ACCESS4ALL Group

1. Which natural hazards are common in your country? Does climate change impact their frequency?• Common hazards include coastal erosion, flooding, drought, and irregular rainfall.• Climate change has increased the intensity of rainfall and sea level rise, leading to more frequent flooding and stronger coastal wave action, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

2. Which areas face the greatest impacts?• Coastal communities such as Keta and Ada face severe coastal erosion and tidal flooding.• Urban areas like Accra also experience seasonal flooding due to heavy rainfall and drainage challenges.

3. Which communities are most affected? How and why?• Small scale fishing and low-income coastal communities are the most affected.• Their livelihoods depend on coastal ecosystems, so erosion, flooding, and environmental degradation directly threaten their homes, income, and food security.

4. What local methods are used to cope with these challenges?• Mangrove restoration to protect shorelines and support fisheries.• Relocation of homes…

In Kenya, we are no strangers to the temperamental nature of the Indian Ocean and the shifting patterns of our inland weather.

Natural Hazards: We face a "double-threat" of coastal erosion/sea-level rise and extreme cycles of drought and flash flooding.

The Climate Signal: Climate change has turned "once-in-a-generation" events into seasonal occurrences. Our rainy seasons have become unpredictable, leading to massive runoff that eventually chokes our coastal estuaries with silt.

Who is on the Frontlines?

Much like the Philippines, the weight of these disasters isn't shared equally.

The "Where": The hardest-hit areas are the coastal counties like Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu, as well as the Tana River Delta.

Nigeria faces significant climate-related hazards, particularly coastal and riverine flooding, sea-level rise, desertification, and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. Climate change has intensified extreme rainfall, flooding, coastal erosion, and drought. The 2022 nationwide floods severely affected states such as Bayelsa, Delta, Anambra, and Kogi, displacing millions.

The most vulnerable areas include the Niger Delta, riverine communities along the Niger and Benue rivers, and drought-prone northern regions. Low-lying geography, mangrove degradation, oil pollution, and weak infrastructure increase exposure to climate risks. Small-scale fishers, subsistence farmers, women in rural areas, and informal settlements are most affected because they depend heavily on natural resources and lack strong social protection systems.

Like the Philippines case, ecosystem degradation has reduced natural protective barriers. In Nigeria, mangrove loss due to oil spills, logging, and urbanization has weakened coastal resilience. Communities use coping strategies such as mangrove replanting, elevated housing, floodplain farming adjustments, and informal early…

If we compare the mangrove restoration case from the Philippines to the situation in Nigeria, there are both clear similarities and important differences in how climate-related challenges are experienced and addressed.

In Nigeria, some of the most common natural hazards include flooding, coastal erosion, desertification, and extreme heat. In recent years, climate change has significantly increased the frequency and intensity of flooding, particularly during the rainy season. Rising sea levels and irregular rainfall patterns are now making flood events more destructive and less predictable, much like how stronger typhoons have affected coastal regions in the Philippines.

The areas facing the greatest impacts in Nigeria are:

Coastal communities in the Niger Delta region (due to sea-level rise and coastal erosion)

Riverine and low-lying settlements along the River Niger and River Benue floodplains

Northern regions affected by drought and desert encroachment

In Benin, communities are highly exposed to natural hazards, including floods, coastal erosion, droughts, and storms. Climate change has intensified these events, with more irregular rainfall and more frequent flooding, particularly in the Ouémé River valley and coastal areas such as Cotonou and Grand-Popo.

The most affected communities are fishermen, farmers, and riverside populations because their livelihoods depend directly on natural resources. Floods destroy crops and homes and reduce fishery resources, worsening poverty and vulnerability.

Similar to the Philippines, local solutions include ecosystem restoration, especially mangroves. For example, local NGOs such as Climate Adapt Now NGO, Pauly Afrique Bio NGO restore mangroves in Kpomassè and Aguégués to protect coastlines and support biodiversity. Communities also adopt adaptation strategies such as livelihood diversification and agroecological practices.

The Beninese government, with support from NGOs and international partners, promotes reforestation, sustainable resource management, and climate adaptation programs.

The main similarity with the Philippines is…

Flooding has become one of the most severe and recurrent environmental challenges affecting the Upper Nile Region of South Sudan. Over the past decade, the region has experienced increasingly intense and prolonged floods, largely driven by climate change, rising river levels, and altered rainfall patterns. Seasonal flooding along the Nile River and its tributaries has intensified, overwhelming natural drainage systems and community coping capacities. These floods now occur more frequently, last longer, and affect wider geographic areas than in previous years.

The Upper Nile Region is particularly vulnerable due to its low-lying topography and dependence on rain-fed agriculture, livestock rearing, and fishing. Excessive rainfall upstream, combined with poor water management infrastructure, causes rivers to overflow and flood vast areas of farmland and settlements. Climate change has further amplified this risk by increasing rainfall variability, causing sudden heavy downpours followed by extended wet seasons. As a result, communities face repeated displacement,…

Comparison of the Philippines Mangrove Case Study with Malawi

The mangrove restoration story from the Philippines is very relatable to Malawi because, although Malawi is land-locked and does not have coastal areas, both countries experience severe climate-related disasters that affect vulnerable communities and livelihoods.

