Research reveals Northwest Ghana faces severe climate changes, leading to migration. The REACH-STR project, involving 14 Master’s and 4 PhD students, aimed to bridge knowledge gaps on climate change, migration, and gender. Key findings highlight the need for inclusive climate policies. Officials emphasized the importance of these insights for future planning and development efforts in vulnerable regions.
Research conducted by participants of the Resilience Against Climate Change-Social Transformation Research and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR) project indicates that Northwest Ghana is facing more severe climate changes than other areas of the country, resulting in significant migration towards the south. This study involved 14 Master’s students and four PhD candidates, whose findings were presented at a graduation ceremony, highlighting migration as a response to climate impacts.
The research specifically targeted communities in the Upper West and Savannah Regions, aiming to bridge knowledge gaps related to climate change, migration, and gender. The Deputy Country Representative and Senior Researcher at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Dr. Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu, emphasized the need for improved logistics to document the ongoing social changes in the region, underlining the importance of this evidence for planning inclusive climate interventions.
At the graduation ceremony, Dr. Zemadim noted, “We will explore how these findings can influence policies and development strategies, particularly in gender, migration, and climate resilience. This is just the beginning of a sustained effort to build a climate-resilient future.” He described the graduation as an intellectually rewarding milestone, as the REACH-STR project has empowered social scientists to effectively address climate-related challenges in vulnerable populations.
Massimo Mina, the Head of EU Cooperation, urged governmental bodies to take the findings into account when formulating climate policies, stating, “The studies undertaken by these graduates provide valuable insights that can inform policies and development efforts, ensuring that climate strategies take into account the multiple ways climate vulnerabilities affect communities and livelihoods.”
Prior to the graduation, participants met with the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, who praised their contributions to climate resilience. Beneficiaries from institutions such as the Center for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana expressed their gratitude for the wealth of knowledge gained, which has significantly influenced their capacity to address climate impacts in the north.
The REACH-STR Project is a six-year initiative commenced in February 2019, scheduled for completion this year. Funded by the European Union with €2.3 million, the project focuses on generating knowledge about social transformation’s role in sustainable rural development, climate adaptation, and migration in the Upper West and Savannah Regions.
The findings from the REACH-STR project indicate that Northwest Ghana is disproportionately affected by climate change, driving significant migration. The research, highlighted by esteemed officials, underscores the necessity of inclusive climate policies that consider the unique vulnerabilities faced by affected communities. As the project concludes, the knowledge gained will continue to inform strategies aimed at fostering climate resilience and supporting sustainable development in the region.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
