Climate Change Impacts on Poverty and Community Adaptation in Coastal Ghana

This study explores the intricate relationship between climate change and poverty in the La Dade Kotopon Municipal District, Ghana, focusing on the vulnerabilities of marginalized communities. Using a qualitative case study approach, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with ten purposively sampled residents, including fishermen, farmers, and informal sector workers. The findings reveal that climate change disrupts key livelihoods, exacerbates socio-economic inequalities, and poses significant challenges to adaptation. Participants reported shifting fishing patterns, declining agricultural yields, infrastructure damage due to flooding, and worsening water security. Socio-economic disparities, particularly income inequality, further limit adaptation capacity, as wealthier households can afford resilient infrastructure and climate-smart technologies, while poorer residents face heightened risks. Key coping strategies include agricultural diversification, disaster preparedness training, infrastructure improvements, and renewable energy adoption. However, challenges such as financial constraints, weak governance structures, and lack of coordinated policy interventions hinder long-term resilience. This research highlights the need for equitable adaptation strategies that integrate socio-economic, environmental, and political solutions to mitigate climate-induced poverty. By emphasizing localized experiences, the study contributes to policy discussions on climate justice and resilience-building in vulnerable communities.