Climate Change Impacts on Poverty and Community Adaptation in Coastal Ghana

Climate Change Impacts on Poverty and Community Adaptation in Coastal Ghana | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Climate Change Impacts on Poverty and Community Adaptation in Coastal Ghana Stephen Kwame Ameko, Emmanuel Kojo Sakyi, Bismark Akoto, Patrick Kofi Makafui Tecku, and 2 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6839488/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract 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. Climate change poverty coping strategies socio-economic inequalities adaptation Ghana qualitative research Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 INTRODUCTION Climate change is one of our most significant environmental challenges, with potentially devastating impacts on human societies, particularly in developing countries (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2019). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted the growing risks associated with climate change, including sea level rise, extreme weather events, and increasing frequency and intensity of droughts and floods (Tomaz et al., 2020). These impacts are felt particularly acutely in developing countries, where communities are often more vulnerable due to poverty, limited access to resources, and lack of infrastructure and institutional capacity (Hallegatte, 2016). As a developing country, Ghana is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Research by Asante et al. (2021) asserts that Ghana has experienced a range of negative consequences of climate change, such as floods, droughts, and extreme weather events that disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable communities. According to the World Bank, about 23 percent of the Ghanaian population lives below the poverty line (Molini & Paci, 2015). Poverty is often associated with limited access to basic services such as water and sanitation, inadequate housing, and limited access to education and healthcare (Ngakane, 2021). These factors, combined with climate change, can worsen poverty and inequality, creating a vicious cycle of vulnerability and deprivation (Buhaug & Von Uexkull, 2021). The notion of "climate vulnerability" is not a static concept; it is influenced by social, economic, and political factors (Hossain, Rahman, & Hossain, 2018). In developing nations like Ghana, this vulnerability is heightened due to inherent socio-economic inequalities. The concept hinges on the adaptability of systems, ranging from ecological to human social systems, to absorb the impacts of climate-related shocks. A study by Islam and Winkel (2017), elucidates the vicious cycle between poverty and climate change, stating that the impoverished are not just disproportionately affected, but their conditions are further exacerbated by the changing climate. The scarcity of resources among impoverished communities makes them less resilient to climatic shocks, creating a feedback loop that intensifies their vulnerabilities (Grasham, Korzenevica, & Charles, 2019). The role of political dynamics, as studied by Yeboah et al. (2024), adds a layer of complexity. In Ghana, governance deficiencies result in uncoordinated climate adaptation policies, and, at times, corruption siphons off resources meant for climate resilience. This creates an "institutional void," leading to inefficiencies that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. Huitema et al. (2016) encapsulate this phenomenon, that is, how institutional and governance failures magnify the vulnerabilities that these communities already face due to climate change and poverty. In essence, the confluence of climate change, poverty, and institutional incapacity creates a situation that is direr than each factor individually (McKinnon, 2022). Thus, mitigating climate impacts in Ghana cannot be siloed into environmental, social, or political interventions but requires an integrated policy framework that crosscuts these domains. This calls for a concerted multi-disciplinary approach to building resilient systems that can withstand these intersecting challenges (Lenzer, 2017). Existing studies on climate-poverty dynamics in Ghana often prioritize quantitative metrics, overlooking nuanced community perspectives (Anser et al., 2023). This gap limits the design of equitable adaptation policies. Grounded in social equity theory, this study examines how socio-economic inequalities mediate climate vulnerability and explores locally employed coping mechanisms. Three research questions guide the inquiry: 1. How do residents perceive climate impacts on their daily lives? 2. What challenges hinder adaptation? 3. What strategies do communities adopt to build resilience? METHOD The study was conducted in the La Dade Kotopon Municipal District, located in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, an area highly susceptible to climate change impacts such as rising sea levels, flooding, and extreme weather events. A qualitative research approach was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of community experiences regarding climate change and poverty. The case study research design was chosen to provide a detailed examination of how climate change affects poverty in this coastal region, considering socio-economic, cultural, and environmental influences. The study targeted residents of La Dade Kotopon Municipal District who have firsthand experience with climate change-related challenges, using a purposive sampling technique to include participants directly affected by climate change impacts, such as fishermen, farmers, and informal sector workers. A total of ten (10) respondents participated in the study, representing diverse socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring a broad range of perspectives. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and document analysis. The thematic analysis method was used to identify recurring patterns, key themes, and insights related to climate change impacts, adaptation challenges, and community resilience strategies, following Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework. Ethical considerations were prioritized, including obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring cultural sensitivity. Demographic characteristics Table 1.0 Respondents information Sex Percentage Age Range Percentage Education Percentage Female 50% 20–30 30% Primary 30% Male 50% 31–40 30% SHS (Senior High School) 20% 41–50 20% Tertiary 50% 51–60 20% Table 1.0 presents a comprehensive overview of the demographic characteristics of the respondents in this study. It reveals a balanced distribution in terms of gender, with 50% of the respondents being female and an equivalent 50% being male. This equitable representation ensures a gender-balanced sample, enhancing the validity of the research findings. Moreover, the age range of the respondents is diversified, with 30% falling within the 20–30 and 31–40 age categories. This distribution reflects the inclusion of both younger and middle-aged individuals in the study. Additionally, 41–50 and 51–60 age groups each constitute 20% of the respondents, showcasing a broad age range within the sample. Lastly, the respondents show varying levels of educational attainment. A significant 50% of them have reached the tertiary level of education, reflecting a well-educated part of the sample. 