Shoreline changes and its impact on coastal communities: A case study of Senya Beraku, Ghana

Abstract

Senya Beraku on the southern coast of Ghana is a heavily populated community and serves as one largest fishing communities. The area is threatened by coastal erosion impacting fishing, tourism, endangered ecosystems, damaged infrastructure and affecting local economic activities. This research sought to determine the pre-dominant drivers of shoreline changes, estimate the rate of change between 1990 and 2024, examine the effects of these changes on the socio-economic development and propose a coastal management policy. Field surveys, questionnaires, and interviews were employed to determine the drivers of shoreline changes, and the rate of change determined using landsat satellite images obtained from the U.S. Geological Survey and analysed using ArcGIS software. Results of the study indicate that the presence of the sea-break, sand mining, discharge of wastewater unto the shore and the growing population were the pre-dominant drivers contributing to the shoreline changes. Significant shoreline changes occurred within the period, with the maximum accretion distance (NSM) and rates (EPR and LRR) being 8.42 m, 1.5 and 1.42 m/year respectively. The maximum erosion distance (NSM) and rates (EPR and LRR) were -153.51 m, -5.9 and -7.34 m/year respectively. LS-TM model predicts further erosion of -16.5 m by 2034 and -18.5 m by 2044 using 2024 as baseline. Impacts identified were reduced income/poverty due to loss of livelihood, destruction of building structures and coconut trees, among others. Caesation of sand mining and restoration of degraded mangroves/grasses along the coast could serve as a cost-effective coastal management plan, which allows beach processes to continue and protect the source of livelihood.