Revelations from Reconnaissance Visits. – Research Labs Team
A recent reconnaissance visit to coastal and middle-belt communities has laid bare the tangible and pressing impacts of climate change across Ghana, highlighting significant challenges in agriculture, health, and infrastructure. The assessment, aimed at determining the viability of establishing climate observatories, unearthed critical insights demanding urgent attention. Along the coastline in areas like Anlo and Shama, severe coastal erosion is actively threatening livelihoods, underscoring the immediate need for robust sea defence interventions. Moving inland to the agricultural heartlands of Ejura and Techiman, the team observed significant hurdles for farmers, including declining soil fertility, a lack of essential irrigation infrastructure, and the prohibitive costs associated with hybrid seeds, all contributing to concerns about food security in the region.
Research Labs Team at Ejura Agricultural College Weather Station
The visit also shed light on the escalating public health risks linked to climate change. In Kintampo, researchers noted an increased burden of diseases such as malaria and respiratory illnesses, alongside concerning levels of air pollution.
Research Labs Team with Kintampo Health Research Centre Team
Recognising the need for strong collaborative efforts, the team actively explored partnerships with key institutions. Initial collaborations have been forged with the University of Cape Coast’s Centre for Coastal Management to bolster research capacity in coastal zone management.
Research Labs Team in a Meeting with the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM), chaired by Prof. Ahetor (Pro-Vice Chancellor, UCC)
Furthermore, the Kintampo Health Research Centre has pledged its support for climate-health research through vital air quality and temperature monitoring initiatives. The overarching finding of this initial assessment is the clear identification of critical climate adaptation challenges faced by both coastal and farming communities, including the destructive force of erosion, the increasing prevalence of crop failure, and the growing threat of flooding. These insights will be crucial in informing the next steps towards establishing effective climate observatories and developing targeted interventions.