Vulnerability to coastal erosion in The Gambia: Empirical experience from Gunjur

Abstract

Coastal erosion is a major challenge along the coast of The Gambia besides the increasing pressure from climate change. This poses tremendous influences on physical and the socio-economic vulnerability of the coastal communities, in the form of negative impacts on lives and livelihoods. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the vulnerability of households to the impacts of coastal erosion. As a result, this study focused on the assessment and mapping of the social vulnerability of households to coastal erosion in Gunjur village. An interdisciplinary and mixed-method approaches were used in the study. The MOVE system-thinking framework was used to develop and select social vulnerability indicators. Geographic Information Systems technique was employed in data integration and mapping of the vulnerability of households. The outcome of the study revealed that 90% of the households were highly vulnerable to coastal erosion, however, women were perceived to be relatively more vulnerable. The study found high levels of exposure and susceptibility of the households to coastal erosion, given the limited adaptation capacity. It was found that 74% of the households do not have sustainable adaptation strategies to the impacts of coastal erosion. Integrating coastal protection measures into climate change adaptation and mitigation policy framework was a key recommendation towards reducing the impacts of human factors on coastal erosion. Alternative sources of livelihoods and mind building are required to build the resilience of households and enhance human security in the coastal communities of The Gambia.