A systematic review of the applicability of nature-based solutions for resilient urban residences in Southern Nigeria

PurposeThe adoption of nature-based solutions (NBS) for resilient cities has been receiving concern because of global threats of climate variation and a bid to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. NBS promotes a healthy environment and discourages land loss. NBS applications have been researched, especially in developing nations; however, there is a lack of evidence on their roles, impediments and drivers in southern Nigerian cities. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review the applicability of NBS for resilient urban residences (RUR) in southern Nigeria. Also, it proposes strategies for addressing environmental issues via a framework that will support future studies.Design/methodology/approachSouthern Nigeria's riparian settlements are vulnerable to climate variability's devastating effects. A systematic review of literature on NBS for RUR resilience was conducted, sourcing 29 papers included in the study from 2004 to 2023 using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses from Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science databases in November 2023.FindingsThe review identified three themes: NBS's role in fostering urban resilience, impediments to its application and drivers for resilient RUR, with five roles, eight impediments and eight drivers identified in the literature.Research limitations/implicationsThis study explores literature on environmental drivers for practitioners promoting NBS, suggesting a qualitative research approach for advanced studies. However, the systematic review-based recommendations maintain the robustness of the NBS application for RUR in southern Nigeria, despite the need for advanced studies.Practical implicationsThis study outlines the five roles, eight impediments and eight drivers for promoting the application of NBS in southern Nigeria. This study noted that NBS can improve urban residential precincts, maintain residents' quality of life, purify air, regulate temperature and reduce glare, urban heat and land loss. The findings can be used by environmental and construction practitioners, clients, academics and policymakers to promote NBS applications in Nigeria. Adapting NBS should be a basic consideration in residential property planning and design for building plan approval.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this systematic review analysis is the first to explore NBS application in Southern Nigeria RUR, offering flexible strategies to advance NBS in the Nigerian locale.