Climate change and livelihood vulnerabilities of low-income coastal communities in Lagos, Nigeria

摘要

This article examines environmental and livelihood vulnerabilities of low-income coastal settlements in Lagos, Nigeria. The Sustainable Livelihoods Approach is used as the analytical framework of how household's assets are affected by flood incidence. Using mixed methods combining qualitative and quantitative analysis, factors that intensify the impacts of flood events on livelihoods assets of the urban poor are examined. Results indicate that the effects of floods on urban poor livelihoods are multifaceted. Vulnerability of Lagos to flood hazards is a function of various biophysical, topographical, climatic and socio-economic factors. It was also noted that uncoordinated urban expansion into flood prone areas, and increase in the intensity and volume of rain are also contributory factors to incidence of flood hazards in Lagos. The article concludes by recommending strategies for coping with the challenges faced by these communities and these include infrastructure upgrading, effective development control and civic reorientation.