A framework for assessing social structure in community governance of sustainable urban drainage systems: insights from a literature review

• Published in: Mitigation and adaptation strategies for global change Vol. 29; no. 5; p. 42
• Main Authors: Muwafu, Simon Peter, Rölfer, Lena, Scheffran, Jürgen, Costa, María Máñez
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.06.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adaptation; Atmospheric Sciences; climate; Climate action; Climate change; Climate Change Management and Policy; drainage; Drainage systems; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Environmental Management; Governance; Green Infrastructure; issues and policy; Literature review; Literature reviews; Original Article; Policy Arrangement Approach; Social conditions; Social factors; Social structure; Stormwater; Stormwater management; Sub-Saharan Africa; Sub-Saharan Cities; Sustainability; Urban areas; Urban drainage; Urban Stormwater Management; Water management; Sub-Saharan Africa; Literature review; Green Infrastructure; Sub-Saharan Cities; Policy Arrangement Approach; Urban Stormwater Management; Adaptation
• ISSN: 1573-1596; 1381-2386; 1573-1596
• DOI: 10.1007/s11027-024-10136-2

The utilization of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) as Nature-based Solutions (NBS) holds significant promise for enhancing resilience against climate change-induced flooding and promoting community well-being in urban areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. While existing research predominantly emphasizes technical aspects within the NBS framework, understanding the socio-governance dynamics at the community level is equally imperative, particularly given the decentralized nature of SUDS. This study aims to complement the prevailing technical focus by examining the social dimensions of community governance related to SUDS implementation. Through a literature review, key determinants of social structure influencing successful community governance in SUDS management are identified, and categorized into actors, resources, discourses, and rules of engagement. An innovative assessment framework comprising 65 indicators is proposed to evaluate these determinants, offering a comprehensive tool for scholars and practitioners. By integrating social considerations into SUDS management practices, this research seeks to inform policy formulation and strategies tailored to Sub-Saharan African cities, facilitating equitable and participatory urban stormwater management initiatives crucial for addressing climate change challenges.