Evaluating the Efficacy of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Strategies in Strengthening Coastal Resilience in Badagry, Nigeria.

The concept of ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is becoming a popular nature-based approach to address the risks posed by climate change in coastal regions. Nonetheless, limited evidence exists on the efficacy of EbA strategies at the community level regarding the roles of participation, governance, and domestic financing in West African coastal communities. The recurring floods, coastal erosion, and ecosystem degradation, coupled with livelihood vulnerability, continue to threaten coastal resilience in Badagry, Lagos State, and raise questions about the efficacy of current EbA interventions in practice. The paper examines the effectiveness of EbA strategies in improving the resilience of coastal regions in seven communities in Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria, focusing on environmental changes, community participation, and government constraints. A combined methodology was used, comprising a household survey of 350 people and complemented by interviews with key informants and field observations. The relationships among EbA practices, community engagement, and perceived resilience outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods. Results reveal that EbA strategies, including mangrove restoration, wetland conservation, and sustainable fisheries, have helped achieve better flood control, reduced erosion, and improved livelihoods, especially in communities with greater participation. However, it is weakened by ineffective policies, insufficient funding, and poor land use in certain areas, which affect long-term sustainability. The research gap the study addresses is the lack of empirical knowledge about the methods of participation and governance that predetermine the success of EbA at the community level in a Nigerian coastal setting. It proposes applying models of participation as an instrument to introduce long-term EbA programs, ensure the consistency of policy instruments, and change local financing mechanisms in a Nigerian coastal region to enhance the effectiveness of long-term EbA programs