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Research . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Research . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Building Climate Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa: Earthships as Nature-based Solutions

Authors: Brito Gorriti, Maria;

Building Climate Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa: Earthships as Nature-based Solutions

Abstract

This working paper proposes an integrated Nature-based Solutions and Project Management (NbS-PMI) framework for the design and delivery of Earthship construction projects in sub-Saharan Africa. Earthships — self-sufficient buildings constructed from recycled tires, glass bottles, aluminium cans, and adobe — are argued to constitute a form of NbS exceptionally well-suited to the African urban context, given the region's abundant waste streams, high solar irradiance, water scarcity, and available labor. The paper develops a four-phase implementation framework (Site Assessment, Design, Implementation, and Monitoring) grounded in PMI project management discipline and validated against an original community center project proposal and two international case studies. A 12-indicator monitoring framework maps project outcomes to SDG targets 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, and 13. The central argument is that project management discipline is the critical missing link between NbS policy ambition and on-the-ground delivery in African cities.

Keywords

Sustainable Construction, Climate Adaptation, Urbanization, SDG's, Sub- Saharan Africa, Nature-based Solutions, Project Management, Circular Economy

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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