Recent research highlights severe climate change effects in Northwest Ghana, prompting significant migration southward. Conducted by beneficiaries of the REACH-STR project, the studies underscore the importance of integrating climate resilience strategies into policy frameworks. The initiative fosters discussions on gender and climate impacts, equipping scholars with essential knowledge in these areas.
Research conducted by beneficiaries of the Resilience Against Climate Change-Social Transformation Research and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR) project has revealed that Northwest Ghana is significantly impacted by climate change compared to other regions of the nation. This severe climatic situation is prompting extensive migration to southern areas.
The research, performed by 14 Master’s students and four PhD candidates, indicated that local residents perceive migration as a primary strategy to evade the adverse effects of climate change. These findings were presented during a graduation ceremony for 18 scholarship recipients funded by the European Union and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). The studies targeted selected communities in the Upper West and Savannah Regions, aiming to bridge knowledge gaps in climate change, migration, and gender policy and practice.
In his address at the ceremony, Dr. Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu, Deputy Country Representative and Senior Researcher at IWMI, underscored the findings’ importance in highlighting the logistical challenges of documenting social transformations in Northern Ghana. He remarked that the data gathered serves as essential evidence for developing inclusive climate interventions and emphasized the need for policy dialogue.
“We will explore how these findings can influence policies and development strategies, particularly in gender, migration, and climate resilience,” noted Dr. Zemadim, describing the graduation as a key milestone in fostering a climate-resilient future.
Dr. Zemadim further articulated that the REACH-STR project has equipped social scientists with the skills necessary to confront climate change, migration, and gender-related issues within vulnerable communities, reflecting the initiative’s commitment to sustainability in Northwestern Ghana.
Massimo Mina, the Head of EU Cooperation, urged the government to utilize the findings in formulating future climate policies. “The studies undertaken by these graduates provide valuable insights that can inform policies and development efforts,” Mr. Mina stated, advocating for the inclusion of climate vulnerabilities in strategic planning.
In a prior meeting, the scholars engaged with EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, who commended their contributions toward climate resilience. Beneficiaries from the Center for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana and SD Dombo University shared their transformative experiences, emphasizing the project’s role in enhancing their capability to address climate impacts in the North.
About the REACH-STR Project
The REACH-STR project, a six-year initiative launched in February 2019, is set to conclude this year with funding of €2.3 million from the European Union. This project is supported by the CSIR-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute and focuses on generating knowledge related to social transformation, sustainable rural development, climate adaptation, and migration in the Upper West and Savannah Regions.
In summary, the REACH-STR project reveals that Northwest Ghana is facing pronounced climate change challenges that compel residents to migrate south. The findings, shared by scholarship beneficiaries, underscore the need for comprehensive climate policies that account for gender and migration. As stakeholders emphasize the importance of these insights, there is potential for informed decision-making to enhance climate resilience in the affected communities.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