Natural hazards in Malawi

In Malawi, the most common hazards are floods, droughts, dry spells, strong winds, and occasional cyclones (remnants from the Indian Ocean such as Cyclone Idai, Ana and Freddy). Over the years, climate change has made rainfall patterns highly unpredictable. Sometimes the rains start late, stop early, or fall heavily within a short period. These extreme events are now happening more frequently than in the past, which is similar to the Philippines where typhoons have become stronger and more destructive.

Areas facing the greatest impacts

The most affected areas in Malawi are the Shire Valley districts such as Nsanje, Chikwawa, and parts of…

The major hazards faced by my country Ghana are; Flooding, Droughts, Coastal Erosion, Bushfires, Storms and rainstorms.

The southern part the country experiences enough rainfall throughout the year whereas the Upper part of the country experiences little rains throughout the year. As a result, during rainy seasons, parts of the country around the south receives high rainfall which result to flooding. During these periods, a lot of economic activities are often halted. People remain indoors, businesses are shut down and this decreases production.

People around the northern part of Ghana also experience severe droughts due to little or no rainfall. Water for Consumption, Irrigation and other purposes become scarce during these times.

Also, during dry seasons part of the country experience bushfires which damage the natural vegetation and the habitats for many organisms.

Climate change significantly impacts the occurrence of these hazards. Increased in rainfall intensity has led to fre…

The situation in India, particularly in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal, closely reflects the experience described in the Philippines case study on mangrove restoration. India, like the Philippines, regularly faces powerful cyclones, particularly along the Bay of Bengal coast. In recent years, cyclones such as Aila (2009), Amphan (2020), and Yaas (2021) have caused widespread flooding, embankment breaches, destruction of homes, and saltwater intrusion into farmland in the Sundarbans. Climate change appears to be making these cyclones more intense, and rising sea levels are increasing the vulnerability of low-lying delta regions. The worst impacts are felt in remote island villages where people depend heavily on fishing, small-scale farming, and forest resources. Poor households, landless laborers, and especially women are among the most affected because their livelihoods are closely tied to natural resources, and they have fewer financial buffers to recover after disasters. After major cyclones, many men migrate to…

The climate change is really affecting lives in my country Nigeria especially in Benue State where river Benue exists, we are experiencing strange harsh weather so dry with exorbitant heat which makes both children and adults unable to sleep at night. Constantly waking up profusely in the pool of sweat, the children go to school and come home with sickness, some children stay out of school because they cannot withstand the harsh weather. The communities can't even intervene much but the government have constantly come to give vaccines to children that will help them adjust to the challenge. Some children that got affected with mumps stay at home until they're better

In the Comunitat Valenciana (Spain), the parallels with the Philippine mangrove case are striking, though our landscape is defined by different ecosystems.

Instead of tropical typhoons, our primary natural hazards are extreme heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and the "DANA" (isolated high-altitude depression) events, which cause catastrophic flash flooding. Climate change has made these DANA events more frequent and violent, as the warming Mediterranean Sea provides the energy for "medicane-like" storms that dump months of rain in just a few hours.

The areas facing the greatest impacts are the low-lying coastal plains and the river basins, such as those surrounding the Júcar and Segura rivers. Much like the shrimp farms in the Philippines, intensive urban development and the "cementing" of our coastline have destroyed natural flood barriers like wetlands and salt marshes. This affects local farmers and residents in coastal towns, who face the loss of crops to hail or floods and…

Mangrove restoration in the Philippines highlights how nature-based solutions can protect coastal communities from storms and flooding. A similar scenario occurs in Kenya, where low-lying coastal areas and river deltas, such as Lamu, Mombasa, and the Tana River Delta, face flooding, erosion, and sea-level rise, risks worsened by climate change. Like the Philippines, communities dependent on fishing and small-scale farming are highly vulnerable because their livelihoods rely on natural resources. In Kenya, local adaptation methods include mangrove planting along the coast, riverbank reforestation, dike construction, and water-harvesting techniques for agriculture. Support from government agencies, such as KMFRI, and NGOs like WWF-Kenya, along with international donors, mirrors the Philippines’ model of community-led restoration supported by external partners. Key similarities include the reliance on ecosystem-based approaches and the role of NGOs and government in supporting adaptation. Differences arise because Kenya also contends with drought and freshwater scarcity, requiring complementary solutions like drought-resistant crops…

