Social perceptions of coastal hazards in the Anlo Beach Community in the Western Region of Ghana

Due to climate change, coastal areas are becoming increasingly susceptible to more frequent and severe environmental catastrophes that endanger the health, safety, and way of life of coastal dwellers. Understanding the social perceptions of risk and hazard-related concerns can help in the development of adaptive capacity and associated management strategy preferences. This study employed structured questionnaires to obtain basic information on how the households of the Anlo Beach fishing community in the Western region of Ghana perceived and responded to coastal hazards. The respondents ranked coastal erosion and salinization first and second, ahead of seawater flooding and other hazards in terms of important risks in the study area. Responses illustrated high levels of knowledge and awareness about coastal hazards but low levels of trust in government and commitments in terms of taking personal mitigation measures. To varying degrees, respondent characteristics such as length of residency and occupancy status are positively and significantly associated with coastal hazard perception whereas the level of education was negative. Generally, the findings illustrated the need for better education and awareness campaigns about self-mitigation actions such as discontinuing beach sand utilization and exploiting mangroves as firewood, and embracing the restoration of mangrove ecosystems. More importantly, the government should reconsider her earlier shelved plan of relocating the entire community to a safer location.

Automated summary

Coastal areas are experiencing increased vulnerability to frequent and severe environmental disasters due to climate change. Understanding societal perceptions of risk and concerns related to hazards can contribute to the development of adaptive strategies and management preferences. This study examined how households in the Anlo Beach fishing community in Ghana perceived and responded to coastal hazards. Coastal erosion and salinization ranked as the most important risks in the area. The findings highlight the need for education and awareness campaigns to promote self-mitigation actions and the government's reconsideration of relocation plans.