Nature based solutions: an evidenced-based hype? A systematic review of the effectiveness of adaptation interventions in agricultural and coastal sectors

The global evidence-base on the effectiveness of climate change adaptation interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been rapidly growing in recent years, particularly in the agricultural and coastal sectors. This paper presentation addresses the question of whether results are consistent across pre-defined types of interventions, outcomes and sectors using a systematic review of 363 empirical observations published in the scientific literature. Results show that nature-based solutions (NbS) have the strongest positive effects for both the coastal and agricultural sectors. In the coastal sector, NbS contribute to reduce the risk of climate-related shocks and stressors, while in the agricultural sector, they enhance adaptive capacity (i.e., specifically the provision of economic benefits). Informational and infrastructure interventions also exhibit positive effects in the agricultural sector. Social/behavioural interventions in the coastal sector show particularly negative effects. Taken together, our results highlight the opportunity for development and climate adaptation practitioners to promote co-benefits beyond risk reduction, particularly in the case of NbS.