Strategies for addressing exposure to extreme heat in a slum community

Abstract

Climate change is resulting in higher temperatures and the problem of heat stress, which significantly affects urban population. Poor households living within low-income urban communities are disproportionately affected by these problems. This paper reports an investigation of coping strategies among residents in a low-income community within Lagos, Nigeria. The study utilised a mixed-method approach – community survey (sample size = 300 residents) and semi-structured interviews with 15 purposively selected residents. The survey data were analysed statistically, whereas content analysis was carried out on the interview transcripts. The findings indicate a range of personal/behavioural preventive and reactive strategies and building-related measures were utilised to address the challenge of increasing heat within the community. Notably, greening-related practices (for planting trees, cultivating gardens) did not rank high among the residents. They are willing to pay a modest amount towards greening and environmental features but not as much as housing modifications to enhance thermal comfort in the face of extreme heat. The study contributes to evidence of local coping strategies for heat exposure among disadvantaged urban residents, providing a pedestal on which heat adaptation initiatives can be developed.