Research reveals that Northwest Ghana is experiencing significant climate change, prompting migration to the south. Conducted by students under the REACH-STR project, the study focused on climate, migration, and gender issues in Upper West and Savannah Regions. Findings emphasize the need for effective climate policies and highlight the importance of equipping future generations to address these challenges.
Recent research has identified that Northwest Ghana is facing more severe climate change effects than other areas within the country, leading to significant migration towards southern regions. This study was conducted as part of the Resilience Against Climate Change-Social Transformation Research and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR) project, comprising contributions from 14 Master’s and four PhD students. The research aimed to fill critical gaps in policy and development concerning climate change, migration, and gender in selected communities of the Upper West and Savannah Regions.
During the graduation ceremony of 18 scholarship beneficiaries, Dr. Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu, the Deputy Country Representative and Senior Researcher at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), highlighted the findings and mentioned the logistical challenges in documenting social transformations occurring in the north. He underscored the importance of using these findings to plan inclusive climate interventions and indicated that this marks the beginning of ongoing efforts toward building a climate-resilient future.
Dr. Zemadim referred to the graduation as a significant intellectual accomplishment, noting that the REACH-STR project has equipped scholars to effectively address challenges related to climate change and migration within vulnerable communities. The event was framed under the theme “Building Capacity of the Next Generation for Climate-Resilient Development,” aligning with the project’s objective to enhance institutional abilities and support sustainable development in Northwestern Ghana.
Furthermore, Massimo Mina, Head of EU Cooperation, emphasized the importance of integrating these findings into national climate policies. He remarked that the students’ research provides essential insights to shape development strategies that acknowledge the diverse impacts of climate vulnerabilities on communities and livelihoods.
Scholars also had the opportunity to meet EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, before the graduation to discuss the relevance of their work in contributing to climate resilience. The beneficiaries, who studied at notable institutions, expressed how the project transformed their lives and provided them with the expertise to address the climate challenges faced in the north.
The REACH-STR project is a six-year initiative funded by the European Union with €2.3 million, aimed at generating knowledge on social transformation concerning sustainable rural development, climate adaptation, and migration. Launched in February 2019, it seeks to enhance understanding and inform strategies relevant to these pressing issues in the Upper West and Savannah Regions.
In conclusion, the prevailing research conducted under the REACH-STR project reveals the heightened climate change impacts in Northwest Ghana compared to other regions. This situation has prompted migration as a primary adaptation strategy. Concerted efforts are necessary to integrate these findings into climate policy formulation, aiming for inclusive solutions that address the multifaceted challenges of climate change, migration, and gender within the affected communities.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
