14Oct
By Lord Offei-Darko
With support from UMI Fund, fifteen (15) youth climate leaders across various organisations convened to brainstorm lobbying strategies for small-scale climate affected rural farmers in Ghana and further develop a lobbying manual for these farmers.
Image by: Audrey Abigail Buah
The fight against Climate Change (CC) is a well-known global challenge. Ghana has experienced an average temperature rise of approximately 1.0°C over the past 60 years, with projections indicating an increase of 1.5 to 5.2°C by 2090. Over 80% of Ghana's farmers are smallholders who rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture, making them particularly vulnerable to climate fluctuations. Less than 2% of arable land is currently irrigated, which heightens this vulnerability. Small scale rural farmers who lack the resources to effectively adapt to the impacts of CC, are experiencing reduced crop yields - negatively affecting livelihoods. Yet, they continue to show resilience by harnessing traditional knowledge and innovating practices such as rainfall harvesting.
The gathering of youth climate leaders underscored a critical truth: contributing in their little way to the devastating impacts of CC on sensitive economic, social and environmental sectors such as agriculture. One significant takeaway from the convening was the urgent need for building the lobbying capacity of climate affected farmers for policy change which will provide the necessary conditions for farmers to effectively adapt to and mitigate climate change effects.
Some discussions that came up during the workshop was developing a “Climate Lobbying Manual for Climate-Affected Farmers” to reveal a path forward to a more focused effort to empower farmers. The manual had an aim to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to lobby for climate-adaptive and mitigative policies. This initiative will contribute to building a sustainable agricultural sector that can withstand the challenges posed by CC.
From our Climate Leaders at the convening:
Asia Guerreschi (guest speaker), a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and founder of Rethinking Climate stated that, “CC has been and continues to be an issue globally, and an effective way of making the impacts of CC heard is by collecting stories of individuals who are being impacted”.
David Djangmah Tawiah, founder of Amoma Hives highlighted that “young people bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a willingness to embrace new technologies that are very necessary for adapting to climate change. Their involvement can drive the adoption of sustainable practices.”
Suzzane Osei, a youth climate activist further stated that, “being climate-smart is a step to reducing the impacts of CC on agriculture and consequently contributing to sustainable food security.”
Agriculture accounts for about 21% of Ghana's GDP and employs majority of the labor force. The sector's vulnerability to climate change poses significant risks to the economy. In Klotekpo, a rural community in the Volta Region of Ghana, a significant youth-led activity took place as part of the Building Lobbying Capacity of Climate Affected Farmers (BLOCAF) project - an outcome of the youth convening, which aimed at empowering local farmers to tackle the severe effects of climate change. This effort focused on enhancing the lobbying skills of climate-affected farmers, equipping them with the necessary tools to advocate for their needs and rights. As climate change continues to wreak havoc on agricultural productivity, leading to crop failures, food insecurity, and heightened poverty, the need for effective advocacy and lobbying is paramount.
The farmers in Klotekpo, like many others in similar rural farming communities, often felt powerless against the forces of CC and the policies that governed their livelihoods. BLOCAF aimed to change this narrative by providing these farmers with the tools and knowledge necessary to advocate for climate action. The training sessions covered essential lobbying skills, from understanding the basics of advocacy to crafting compelling messages that resonated with policymakers. Farmers learned to identify their specific challenges and develop tailored solutions that addressed their unique circumstances. This hands-on approach not only equipped participants with practical skills but also fostered a sense of agency and empowerment. Through role-playing exercises and case studies, participants gained insights into successful lobbying efforts from other communities, illustrating the tangible impact of advocacy.
Comments