MEETING IN TOLON DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
On May 21st, 2024, the Tolon Community Centre hosted an event as part of the HABITABLE Project with approximately 55 local authorities from Gusheigu, Nanumba North, Saboba, Savelugu, Tolon, and Zabzugu. The event highlighted contributions from the University of Ghana, represented by Dr Mumuni Abu; the University of Twente, represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr Diana Reckien; and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), represented by Dr Diogo Andreolla Serraglio.
Dr Mumuni Abu opened the discussion, underlining HABITABLE’s goal to advance the understanding of the dynamics related to population movements in the context of climate and other environmental changes by applying distinct scientific methods. He shared preliminary findings from the sites selected for the study in the Northern and Volta Regions, emphasising that migration continues to be perceived as a strategy to address economic hardships, with environmental factors often obscured within the complex array of drivers influencing population movements.
Dr Diana Reckien presented initial findings from interviews with 45 households in Lingbung, attesting that climate-induced migration emerges from a multi-causal decision-making process that includes income, social networks, family support, employment opportunities, educational aspirations, as well as environmental drivers (e.g., climatic conditions). She underlined that environmental drivers can be underreported because they condition agricultural output and with it rural income as well as food (in)security.
Finally, Dr Diogo Serraglio discussed the role of migration among local-level response strategies. Preliminary findings emerging from 144 semi-structured interviews conducted in the country indicate that migration is just one of many strategies employed in response to climate vulnerabilities. These strategies include adapting agricultural practices, with variations observed among the communities selected for the study. Notably, households receiving remittances tend to view the positive aspects of migration, particularly in Ghana, where it serves as a means of income diversification to deal with financial constraints or food insecurity.
Participants noted the relevance of disseminating research findings to local authorities and communities to improve socio-economic understanding and develop adaptation responses at the local level. They underscored the need for public policies addressing climate-induced migration along with other socio-economic aspects that also prompt population movements.
The event was organised by the University of Ghana. WP2 featured a graphic novel exploring the climate change-human mobility nexus in the communities studied in Ghana, while WP4 showcased a background brief discussing the place of migration among adaptation strategies in Northern and Volta regions (soon available as IOM Policy Brief).
