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Strengthening Resilience in Northern Ghana

28 - 29 October 2025 | WACWISA, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala Campus

The SAFE4ALL Living Lab Workshops in Tamale brought together farmers, researchers, policymakers, gender experts, youth representatives, and development practitioners to explore the realities of food security, climate change, gender dynamics, and migration in Northern Ghana. Over two days, participants exchanged evidence, stories, and practical experiences from the field, generating a deeper understanding of how local communities are adapting – and what support they still need.

Building on the first Living Lab meeting in Savelugu earlier in 2025, these workshops continued the project’s commitment to co-developing practical, locally rooted solutions that respond to real challenges on the ground.

Climate storytelling through film

A climate story documentary by Mr. Issah Mohammed set the tone for the workshop. Focusing on the rice value chain in and around Tamale, the film captured farmers’ accounts of how erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and shifting seasons disrupt production from field to market. It highlighted not only the constraints but also the ingenuity of farmers who continue to experiment with new practices to protect yields and livelihoods.

Participants noted how climate stress affects every stage of production and emphasized the importance of locally relevant hydroclimate information to support decision-making.

Watch the short movie on our YouTube channel and read the full climate story From farm to work here.

Gendered realities of agriculture and climate information use

Presentations by Prof. Gordana Kranjac-Berisavljevic and Prof. Sylvester Ayambila offered an in-depth look at communities in Nakpanzoo, Yapalsi, and Gbullung. Agriculture in these areas remains highly gendered:

  • Men dominate land ownership and major production decisions.
  • Women carry out a wide range of essential but often undervalued tasks, from sowing and weeding to rice parboiling and marketing.
  • Seasonal male migration significantly increases women’s workload, contributing to the growing feminization of agriculture.

Despite lower literacy levels, women often make broader and more practical use of Climate Information Services (CIS) than men – using forecasts not only for farming but also for household management and market planning. The workshop reiterated the importance of tools such as the DROP App, which is already helping farmers access hydroclimate and soil moisture information tailored to their fields.

Findings also pointed to persistent inequalities in land access, credit, technology, and education, which shape how different groups can respond to climate risks. Yet participants emphasized that women possess deep indigenous knowledge and adaptive capacity, and increasingly challenge traditional norms in their communities.

Migration as both a coping strategy and stressor

Discussions showed that migration in Northern Ghana is multidimensional. Temporary and seasonal migration  especially among men – is common and driven by drought, food insecurity, unemployment, education, and social pressures. While migration can bring remittances and new skills, it often leads to labour shortages, declining productivity, and heavier responsibilities for women and older family members.

The workshop highlighted that migration affects men and women differently. Women face increased workloads and reduced access to resources when men leave; children may face disruptions in care, schooling, and emotional support. Still, migration can also create opportunities for knowledge transfer and financial relief when remittances are stable.

How climate change disrupts resource flows and household food security

Participants agreed that climate change is altering how resources move through farming households and markets. Key issues identified across communities included:

  • erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts
  • declining soil fertility
  • limited irrigation facilities
  • pest outbreaks
  • inadequate storage
  • poor road networks affecting market access

These challenges combine to reduce yields, lower household incomes, and increase vulnerability to food insecurity. Participants stressed the need for integrated soil and water management, improved seeds, accessible credit, and more reliable climate information services. Strengthening local infrastructure – such as dams, boreholes, and feeder roads – was highlighted as critical for both short-term resilience and long-term development.

Building capacity through digital tools and hydrological modeling

Hands-on training with the eWaterCycle platform introduced participants to the HBV rainfall-runoff model and the fundamentals of hydrological modeling. Graduate students, lecturers, and agency representatives explored how to configure and interpret models to support water management and climate resilience efforts in Ghana. Many participants requested follow-up sessions, including Python-based training for automation and deeper analysis.

Presentations from tool owners demonstrated how TWIGA Platform, Foodsheds, the Climate Impact Atlas, and the Uliza-WI Chatbot can help communities and decision-makers visualize climate trends, track food system flows, and support communication – particularly for women and marginalized groups.

Moving forward: Collaboration and community-centered action

Across all sessions, a common theme emerged: resilience-building efforts work best when they align with

local priorities and recognize the interconnected nature of climate impacts, migration decisions, gender roles, and resource flows. Participants emphasized the need for:

  • stronger collaboration between researchers, communities, and policymakers
  • gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches
  • tools and communication methods adpted to different literacy levels
  • practical interventions that combine climate information, infrastructure, and livelihood support

The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to translate these insights into concrete actions within the SAFE4ALL Living Labs, strengthening resilience, equity, and sustainability in Northern Ghana.