Effect of Green Economy Practices on Flood Risk Reduction in the City of Kigali
Abstract
Climate change remains a pressing global challenge, exacerbated by unsustainable economic activities, rapid urbanization, and resource depletion. This study explores the effect of green economy practices on flood risk reduction in the City of Kigali, Rwanda. Recognizing the global urgency of climate change and environmental degradation, the research focuses on sustainable practices such as electric mobility, green urban planning, plastic recycling, and wetland conservation. Using a mixed-methods approach, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 210 respondents, including green economy practitioners and policymakers. Descriptive statistics revealed strong public support for green practices, particularly the adoption of electric vehicles, restoration of wetlands, implementation of green infrastructure, and circular economy efforts like plastic recycling. Regression analysis showed a strong positive relationship between green economy practices and flood risk reduction with correlation coefficients (R = 0.875, R2 = 0.786), indicating that 78.6% of the variance in flood risk reduction could be explained by these practices. Regression analysis further identifies wetland conservation (B = 0.804, p < 0.001) as the strongest contributor, followed by green urban planning (B = 0.713, p < 0.001). Plastic recycling (B = 0.521, p = 0.002) also shows a significant positive effect, while e-mobility (B = 0.278, p = 0.028 contributed positively, though to a slightly lesser degree. The findings emphasize the necessity of integrated, sustainable urban planning strategies to enhance climate resilience. The study draws a conclusion that scaling up green economy practices is vital for Kigali’s climate adaptation strategy and recommends stronger policy support, public awareness, and investment in green technologies to further strengthen urban resilience against climate-induced flood disasters.
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