Location: Nigeria/ Lagos State/ South West/ Lagos/ Makoko
Credit: Adamu Salisu
Initiative: Belmont Forum CRAs (2026 Transdisciplinary photo Competition)
Project: Data as a Lifeline in Makoko
Story: Photo Description: Data as a Lifeline in Makoko community
In the low-lying, swampy landscape of MaKoko community, Lagos, the line between environmental survival and crisis is thin.
As part of a transdisciplinary research initiative, we integrated social engagement with hydrological monitoring, transforming a local borehole into a critical data point.This installation serves a dual purpose: it provides the community with a vital resource while simultaneously acting as a sentinel for saltwater intrusion and tidal flooding.
By bridging the gap between coastal oceanography and community-led adaptation, this project empowers residents with the knowledge to navigate their changing environment.
This photo captures the intersection of rigorous monitoring and community education, demonstrating that when scientific data is embedded directly into the fabric of a vulnerable settlement, it becomes a powerful tool for resilience against the encroaching Atlantic.