modern urban planning and scientific monitoring to reduce climate risks while enhancing biodiversity and community resilience.
Both the Mabogo Dinku Community Garden (Gaborone) and the Nyandungu Wetland restoration exemplify successful locally-led adaptation through strong community ownership, integration of indigenous knowledge, and multi-benefit nature-based solutions. Each project engaged residents, schools and youth in planning and implementation, combined traditional practices (rainwater harvesting, native planting, communal management) with technical support, and delivered social and ecological co-benefits—improved food security, flood mitigation, water quality, biodiversity, and environmental education. Crucially, both leveraged public–community partnerships that provided resources and legitimacy while preserving local decision-making.
They can complement one another by sharing technical practices (e.g., garden irrigation and rainwater capture to support wetland nurseries; wetland soil-stabilization methods for flood-resilient garden design), creating green corridors that link urban gardens and wetlands to enhance infiltration and biodiversity, and coordinating education/outreach and policy support to scale impacts. Joint training, exchange visits, and integrated planning would strengthen resilience while preserving cultural values and sustaining community engagement.