30% have completed their education at the primary level, while 20% have attained education up to the SHS (Senior High School) level. This educational diversity ensures a broad perspective, with individuals from different educational backgrounds contributing their unique experiences and insights to the research. RESULTS Thematic Map of Climate Impacts, Socio-Economic Inequalities, and Coping Strategies: Insights from Participant Narratives During the interviews with ten participants, a clear pattern emerged regarding how climate change is impacting their livelihoods, exacerbating socio-economic inequalities, and prompting adaptive strategies within their communities. Their narratives provided a deeper understanding of the real-world implications of climate change and how affected individuals are responding to these challenges. The thematic map illustrates the interconnected effects of climate change on livelihoods, socio-economic inequalities, and resilience strategies within vulnerable communities. It captures how environmental changes impact daily life, how pre-existing inequalities amplify these effects, and the adaptive measures communities adopt to cope with these challenges. Climate Impacts on Livelihoods and Well-being Participants reported significant disruptions in their daily lives due to climate change, particularly in agriculture, fishing, infrastructure, and water security. "Over the past few years, we've noticed a significant increase in the frequency of extreme heatwaves during the dry season. It's become more challenging to work outdoors, and the crops suffer due to prolonged droughts, affecting our livelihoods as farmers." (Respondent 1). "The traditional fishing seasons have shifted noticeably. We used to have predictable patterns for certain fish migrations, but now it's all uncertain. It's affecting our fishing yields and income as fishermen." (Respondent 3). Infrastructure damage has been another pressing concern: "In our coastal community, we've witnessed rising sea levels and more frequent flooding during the rainy season. These events have damaged our homes and made our living conditions precarious, especially for families living near the shoreline." (Respondent 2). Additionally, "The increase in extreme weather events, like heavy storms and strong winds, has caused significant damage to our infrastructure, including schools and health clinics. These changes have disrupted our access to education and healthcare services, making life more challenging for our children and the elderly." (Respondent 5). Erratic rainfall patterns have also affected water security, as "I remember when the rainy season brought consistent rainfall, but now it's erratic. This affects our water sources, making access to clean water a challenge. It also impacts our ability to grow crops and provide for our families." (Respondent 4). Socio-Economic Inequalities as Mediators The impacts of climate change are exacerbated by socio-economic inequalities, particularly in terms of income disparities and access to critical resources. "Socio-economic inequalities are quite prominent in our community. For instance, those with higher incomes can afford better housing, which is less susceptible to the effects of climate change, like flooding. They can also invest in drought-resistant crops, while others with limited resources struggle to adapt, leading to worsening poverty." (Respondent 1). Similarly, "Socio-economic disparities impact our community's ability to implement resilience measures. For example, some families can afford to invest in improved irrigation systems for their farms to combat drought, while others can't. As a result, poverty deepens for those without resources to adapt." (Respondent 4). Access to education and healthcare also plays a crucial role in shaping climate vulnerabilities. "In our region, healthcare access depends on income. Wealthier individuals can afford medical care during climate-related health crises, while poorer families may have to endure without proper treatment. This results in differing health outcomes, with the vulnerable facing worse health impacts due to socio-economic disparities." (Respondent 3). These disparities further compound the already significant challenges posed by climate change, limiting the ability of vulnerable populations to respond effectively. Coping Strategies and Resilience Measures To address these challenges, communities have implemented various adaptation strategies and resilience measures. "In our community, we've started diversifying our crops to adapt to shifting climate patterns. By planting a variety of crops, we're less vulnerable to extreme weather events, which has reduced the risk of food shortages." (Respondent 1). "We've established a local weather monitoring system to track changes in climate more accurately. This data helps us make informed decisions, like adjusting planting seasons and irrigation practices to minimize the impact of unpredictable weather." (Respondent 2). Infrastructure improvements have also been a priority. "One significant adaptation measure has been the construction of elevated homes. This minimizes flood-related damage during heavy rains and flooding events, reducing the community's vulnerability to climate-induced disasters." (Respondent 3). "We've initiated community-based disaster preparedness training. Everyone in the community, from children to the elderly, now knows what to do during extreme weather events, which has improved our resilience and response." (Respondent 4). Renewable energy adoption has played a role in enhancing resilience. "Our community has embraced renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. This not only helps combat climate change but also increases our energy resilience during power outages." (Respondent 6). Financial safety nets have been another