Abstract

This study assesses the development of green infrastructure (GI) and its role in climate change adaptation in Tarcha Town, Dawuro Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. The research examined the status, institutional capacity, community perception, and climate adaptation functions of GI. Using A mixed-methods approach involving household surveys (142 respondents), key informant interviews, focus group discussions, field observation, GIS mapping, and i-Tree canopy assessment was adopted for the research. Results show that GI elements such as urban trees, green belts, parks, and watershed buffer zones are limited in coverage and poorly managed. Institutional performance is constrained by weak coordination, limited budget, lack of technical expertise, and absence of clear GI implementation strategies. Community members recognize climate-related challenges (heat stress, flooding, erosion) and acknowledge the ecological services of GI, including micro-climate regulation, soil stabilization, and storm-water control. The study concludes that GI has substantial potential for strengthening local climate resilience but requires improved planning, stronger institutional frameworks, and community participation. Policy recommendations include integrating GI into urban planning, establishing maintenance guidelines, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, and increasing investment in sustainable urban ecosystem management.

Keywords: Green infrastructure, Climate change adaptation, Urban ecosystem, Vegetation cover