Stakeholder engagement in coastal adaptation interventions: Insights from the Southwest coast of Nigeria

Abstract

Coastal areas in developing nations are in a highly precarious situation, making adaptation an urgent policy option for the region. However, since the ultimate success of many implemented adaptation decisions may only be known once the evolving impacts of climate change test them, greater attention may be devoted to the decision-making processes that shape adaptation choices. This study, therefore, focused on the stakeholder engagement process, which as an integral component of the adaptation process, unifies the efforts, commitments, and knowledge of different individuals and groups toward the implementation and success of coastal adaptation projects. The study applied an integrated approach comprising Stakeholder Analysis and Social Network Analysis tools to identify, categorize, and map stakeholders' relationships on the Southwest coast of Nigeria. The result highlights the multiplicity of stakeholders across administrative levels. Furthermore, it shows the disconsolate interest and detachment of statutory stakeholders notwithstanding their powers while portraying the high degree of local relations (autonomous communities and trade associations). The result further highlights the widespread adoption of public consultation as the approach of choice for stakeholder engagement, notwithstanding its flaws. The study's implications are evident in the prevalence of autonomously undertaken adaptation strategies that are overly narrowly focused, disjointed, and counterproductive. Addressing this issue must start with formulating a coastal zone management policy and establishing a coastal zone management agency as the coordinating body for all coastal matters across the study area.