New AGRA tool to support evidence-based climate adaptation decisions

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Ghana has begun rolling out a climate vulnerability mapping tool to support data-driven planning and investment decisions in the country.

The tool was presented at a national stakeholder domestication workshop on Climate Vulnerability Mapping and Risk Analysis for Improved Climate Adaptation Planning and Investment Prioritisation held in Accra.

The workshop forms part of a series of engagements aimed at building capacity of institutions to interpret and apply climate data, strengthen coordination and integrate climate risks into national and local planning.

Programme Officer at AGRA Ghana, Bashiru Musah, said the tool was developed to address a major gap in climate information available to farmers and decision-makers.

He said many farmers remain highly vulnerable because they lack access to reliable climate data, making it difficult for them to plan and adapt effectively.

“This tool is to help people who are implementing projects, whether public or private, to understand which areas are vulnerable to climate shocks and design programmes to mitigate them,” he said.

Mr. Musah stressed that the tool provides detailed mapping at district level, enabling planners to identify areas most exposed to climate risks and prioritise interventions based on evidence rather than assumptions.

He noted that climate risks are already affecting production patterns, warning that without urgent action, food security could be at risk.

According to him, rising temperatures, environmental degradation and unpredictable weather conditions are already putting pressure on farmers, particularly in the northern region.

He added that if climate challenges are not addressed with urgency, the country could struggle to produce enough food in the future despite using the same land resources.

Mr. Musah further called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, noting that climate adaptation requires an integrated approach involving government, private sector and development partners.

Head of Climate Adaptation and Resilience at AGRA, Dr. Kindie Tesfaye Fantaye, said the tool is designed to support planning across sectors by providing clear and accessible data for decision-making.

He explained that institutions such as water and energy agencies can use the tool to plan ahead and address climate-related challenges.

He said the ongoing domestication process is aimed at ensuring stakeholders understand and apply the tool in their respective organisations, and added that the goal is to make the tool part of everyday planning processes so that institutions can make informed decisions both in the short and long term.

Climate Policy Consultant at AGRA, Dr. Shaibu Baanni Azumah, said the tool was developed following a nationwide climate vulnerability assessment conducted between 2024 and 2025.

He said it provides detailed vulnerability indices at national, regional and district levels, allowing users to identify areas most exposed to climate risks.

“The tool enables users to assess sensitivity, exposure and adaptive capacity of different locations, making it easier to prioritise interventions. It is particularly useful for policymakers, NGOs and development partners who need to allocate limited resources effectively,” he elaborated.

Furthermore, Dr. Azumah noted that efforts are underway to integrate the tool into national systems, including platforms of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Gender Consultant for AGRA, Dr. Paul Yaw Anani, said the tool will also support more inclusive planning by highlighting the needs of vulnerable groups.

He noted that women, youth and displaced persons are often the most affected by climate change but are frequently overlooked in policy decisions.

He said the availability of data through the tool will help policymakers target interventions to areas where vulnerable groups are most at risk.

Dr. Mawulawoe Awity of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) at the University of Ghana described the tool as important for strengthening agricultural planning and research.

She said it will help researchers and practitioners develop strategies to support farmers and build resilience across the agricultural value chain.

Participants at the workshop included representatives from ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector, development partners, academia and farmer groups.

The workshop also aimed to promote coordination among stakeholders and ensure that climate data is shared and applied effectively to support national development.