essential strategy, as "We've established a microinsurance program to help community members recover from climate-related losses, such as crop damage due to extreme weather events. This financial safety net has reduced the vulnerability of many families." (Respondent 9). Collectively, these strategies have contributed to building resilience, but ongoing challenges remain in terms of resources, policy implementation, and long-term sustainability. DISCUSSION Personal Observations of Climate Change Effects on the Community The study's findings illuminate critical dimensions of climate change's impact on poverty in the La Dade Kotopon Municipal District, Ghana. These insights harmonize with Anser et al. ( 2023 ) while also spotlighting unique community-specific challenges and vulnerabilities. The impacts on livelihoods align with Weatherdon et al. ( 2016 ), who have associated climate change with reduced crop yields and disruptions in traditional fishing patterns. Housing and infrastructure vulnerabilities echo existing research on coastal vulnerability and climate-induced infrastructure damage. Concerns about water and food security correspond with findings that erratic rainfall patterns can jeopardize these essential aspects. The disruption of crucial services such as education and healthcare aligns with studies emphasizing the vulnerability of such services to extreme weather events. Additionally, the reported economic and social conditions, particularly income stagnation and disparities within the community, resonate with research on the adverse economic effects of climate change, deepening pre-existing inequalities and affecting vulnerable populations disproportionately. Challenges Faced by Vulnerable Communities in Adapting to and Coping with Climate-Related Events. The responses received from participants through interviews and focus group discussions shed light on the complex relationship between socio-economic inequalities and climate change impacts on poverty. Also, these findings emphasize how income disparities can limit investment in resilient infrastructure and exacerbate climate-related health issues, reinforcing the need to address these disparities to enhance community resilience. The connection between poverty and climate change is underscored, emphasizing the role of socio-economic inequalities in amplifying these impacts and recommending measures to mitigate disparities. This study further emphasizes the role of income disparities in limiting access to critical resources, underlining the need to address these inequalities as a fundamental step in tackling climate-induced poverty. These insights align with existing research and policy recommendations, emphasizing the urgency of addressing socio-economic inequalities to build resilience against climate change-induced poverty effectively. Coping Strategies and Resilience Measures in Response to Climate Change Challenges The research findings shed light on a variety of coping strategies and resilience measures adopted by different communities facing climate change impacts. These strategies encompass a range of areas, including agriculture, disaster preparedness, healthcare, renewable energy, education, ecosystem protection, financial security, and economic diversification. These measures align with existing research, emphasizing the need for diversified cropping systems, proactive community-based strategies to reduce vulnerability to climate-related disasters, healthcare improvements, adoption of renewable energy sources, education and awareness as critical components of climate resilience, and financial safety nets to aid recovery from climate-related losses. However, the effectiveness of these strategies is context-specific, with mixed outcomes based on local contexts, in line with existing research highlighting the context-specific nature of adaptation measures. CONCLUSION This study uncovers the dual burden of climate change and socio-economic disparities in La Dade Kotopon Municipal District, Ghana. The findings bring to bear the intricate relationship between climate change and poverty, emphasizing the significant role played by socioeconomic inequalities in amplifying these impacts. The research highlights the urgent need to address these inequalities as a fundamental step in effectively building resilience against climate change-induced poverty. Moreover, the study revealed a range of coping strategies and resilience measures adopted by communities facing climate change challenges, aligning with existing research and advocating for context-aware adaptation measures. The knowledge generated from this research adds depth to the understanding of the multifaceted implications of climate change on vulnerable communities, ultimately contributing to the development of targeted policies and interventions aimed at alleviating the impact of climate change on poverty in similar contexts. Recommendations Prioritizing climate-resilient infrastructure and equitable healthcare/education access. Scaling up renewable energy and sustainable agriculture initiatives. Strengthening local governance to ensure inclusive policy implementation. Limitation The sample size was small, which cannot be used to infer a population Declarations Acknowledgments We thank the participants of La Dade Kotopon for sharing their experiences. Funding This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Clinical Trial Number Clinical trial number: not applicable. Ethics Declaration This research was approved by the Ethics Committee for the Humanities (ECH) at the University of Ghana, in accordance with the guidelines and regulations of the Committee. All procedures involving human participants complied with institutional and national ethical standards. Consent to Participate All participants provided freely given, informed consent to participate in the study. All participants were 18 years of age or older. Consent to Publish All participants gave informed consent for the publication of anonymized data and direct quotes used in this study. References Anser, M. K., et al. (2023). Beyond climate change: Examining the role of environmental justice, agricultural mechanization, and social expenditures in alleviating rural poverty. Sustainable Futures, 6 , 100130. Asante, P. A., et al. (2021). Unravelling drivers of high variability of on-farm cocoa yields across environmental gradients in Ghana. Agricultural Systems, 193 , 103214. Buhaug, H., & Von Uexkull, N. (2021). Vicious circles: Violence, vulnerability, and climate change. