Assessment of Community-led Flood Adaption Strategies in Lagos Coastal Slums, Nigeria
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Samson Olaitan Olanrewaju, Osun State University
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Olabisi S. Obaitor, Ludwig Maximilians University
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Victor Onifade, University of Lagos
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Ayomide Oluwuyi, Osun State University
Summary:
Flooding poses a perennial risk and severe threat to the coastal slum settlements in Lagos, Nigeria, where rapid urbanization, inadequate drainage, and climate change exacerbate vulnerability. This study assessed community-led flood adaptation in three coastal slums of Ajegunle, Makoko, and Ijora-Badia to understand how residents design, implement, and sustain local flood responses. A mixed-methods design guided by a pragmatic philosophy was employed to gather quantitative and qualitative data through a household survey of 1,983 residents, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations.
The study highlights notable policy gaps in embedding bottom-up innovations into urban resilience planning, and advocates co-designed interventions that strengthen social capital, offer technical assistance, financing, as well as equitable gender, youth, and minority inclusion. These outcomes align with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through a formal framework that improves climate resilience and promotes socially equitable African coastal urban development.
This research was part of a multi-country research initiative led by the Global Disaster Preparedness Center of the American Red Cross. Access all final publications here.