The REACH-STR project, funded by the EU, examines the impact of climate change on social transformation and migration patterns in Ghana. Involving 18 scholarship recipients, the initiative reveals critical findings on gender roles in migration and the urgent need for practical solutions. The results emphasize the importance of awareness about migration policies and advocate for gender-sensitive approaches in addressing climate-related challenges.
Recent research funded by the European Union highlights the significant effects of climate change on social transformation and migration patterns in Ghana. This initiative is part of the Resilience Against Climate Change-Social Transformation Research and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR) project involving 18 students who received scholarships under this program. The project is a collaborative effort between the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the Centre for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana, the Simon Diedong Dombo University, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (CSIR-STEPRI).
The graduate scholars conducted studies focusing on gender, migration, climate resilience, and policy advocacy in communities across the Savannah and Upper West Regions. Their findings revealed that climate change poses a significant threat to households in Northern Ghana, causing a range of social transformations. It was observed that Northwestern Ghana is experiencing rapid changes that influence both vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies among communities.
In their research, the scholars emphasized the need for effective solutions, such as promoting climate-smart agriculture, enhancing institutional capacities, and implementing gender-inclusive climate policies. Migration emerged as a critical adaptation strategy for both genders in response to climate pressures, with notable differences in duration and reasons for migration between men and women. Raqeebah Hisham, a student whose research addressed these dynamics, found that men in peri-urban communities tended to migrate for extended periods, whereas women often stayed home due to child-care responsibilities.
The insights gained from this research underline the vital necessity for policymakers to better communicate existing migration policies to the affected local communities, especially regarding gender sensitivity. The graduation ceremony held under the theme “Building Capacity of the Next Generation for Climate Resilient Development” celebrated the accomplishments of four Ph.D. and 14 Master’s graduates, recognizing their contributions to understanding climate vulnerabilities in Northwestern Ghana.
Mr. Massimo Mina, Head of Cooperation at the EU in Ghana, reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting research initiatives that empower youth towards sustainable development. He discussed the integration of climate adaptation strategies within the broader EU-Ghana Agricultural Program (EUGAP) and emphasized that policy frameworks alone are insufficient without practical implementation. Dr. Birhanu Zemadim from IWMI Ghana praised the collaboration between various institutions and the capacity-building success of the REACH-STR project, asserting that the graduates’ research can significantly impact policy and development efforts.
In conclusion, the REACH-STR project illustrates the intricate relationship between climate change, migration, and social transformation in Ghana. The research conducted by the students provides essential insights that can shape more effective policies and initiatives aimed at fostering climate resilience. Furthermore, the project underscores the importance of integrating gender considerations in policy advocacy to address the specific challenges faced by affected communities. Overall, this initiative highlights the EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and empowering future leaders in climate resilience.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
