Exploration of Nature-based Solutions for Management of Perennial Urban Flood and Erosion: A Case Study of Bulbula, Kano, Nigeria

Nigeria and several developing nations have been faced with myriads of natural hazards such as floods amongst others which are attributable to both natural and anthropogenic factors. The design of structural systems for the control and prevention of these hazards has relied greatly on using rigid linings for hydraulic structures due to the ease of construction and maintenance. These systems, however, have negative implications on the environment necessitating exploration of nature-based solutions. This study therefore designed a concrete-lined trapezoidal channel and a natural-lined trapezoidal channel for the management of flood in Bulbula, Kano, Nigeria. Flow through both channels was simulated in HEC-RAS. While both channels showed adequacy in controlling the flood, the natural channel with a normalized relative score of 1 was better than the concrete-lined channel with a score of 0.7. The study concluded that the nature-based channels should be explored in urban drainages if the space is available.