Coping with tidal waves: households and institutional financing support mechanisms for climate resilience in storm ravaged coastal communities in Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Coastal towns are becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced hazards such as storm surges and coastal floods. These hazards lead to the destruction of critical infrastructure, social stability, and livelihoods. In response, researchers, practitioners, and policy makers have emphasised the need for sustainable financing to address the impact of climate-induced hazards in at-risk communities. Yet little scholarly attention has been given to the mechanisms deployed at both household and institutional levels to cope with and recover from the impact of climate-induced hazards. This study examines the impact of storm surges in coastal communities in Ghana and explores various mechanisms deployed to finance household coping mechanisms. The paper employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative data with quantitative data from household surveys, to assess the socioeconomic impact of storm surges. Results reveal that 78% of respondents experienced significant income losses, with 57% reporting school dropout among dependents and 26% expressing concerns about food insecurity. Property damage, especially to housing and fishing gear, has severely affected livelihoods. Despite available climate finance mechanisms, only 16% identified government support during crises, while 54% sought assistance from informal networks like friends and family. Systemic challenges, including inefficient bureaucratic processes and inadequate institutional capacity, hinder effective climate financial assistance and other support mechanisms. The study suggests prioritising sustainable recovery initiatives, strengthening local institutional capacity, and integrating climate funding into community-based strategies to enhance resilience, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of climate resilience and offering actionable recommendations for foreign donors, NGOs, and policymakers to support Ghana's coastal communities.