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 46 (1), 545–568. Grasham, C. F., Korzenevica, M., & Charles, K. J. (2019). On considering climate resilience in urban water security: A review of the vulnerability of the urban poor in sub‐Saharan Africa. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water, 6 (3), e1344. Hallegatte, S. (2016). Shock waves: Managing the impacts of climate change on poverty . World Bank Publications. Hoegh-Guldberg, O., et al. (2019). The human imperative of stabilizing global climate change at 1.5°C. Science, 365 (6459), eaaw6974. Hossain, S. A., Rahman, M. A., & Hossain, M. A. (2018). Edge computing framework for enabling situation awareness in IoT-based smart city. Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing, 122 , 226–237. Huitema, D., et al. (2016). The governance of adaptation: Choices, reasons, and effects. Introduction to the special feature. Ecology and Society, 21 (3). Islam, N., & Winkel, J. (2017). Climate change and social inequality . Lenzer, G. (2017). Violence against children: Making human rights real . Routledge. McKinnon, C. (2022). Climate change and political theory . John Wiley & Sons. Molini, V., & Paci, P. (2015). Poverty reduction in Ghana: Progress and challenges . Ngakane, L. (2021). Health concerns related to housing, sanitation, water access and waste disposal in a poor mixed urban community, Mbekweni in Paarl (Master’s thesis, Stellenbosch University). Tomaz, A., et al. (2020). Spatial and temporal dynamics of irrigation water quality under drought conditions in a large reservoir in Southern Portugal. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 192 , 1–17. Weatherdon, L. V., et al. (2016). Observed and projected impacts of climate change on marine fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, and human health: An update. Frontiers in Marine Science, 3 , 48. Yeboah, R., et al. (2024). Environment and development: Analysing the impact of diplomatic relations and governance challenges in countering Chinese involvement in illegal gold mining in Ghana. Cogent Social Sciences, 10 (1), 2423853. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6839488","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":493506483,"identity":"b73f7932-c944-41cd-9ce1-199a49f7c3b4","order_by":0,"name":"Stephen Kwame Ameko","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAxElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFACNjBpwMDeAGYwNhCvhecAyVokEojUIt/AlsDwM8fGmF/yjfFnHgYb2Q0HCGgxOMB2gLF3W5qZ5OwcM2kehjRjwlpA3ubddtjG4HaOGTMPw+FEglrkG9gbGP9u+29jcPMMyGH/CWthADqMmXfbATODGzwGQIcdIKzF4DBbwmHZbcnGkj1pZZJzDJKNZxJ0WHub4cO32+wM+9kPb/7wpsJOto+gw5iBbkOylJDyUTAKRsEoGAVEAQD0qz0OmmfedQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Utah State University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Stephen","middleName":"Kwame","lastName":"Ameko","suffix":""},{"id":493506484,"identity":"e7288008-da7f-4ea7-a3bf-d6bae5cebbbe","order_by":1,"name":"Emmanuel Kojo Sakyi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Emmanuel","middleName":"Kojo","lastName":"Sakyi","suffix":""},{"id":493506487,"identity":"9adbe0d3-7feb-441a-acd5-8274cc64999e","order_by":2,"name":"Bismark Akoto","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Bismark","middleName":"","lastName":"Akoto","suffix":""},{"id":493506489,"identity":"b0ee77a9-0e69-4d06-a5d0-3bbeda066251","order_by":3,"name":"Patrick Kofi Makafui Tecku","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Sichuan Agricultural University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Patrick","middleName":"Kofi Makafui","lastName":"Tecku","suffix":""},{"id":493506491,"identity":"fb91b94c-9f4e-41df-8b7c-46052ed81bb8","order_by":4,"name":"Abubakari Sadik Tamimu","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Rescue Mission International","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Abubakari","middleName":"Sadik","lastName":"Tamimu","suffix":""},{"id":493506493,"identity":"d7f99219-fc9e-47b5-9dc9-a4f89ed38b80","order_by":5,"name":"Ibrahim Tuzee Abdul-Raheem","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Rescue Mission International","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ibrahim","middleName":"Tuzee","lastName":"Abdul-Raheem","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-06-06 20:53:15","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6839488/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6839488/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":88226354,"identity":"02efbd0c-dd73-4798-923b-083f31d0305b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-04 08:40:08","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":257956,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eUnnumbered image in the Methods section.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6839488/v1/5cd6b3cb734db718ae7ff45a.png"},{"id":88226357,"identity":"90e93f2e-c0f0-4197-822e-80474c05e4e4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-04 08:40:09","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":62847,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eUnnumbered image in the Results section.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6839488/v1/24b929bbfc09200aaf790d46.png"},{"id":90665104,"identity":"9bf2a2c2-387d-4e2c-8e70-449bd32fb798","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-09-05 12:24:01","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":904950,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6839488/v1/6ea72793-7aeb-4ee4-98ee-ccfd3545be6a.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Climate Change Impacts on Poverty and Community Adaptation in Coastal Ghana","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eClimate change is one of our most significant environmental challenges, with potentially devastating impacts on human societies, particularly in developing countries (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2019). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted the growing risks associated with climate change, including sea level rise, extreme weather events, and increasing frequency and intensity of droughts and floods (Tomaz et al., 2020). These impacts are felt particularly acutely in developing countries, where communities are often more vulnerable due to poverty, limited access to resources, and lack of infrastructure and institutional capacity (Hallegatte, 2016).