Mangrove restoration in the Philippines highlights how nature-based solutions can protect coastal communities from storms and flooding. A similar scenario occurs in Kenya, where low-lying coastal areas and river deltas, such as Lamu, Mombasa, and the Tana River Delta, face flooding, erosion, and sea-level rise, risks worsened by climate change. Like the Philippines, communities dependent on fishing and small-scale farming are highly vulnerable because their livelihoods rely on natural resources. In Kenya, local adaptation methods include mangrove planting along the coast, riverbank reforestation, dike construction, and water-harvesting techniques for agriculture. Support from government agencies, such as KMFRI, and NGOs like WWF-Kenya, along with international donors, mirrors the Philippines’ model of community-led restoration supported by external partners. Key similarities include the reliance on ecosystem-based approaches and the role of NGOs and government in supporting adaptation. Differences arise because Kenya also contends with drought and freshwater scarcity, requiring complementary solutions like drought-resistant crops…

Change in weather parttern has been common across Malawi. With hot weather covering majority of the season , ineratic rainfalls often heavy resulting in flooding.

To adapt weather information is being made more accessible and there is high usage of it to inform rain-fed farming. While tree planting and vegetation coverage is being promoted this remains a medium to long term solution

Short term solutions adopted include; making of water dikes in flood prone areas. This is being done at individual and community levels.

There is also increased adoption of irrigation farming.

Other civil society and private sector prayers includjng the department of Natural disaster also support such efforts.

A relevant comparison can be made with the recent floods that affected Emilia-Romagna, a region in Northern Italy.

This area is highly exposed to river flooding and extreme rainfall events, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. In 2023, severe floods caused landslides, infrastructure damage, agricultural losses, and the displacement of local communities.

Similarly to coastal villages in the Philippines, local populations were among the most affected, as their livelihoods depend heavily on land and natural resources.

In terms of responses, Italy relies more on engineered and institutional solutions, such as flood management systems, emergency response by Civil Protection, and government recovery funds. However, nature-based solutions, like wetland restoration and river ecosystem management, are increasingly promoted.

This comparison shows how both contexts highlight the importance of ecosystem protection and community resilience, despite different socio-economic and environmental conditions.

Unlike Pillippines where climate change affected the coastline thought Tsunamis, flooding and typhoons, In my countryUganda, the most common natural hazards include landslides, floods, and prolonged droughts.Landslides are especially prevalent during periods of intense and prolonged rainfall. Climate change has increased rainfall variability and intensity, which has directly contributed to a rise in the frequency and severity of landslides, particularly in eastern Uganda.

The regions most affected by landslides in Uganda are the mountainous areas of eastern Uganda, on the slopes of Mount Elgon. The region is characterized by steep slopes, fragile soils, and heavy rainfall, making them highly susceptible to landslides.

In Uganda, rural, low-income farming communities especially the women, elderly, disabled and children are the most affected by landslides. These communities mainly depend on subsistence agriculture cultivated on steep slopes, often practicing deforestation and poor farming methods due to land scarcity and poverty. Landslides have frequently resulted i…

In the Philippines, the removal of mangrove forests made coastal areas highly vulnerable to flooding and storm surges, especially during typhoons. Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of these floods, affecting low-lying coastal regions the most. Fishing communities and coastal villages are the most affected because mangroves once protected their homes and livelihoods. In response, communities began replanting mangroves as a long-term restoration strategy, which helps reduce flooding and restore marine ecosystems. The government and local NGOs support these efforts through funding, education, and the supply of mangrove seedlings.

In Zimbabwe, climate change has caused heat waves and shifting seasons, leading to droughts and unreliable rainfall that severely impact agriculture and rural livelihoods. Small-scale farmers are the most affected because they depend on rain-fed farming for food and income. Unlike mangrove restoration, solutions are less straightforward, as measures such as boreholes, cloud seeding and irrigation do not stop…

In the Philippines case study, restoring mangroves helps protect communities from flooding and storm surges caused by climate change. A similar situation in Zambia is our restoration efforts, which respond to deforestation caused by illegal tree logging and charcoal burning. Both situations show how environmental damage worsens climate impacts and how community-led solutions can restore ecosystems and protect livelihoods.

Natural hazards and climate change

In Zambia, the most common natural hazard is drought. Climate change has increased droughts and caused erratic rainfall, making farming difficult. Unlike the Philippines where climate impacts cause flooding, in Zambia they lead to droughts, drying of rivers, and power cuts because we depend on hydroelectricity.

Areas and communities most affected

The greatest impacts are on agriculture, health and livelihoods. Poor rainfall reduces crop yields and food security, increases water-borne diseases like diarrhea, and affects incomes. Smallholder farmers are most affected. Women and youth are especially…

Cyclone Amphan caused severe destruction to agricultural land in coastal regions, particularly in Uttar Bedkashi, Koyra. Strong winds, flooding, and saline water intrusion damaged or destroyed large areas of cropland, including rice, vegetables, and seasonal crops. As a result, farmers have lost their primary source of income, and local food security has been significantly threatened. Immediate humanitarian and agricultural recovery support is required to restore livelihoods and rebuild affected farming communities.

Climate Change impact in Cameroon.

