Center for Migration Studies away from home latest report on climate change, migration management

The Center for Migration Studies (CMS) of the University of Ghana has unveiled its latest research findings on climate change and migration management as part of the Governing Climate Mobility (GCM) project in Yilo Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region.

The dissemination workshop in Somanya, conducted in collaboration with community members, farmers and key stakeholders, aimed to promote dialogue and share insights gained through the GCM project. Supported by funding from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DANIDA) and additional assistance from the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS), the research spanned Ghana and Ethiopia.

The Ghana-focused portion of the GCM project, led by Professor Joseph K. Teye and Dr. Francis Jarawura of CMS, focused on key regions including the Yilo Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region.

John Narh, researcher at the Center for Migration Studies and facilitator of the workshop, outlined the objectives of the program and emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders on climate change, migration and agriculture. Narh presented key findings, which showed that a significant percentage of households in the municipality relied on crop farming as their main source of livelihood. Moreover, climate change-related factors such as drought and irregular rainfall had stimulated temporary or permanent migration among community members.

Despite widespread climate-related challenges, the study revealed the limited support mechanisms available to affected households, with most assistance coming from family and friends rather than government sources. In addition, issues of immobility emerged, with some residents expressing reluctance to migrate due to family ties and economic considerations.

In response to the research results, recommendations were made to strengthen in-situ adaptation strategies, such as irrigation and smart agriculture, to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on livelihoods. Moreover, policymakers were urged to come up with initiatives that facilitate migration in a way that benefits both sending communities and destination areas.

Eric Hini, Municipal Coordinating Director of Yilo Krobo, underscored the importance of community-led efforts in combating climate change, highlighting practices such as waste management and tree conservation.

Chief Inspector Gifty Agorkley, an immigration officer at the Yilo Krobo Municipal Command, urged the youth to embrace farming and work with agricultural authorities to improve crop yields. By doing so, she emphasizes, individuals can improve their economic position and reduce the appeal of migration through illegal channels, thereby limiting associated risks such as human trafficking and exploitation.

The dissemination workshop concluded with a call to action for coordinated efforts to address the intersecting challenges of climate change, migration and sustainable livelihoods, underscoring the critical role of research-led interventions and community engagement in shaping effective policy responses .

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