Northwest Ghana Faces Severe Climate Challenges, Research Shows

Research from the REACH-STR project reveals that Northwest Ghana is experiencing severe climate changes, driving residents to migrate south. The findings, presented at a graduation ceremony, emphasize the necessity for informed policies addressing climate resilience, migration, and gender issues, as highlighted by key speakers from IWMI and the EU.

Recent research conducted by participants of the Resilience Against Climate Change-Social Transformation Research and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR) project indicates that Northwest Ghana is facing significant climate change impacts, prompting considerable migration towards southern regions of the country. The study, performed by 14 Master’s and four PhD students, revealed that local residents often view migration as a primary strategy to combat climate-related challenges. Findings were presented during the graduation ceremony for 18 scholarship recipients supported by the European Union and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

The research, which focused on selected communities within the Upper West and Savannah Regions, aimed to address knowledge gaps in policy and practices related to climate change, migration, and gender issues. During the ceremony, Dr. Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu, the Deputy Country Representative at IWMI, highlighted a shortage of logistical support for documenting social transformations in northern regions. He asserted that this research yields vital evidence for creating inclusive climate interventions and fosters critical dialogue on how these findings can be utilized to influence future policies.

Dr. Zemadim characterized the graduation as a pivotal moment in their educational journey, emphasizing that the REACH-STR project has empowered social scientists to tackle the interplay of climate change and migration in vulnerable communities. He noted that the event’s theme, “Building Capacity of the Next Generation for Climate-Resilient Development,” underscores the project’s objective to enhance institutional capabilities and promote sustainable development in Northwestern Ghana.

Massimo Mina, the Head of EU Cooperation, urged the Ghanaian government to integrate these findings into climate policy development, stressing the importance of addressing varied climate vulnerabilities that affect community livelihoods. Furthermore, prior to graduation, scholars met with EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, for a discussion on their research, where Mr. Razaaly commended their significant contributions toward enhancing climate resilience.

Beneficiaries of the project, who conducted their studies at the Center for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana and the SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, shared personal insights with GBC News. They reflected on the transformative impact of the project on their lives and the valuable knowledge acquired to confront the climate challenges experienced in the north.

The REACH-STR Project, a six-year initiative launched in February 2019 with a budget of €2.3 million funded by the European Union, aims to enhance understanding of social transformation’s influence on sustainable rural development, climate adaptation, and migration in the Upper West and Savannah Regions.

In conclusion, the REACH-STR project’s findings underscore the severe climate challenges faced by Northwest Ghana and the consequential migration trends. This research not only provides critical insights for developing effective climate policies but also highlights the necessity of addressing the challenges posed by climate change through empowered scholarship. The project serves as a foundation for building resilience against climate-induced vulnerabilities in the region.

Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com