Just like the Philippines, Cameroon too experiences flooding year in year out. This happens only during the rainy season where rivers and seas overflow it's banks. In some parts, flooding occurs as a result of heavy run off of rain water, as town planning is not well done, or delapidated drainage systems.

When these situations occur, the population, the council, civil society organizations respond rapidly by providing aid to affected population.

Efforts are equally underway to fix drainage systems so as to better prepare for the unexpected.

Some organizations also engage in tree 🌴 🌲 planting as a way to combat climate change.

Zimbabwe experiences droughts, floods, cyclone and heat wave as an intense result of climate change due to intensity of droughts and altering rainfall patterns, leading to more unpredictable floods and extreme weather events.

The regions most affected by floods are the Eastern Highlands (Chimanimani and Chipinge) and the semi‑arid southern provinces (parts of Masvingo) which suffer severe droughts

Rural agricultural communities and informal urban settlements are hit hardest because they rely heavily on rain‑fed farming and have limited infrastructure to withstand floods or water scarcity. Vulnerability is amplified by poverty and limited access to resources.

Local coping methods include traditional early‑warning systems (e.g., community alerts), water‑conservation practices like damming and rainwater harvesting, and post‑disaster mutual aid networks that redistribute food and labor.

The Zimbabwean government and NGOs such as the Red Cross, UNICEF, and local disaster‑relief organizations provide emergency relief, funding for infrastructure, and climate‑resilience programs. External stakeholders (international donors,…

Nigerian communities are increasingly affected by climate-related hazards such as flooding, coastal erosion, droughts, and desertification. Coastal areas like Lagos and the Niger Delta, as well as inland regions such as Benue and Kogi, are among the most impacted. Low-income households, fishing communities, and smallholder farmers are especially vulnerable because they depend on climate-sensitive livelihoods and often live in high-risk areas.

Current adaptation efforts in Nigeria include drainage clearing, flood control measures, relocation, and small-scale tree planting, supported by government agencies, NGOs, and development partners. However, there is a strong need for community-led and nature-based solutions, such as mangrove restoration and sustainable land management, to improve long-term climate resilience.

The case study Restoring Hope Through Mangroves in the Philippines shows how communities use ecosystem-based solutions to reduce the impacts of flooding and storm surges. In Cameroon, similar climate-related hazards such as flooding, coastal erosion, droughts, and landslides are becoming more frequent due to climate change. The most affected areas include coastal cities like Douala and Limbe, as well as inland urban centers such as Bamenda.

Vulnerable groups, including low-income households, fishing communities, and smallholder farmers, are most impacted because they depend on climate-sensitive livelihoods and often live in high-risk areas with weak infrastructure. Unlike the Philippines, where mangrove restoration plays a key protective role, adaptation efforts in Cameroon are more limited and focus on drainage clearing, relocation, and small-scale reforestation. Support comes from government agencies, NGOs, and development partners, but stronger community-led and nature-based solutions are still needed.

When I compare the mangrove restoration story from the Philippines with the situation in Ghana, I see many similarities, even though the countries face different types of natural disasters.

In Ghana, the most common natural hazards are flooding, coastal erosion, droughts, and irregular rainfall. Climate change has made these problems worse. Floods now happen more often, even after short rains, especially in cities like Accra. Along the coast, places like Keta and Ada suffer from sea erosion and storm surges. In the north, farming communities struggle with droughts and occasional floods. Just like in the Philippines, the loss of natural ecosystems such as wetlands and mangroves has reduced natural protection and increased damage from these events.

The people most affected are poor coastal fishing communities, small-scale farmers, and people living in informal settlements. These groups depend directly on nature for their livelihoods, so when floods destroy homes or erosion washes away…

When reflecting on the case study of mangrove restoration in the Philippines, clear similarities can be observed with the situation in the southeastern rural areas of Homs, despite the different geographical contexts.

In southeastern rural Homs, the most common climate-related risks include recurrent drought, desertification, dust storms, and extreme heat waves. While these hazards existed in the past, climate change has increased their frequency and intensity, in much the same way that global warming has intensified typhoons in the Philippines. Irregular rainfall patterns and rising temperatures have contributed to declining agricultural productivity and the degradation of rangelands, making local livelihoods increasingly fragile.

The areas most affected are semi-arid and steppe villages, particularly those that rely on rain-fed agriculture or livestock herding. The most vulnerable communities include small-scale farmers, pastoralists, low-income households, and especially women and children, as their livelihoods depend directly on natural resources and they have limited economic alternatives.

This module is well presented

Nigeria experiences several natural hazards, with flooding being the most frequent and destructive. Seasonal flooding occurs almost every year due to heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers (especially the Niger and Benue), poor urban drainage systems, and coastal storm surges. Climate change has intensified these events by increasing rainfall variability, sea-level rise, and the frequency of extreme weather, making floods more severe and less predictable.

