Coastal Vulnerability of West African Coasts under the Changing Climate and Human Development

This paper examines the coastal vulnerability of the West African coasts. Coastal vulnerability is a significant concern in this region, where areas are increasingly exposed to the impacts of climate change. However, the factors contributing to this heightened vulnerability are varied and extend beyond just climate change. Key drivers include population growth, rapid urbanization, weak governance, and inadequate coastal management practices. The paper introduces the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) as a useful tool for assessing and comparing coastal vulnerability across West Africa that can help identify the most vulnerable regions and the factors influencing their susceptibility. The Gulf of Guinea coast corridor, extending from eastern Côte d'Ivoire to northern Cameroon, is very vulnerable. In contrast, the region from eastern Sierra Leone to western Côte d'Ivoire is classified as having moderate to low vulnerability. It concludes that to protect the future West and Central African coasts, governments must develop and implement action plans, which should include strategies for relocation, adaptation to flood risks, restrictions on development in high-risk areas, and community initiatives aimed at reducing the impacts of coastal hazards. Additionally, socioeconomic growth and coastal migration should be monitored and managed sustainably. Immediate action is necessary to limit future coastal threats through effective adaptation measures.