The challenges, opportunities and the future of nature-based solutions utilization in Tanzania and Kenya

Nature-based solutions have proven effective in addressing a multitude of societal challenges. Despite this potential, most research on NbS is based on developed economies, with few relevant examples of NbS applications in African countries. This situation limits tailoring NbS to local contexts, thereby minimizing their efficacy and limiting knowledge and information sharing about potential NbS to address various societal challenges. Based on an in-depth literature review, this study explores the challenges of NbS utilization, the societal benefits of NbS, implementation limitations, and opportunities for NbS mainstreaming, with special emphasis on Kenya and Tanzania. Specific examples have highlighted sectors in Kenya and Tanzania where NbS interventions have helped to minimize societal challenges and improve livelihoods. Kenya has demonstrated a slight advantage over Tanzania in integrating NbS into policy frameworks. In both countries, community engagement and indigenous knowledge, such as Ngitili and Alalili, have been integral to NbS implementation. The study recommends raising awareness of NbS potential, prioritizing sectoral linkages through streamlined NbS policies, encouraging adaptive and innovative solutions for NbS implementation, and increasing funding for investment and projects focused on NbS utilization. The success of NbS internalization across sectors and livelihood levels can yield wide positive externalities that not only minimize local challenges in Kenya and Tanzania but also contribute to regional and global success, such as achieving sustainable development goals. The study's novelty lies in its comparative analysis of the two East African countries and in the contextualization of the benefits and challenges of implementing the NbS.