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a developing country, Ghana is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. \u0026nbsp;Research by Asante et al. (2021) asserts that Ghana has experienced a range of negative consequences of climate change, such as floods, droughts, and extreme weather events that disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable communities. According to the World Bank, about 23 percent of the Ghanaian population lives below the poverty line (Molini \u0026amp; Paci, 2015). Poverty is often associated with limited access to basic services such as water and sanitation, inadequate housing, and limited access to education and healthcare (Ngakane, 2021). These factors, combined with climate change, can worsen poverty and inequality, creating a vicious cycle of vulnerability and deprivation (Buhaug \u0026amp; Von Uexkull, 2021).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe notion of \"climate vulnerability\" is not a static concept; it is influenced by social, economic, and political factors (Hossain, Rahman, \u0026amp; Hossain, 2018). In developing nations like Ghana, this vulnerability is heightened due to inherent socio-economic inequalities. The concept hinges on the adaptability of systems, ranging from ecological to human social systems, to absorb the impacts of climate-related shocks. A study by Islam and Winkel (2017), elucidates the vicious cycle between poverty and climate change, stating that the impoverished are not just disproportionately affected, but their conditions are further exacerbated by the changing climate. The scarcity of resources among impoverished communities makes them less resilient to climatic shocks, creating a feedback loop that intensifies their vulnerabilities (Grasham, Korzenevica, \u0026amp; Charles, 2019).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe role of political dynamics, as studied by Yeboah et al. (2024), adds a layer of complexity. In Ghana, governance deficiencies result in uncoordinated climate adaptation policies, and, at times, corruption siphons off resources meant for climate resilience. This creates an \"institutional void,\" leading to inefficiencies that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. Huitema et al. (2016) encapsulate this phenomenon, that is, how institutional and governance failures magnify the vulnerabilities that these communities already face due to climate change and poverty. In essence, the confluence of climate change, poverty, and institutional incapacity creates a situation that is direr than each factor individually (McKinnon, 2022). Thus, mitigating climate impacts in Ghana cannot be siloed into environmental, social, or political interventions but requires an integrated policy framework that crosscuts these domains. This calls for a concerted multi-disciplinary approach to building resilient systems that can withstand these intersecting challenges (Lenzer, 2017).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExisting studies on climate-poverty dynamics in Ghana often prioritize quantitative metrics, overlooking nuanced community perspectives (Anser et al., 2023). This gap limits the design of equitable adaptation policies. Grounded in social equity theory, this study examines how socio-economic inequalities mediate climate vulnerability and explores locally employed coping mechanisms. Three research questions guide the inquiry:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;How do residents perceive climate impacts on their daily lives?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;What challenges hinder adaptation?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; What strategies do communities adopt to build resilience?\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"METHOD","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted in the La Dade Kotopon Municipal District, located in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, an area highly susceptible to climate change impacts such as rising sea levels, flooding, and extreme weather events. A qualitative research approach was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of community experiences regarding climate change and poverty. The case study research design was chosen to provide a detailed examination of how climate change affects poverty in this coastal region, considering socio-economic, cultural, and environmental influences. The study targeted residents of La Dade Kotopon Municipal District who have firsthand experience with climate change-related challenges, using a purposive sampling technique to include participants directly affected by climate change impacts, such as fishermen, farmers, and informal sector workers. A total of ten (10) respondents participated in the study, representing diverse socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring a broad range of perspectives. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and document analysis. The thematic analysis method was used to identify recurring patterns, key themes, and insights related to climate change impacts, adaptation challenges, and community resilience strategies, following Braun and Clarke\u0026rsquo;s six-step framework. Ethical considerations were prioritized, including obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring cultural sensitivity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eDemographic characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1.0\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRespondents information\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercentage\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAge Range\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercentage\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEducation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercentage\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFemale\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u0026ndash;30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMale\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31\u0026ndash;40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSHS (Senior High School)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41\u0026ndash;50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTertiary\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51\u0026ndash;60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTable \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1.0\u003c/span\u003e presents a comprehensive overview of the demographic characteristics of the respondents in this study. It reveals a balanced distribution in terms of gender, with 50% of the respondents being female and an equivalent 50% being male. This equitable representation ensures a gender-balanced sample, enhancing the validity of the research findings. Moreover, the age range of the respondents is diversified, with 30% falling within the 20\u0026ndash;30 and 31\u0026ndash;40 age categories. This distribution reflects the inclusion of both younger and middle-aged individuals in the study. Additionally, 41\u0026ndash;50 and 51\u0026ndash;60 age groups each constitute 20% of the respondents, showcasing a broad age range within the sample. Lastly, the respondents show varying levels of educational attainment. A significant 50% of them have reached the tertiary level of education, reflecting a well-educated part of the sample. 