Assessing the Vulnerability of Coastal Tourism to Sea Erosion- The Case of Ada East District

Abstract

Coastal erosion along the coast of Ada East District has caused severe damage to life and property worth millions of Ghana cedis over the last seven decades. The study sought to understand the underlying factors that contribute to the vulnerability of the tourism industry to sea erosion and also to find out the level of development of the tourism industry and its effects on the livelihood of the host communities. The study used a mixed method strategy that aided the gathering of quantitative and qualitative data. The digital shoreline analysis system (DSAS v.4.2) and the coastal vulnerability index (CVI) were used to establish the net shoreline movement (NSM) and the end point rate of erosion (EPR). Additionally, 180 questionnaires were administered to 3 selected host communities, 20 questionnaires to tourists and 19 interviews conducted with various tourism stakeholders. The results from the study showed that the coastline of Ada East District generally continues to erode at a rate of 4.34 m/year with some sections witnessing deposition at a rate of 7.13 m/year with the central and eastern sections of the coast being the most vulnerable to sea erosion. Furthermore, the tourism industry, infrastructures and livelihood activities remain the most vulnerable to sea erosion due mainly to their physical locations and the generally poor coastline characteristics. The study recommended a collaborative coconut tree restoration project and mangrove restoration and protection strategies along the coast to complement the sea defence project aimed at reducing vulnerabilities to coastal erosion. Further, stakeholder involvement in tourism must be better organized to increase the industry‘s contribution to livelihood enhancement and economic development.