Climate Change Impacts in Northern Ghana

Northern Ghana, particularly the Upper East, Upper West, and Northern regions, is highly susceptible to desertification. Increasing temperatures, reduced rainfall, and deforestation contribute to the loss of fertile soil, reducing agricultural productivity and threatening food security. The Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 35% of the land in northern Ghana is prone to desertification. The region loses 22,000 hectares of forest cover annually, contributing to land degradation and biodiversity loss (Forestry Commission of Ghana).

The expansion of the Sahara Desert threatens livelihoods, and reducing the availability of arable land and limiting agricultural productivity. You wonder why there is an increase youth migration into urban cities? It is because of lands not being arable enough for agricultural activities to thrive. Communities report increasing migration due to loss of farmland, with 25% of youth migrating annually in search of better opportunities.

Now, let's talk about the impact of Climate change and why we should all be intentional in protecting our environment

Water Scarcity

Water availability is becoming increasingly scarce in northern Ghana due to erratic rainfall patterns. The region has a history of experiencing water scarcity in the dry seasons. Seasonal droughts are more frequent which are affecting both domestic water supply and agricultural irrigation. Communities struggle to access clean water, impacting health and livelihoods.

Changes in rainfall patterns are a major concern. Take this year ,2024, for instance, unpredictable rains, with both droughts and floods, disrupt crop cycles, especially for staple crops like maize, millet, and sorghum. Farmers face crop failures, which affect food production and income.

What is the Impacts on livelihood?

• Women and children spend an average of 2-4 hours daily fetching water, limiting time for education and economic activities leading to an increase in poverty.
• Reduced water availability exacerbates health issues, with waterborne diseases accounting for a number of health issues in the region.

Food Insecurity and Agricultural Decline

The agricultural sector, which is a primary livelihood for many in northern Ghana, is heavily impacted by climate change. Reduced rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and temperature extremes negatively affect crop yields and livestock health, leading to food insecurity.

Impacts:

• The decline in food production raises the cost of staples like millet and maize by 40%, making them unaffordable for many families.
• Livestock deaths due to insufficient pasture have doubled in the last decade, further destabilizing rural economies.
• Increased burden on women as primary caregivers limits their ability to engage in income-generating activities, deepening gender inequalities.
• Rising cases of gender-based violence have been linked to competition over dwindling natural resources.

Economically

The combined effects of desertification, water scarcity, and declining agricultural productivity increases poverty in the northern regions. Vulnerable populations, especially women and children, are affected by these environmental challenges.

Traditional livelihoods such as farming, fishing, and livestock rearing are being disrupted by climate change leading to loss of income and an increase in economic hardship, especially for communities relying on agriculture as their primary source of income.

Additionally, migration to urban areas for economic opportunities has increased by 20% over the last decade, leading to the erosion of cultural ties and community structures.

What does that mean health wise?

Rising temperatures and reduced water quality have increased the prevalence of diseases like malaria and cholera. Also, heat-related illnesses and dehydration are becoming more common, with hospital admissions for these conditions rising a reduction in life expectancy.

The evidence are so clear and need no scientific backing and these underscore the urgent need for climate education, reforestation, and community-driven adaptation measures to build resilience in Northern Ghana. To combat these challenges, there is the need for collective action, and the use of local knowledge, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions.