Research indicates that Northwest Ghana is facing severe climate changes, leading to increased migration southward. Conducted by 14 Master’s and 4 PhD students of the REACH-STR project, findings stress the need for inclusive climate interventions. The project, backed by the European Union and IWMI, focuses on climate change, migration, and gender issues. Researchers advocate for policy development reflecting these insights to build resilience in vulnerable communities.
A recent study indicates that Northwest Ghana is facing severe climate change, prompting extensive migration to southern regions. The research, conducted by 14 Master’s and four PhD students from the Resilience Against Climate Change-Social Transformation Research and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR) project, highlights migration as a primary strategy for local residents to cope with climate impacts. The findings, presented during a graduation ceremony for scholarship beneficiaries supported by the European Union and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), concentrated on communities in the Upper West and Savannah Regions.
The studies aimed to address knowledge gaps in climate change, migration, and gender-related aspects of policy. Dr. Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu, a Senior Researcher at IWMI, noted the inability to document social transformations in northern communities, which underscores the need for inclusive climate interventions. He expressed the importance of using the findings to guide future policies related to gender, migration, and climate resilience.
During the graduation, Dr. Zemadim emphasized that the REACH-STR project has provided the necessary knowledge for social scientists to address key challenges in vulnerable communities. The theme of the event, “Building Capacity of the Next Generation for Climate-Resilient Development,” reflects the project’s aim to strengthen institutional capacity in Northwestern Ghana.
Massimo Mina, the Head of EU Cooperation, encouraged the government to incorporate students’ findings into climate policy development. He highlighted the insights gained from these studies, emphasizing their potential to influence community-based climate strategies. Additionally, before graduation, the scholars engaged with Mr. Irchad Razaaly, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, who praised their vital contributions to climate resilience.
Beneficiaries from the project shared that their educational experiences transformed their understanding and equipped them to address the climate challenges facing their communities. The REACH-STR project, funded by the European Union with €2.3 million since February 2019, aims to advance knowledge about social transformation’s role in sustainable development, focusing on climate adaptation and migration in the Upper West and Savannah Regions.
The REACH-STR project’s findings reveal significant climate change impacts in Northwest Ghana, leading to increased migration. Insights from the research highlight the necessity for improved climate policies that address the interconnected issues of migration, gender, and environmental resilience. Supporting local scholars plays a vital role in understanding and mitigating these challenges, ultimately contributing to the region’s sustainability and development.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
