EU-Funded Research Highlights Climate Change’s Influence on Migration in Ghana

Recent research funded by the EU has highlighted the profound effects of climate change on social transformation and migration patterns in Ghana. The REACH-STR project has corroborated the importance of addressing gender dynamics within migration and adaptive strategies, emphasizing the essential need for effective climate policies. This initiative aims to equip young scholars with tools to influence positive policy and community engagement regarding these critical issues.

Recent research funded by the European Union has revealed significant insights regarding climate change’s impact on social transformation and migration patterns in Ghana. The findings emerged from the Resilience Against Climate Change, Transformation, and Policy Advocacy programme, aimed at supporting pathways toward sustainable development. The initiative has particularly focused on enabling scholars to inform policymakers about climate resilience and migration strategies.

Eighteen students have benefited from the Resilience Against Climate Change-Social Transformation Research and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR) project, which is jointly executed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the Centre for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana, Simon Diedong Dombo University, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (CSIR-STEPRI). The group comprises of fourteen Master’s and four PhD scholars engaged in critical research on gender, migration, climate resilience, and policy advocacy within communities in Ghana’s Savannah and Upper West Regions.

The research findings indicate that climate change is not merely a theoretical concern but a palpable reality for households in Northern Ghana. The scholars have observed rapid shifts across cultural, political, economic, and demographic dimensions in Northwest Ghana, which are affecting community vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies. Furthermore, they suggested the necessity for effective solutions, emphasizing climate-smart agriculture and gender-inclusive climate policies.

Migration emerged as a vital adaptive strategy for both genders amid climate-induced challenges. Raqeebah Hisham, a student focused on these dynamics in the Wa West District, noted a divergence in migration patterns based on locality. Her study revealed that men from peri-urban areas tend to migrate for extended periods compared to women, who have familial responsibilities that typically limit their migration duration.

Hisham also observed role reversals, with male counterparts taking on household chores traditionally managed by women and women stepping into financial roles typically held by men during male migration. She called on policymakers to raise awareness of existing migration policies, particularly regarding their implications for gender.

The graduation event celebrating these scholars highlighted their contributions to climate-resilient community initiatives and the critical intersection of climate change and gender issues. Mr. Massimo Mina, Head of Cooperation at the EU in Ghana, reiterated the EU’s dedication to empowering youth through research and capacity-building initiatives for sustainable development.

The REACH-STR project aligns with the broader EU-Ghana Agricultural Program (EUGAP), which promotes market-oriented agriculture and climate adaptation. Mr. Mina emphasized the need for practical implementation of climate resilience strategies beyond mere policy formulation.

The REACH-STR project has generated vital data on the impact of climate change on social transformation and migration in Ghana. With a focus on gender differences in migration and the changing roles within households, the findings underscore the urgent need for informed policy advocacy. The supportive role of the European Union in this research and capacity-building initiative exemplifies a collective commitment to fostering sustainable development and resilience in communities facing climate-related challenges.

Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com