This briefing note summarises the key findings from the Regional Diagnostic Study (RDS) recently conducted in Ghana, as part of the ASSAR project. The RDS aimed to:
- develop a systematic understanding of existing knowledge of climate change trends, impacts, vulnerabilities, and adaptation strategies
- identify the key barriers and enablers of effective adaptation in semi-arid regions
- identify gaps in research, policy and practice related to climate change adaptation
- provide a foundation for developing an integrated regional research program (RRP) on climate change vulnerability and adaptation
The way forward:
- the active participation of all social groups – especially women, youth and the disabled – at the local level will be crucial for establishing the appropriate adaptation needs within climate change policies, and for eliminating social inequalities in the adaptation process
- already-existing adaptation strategies that have sustained semi-arid communities over the years should be the starting point for addressing climate change impacts at the local level
- governance structures should be put in place to ensure the effective implementation of adaptation policies across scales and levels
- given the climatic sensitivities of the region, adaptation strategies and climate change policies should be context specific and multi-scalar