74
C.T. Koulibaly, J.O. Ayoade
On the other hand, coastal facilities (riprap, breakwaters, jetties, etc.), intended
to properly protect by fixing the coastline, strongly modify the methods of trans‑
porting coastal sediments and can accelerate erosion phenomena by laterally defer‑
ring it [45]. It has also been highlighted that the destruction of vegetation through
anthropogenic action as a non‑neglected driver of coastline retreat as vegetal cover
plays a positive role in increases the resistance to erosion [8].
Erosion is also exacerbated by the narrowness of the continental shelf which fa‑
cilitates the entry of waves with strong energy. Wide beaches have a better ability to
cushion crises than narrow beaches [46–48]. However, the plateau of the Cape Verde
peninsula is extremely narrow (2–5 km) with continental slope of 1–1.5%, facilitating
movements of sediment in deep water towards the open sea [20] and exposure to
sudden and unpredictable storm surges [43].
5. Adaptation Strategies
Along Rufisque’ coastline, local communities are attempting to protect their
amenities against the sea using different methods. Figure 15 shows the different
community based adaptation strategies, mainly including the use of sandbags, tires,
and cement blocks.
Fig. 15. Community based adaptation strategies to coastal erosion in Rufisque and Bargny
(author’s field visit – August 2020)
C.T. Koulibaly, J.O. Ayoade
On the other hand, coastal facilities (riprap, breakwaters, jetties, etc.), intended
to properly protect by fixing the coastline, strongly modify the methods of trans‑
porting coastal sediments and can accelerate erosion phenomena by laterally defer‑
ring it [45]. It has also been highlighted that the destruction of vegetation through
anthropogenic action as a non‑neglected driver of coastline retreat as vegetal cover
plays a positive role in increases the resistance to erosion [8].
Erosion is also exacerbated by the narrowness of the continental shelf which fa‑
cilitates the entry of waves with strong energy. Wide beaches have a better ability to
cushion crises than narrow beaches [46–48]. However, the plateau of the Cape Verde
peninsula is extremely narrow (2–5 km) with continental slope of 1–1.5%, facilitating
movements of sediment in deep water towards the open sea [20] and exposure to
sudden and unpredictable storm surges [43].
5. Adaptation Strategies
Along Rufisque’ coastline, local communities are attempting to protect their
amenities against the sea using different methods. Figure 15 shows the different
community based adaptation strategies, mainly including the use of sandbags, tires,
and cement blocks.
Fig. 15. Community based adaptation strategies to coastal erosion in Rufisque and Bargny
(author’s field visit – August 2020)