Harnessing Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review

Climate change, land degradation, and rising disaster risks all pose serious threats to Ethiopia's long-term growth and livelihood security. This research critically investigates nature-based solutions (NbS) in strengthening climate resilience and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Ethiopia. Based on a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature, we evaluate the effectiveness of a variety of NbS interventions, including agroforestry, ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (eco-DRR), sustainable land management, and ecosystem restoration, in addressing interconnected environmental and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Our data indicate that NbS has multifunctional benefits, including both short-term risk reduction and long-term climate adaptation and mitigation outcomes. They also help to conserve biodiversity, improve livelihoods, and provide essential ecosystem services in rural and urban regions. However, NbS implementation in Ethiopia is hampered by weak institutional capability, fragmented policy frameworks, and insufficient funding mechanisms. To address these issues, the article suggests an integrated, multi-level governance strategy that encourages collaboration among local communities, policymakers, development practitioners, and researchers. We conclude that integrating NbS into national and subnational policies is critical to Ethiopia's egalitarian, sustainable, and climate-resilient development.