The REACH-STR project reveals the significant impact of climate change on migration and social transformation in Ghana. Eighteen students’ research highlights urgent needs for adaptive strategies, gender-inclusive policies, and better communication of migration policies. The project aims to empower young professionals and foster resilience against climate-related challenges in the country.
The European Union funded Resilience Against Climate Change, Transformation and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR) programme reveals significant findings regarding climate change and migration, aimed at aiding policymakers in achieving transformative changes for sustainable development. Eighteen students benefited from EU scholarships under this initiative, actively contributing to research focused on critical areas such as gender, migration, and climate resilience in the Savannah and Upper West Regions of Ghana.
Conducted by fourteen Master’s students and four PhD candidates, their studies indicate that climate change distinctly affects households in Northern Ghana, prompting a multitude of cultural, political, and economic changes. These alterations are reshaping vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies in the region, highlighting an urgent demand for effective solutions like climate-smart agricultural practices and gender-inclusive policies.
Students reported that migration has emerged as an adaptive strategy for both genders amidst climate-induced challenges. Raqeebah Hisham, one researcher focused on the Wa West District, indicated that while migration continues to rise in both urban and rural settings, male migrants typically undertake longer journeys than females, who are constrained by childcare responsibilities. This shift compels men to adopt chores typically designated for women, while women increasingly assume financial duties within their households.
Furthermore, Hisham noted a lack of awareness regarding migration policies among local communities, emphasizing the necessity for stakeholders to communicate these policies effectively and with particular attention to gender implications. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to fostering climate-resilient communities by empowering young professionals to discern and address climate change, migration, and gender-related challenges.
The graduation ceremony celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments and underscored their research’s contribution to understanding the relationship between climate vulnerabilities and social transformation in Ghana. Mr. Massimo Mina, Head of Cooperation at the EU in Ghana, reiterated the EU’s dedication to enhancing research and capacity-building efforts to foster sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of translating policy frameworks into concrete actions. Dr. Birhanu Zemadim of IWMI Ghana acknowledged the initiative’s success in equipping young researchers to engage with pressing climate challenges, affirming the potential impact of their findings on policy and development interventions while addressing the intricate connections between climate issues and social transformation.
In conclusion, the REACH-STR initiative highlights the impact of climate change on social transformation and migration patterns in Ghana. The research conducted by the students emphasizes the urgent need for adaptive strategies, gender-inclusive policies, and the effective communication of migration policies to local communities. The collaboration between the EU, IWMI, and academic institutions demonstrates a significant commitment to building resilience and capacity among young professionals in addressing climate-related challenges. The insights gained from this research are instrumental in shaping future policies and development interventions that will facilitate sustainable and inclusive progress in Ghana.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
