Local Perceptions and Scientific Knowledge of Climate Change: Perspectives of Informal Dwellers and Institutions in Accra, Ghana
- Publisher:
- MDPI
- Publication Type:
- Journal Article
- Citation:
- Sustainability, 2022, (14), pp. 1-25
- Issue Date:
- 2022-04-23
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The extant literature in urban climate studies suggests that the urban poor are the most
vulnerable to climate change. Local perceptions and knowledge of climate change are also generally
viewed as crucial for sustainable adaptation planning in developing countries. Yet the extent to which
perceptions of climate change are influenced by the context of informal urbanisation in the Global South remains unexamined. This paper aimed to examine the extent to which the context of residents
of informal settlements influences their perceptions and the congruence of these perceptions with
scientific knowledge of climate change in an African city. Using Accra, Ghana as a case, 582 household surveys, 25 institutional key informant interviews and 14 focus group discussions were conducted
and analysed. Results show two main findings: (1) respondents mainly perceived changes in climate
change related-phenomena which were in synergy with scientific sources but their claims of increases in flooding were not supported by scientific data; and (2) while the literacy levels of the respondents were unrelated to their perception about climate change, heir perceptions were also discordant with city authorities’ perceptions on the causes of flooding as a hazard. The study suggests the integration of local perceptions and knowledge of climate change in adaptation planning in Accra and similar contexts.
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