By Doreen Ampofo
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 severe climate changes compared to other parts of the country. This situation is fueling massive migration to the south.
The different research projects, conducted by 14 Master’s students and four PhD students, indicated that residents see migration as a dominant strategy to escape the impact of climate change. Findings from the research projects were shared during the graduation ceremony of 18 scholarship beneficiaries under the project, which is sponsored by the European Union and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). The research, conducted in fulfillment of their scholarships to pursue Master’s and PhD programs, focused on selected communities in the Upper West and Savannah Regions. The studies aimed at bridging knowledge gaps in policy and development practices in the areas of climate change, migration, and gender.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Country Representative and Senior Researcher at IWMI, Dr. Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu, stated that the findings also highlight a lack of logistics to document the social transformations occurring in the north. He emphasized that these findings generate critical evidence for planning inclusive climate interventions. Dr. Zemadim also noted that the event provided an opportunity for dialogue.
“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 added.
Dr. Zemadim described the graduation as the culmination of an intellectually rewarding journey, adding that the REACH-STR project has equipped social scientists with the knowledge and skills to address climate change, migration, and gender-related challenges in vulnerable communities.
“This event, themed Building Capacity of the Next Generation for Climate-Resilient Development, reflects the project’s mission of strengthening institutional capacity and supporting sustainable development in Northwestern Ghana,” he stated.
The Head of EU Cooperation, Massimo Mina, urged the government to consider the findings in developing climate policies.
“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,” Mr. Mina said.
Ahead of the graduation, the scholars met with the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, to discuss their research. Mr. Razaaly commended them for their efforts and the valuable contributions they are making toward climate resilience.
Some of the beneficiaries, 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 experiences with GBC News. They expressed that the project had not only transformed their lives but also provided them with a wealth of knowledge to tackle the impact of climate change witnessed in the north.
About the REACH-STR Project
The Resilience Against Climate Change-Social Transformation Research and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR) project is a six-year initiative that began in February 2019 and is set to conclude this year. It is funded by the European Union with €2.3 million. The project, also supported by the CSIR-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute, was implemented in the Upper West and Savannah Regions to generate knowledge on social transformation and its role in sustainable rural development, climate adaptation, and migration.
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