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‎The areas facing the greatest impacts are coastal and riverine regions, particularly Lagos State, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Anambra, and Kogi States. Low-lying coastal zones are exposed to storm surges and coastal erosion, while communities along major rivers experience recurrent flooding that destroys homes, farmlands, and infrastructure. Urban informal settlements are also highly vulnerable because they are often located in flood-prone areas with inadequate drainage and waste management systems.

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‎The communities most affected are rural farmers, fishing communities, and low-income urban residents. These groups are vulnerable…

Le Togo, pays côtier d’Afrique de l’Ouest, est de plus en plus confronté aux effets du changement climatique qui accentuent les risques naturels et fragilisent les populations et les infrastructures. Les principaux dangers naturels observés sont les inondations, l’érosion côtière et les sécheresses. Les inondations sont particulièrement fréquentes dans le Grand Lomé, à Tsévié et à Aného, en raison des pluies intenses et du mauvais drainage urbain, tandis que l’érosion côtière affecte fortement les localités de Baguida, Kpogan et Aného, où la mer détruit progressivement les habitations, les routes et les terres agricoles. Dans les régions septentrionales, les sécheresses récurrentes réduisent les rendements agricoles et aggravent l’insécurité alimentaire. Le changement climatique influence ces phénomènes par l’augmentation des pluies extrêmes, l’élévation du niveau de la mer et l’irrégularité croissante des saisons agricoles. Les zones les plus touchées sont le littoral sud, le Grand Lomé, la vallée du Mono et de l’Oti,…

​Dans l’extrême Sud de Madagascar, le réchauffement global a brisé le cycle des pluies. La hausse des températures mondiales déplace les vents, et la région de l'Androy ne reçoit plus l'eau nécessaire à la vie. La terre n'est plus que poussière rouge et le Kere (famine) s'installe. Ce n'est plus une simple mauvaise saison, mais un climat qui bascule, transformant des éleveurs en exilés de la soif qui fuient vers le nord pour survivre.

In the DRC, the most common climate related hazards include intense rainfall, river flooding, landslides, droughts in some regions, and heat stress. Climate change has clearly increased the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, leading to more destructive floods and landslides, especially in urban and mountainous areas.

In contrast, the Philippines frequently experiences typhoons, storm surges, and coastal flooding, which are intensified by climate change. While the hazards differ, both countries are experiencing more frequent and severe climate extremes due to global warming.

In the DRC, the areas most affected are:

• River basins, particularly along the Congo River and its tributaries

• Urban centers like Kinshasa, Goma, and Bukavu, where poor drainage and unplanned settlements worsen flooding

• Eastern mountainous regions, where heavy rains trigger deadly landslides

Well, one of the most climate change induced impact that affect my community is devastating storms. The storms are more and more frequent and severe, which leads to flooding and massive loss of human lives, properties, livestock, crops and more.

Both rural and urban communities are often affected. There have been campaigns and community gatherings that aims to raise awareness about the issue and share safety behaviors, but more is yet to be done.

The most common natural hazards in my community, but not limited to floods, drought, extreme heat, erratic rainfall pattern, and wildfires. The frequency and the occurence of these natural hazards are exacerbated by climate change, mainly contribeted by human activities.

The agriculture, health, eaducation, economic, security, are some of the sectors that are severely affected by these natural hazards. And my community, including several other communities in the northern part of Ghana are the worst affected through flooding of farms and homes, delayed rainfall pattern, temperature rise, burning or destruction of farms and farm produce, and poor harvest, among others. These communities in the northern Ghana are most affected because, the northern has only one farming season throughout the year unlike the sourthern part with two farming seasons, least developed compared to the southern party and communities, lack of alternative livelihood opportunities, less endowed with natural resources, least educated and…

Natural hazards in Somalia

Somalia faces droughts, floods, cyclones, coastal erosion, and desertification, all intensified by climate change. Flooding along the Shabelle and Juba rivers and drought in pastoral regions have become more frequent and severe.

Most affected areas

• Riverine communities (Hiraan, Middle Shabelle, Lower Juba)

• Coastal communities (Banaadir, Puntland, Galmudug)

• Pastoral and agro-pastoral zones

flood and over flood and climate change impact the frequency and occurrence of these events

1. Which areas face the greatest impacts?

   river bording and peripheric zone

2. Which communities are most affected by these events? How and Why?

   children and women because of existing of inequalities

3. What are the local methods they use to overcome these challenges and cope with the event?

   
   

Climate change has intensified the events of natural hazard in Nigeria, with flooding being the most common, particularly in the southern and middle belt regions of the country, where rising sea levels and unpredictable rainfall patterns combine with human activities such as oil drilling and mining. These activities disturb the environment and contribute to the severity of floods, leading to community displacement, destruction of property, and tragic loss of lives.

The areas most affected are the low-lying southern and middle belt states, where communities are directly exposed to recurring flood actions. Their vulnerability stems from poor information, and insufficient government intervention, leaving them unable to adequately protect themselves against worsening climate impacts.

