Socio-economic and institutional drivers of vulnerability to climate change in urban slums: the case of Accra, Ghana

Abstract

ABSTRACTClimate change presents an enormous development challenge to urban slums or informal settlements in the developing world. While the social vulnerability of rural communities to climate change has been extensively studied in the Global South, little is known about their counterparts living in urban slums and informal settlements. Using Accra, Ghana as a case study, this paper examines the social, economic and institutional drivers of vulnerability to climate change in three slums or informal settlements. The study draws on a mixed method research project that integrates theories from social vulnerability and political ecology. Results demonstrate a low awareness about climate change with the drivers of vulnerability in slums being poor quality housing, poor infrastructure and service provision, low participation in adaptation decision-making, as well as weak institutional capacity. Our results underscore the need for genuine participatory adaptation planning which will assist in mapping the specific vulnerabilities of slums and help identify what appropriate interventions are needed to protect assets and rebuild the adaptive capacities of slum residents.