The adverse effects of climate change on coastal communities’ capabilities : the case study of Tujereng, The Gambia

Abstract

The Republic of the Gambia, located on the western coast of the African continent is a low-lying country with its coastal communities becoming increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. This paper examines the case study of the Gambian coastal community, Tujereng, which is experiencing a number of fluctuations including: increasingly hotter, drier seasons; erratic and decreasing rainfall patterns; sea level rise; salt water intrusion; and degrading forests and ecosystems due to the adverse effects of climate change. These changes occurring in Tujereng, are negatively impacting residents’ quality of life. By using the Capabilities Approach, this thesis will frame the current situation in Tujereng, revealing the way in which the Government of The Gambia’s National Climate Change Policy and state-led interventions are neglecting the community- providing inadequate assistance for improving adaptive capacity at the local level.