Livelihood in Coastal Communities: Using Communication Strategies to Identify Gaps and Solutions in Development: A Case Study of Jamestown Community, Accra, Ghana

Abstract

This study explores the livelihoods of the Jamestown community in Accra, Ghana, through the lens of the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF), with a focus on the role of communication strategies in identifying and addressing development gaps. The research highlights a predominantly male and youthful population with relatively high educational attainment, indicating significant potential for economic growth and diversification. Despite notable formal employment levels, many residents perceive their income as inadequate due to high living costs and economic pressures. The study also identifies critical challenges such as inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and environmental risks, including pollution and flooding, which hinder sustainable livelihood development. The findings emphasize the necessity of robust communication strategies as a tool for stakeholder engagement, community participation, and targeted dissemination of information related to job creation, infrastructure development, and environmental management. Gender-inclusive approaches are particularly recommended to empower women, address gender disparities, and promote equitable economic participation. Additionally, the study advocates for economic diversification beyond the fishing sector through initiatives such as eco-tourism, artisanal crafts, and small-scale manufacturing, supported by microfinance and entrepreneurship training. The research underscores the importance of participatory governance, improved infrastructure, and environmental sustainability as key components for fostering resilient livelihoods. Effective communication platforms, such as community forums, stakeholder engagement sessions, and digital tools, are identified as critical enablers of inclusive development. While the study offers valuable insights, limitations include a small sample size and case-specific findings, which may limit generalizability to other coastal communities. Future research is recommended to adopt comparative and longitudinal approaches across multiple coastal regions, focusing on gender dynamics, environmental resilience, and innovative communication strategies to enhance sustainable development outcomes. This study contributes to the broader discourse on the interplay between communication strategies and sustainable livelihoods, offering practical recommendations for policymakers, development practitioners, and researchers aiming to improve the socio-economic resilience of coastal communities like Jamestown.