Research indicates that Northwest Ghana is facing severe climate change, prompting significant migration to the south. Conducted by graduate students under the REACH-STR project, these findings underscore the urgency of addressing climate impacts on local communities. The project aims to bridge knowledge gaps and inform policy, contributing to sustainable development and climate resilience.
A recent study from the Resilience Against Climate Change-Social Transformation Research and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR) project highlights that Northwest Ghana is experiencing more severe climate changes compared to other regions. This environmental crisis is driving significant migration towards the southern parts of the country. The research, undertaken by 14 Master’s students and four PhD candidates, demonstrates that local residents view migration as a primary means of coping with climate change effects.
The findings were presented at a graduation ceremony for 18 scholarship recipients, supported by the European Union and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). These studies, conducted in the Upper West and Savannah Regions, focused on addressing knowledge gaps regarding climate change, migration trends, and gender issues.
During the event, Dr. Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu, Deputy Country Representative and Senior Researcher at IWMI, emphasized the importance of these findings for planning climate interventions. He remarked on the necessity for better documentation of social transformations in the northern regions, asserting that this research will aid in shaping inclusive climate policies. “We will explore how these findings can influence policies and development strategies, particularly in gender, migration, and climate resilience,” Dr. Zemadim articulated.
He further described the graduation as a critical milestone in equipping future social scientists with essential skills to confront challenges related to climate change. The theme of the graduation event, “Building Capacity of the Next Generation for Climate-Resilient Development,” underlined the project’s aim to foster institutional capacity and promote sustainable development in Northwestern Ghana.
Massimo Mina, Head of EU Cooperation, addressed the necessity for the government to integrate the findings into climate policy formulation. “The studies undertaken by these graduates provide valuable insights that can inform policies and development efforts”, highlighted Mr. Mina, stressing the importance of acknowledging the diverse impacts of climate vulnerabilities on communities.
Prior to the graduation, the scholars engaged with EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, who praised their contributions toward enhancing climate resilience. The participants expressed gratitude for the transformative impact of the project on their lives and knowledge regarding climate change mitigation strategies.
In summary, the REACH-STR Project, initiated in February 2019 and set to conclude this year, aims to generate critical insights into the linkages between climate adaptation, migration, and social transformation in the Upper West and Savannah Regions, supported by a €2.3 million fund from the European Union and partnered by the CSIR-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute.
The REACH-STR project reveals significant findings regarding severe climate changes in Northwest Ghana, leading to increased migration. The success of the scholarship program highlights the necessity of integrating academic research into effective policy-making. Continued collaboration among stakeholders is essential for addressing climate vulnerabilities and ensuring sustainable development in the region, as emphasized by both Dr. Zemadim and Mr. Mina. Overall, the initiative serves as a pivotal step towards enhancing climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