In response, local communities have adopted coping strategies, including raising awareness, while some relocate during peak flooding seasons to minimize risks. However, these efforts remain basic compared to the scale of the problem, and each year the situation…

Like the  Philippines, Ghana is very vulnerable to climate change, especially in the coastal regions. Natural hazards including coastal floods, sea erosions, storm surges, droughts and heavy rainfall are increasing in frequency and intensity in Ghana and this has been a result of climate change. The elevation of the sea level and the variation in rainfall are two factors that make flooding more severe in low-lying and coastal regions, whereas dry seasons in the northern regions have lasting impacts on agriculture.

Some of the areas most affected include the coastal regions of Ghana and areas alongside the Gulf of Guinea like Keta, Ada, and some parts of Accra and the Weija region. Flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion are a common problem in these areas affecting homes, livelihood, and important infrastructure. Like in the Philippines, destruction of natural protection ecosystems especially the mangroves and wetlands has increased the effects of storms…

Last month, we tested a simple circular-economy idea: seed pens (paper pens that can be planted after use).

This wasn’t just a “craft activity” — it was a behaviour-design experiment: Can climate action become simple enough to fit into everyday life?

In 18 days: ✅ 20 teenagers learned the process and produced seed pens

✅ 120+ seed pens were made by youth

✅ 200+ households joined conversations on plastic waste and climate-friendly habits

The case study of the Philippines is similar to Satkhira, a coastal district in the southwest of Bangladesh close to the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. Like the Philippines, Satkhira faces cyclones, storm surges and floods, and over the years, climate change has impacted the frequency and occurrence of these events. However, Typhoon Haiyan was a single catastrophic event, while Satkhira suffers from cyclones, storm surges and floods almost every year. Although the hazards faced by the communities in both countries are similar, the way the communities respond to the hazards are different, which also show the differences in ecosystem restoration, community leadership, and institutional support.

The areas in Satkhira that are most impacted by cyclones, storm surges and floods are low-lying areas near the Sundarbans, and other regions dependent on embankments and polders. Similar to the Philippines, shrimp farming and coastal settlements exist in Satkhira. However,…

There are strong similarities between the Philippines case and the situation in Kenya, especially in how climate change is intensifying natural hazards and affecting vulnerable communities. In Kenya, common climate-related hazards include floods, droughts, landslides, and coastal storm surges. Climate change has increased the frequency and severity of these events, with floods occurring more often and drought cycles becoming shorter and more intense.

The areas facing the greatest impacts include coastal counties such as Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, which experience flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion, as well as arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) in northern and eastern Kenya that are highly vulnerable to drought. Informal settlements along riverbanks and flood plains, such as those near the Tana and Nzoia rivers, are also heavily affected.

The most affected communities are small-scale farmers, pastoralists, fishing communities, and low-income households. They are vulnerable because they rely directly on natural resources for their livelihoods, have limited…

Flooding is one of the most common natural hazards in South Africa, particularly in Durban. Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of rainfall, with short, heavy storms and unpredictable seasons now common.

Coastal and flat inland areas are most affected due to limited water runoff and poor drainage infrastructure, especially in rural towns.

Rural communities suffer the greatest impacts, including damage to homes, infrastructure, crops, livestock, electricity supply, and local economies.

Urban areas rely on municipal stormwater management, while rural areas use tree planting and basic drainage canals to cope. NGOs mainly provide environmental education, while government support is largely reactive, focusing on post-disaster relief rather than prevention.

Flooding has been and is a major issue in some urban areas in Ghana. During the rainy season, communities and roads are flooded to the extent, it is difficult to move. Sometimes, homes are flooded and properties destroyed, and lives are even lost.

Many areas in the Capital city have faced major impacts because of poor planning, choked gutters, and some people building houses on road networks.

Some communities have come together to clean gutters and allow rain to pass through, while we have a volunteer group called Bustopboyz doing amazing work by cleaning streets, gutters and seashores in a bid to improve the environment. They have also gotten support by some institutions as time has goneby but the initiative was designed solely by them.

Just like in the story of the Philippines, one of the common natural hazards in my country Nigeria is flooding. The frequency of this phenomenon is definitely affected by climate change because it is mostly influenced by rainfall intensity and duration. The communities facing this challenge the most are those along the banks of the River Niger and the farming communities of the North Eastern Nigeria that is commonly known to be a deserted region. The locals in these deserted region, guided by some government agencies and NGO's are making efforts towards afforestation and agroforestry, but there's still a lot of work to be done as farmlands keeps getting swept off anytime the disaster hits. For the communities on the banks of the River Niger, they don't have much to do when the river overflows its bounds other than to move away and return to their homes when the sea…

We worked with 5 women and reused 6kg textile waste to create products + climate impact.

