Research highlights that Northwest Ghana is experiencing more severe climate change than other regions, leading to increased migration. The REACH-STR project, supported by the European Union, has facilitated scholarly research to address climate-related challenges and inform policy development, particularly in areas like gender and migration. Key findings were shared during a graduation ceremony attended by notable figures, emphasizing the importance of these insights for future climate interventions.
Recent research conducted by beneficiaries of the Resilience Against Climate Change-Social Transformation Research and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR) project has revealed that Northwest Ghana is experiencing more severe climate change than other regions in the country. This phenomenon is leading to significant migration towards the southern areas of Ghana.
The studies, carried out by 14 Master’s students and four PhD candidates, found that the residents of Northwest Ghana view migration as a primary means to escape the adverse effects of climate change. Results from these research projects were presented at a graduation ceremony for 18 scholarship recipients, funded by the European Union and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Their research addressed critical gaps in policy and development regarding climate change, migration, and gender issues in communities across the Upper West and Savannah Regions.
Speaking at the graduation, Dr. Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu, Deputy Country Representative and Senior Researcher at IWMI, noted the challenging logistics in documenting the ongoing social transformations in the region. He highlighted the importance of the findings as essential evidence for creating inclusive climate intervention strategies. Dr. Zemadim affirmed that this event marked a pivotal moment for fostering policy dialogue regarding gender, migration, and climate resilience.
Dr. Zemadim further characterized the graduation ceremony as a significant achievement in the scholars’ intellectual journey, emphasizing that the REACH-STR project has empowered social scientists to confront issues relating to climate change, migration, and gender in vulnerable communities. He affirmed the project’s commitment to building institutional capacity for sustainable development in Northwestern Ghana.
Massimo Mina, Head of EU Cooperation, urged the Ghanaian government to incorporate the findings from these studies into future climate policies. He stated that the insights gained by the graduates would be invaluable in shaping effective climate strategies that recognize the diverse impacts of climate vulnerabilities on local communities and their livelihoods.
Prior to the graduation ceremony, the scholars had the opportunity to engage with Mr. Irchad Razaaly, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, discussing their research contributions. Mr. Razaaly expressed his appreciation for their efforts toward enhancing climate resilience in the region.
Beneficiaries of the program, who studied at the Center for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana and the SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, shared their transformative experiences. They emphasized the profound impact of the REACH-STR project on their education and ability to address climate change challenges in Northwest Ghana.
The REACH-STR project is a six-year initiative that commenced in February 2019 and is set to conclude soon. It has been funded by the European Union, amounting to €2.3 million, and supported by the CSIR-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute. The project aims to generate knowledge regarding social transformation’s role in sustainable rural development, climate adaptation, and migration within the Upper West and Savannah Regions.
In summary, research indicates that Northwest Ghana is facing severe climate change, prompting significant migration to southern regions. The REACH-STR project plays a crucial role in equipping scholars with the necessary skills to confront these challenges, while its findings are poised to inform effective climate policies. The project showcases the importance of understanding social transformations and their impact on sustainable development and climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
