By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
Researchers have warned about the deepening climate crisis and its impact on northern Ghana, emphasising the urgent need for practical, inclusive and targeted interventions to build resilience, reduce vulnerability, and mitigate forced migration.
Presenting a summary of the research findings, Regional Researcher at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), William Quarmine painted a grim picture of what lies ahead if action is not taken.
“By 2050, temperature will rise by 1.5°C, rainfall will drop and become more erratic, and sea levels will rise even higher. These changes could displace 45,000 people annually through flooding and coastal erosion,” he warned.
He added that waterborne diseases could rise, agriculture may lose up to 2% of its value, and the electricity system which is largely water-based may suffer increased disruptions.
“Our research shows that climate change is a real, lived experience for households in northern Ghana,” he said.
The research—conducted in the Savannah and Upper West Regions—found that men adapt mainly through climate-smart agriculture while women increasingly rely on off-farm strategies such as trade and savings. Migration emerged as another widespread adaptation strategy, adopted by both men and women.
Mr. Quarmine explained that these findings came from the Resilience Against Climate Change–Social Transformation Research and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR) project under the broader EU-Ghana Agricultural Programme (EUGAP), which focuses on market-oriented agriculture, infrastructure development, and resilience against climate change.
The researchers are 19 Ghanaian scholars supported under the REACH-STR project, who conducted studies in four areas, gender, migration, climate resilience and policy action to help build climate-resilient communities through research, education, and policy advocacy.
Unfortunately, one scholar passed away before completion, with 18 graduating successfully—four PhDs and 14 master’s students.
The initiative, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by IWMI, marks a critical milestone in Ghana’s climate resilience journey.
Gender disparities, climate migration and food security
In an interview with the media, one of the graduate researchers, highlighted gender disparities in access to adaptation resources. It was noted that while men had slightly better access to land and climate-smart technologies, the gap was worsened by women’s limited access to smartphones and financial capital.
As such urged policymakers to consider these gendered differences in designing climate resilience programmes.
Mr. David Quaye, another scholar, examined the interlinkages between climate change, migration, and social transformation.
His research projected that 2.6 million people could migrate from northern Ghana by 2050 if current temperature trends continue. Additionally, a decline in crop yield by one metric ton per hectare could trigger 350,000 climate-induced migrations.
He recommended that urban planning policies incorporate the rising inflow of climate migrants and encouraged the cultivation of climate-resilient crops such as maize, millet, sorghum, and rice.
Ms. Dawuda Nashirata, whose work focused on communities in the Lambussie district, discussed how erratic rainfall and soaring temperatures are undermining food security.
“Rainfall patterns have become so unpredictable that farmers can no longer plan,” she noted adding that food accessibility is also compromised due to rising prices, driven by middlemen and limited market supply.
She emphasised that migration is now an essential adaptation strategy, increasingly adopted even by women—challenging traditional gender roles.
EU, IWMI reaffirms commitment to climate adaptation
The EU-funded scholarship, worth €300,000, covered tuition, stipends, fieldwork, travel, conferences, internships, and soft skills training.
Prior to their graduation, the scholars met with EU Ambassador Irchad Razaaly, who described them as “champions for climate resilience” and expressed optimism about their contributions to the country’s development.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, head of cooperation at the EU delegation to Ghana, Massimo Mina, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to climate resilience.
“By strengthening local institutions and enhancing the skills of young professionals, we will empower communities to adapt more effectively,” he said. He stressed that beyond policy frameworks, practical implementation of research recommendations is vital for sustainable impact.
Mr. Mina noted that findings from the scholars’ work would guide future policies and interventions under the EU’s broader agricultural initiatives.
Deputy country representative at IWMI Ghana, Dr. Birhanu Zemadim, also commended the scholars for their dedication and high-quality research.
He emphasised that the REACH-STR project had successfully built local capacity to address Ghana’s most pressing climate challenges.
“The graduates’ work offers vital insights that must shape future climate policy. Their findings highlight the intersection between climate vulnerabilities and social transformation, and the need to integrate these into resilience strategies,” he said.
The scholars expressed gratitude to both the EU and IWMI, affirming their readiness to take on leadership roles in driving climate resilience agenda.
