Research indicates that Northwest Ghana suffers from severe climate change effects, causing widespread migration to the south. The findings, presented during a graduation ceremony for REACH-STR scholarship recipients, emphasize the need for informed climate policies. The REACH-STR project aims to enhance knowledge related to climate adaptation and social transformation in the region, supported by the EU and IWMI.
Recent research associated with the Resilience Against Climate Change-Social Transformation Research and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR) project has found that Northwest Ghana is facing severe climate change repercussions, more so than other regions in the country. This pressing issue is prompting significant migration towards southern areas as residents seek to escape the detrimental effects of climate change.
The research, conducted by four PhD students and 14 Master’s students, focused on communities in the Upper West and Savannah Regions. The findings, presented during the graduation ceremony for 18 scholarship beneficiaries, aimed to bridge knowledge gaps in policies related to climate change, migration, and gender. These projects are backed by the European Union and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) as part of their scholarship programs.
Dr. Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu, Deputy Country Representative and Senior Researcher at IWMI, discussed the research outcomes at the ceremony, noting a significant lack of resources to document social changes in the north. He reiterated that the insights gathered from the research are vital for formulating inclusive climate interventions and emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue about these findings.
“We will explore how these findings can influence policies and development strategies, particularly in gender, migration, and climate resilience. This is just the beginning of a sustained effort to build a climate-resilient future,” stated Dr. Zemadim.
The graduation was framed as the conclusion of a fruitful academic journey, with Dr. Zemadim commending the REACH-STR project for equipping social scientists with essential skills to confront challenges related to climate change, migration, and gender issues affecting vulnerable populations.
Massimo Mina, Head of EU Cooperation, encouraged the government to integrate the study findings into climate policy development. Mr. Mina remarked, “The studies undertaken by these graduates provide valuable insights that can inform policies and development efforts, ensuring that climate strategies take into account the multiple ways climate vulnerabilities affect communities and livelihoods.”
Prior to the graduation event, the scholars met with the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, who praised their research efforts and the significant contributions they are making toward achieving climate resilience. Beneficiaries of the project expressed their gratitude, asserting that it has dramatically changed their lives while equipping them with extensive knowledge to address climate challenges in the north.
The REACH-STR project, a six-year initiative initiated in February 2019 with a funding of €2.3 million from the European Union, aims to generate knowledge on social transformation and its impact on sustainable rural development, climate adaptation, and migration in the Upper West and Savannah Regions.
In summary, the REACH-STR project reveals the severe impacts of climate change in Northwest Ghana, leading to significant migration trends. The research underscores the necessity for policymakers to consider these findings when developing climate strategies. The successful graduation of the beneficiaries highlights the valuable contributions of academic research toward addressing pressing environmental challenges and fostering climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
