Successful Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) / Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) Practice in Anloga Ghana
A successful CBA/LLA practice I have observed in my community is the community-led mangrove restoration and adaptive livelihood development in the Anloga District, coastal Ghana. This initiative addresses coastal erosion, tidal flooding, declining fish stocks, and livelihood insecurity, all of which have been intensified by climate change and sea level rise.
Local people especially fisherfolk, women, and youth groups were actively involved from the planning stage through community meetings, participatory vulnerability assessments, and site selection for mangrove restoration. Traditional authorities, Assembly memebers and community elders played a key role in granting access to land and enforcing community rules that protect restored mangrove sites. Women’s groups have been central in seedling preparation and monitoring, ensuring local ownership.
The restored mangroves have helped reduce shoreline erosion, buffer tidal flooding, and improve fish breeding habitats. Communities report improved awareness of climate risks, stronger collective action, and the emergence of adaptive livelihoods such as small-scale aquaculture, mangrove nursery management, and savings groups, which reduce dependence on climate-sensitive fishing
In the Volta coastal belt, traditional practices such as respect for sacred sites, seasonal fishing restrictions, use of raised housing platforms, and community flood watch systems have long supported adaptation. These practices are closely tied to cultural values, chieftaincy authority, and communal responsibility.
While some practices remain effective, others are declining due to modernization, population pressure, and weak enforcement. However, where revitalized such as community rules protecting mangroves, they remain highly relevant in addressing current climate risks.
These indigenous practices can be integrated into modern LLA strategies by formally recognizing traditional governance structures, blending local knowledge with scientific climate information, and ensuring flexible funding that communities can control.
ActionAid Ghana and Habitat for Humanity International demonstrate how traditional knowledge, community leadership, and modern climate adaptation approaches can work together to build long-term resilience.
Overall, this example shows that when adaptation is locally led, culturally grounded, and inclusive, it is more sustainable and impactful.
This is a very strong example of locally led adaptation. I like how you clearly show the active role of local people, especially women, youth, and traditional leaders, from planning to implementation. The link you made between mangrove restoration, livelihoods, and cultural practices really shows why the initiative is sustainable. I also agree that recognizing traditional governance and combining it with modern climate knowledge is key. This example highlights how community ownership and respect for local values can lead to long-term climate resilience.