Coastal Erosion in West Africa

The Issues

Rapid erosion of around 8 m per year Affects a 2000 km stretch of coastline

from Ivory Coast to Nigeria

Physical factors affecting erosion Large fetch Breaking waves and frequent storms Shallow sandy coast Onshore winds year round Strong West to East currents Low lying land Weak Soils

Human factors affecting erosion Construction of a dam on the Volta Construction of additional sea defences

e.g. breakwater at Lome Dredging artificial ports

Impacts of the erosion

Major roads lost Buildings lost to the sea Local industries decimated Natural habitats destroyed/unprotected

Can the problem be solved?

Countries are very poor and have large debts

More than one country involved High estimated costs for a solution EIA often bypassed