Physical Vulnerability of The Gambia’s Coastline in the Context of Climate Change

Muhammad Leroy Albert Gomez (), Kissao Gnandi, Chrétien Ngouanet, Ibrahima Pouye and Joshua Ntajal
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Muhammad Leroy Albert Gomez: West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Climate Change & Disaster Risks Management, Université de Lomé, Lome 01 P.O. Box 1515, Togo
Kissao Gnandi: Environment Geochemistry, Faculty of Science, Université de Lomé, Lome 01 P.O. Box 1515, Togo
Chrétien Ngouanet: Geoinformation Technology, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, National Institute of Cartography, Yaoundé P.O. Box 157, Cameroon
Ibrahima Pouye: West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Climate Change & Disaster Risks Management, Université de Lomé, Lome 01 P.O. Box 1515, Togo
Joshua Ntajal: Department of Geography, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 166, 53115 Bonn, Germany

World, 2025, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: The Gambia’s coastline, known for its unique ecosystems and vital role in the country’s economy through fisheries, tourism, and agriculture, is becoming increasingly vulnerable as a result of the combined effects of climate change and human activity. This coastline sustains an important portion of the population by providing livelihoods and contributing to food security, as well as housing critical infrastructure including ports, urban areas, and tourism hubs. However, as climate change intensifies pre-existing vulnerabilities, such as increased sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, these socio-economic assets are becoming more and more vulnerable. As a result, this study focused on investigating the physical vulnerability of the coastline in the context of climate change. The vulnerability assessment was conducted using the coastal vulnerability index approach, utilising a combination of oceanographic data, remote sensing, and field observations. The research outcomes supported the identification of key areas at risk and examined the contributing factors such as tidal ranges, storm surges, and human activities. The findings highlight the immediate and long-term threats to coastal communities, infrastructure, and natural habitats. Due to the vulnerability provided by geological and geomorphological factors, the average Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) score of 29 indicates a high level of exposure to coastal hazards from Buniadu Point to Barra. From Banjul to Cape Point, the average coastline dynamic rate is positive at 0.21 m/year, indicating some accretion. Despite this, the CVI score of 22 indicates significant vulnerability to coastal hazards from Bald Cape to Salifor Point. The study also explored potential mitigation and adaptation strategies to enhance coastal resilience to sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and flooding. Integrated and sustainable strategies were outlined to support policy-making and community-based initiatives towards safeguarding coastal regions of The Gambia against the backdrop of climate change.

Keywords: coastal vulnerability index; The Gambia shoreline; coastal adaptation strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: G15 G17 G18 L21 L22 L25 L26 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 R51 R52 R58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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