Indigenous Coastal Dwellers' Perception of Sea Level Rise and Drivers of Coping Strategies: Evidence From Ghanaian Coastal Regions

ABSTRACT This study examines the perception and coping strategies of coastal inhabitants regarding to sea level rise (SLR). A Recursive Bivariate Probit regression model is employed to analyze the awareness of SLR and its causes among indigenous coastal dwellers. This model identifies the relevant variables that determine whether respondents perceive SLR or not and whether they believe it is a result of climate change. In addition, a logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing coping capabilities. A survey questionnaire was developed and used to collect a dataset from south‐eastern Ghana. The results suggest that indigenous inhabitants perceive the existence of SLR, with the majority believing that global warming is its cause. Furthermore, the perception of SLR is influenced by geographical location and socio‐economic characteristics. The implication of the study is that coastal residents are suffering from climate‐induced SLR. Various actions are being taken to mitigate the effects, but these actions are not sufficient and sustainable. Thus, the study recommends that respective authorities, especially government and non‐governmental organizations, create policy measures that focus on the influential factors of coastal dwellers' perception about SLR.