30% have completed their education at the primary level, while 20% have attained education up to the SHS (Senior High School) level. This educational diversity ensures a broad perspective, with individuals from different educational backgrounds contributing their unique experiences and insights to the research.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThematic Map of Climate Impacts, Socio-Economic Inequalities, and Coping Strategies: Insights from Participant Narratives\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuring the interviews with ten participants, a clear pattern emerged regarding how climate change is impacting their livelihoods, exacerbating socio-economic inequalities, and prompting adaptive strategies within their communities. Their narratives provided a deeper understanding of the real-world implications of climate change and how affected individuals are responding to these challenges. The thematic map illustrates the interconnected effects of climate change on livelihoods, socio-economic inequalities, and resilience strategies within vulnerable communities. It captures how environmental changes impact daily life, how pre-existing inequalities amplify these effects, and the adaptive measures communities adopt to cope with these challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eClimate Impacts on Livelihoods and Well-being\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants reported significant disruptions in their daily lives due to climate change, particularly in agriculture, fishing, infrastructure, and water security.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Over the past few years, we've noticed a significant increase in the frequency of extreme heatwaves during the dry season. It's become more challenging to work outdoors, and the crops suffer due to prolonged droughts, affecting our livelihoods as farmers.\"\u003c/em\u003e (Respondent 1).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"The traditional fishing seasons have shifted noticeably. We used to have predictable patterns for certain fish migrations, but now it's all uncertain. It's affecting our fishing yields and income as fishermen.\"\u003c/em\u003e (Respondent 3).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eInfrastructure damage has been another pressing concern:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"In our coastal community, we've witnessed rising sea levels and more frequent flooding during the rainy season. These events have damaged our homes and made our living conditions precarious, especially for families living near the shoreline.\"\u003c/em\u003e (Respondent 2).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, \u003cem\u003e\"The increase in extreme weather events, like heavy storms and strong winds, has caused significant damage to our infrastructure, including schools and health clinics. These changes have disrupted our access to education and healthcare services, making life more challenging for our children and the elderly.\"\u003c/em\u003e (Respondent 5).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eErratic rainfall patterns have also affected water security, as \u003cem\u003e\"I remember when the rainy season brought consistent rainfall, but now it's erratic. This affects our water sources, making access to clean water a challenge. It also impacts our ability to grow crops and provide for our families.\"\u003c/em\u003e (Respondent 4).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSocio-Economic Inequalities as Mediators\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe impacts of climate change are exacerbated by socio-economic inequalities, particularly in terms of income disparities and access to critical resources.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Socio-economic inequalities are quite prominent in our community. For instance, those with higher incomes can afford better housing, which is less susceptible to the effects of climate change, like flooding. They can also invest in drought-resistant crops, while others with limited resources struggle to adapt, leading to worsening poverty.\"\u003c/em\u003e (Respondent 1).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSimilarly, \u003cem\u003e\"Socio-economic disparities impact our community's ability to implement resilience measures. For example, some families can afford to invest in improved irrigation systems for their farms to combat drought, while others can't. As a result, poverty deepens for those without resources to adapt.\"\u003c/em\u003e (Respondent 4).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccess to education and healthcare also plays a crucial role in shaping climate vulnerabilities. \u003cem\u003e\"In our region, healthcare access depends on income. Wealthier individuals can afford medical care during climate-related health crises, while poorer families may have to endure without proper treatment. This results in differing health outcomes, with the vulnerable facing worse health impacts due to socio-economic disparities.\"\u003c/em\u003e (Respondent 3). These disparities further compound the already significant challenges posed by climate change, limiting the ability of vulnerable populations to respond effectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCoping Strategies and Resilience Measures\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo address these challenges, communities have implemented various adaptation strategies and resilience measures.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"In our community, we've started diversifying our crops to adapt to shifting climate patterns. By planting a variety of crops, we're less vulnerable to extreme weather events, which has reduced the risk of food shortages.\"\u003c/em\u003e (Respondent 1).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"We've established a local weather monitoring system to track changes in climate more accurately. This data helps us make informed decisions, like adjusting planting seasons and irrigation practices to minimize the impact of unpredictable weather.