Would love your feedback — feel free to drop a comment on the LinkedIn post 😊

👉 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jobayer-bin-hossain_amranotunnetwork-bracyouthplatform-changemakers-activity-7416698024963383296-vr6F?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAECFxr4BkHTjOaMiziguDi6fvt2Xd5bMqac

In my country, Ghana, we experience several natural hazards, including flooding, drought, extreme heat, and coastal erosion. Climate change has increased rainfall variability and temperatures, which have made floods more frequent in urban areas, worsened drought in the northern regions, and increased sea-level rise along the coast.

The areas most affected include low-lying urban communities, coastal fishing areas, and rain-fed farming zones, especially in northern Ghana. Smallholder farmers, fishers, women, and low-income households are the most affected because their livelihoods depend heavily on natural resources that are sensitive to climate change.

Communities cope with these challenges by using climate-smart farming methods, clearing drainage systems to reduce flooding, and relying on traditional knowledge to predict weather patterns. The government, through NADMO and the Environmental Protection Agency, together with local NGOs and international organizations such as FAO and UNDP, supports communities with early warning systems, disaster relief, and climate adaptation programs.

Overall,…

Just like the inspiring story of mangrove restoration in the Philippines, our coastal communities in India are fighting back against rising seas! Whether it’s a typhoon in the Philippines or a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, the challenge is the same: losing our natural protection makes us vulnerable.

By planting mangroves, we aren't just planting trees; we are building a "green wall" that saves lives, protects our fish, and keeps the salt out of our soil. With the help of the government’s MISHTI scheme and local grit, we can turn the tide on climate change. Nature has the best defense—we just need to help it grow!

In the Philippines case study, coastal communities face flooding, storm surges, and erosion made worse by climate change, and mangrove restoration helps protect lives, livelihoods, and the environment. In Nigeria, climate-related hazards also exist but differ by region. Flooding, drought, heatwaves, coastal erosion, and desertification are common, and climate change has increased how often and how strongly these events occur. Coastal states like Lagos, Bayelsa, and Rivers face flooding and erosion, while northern areas experience drought and longer dry seasons. Rural farmers and fishing communities are the most affected because they depend on land and water for survival. Unlike the Philippines, Nigeria has mangroves in the Niger Delta, but community-led mangrove restoration is limited. Most people cope by changing farming practices, moving temporarily, or relying on family and community support. Government and NGOs provide some help through relief materials, awareness programs, and small projects, but long-term, nature-based solutions like mangrove…

Comparing the Philippines’ mangrove restoration case to my own country, the primary similarity is the use of nature-based solutions like coastal wetlands to mitigate storm surge and erosion from intensifying tropical cyclones, which climate change has made more frequent and severe. The key difference, however, is in scale and community involvement. While community-led efforts exist here, they are often fragmented and lack the same level of integrated government-NGO support seen in the Philippines. Vulnerable low-income coastal communities are still the most affected, but our adaptation responses are frequently more reliant on engineered defenses (seawalls) rather than widespread, participatory ecological restoration.

Mangrove restoration in the Philippines is a powerful story that ties straight into several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), like climate action, ocean life, and fighting poverty. It's also a great example of how fixing the environment can lift people out of poverty, empower women, and make communities tougher against disasters.Key SDGs InvolvedThis effort hits SDG 13 hard by protecting coastlines from typhoons like Haiyan with natural barriers. SDG 14 gets a boost from reviving fish stocks and marine areas. Plus, SDGs 1 and 2 shine through better livelihoods from eco-tourism and steady fishing.Tackling PovertyBy bringing back mangroves, fishing families get reliable catches and new income like honey or tours, cutting their dependence on unpredictable seas-huge for breaking poverty cycles.Empowering WomenWomen's groups run the nurseries and lead tours, turning them from sidelined folks into community leaders who drive real change [conversation history].Building ResilienceThese mangrove belts soak up storm surges, saving…

“Restoring Hope Through Mangroves - A Story from the Philippines” most directly connects to the following SDGs: SDG 13 (Climate action), SDG 14 (Life below water), SDG 15 (Life on land), SDG 5 (Gender equality) and SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth). Indeed, environmental restoration links to broader issues of poverty reduction, gender equality and resilience. The new community initiatives that arose during the restoration process led to creation of employment for women and the effect further spills to affect the education sector in the community.

Different from the Philippines, Kenya is faced with a broad range of natural hazards. The most common phenomena are drought and floods. The droughts are more frequent in the arid and semi-arid parts of the country which constitute 70% of the country. Additionally, the country’s 1,420 km of coastlines faces the threat of rising sea levels. All these are as a result of…

There has been recent floods along river banks of the most known rivers like river Nyando and river Tana . this occurs during rainy season and is overwhemed by weak banks whre by it results to destruction of preperty and loss of lives.

Thank you for the insightful case study from the Philippines. It powerfully shows how restoring nature—mangroves—builds resilience against climate shocks like typhoons. In my context, in Kaduna, Nigeria, the climate challenge has a different face, but the core principles of vulnerability, community impact, and the need for integrated solutions are deeply similar.

