The PALM-TREEs Project, led by Sustainable Solutions for Africa, aims to address the impacts of climate change on women in Accra, Ghana. Through comprehensive training and research, the initiative focuses on how extreme heat affects women’s health and livelihoods. By fostering community engagement and exploring adaptive strategies, the project seeks to empower women and inform climate-resilient solutions.
Across Africa, women serve as key contributors to their communities through agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. However, the rising heat caused by climate change threatens their health, economic stability, and family welfare. This crisis goes beyond environmental concern; it directly impacts their daily lives, making climate change a personal battle for many women.
In response to these issues, the PALM-TREEs Project, initiated by Sustainable Solutions for Africa (SSA), aims to address the human effects of extreme weather. By collaborating with women and marginalized communities, the project formulates climate-resilient strategies tailored to meet their unique needs, thereby elevating their voices. A significant event in this initiative was a detailed training program held in January 2025 at Accra’s Airport View Hotel.
During the training, enumerators were trained to install i-buttons and conduct household surveys. These preparations are vital for ensuring accurate data collection and a comprehensive understanding of the community’s needs. The training was intended to empower the enumerators to gather vital information effectively and establish a solid foundation for their research.
Namo Lawson from SSA emphasized using precise terminology in research to better illustrate how climate impacts vary based on individual circumstances, including socio-economic status and community ties. “This focus on intersectionality ensures a more accurate and relevant understanding of the challenges faced,” Ms. Lawson stated, highlighting the significance of nuanced data in informing their efforts.
Rachel Yeboah Nketiah, a doctoral candidate, presented a study investigating heat stress’s impact on women in nine vulnerable communities in Accra. These areas, particularly affected by extreme heat, will provide critical insights into women’s coping mechanisms and the specific pressures posed by rising temperatures. Identifying these adaptive strategies is essential to crafting effective interventions.
Mr. Francis Balo elaborated on the project’s systematic approach to data collection. He detailed the sample sizes and the framework for administering questionnaires, emphasizing thorough preparation through simulation exercises prior to the deployment phase. Testing the installation of i-button sensors helped ensure that the data collection process would be both accurate and efficient.
The PALM-TREEs Project, with its community-centric approach, is dedicated to uncovering the diverse implications of climate change on women, particularly regarding health and economic resilience. Aligning its objectives with key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3, 5, and 13), it seeks to foster equitable solutions and amplify women’s voices in climate adaptation strategies.
By addressing how climate change exacerbates pre-existing gender inequalities, the project empowers women who face dual challenges, such as water collection and managing small farms. The PALM-TREEs initiative envisions a future where women are equipped to thrive amid escalating climate challenges, supporting both their adaptation and overall well-being.
Climate change impacts communities globally, but its effects in Africa are pronounced, particularly in urban centers like Accra. Women play fundamental roles in agriculture and trade yet face heightened challenges due to rising temperatures and heat stress. Recognizing the need for targeted interventions, initiatives like the PALM-TREEs Project seek to empower these women by providing them with support and solutions specifically tailored to address the intersection of climate change and gender inequality.
The PALM-TREEs Project represents a critical step toward addressing the intersectional impacts of climate change on women in Accra. Through collaborative research and community empowerment, the initiative aims to uncover the specific challenges faced by women due to rising temperatures, highlighting their adaptive strategies. Ultimately, it strives to inform effective, sustainable solutions that enhance women’s resilience and address the disparities created by climate change.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
