Alicious Bessiama-Sierra Leone
In my local community along Sierra Leone’s coast, one of the most visible climate change-induced impacts is coastal flooding and shoreline erosion. Over the past several years, we have observed higher tides, more frequent flooding during the rainy season, and gradual loss of land along the coast. This phenomenon is driven both by sea level rise and more intense rainfall events linked to global climate change.
The challenges posed by these changes are significant. Many community members rely on fishing and small-scale agriculture for their livelihoods, and flooding often destroys crops and fishing infrastructure. Homes and local roads are repeatedly damaged, which disrupts transportation, trade, and access to schools and healthcare. The erosion of the coastline also threatens sacred and communal sites, affecting the community’s cultural heritage. In extreme cases, families are forced to relocate temporarily or permanently, creating social and economic strain.
The community has been adapting in several ways, though resources are limited. Some households have raised the foundations of their homes to reduce flood damage, and local fishers are experimenting with floating or elevated platforms to protect equipment. Community groups and NGOs have organized tree-planting campaigns and mangrove restoration projects to reduce erosion and buffer against storm surges. On the governmental side, there are efforts to improve drainage systems and flood warning systems, although these initiatives are often underfunded and cover only certain areas.
Individually, people are changing farming practices by planting more flood-resistant crops or shifting to alternative livelihoods during high-risk periods. These adaptations demonstrate the resilience and ingenuity of communities facing climate-related hazards, but the scale of the challenge requires broader support, funding, and policy interventions to ensure long-term safety and sustainability.