\"\u003c/em\u003e (Respondent 2).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eInfrastructure improvements have also been a priority. \u003cem\u003e\"One significant adaptation measure has been the construction of elevated homes. This minimizes flood-related damage during heavy rains and flooding events, reducing the community's vulnerability to climate-induced disasters.\"\u003c/em\u003e (Respondent 3).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"We've initiated community-based disaster preparedness training. Everyone in the community, from children to the elderly, now knows what to do during extreme weather events, which has improved our resilience and response.\"\u003c/em\u003e (Respondent 4).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRenewable energy adoption has played a role in enhancing resilience. \u003cem\u003e\"Our community has embraced renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. This not only helps combat climate change but also increases our energy resilience during power outages.\"\u003c/em\u003e (Respondent 6).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinancial safety nets have been another essential strategy, as \u003cem\u003e\"We've established a microinsurance program to help community members recover from climate-related losses, such as crop damage due to extreme weather events. This financial safety net has reduced the vulnerability of many families.\"\u003c/em\u003e (Respondent 9).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollectively, these strategies have contributed to building resilience, but ongoing challenges remain in terms of resources, policy implementation, and long-term sustainability.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePersonal Observations of Climate Change Effects on the Community\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study's findings illuminate critical dimensions of climate change's impact on poverty in the La Dade Kotopon Municipal District, Ghana. These insights harmonize with Anser et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e) while also spotlighting unique community-specific challenges and vulnerabilities. The impacts on livelihoods align with Weatherdon et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e), who have associated climate change with reduced crop yields and disruptions in traditional fishing patterns. Housing and infrastructure vulnerabilities echo existing research on coastal vulnerability and climate-induced infrastructure damage. Concerns about water and food security correspond with findings that erratic rainfall patterns can jeopardize these essential aspects. The disruption of crucial services such as education and healthcare aligns with studies emphasizing the vulnerability of such services to extreme weather events. Additionally, the reported economic and social conditions, particularly income stagnation and disparities within the community, resonate with research on the adverse economic effects of climate change, deepening pre-existing inequalities and affecting vulnerable populations disproportionately.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChallenges Faced by Vulnerable Communities in Adapting to and Coping with Climate-Related Events. The responses received from participants through interviews and focus group discussions shed light on the complex relationship between socio-economic inequalities and climate change impacts on poverty. Also, these findings emphasize how income disparities can limit investment in resilient infrastructure and exacerbate climate-related health issues, reinforcing the need to address these disparities to enhance community resilience. The connection between poverty and climate change is underscored, emphasizing the role of socio-economic inequalities in amplifying these impacts and recommending measures to mitigate disparities. This study further emphasizes the role of income disparities in limiting access to critical resources, underlining the need to address these inequalities as a fundamental step in tackling climate-induced poverty. These insights align with existing research and policy recommendations, emphasizing the urgency of addressing socio-economic inequalities to build resilience against climate change-induced poverty effectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCoping Strategies and Resilience Measures in Response to Climate Change Challenges\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe research findings shed light on a variety of coping strategies and resilience measures adopted by different communities facing climate change impacts. These strategies encompass a range of areas, including agriculture, disaster preparedness, healthcare, renewable energy, education, ecosystem protection, financial security, and economic diversification. These measures align with existing research, emphasizing the need for diversified cropping systems, proactive community-based strategies to reduce vulnerability to climate-related disasters, healthcare improvements, adoption of renewable energy sources, education and awareness as critical components of climate resilience, and financial safety nets to aid recovery from climate-related losses. However, the effectiveness of these strategies is context-specific, with mixed outcomes based on local contexts, in line with existing research highlighting the context-specific nature of adaptation measures.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study uncovers the dual burden of climate change and socio-economic disparities in La Dade Kotopon Municipal District, Ghana. The findings bring to bear the intricate relationship between climate change and poverty, emphasizing the significant role played by socioeconomic inequalities in amplifying these impacts. The research highlights the urgent need to address these inequalities as a fundamental step in effectively building resilience against climate change-induced poverty. Moreover, the study revealed a range of coping strategies and resilience measures adopted by communities facing climate change challenges, aligning with existing research and advocating for context-aware adaptation measures. The knowledge generated from this research adds depth to the understanding of the multifaceted implications of climate change on vulnerable communities, ultimately contributing to the development of targeted policies and interventions aimed at alleviating the impact of climate change on poverty in similar contexts.