Uncertain climate futures: Cultivating 3 A resilience in urban Ghana

Abstract

Whilst scholars have argued that research on urban resilience in Africa is in its infancy, and on climate change in cities evolving, we argue that responses to building resilience fall short of fully embracing the radical potential of community residents’ perspectives. This paper examines the absorptive, anticipatory, and adaptation/adaptive (3 A) capacities and strategies of residents toward building resilience to climate change hazards in an African city. We examine this purpose by focusing on Ahensan, one of the most climate-induced disaster-vulnerable communities in the second largest city in Ghana, Kumasi. Using a qualitative-led mixed methods research approach involving households and key informants’ interviews, findings indicate that strategies employed by households were more anticipatory than absorptive and adaptive. The notable strategies employed include elevating walls and staircases to prevent flood water from entering rooms and temporarily relocating outside the neighbourhood at the onset of rainfall. Limited funds to invest in sustainable strategies, low awareness of social interventions, and poor self-mobilization from residents remain key local barriers impeding 3 A resilience efforts, particularly absorptive and adaptive capacities. Recommendations are further proffered.