Similarities: Like the coastal communities in the Philippines, certain groups in Kaduna are disproportionately affected. Smallholder farmers, low-income families in areas with poor air quality, and communities near industrial zones bear the brunt. The connection between environmental health and human well-being is just as direct here: biodiversity loss and pollution threaten food security and health.

Key Differences: However, our primary hazard is not sudden storms, but a slow-onset crisis driven by industrial activity. The main challenges are:

· The Hazard: Air and land pollution, heat islands, and altered rainfall patterns leading to water scarcity and reduced agricultural yields.

When comparing climate change impacts in India with those observed in other countries, several similarities are evident—such as the increase in extreme weather events—while differences arise due to India’s diverse geography, large population, and socio-economic conditions.

Common Natural Hazards in India and Climate Change Influence

India is highly vulnerable to a range of natural hazards, many of which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change:

Heatwaves: Rising temperatures have increased the frequency, duration, and severity of heatwaves, especially in northern and central India.

Floods: Erratic and intense monsoon rainfall leads to frequent flooding in river basins like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Godavari.

Cyclones: Coastal regions experience stronger cyclones due to warming sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

In Cameroon there is an increase in the frequency of flooding in all agroecological zones . Bamenda located in the western highlands of Cameroon presents a peculiar situation. With Abundant rainfall (> 2300mm / year), very hilly relief, poor environmental conditions and very limited control of urban development, this city is very exposed to flooding. Furthermore, the ambiguity of the land tenure system, urban poverty, poor civil protection, high population growth and uncontrolled spatial expansion of the city explain the high vulnerability of populations.

The case study Restoring Hope Through Mangroves – A Story from the Philippines closely reflects the situation in Liberia, as both countries are coastal and highly vulnerable to climate-related hazards. While the contexts differ, there are strong similarities in the challenges faced and the solutions being applied.

Natural Hazards and Climate Change Impacts

In Liberia, common natural hazards include coastal flooding, storm surges, heavy rainfall, river flooding, and soil erosion. Climate change has intensified these hazards, leading to more frequent flooding, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities. Similar to the Philippines, environmental degradation has increased vulnerability to these events.

Areas Facing the Greatest Impacts

The most affected areas in Liberia are low-lying coastal zones, particularly in Monrovia, Buchanan, Robertsport, Greenville, and fishing communities along the Atlantic coast. Inland communities along major rivers also experience flooding during heavy rains. Like the provinces of Leyte and Samar in…

The Keta Sea Defense project was executed by the government of the day to protect livelihoods as a result of frequent sea erosion through tidal waves. Farm lands and lands meant for settlement were lost to this frequent erosion. The project was particularly meant to protect livelihoods and also reclaim the destroyed lands. Some 15 communities involving about 900 individuals were directly affected. Similarities to the Philippine situation may be the displacement of individuals and animals. farm lands were also destroyed. There was no local involvement because, indigenes did not have capacities at the time to contribute to curbing the situation.

Internal migration in Malawi is primarily linked to growing land pressure due to rapid population growth. with little evidence to date of migration due to increased frequency and intensity of extreme events

connected to climate variability.

In Malawi floods have always been a problem but mostly affecting those near the rivers.The government promotes evacuation of settlers to a safe place.

Living near would not be a bigger problem but the real deal is that the same people they destroy barriers for feed making leaving them prone to floods.

Similar to the Philippines, coastal erosion, tidal flooding, and storm surges, are major hazards in Ghana, particularly along the Keta–Anloga coastline. Climate change has increased the frequency and severity of these events, threatening homes, fishing livelihoods, roads, and freshwater sources. The most affected are coastal fishing communities, due to their proximity to the sea and dependence on natural resources such as mangroves for smoking fish.

Like Leyte and Samar, Anloga communities are responding through community-led nature-based solutions. Example, with support from NGOs such as ActionAid Ghana, Habitat for Humanity International communities are restoring native mangroves species, establishing community-based early warning systems, and developing daptive livelihoods to improve resilience of these communities to climate change impacts.

A key difference is the hazard profile ie. typhoons in the Philippines versus coastal erosion and flooding in Ghana, but the solutions are similar. Locally led restoration, inclusive participation (especially women and youth), and partnerships…

The mangrove restoration case from the Philippines closely mirrors challenges faced in Lamu County, Kenya, where coastal communities are increasingly affected by climate-related hazards such as coastal erosion, flooding, storm surges and sea-level rise. Climate change has intensified these hazards, making extreme weather events more frequent and damaging for coastal livelihoods.

In Lamu, the most affected areas are low-lying coastal villages and fishing communities that depend heavily on mangrove ecosystems for protection, fishing grounds and building materials. When mangroves are degraded, due to overharvesting, infrastructure development or pollution, communities become more exposed to flooding and shoreline erosion, similar to what was observed in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan.

The communities most impacted are small-scale fishers, women and low-income households, as their livelihoods are closely tied to healthy marine ecosystems. Loss of mangroves reduces fish stocks and increases vulnerability to storms, threatening both income and food security.

To cope with these challenges,…