Comparing Community-Based Climate Resilience in the Philippines and Togo: Challenges, Impacts, and Local Solutions
Similar to the Philippines, Togo is increasingly exposed to climate-related natural hazards, although the nature of the risks differs. While the Philippines frequently experiences powerful typhoons and storm surges, Togo is mainly affected by coastal erosion, flooding, droughts, and irregular rainfall patterns. Climate change has intensified these events, increasing the frequency of floods in urban and low-lying areas and prolonging dry spells in the northern regions, which directly affects agricultural production and water availability.
The regions most affected in Togo include the coastal zone, particularly around Lomé and the Maritime Region, where coastal erosion and sea-level rise threaten settlements, infrastructure, and livelihoods. In addition, the northern regions, such as the Savannah and Kara regions, face recurrent droughts and erratic rainfall that undermine rain-fed agriculture. As in the Philippines, these impacts are spatially uneven and closely linked to environmental degradation and land-use practices.
The communities most affected are coastal fishing communities, smallholder farmers, and low-income urban populations. Coastal communities are highly vulnerable because of their dependence on fisheries, the degradation of natural protective ecosystems such as mangroves, and limited access to alternative livelihoods. Smallholder farmers are particularly exposed to climate variability because they rely on rainfall for crop production and often lack financial buffers, irrigation infrastructure, and access to climate-resilient technologies.
To cope with these challenges, local communities in Togo have developed various adaptation strategies, some of which resemble those observed in the Philippines. In coastal areas, community-led mangrove restoration initiatives have been introduced to reduce erosion, protect shorelines, and restore fish habitats. In agricultural zones, farmers adopt practices such as crop diversification, agroforestry, soil and water conservation techniques, and the use of early-maturing or drought-tolerant crop varieties. These local methods are often rooted in traditional knowledge but are increasingly combined with external technical support.
As in the Philippine case, external institutions play an important supporting role in Togo. Government programs, such as coastal protection projects and climate adaptation strategies, provide policy frameworks and technical assistance. Local and international NGOs support community-based adaptation initiatives, capacity building, and ecosystem restoration, including mangrove rehabilitation and sustainable land management. Development partners and international organizations also contribute through climate-finance projects, training, and pilot initiatives. However, compared to the Philippines, community participation and coordination among institutions in Togo remain uneven, highlighting the need for stronger territorial governance and more inclusive, locally driven climate adaptation solutions.