Climate Change Effects on Environmental, Socioeconomic, and Public Health Systems in Coastal Sierra Leone:
A Study of Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Erosion in Shenge, Moyamba District.
Coastal communities in Sierra Leone are increasingly impacted by climate change, particularly through rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and shifting ocean conditions. These changes threaten environmental sustainability, human settlements, and livelihoods in low-lying coastal regions. Communities that have limited infrastructure and rely heavily on natural resources are especially at risk, making climate change a significant concern for development in coastal areas of Sierra Leone.
Shenge, a historic coastal town in Moyamba District, exemplifies the localized effects of climate change. In the past ten years, rising sea levels and ongoing coastal erosion have resulted in shoreline loss, damage to homes, and destruction of fishing infrastructure. Seasonal tidal surges and storm waves now encroach on areas previously deemed safe, compelling families to move and increasing the community's vulnerability to climate-related threats.
The environmental repercussions of climate change in Shenge include the loss of mangrove forests, saltwater intrusion into freshwater supplies, and diminishing fish populations. Mangroves, which provide natural coastal defenses and serve as nurseries for fish, have been depleted due to erosion and human activities, which diminishes the community’s natural storm protection. The salinization of wells and agricultural land has further compromised access to clean drinking water and reduced farming productivity.
Public health issues in Shenge have worsened due to climate change. Flooding and saltwater intrusion negatively impact water quality, raising the risk of waterborne diseases like diarrhea and typhoid fever. The decline of livelihoods in fishing and small-scale agriculture exacerbates food insecurity and malnutrition, especially among women and children. Limited access to healthcare services amplifies these health risks, leaving the community particularly susceptible to climate-related shocks.
To mitigate the impacts of climate change in Shenge, it is essential to implement targeted coastal adaptation strategies, such as restoring mangroves, developing climate-resilient housing, enhancing water supply systems, and promoting sustainable fisheries management. Community-based adaptation efforts, backed by local governments and national climate policies, are vital for strengthening resilience. The Shenge case underscores the urgent need for localized climate action to safeguard Sierra Leone’s coastal communities from the growing effects of climate change.