Accra: Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, has urged Ghanaians to develop a culture of resilience to combat climate change and protect the environment for future generations. He emphasized the need for behavioral and institutional changes alongside technical interventions in addressing climate challenges.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Jasaw spoke at the opening ceremony of a National Validation Workshop in Accra, organized by AGRA in partnership with Mathematica. The two-day workshop focused on climate vulnerability mapping and risk analysis to guide adaptation interventions and investments in Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Dr Jasaw noted the immediate impact of climate change on Ghana’s agriculture, food security, and rural livelihoods, citing rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, droughts, and floods as major threats.
Dr Jasaw acknowledged government efforts like national climate adaptation plans and climate-smart agriculture initiatives but stressed the need for more coordinated, innovative, and data-driven responses. He highlighted high-resolution climate vulnerability maps and risk profiles as essential tools for informed decision-making and policy formulation. Innovations in real-time data collection, early warning systems, and knowledge-sharing platforms were also identified as key enablers for empowering farmers with timely information.
However, