Reimagining Coastal Prosperity Through Landscape-Led Climate Adaptation in Lagos, Gulf of Guinea

Coastal cities within the Gulf of Guinea face escalating socio-ecological vulnerabilities driven by climate change, rapid urbanization, and livelihood pressures. Lagos, Nigeria largest coastal city and economic epicenter, is increasingly exposed to sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and flooding, all of which threaten its landscapes, communities, and future prosperity. This study adopted a qualitative, exploratory approach to critically examine how landscape transformations intersect with livelihoods and climate adaptation efforts in Lagos. Data were collected through semi- structured interviews with residents, community leaders, urban planners, and policymakers, supplemented by field observations of key coastal zones. This approach enabled a deeper understanding of lived experiences, socio-cultural dynamics, and institutional responses shaping the city coastal resilience. The findings revealed that fragmented governance structures, limited inclusion of local knowledge, and neglect of landscape transformations undermine sustainable livelihoods and effective adaptation. However, the study identified opportunities to reimagine coastal prosperity by integrating landscape-sensitive planning, community participation, and inclusive, locally-informed climate adaptation strategies. This research contributes to global discourses on coastal resilience and underscores the critical role of qualitative inquiry in advancing landscape-centered, people-driven responses to climate risks in vulnerable cities across the Gulf of Guinea.