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRecommendations\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrioritizing climate-resilient infrastructure and equitable healthcare/education access.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eScaling up renewable energy and sustainable agriculture initiatives.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eStrengthening local governance to ensure inclusive policy implementation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eLimitation\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe sample size was small, which cannot be used to infer a population\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;We thank the participants of La Dade Kotopon for sharing their experiences.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClinical Trial Number\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClinical trial number: not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics Declaration\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research was approved by the Ethics Committee for the Humanities (ECH) at the University of Ghana, in accordance with the guidelines and regulations of the Committee. All procedures involving human participants complied with institutional and national ethical standards.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll participants provided freely given, informed consent to participate in the study. All participants were 18 years of age or older.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Publish\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll participants gave informed consent for the publication of anonymized data and direct quotes used in this study.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAnser, M. K., et al. (2023). Beyond climate change: Examining the role of environmental justice, agricultural mechanization, and social expenditures in alleviating rural poverty. \u003cem\u003eSustainable Futures, 6\u003c/em\u003e, 100130.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAsante, P. A., et al. (2021). Unravelling drivers of high variability of on-farm cocoa yields across environmental gradients in Ghana. \u003cem\u003eAgricultural Systems, 193\u003c/em\u003e, 103214.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBuhaug, H., \u0026amp; Von Uexkull, N. (2021). Vicious circles: Violence, vulnerability, and climate change. \u003cem\u003eAnnual Review of Environment and Resources, 46\u003c/em\u003e(1), 545\u0026ndash;568.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGrasham, C. F., Korzenevica, M., \u0026amp; Charles, K. J. (2019). On considering climate resilience in urban water security: A review of the vulnerability of the urban poor in sub‐Saharan Africa. \u003cem\u003eWiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water, 6\u003c/em\u003e(3), e1344.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHallegatte, S. (2016). \u003cem\u003eShock waves: Managing the impacts of climate change on poverty\u003c/em\u003e. World Bank Publications.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHoegh-Guldberg, O., et al. (2019). The human imperative of stabilizing global climate change at 1.5\u0026deg;C. \u003cem\u003eScience, 365\u003c/em\u003e(6459), eaaw6974.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHossain, S. A., Rahman, M. A., \u0026amp; Hossain, M. A. (2018). Edge computing framework for enabling situation awareness in IoT-based smart city. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Parallel and Distributed Computing, 122\u003c/em\u003e, 226\u0026ndash;237.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHuitema, D., et al. (2016). The governance of adaptation: Choices, reasons, and effects. Introduction to the special feature. \u003cem\u003eEcology and Society, 21\u003c/em\u003e(3).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eIslam, N., \u0026amp; Winkel, J. (2017). \u003cem\u003eClimate change and social inequality\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLenzer, G. (2017). \u003cem\u003eViolence against children: Making human rights real\u003c/em\u003e. Routledge.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMcKinnon, C. (2022). \u003cem\u003eClimate change and political theory\u003c/em\u003e. John Wiley \u0026amp; Sons.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMolini, V., \u0026amp; Paci, P. (2015). \u003cem\u003ePoverty reduction in Ghana: Progress and challenges\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNgakane, L. (2021). \u003cem\u003eHealth concerns related to housing, sanitation, water access and waste disposal in a poor mixed urban community, Mbekweni in Paarl\u003c/em\u003e (Master\u0026rsquo;s thesis, Stellenbosch University).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTomaz, A., et al. (2020). Spatial and temporal dynamics of irrigation water quality under drought conditions in a large reservoir in Southern Portugal. \u003cem\u003eEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment, 192\u003c/em\u003e, 1\u0026ndash;17.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWeatherdon, L. V., et al. (2016). Observed and projected impacts of climate change on marine fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, and human health: An update. \u003cem\u003eFrontiers in Marine Science, 3\u003c/em\u003e, 48.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eYeboah, R., et al. (2024). Environment and development: Analysing the impact of diplomatic relations and governance challenges in countering Chinese involvement in illegal gold mining in Ghana. \u003cem\u003eCogent Social Sciences, 10\u003c/em\u003e(1), 2423853.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Climate change, poverty, coping strategies, socio-economic inequalities, adaptation, Ghana, qualitative research","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6839488/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6839488/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Climate Change Impacts on Poverty and Community Adaptation in Coastal Ghana","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-08-04 08:38:22","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6839488/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"9de29a74-4cb4-4fe4-ae93-524ea5dc9060","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 4th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-09-05T12:23:30+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-08-04 08:38:22","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6839488","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6839488","identity":"rs-6839488","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}