Strengthening resilience to climate change in Ghana
A Cowater International-led innovative project entitled Strengthening Investments in Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation (SIGRA), funded by the Government of Canada, is working with the Government of Ghana and women-led civil society organizations to strengthen resilience to climate change.
Since 1960, Ghana has experienced a 1.3°C temperature increase, decreasing average annual rainfall, and growing climate variability. The country ranks 114 out of 185 countries for its vulnerability and readiness to successfully adapt to climate change, according to the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative. Agriculture, forestry and fishing are highly sensitive to climate change and with over 40 percent of Ghana’s population relying on this economic sector for their livelihoods, addressing the country’s vulnerability is vital to resilience and long-term prosperity. With temperatures projected to increase by another 2 °C by the 2080s, the impacts of climate change in Ghana will only keep increasing, making adaptation critical.
The Cowater-led SIGRA Project works at the national level and in five districts of the Northern and Volta regions of Ghana. It aims to improve the resilience of Ghanaian citizens, particularly women, girls and vulnerable groups, through increased investments in inclusive and gender-responsive climate adaptation initiatives.
The key pillars of SIGRA focus on:
- Improving the enabling environment for accessing climate finance by working with key Government departments and regional authorities;
- Strengthening planning, management and reporting on climate adaptation projects in target districts;
- Enhancing the voice and influence of women led CSOs and communities on climate adaptation priorities and projects.
A new Learning Brief presents key findings from a recently completed political economy analysis of climate adaptation in Ghana. The brief aims to better inform policy discussions on the state of climate finance in the country and how best to expand access at the central and local government levels.
Key highlights from the Learning Brief include:
- Ghana’s relatively high public debt is constraining its investment capacities. It is essential to strengthen public financial management systems and accountability to attract more international climate finance;
- Improved resource tracking and results reporting for gender-responsive climate adaptation projects are crucial to attract more resources and achieve greater impact;
- An effective response to the climate adaptation needs of women, vulnerable groups, and communities requires proactive and sustained engagement between central and local governments and civil society.
- Finally, a recent blog, authored by SIGRA’s Project Director, discusses the broader context and objectives of the project. It emphasizes that local governments need to become better equipped and financed if they are to effectively respond to the climate change adaptation needs of women, vulnerable groups, and communities.
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