Research by REACH-STR indicates Northwest Ghana faces significant climate change, prompting migration to southern regions. Conducted by 14 Master’s and four PhD students, findings were presented during a graduation ceremony, revealing gaps in policy and logistics for documenting social transformations. Experts urge for integration of this research into climate policy to ensure comprehensive community support.
Research conducted by beneficiaries of the Resilience Against Climate Change-Social Transformation Research and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR) project indicates that Northwest Ghana is undergoing significant climate changes compared to other regions in the country. This challenging situation is resulting in substantial migration towards the southern areas.
The research, carried out by 14 Master’s students and four PhD students, revealed that many residents perceive migration as a viable strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. The findings were presented during a graduation ceremony for 18 scholarship beneficiaries of the project, which is financed by the European Union and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). The studies were conducted in selected communities within the Upper West and Savannah Regions, with the objective of addressing gaps in policy and development surrounding climate change, migration, and gender issues.
During the ceremony, Dr. Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu, Deputy Country Representative and Senior Researcher at IWMI, articulated that the results underscore a deficiency in logistics for documenting social transformations within northern Ghana. He asserted that these findings are crucial for planning inclusive climate intervention strategies. Dr. Zemadim recognized the event as a forum for initiating important discussions on how to leverage research insights to enhance policies and strategies focused on gender, migration, and climate resilience.
Dr. Zemadim highlighted the graduation as a significant milestone, noting that the REACH-STR project has provided social scientists with essential knowledge and tools to address the intertwined challenges of climate change, migration, and gender in vulnerable communities. He stated, “This event, themed Building Capacity of the Next Generation for Climate-Resilient Development, reflects the project’s mission of strengthening institutional capacity to support sustainable development in Northwestern Ghana.”
Additionally, Massimo Mina, Head of EU Cooperation, urged the government to integrate the research findings into climate policy development. He articulated, “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.”
Ahead of the graduation, scholars had an opportunity to meet with the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, where they discussed their research. Mr. Razaaly praised their dedication and contributions toward enhancing climate resilience. Several beneficiaries from the Center for Migration Studies and SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies shared with GBC News how the project has not only changed their lives but also equipped them with necessary skills to combat the impacts of climate change in their region.
The REACH-STR project is a six-year initiative launched in February 2019, funded by the European Union with an investment of €2.3 million. This collaborative effort, supported by the CSIR-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute, aims to cultivate knowledge on social transformation and its impact on sustainable rural development, climate adaptation, and migration in Ghana’s Upper West and Savannah Regions.
In conclusion, the REACH-STR project highlights the severe climate changes affecting Northwest Ghana and the resulting migration trends towards the south. The research conducted under this initiative provides critical insights that can inform policy decisions and development strategies addressing climate resilience, gender, and migration. Stakeholders emphasize the need for inclusive strategies to tackle these pressing challenges in vulnerable communities.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
