A recent EU-funded research program in Ghana highlighted the impact of climate change on migration and social transformation. Eighteen students studied gender, migration, and climate resilience, revealing significant impacts and advocating for climate-smart policies. Their findings emphasize the urgent need for policy awareness among local communities to address gender disparities in migration and adaptation strategies.
The European Union-funded programme focusing on resilience against climate change has released findings emphasizing the relationship between climate change, migration, and social transformation. The initiative, which aims for sustainable development, involves 18 students supported by the EU in Ghana, researching climate change’s effects in four key areas: gender, migration, climate resilience, and policy advocacy in Northern Ghana.
These scholars, comprising 14 Master’s and four PhD students, conducted studies in the Upper West Regions revealing that climate change profoundly impacts households. They noted significant cultural, political, and economic changes in Northwest Ghana, creating new vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies that need to be addressed urgently.
The students recommended solutions like climate-smart agriculture, enhanced institutional capacity, and gender-inclusive policies. Migration emerged as a crucial strategy for many in adapting to climate-related impacts, with notable differences in migration patterns among genders. Raqeebah Hisham, one of the researchers, shared insights on gender-specific trends in migration.
Hisham indicated that men migrate more frequently to peri-urban areas, often for longer periods, while women’s migration is shorter due to childcare responsibilities. This shift has influenced traditional gender roles, with women taking on financial responsibilities and men gradually assuming tasks typically done by women. Hisham advocated for better dissemination of migration policies to local communities with a focus on gender sensitivity.
This significant initiative aims to equip young professionals with relevant skills to handle climate change and gender challenges, as highlighted during the graduation ceremony of these scholars, which underscored their contributions towards sustainable development. The ceremony featured Mr. Massimo Mina from the EU, who reinforced the EU’s ongoing commitment to research and development efforts in Ghana.
Furthermore, Dr. Birhanu Zemadim from IWMI Ghana celebrated the project’s achievements, acknowledging the partnerships built through the REACH-STR initiative. He pointed out that the graduates’ research holds potential for policy influence, emphasizing the need for integration between climate resilience efforts and practical applications in development interventions.
The research conducted under the REACH-STR project illustrates the critical impact of climate change on migration and social transformation in Ghana. Key findings highlight gender-specific migration patterns and the importance of implementing policies that consider these dynamics. The collaboration between students, academic institutions, and the EU supports a forward-thinking approach to addressing urgent climate-related challenges, ensuring informed and responsive policy frameworks.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
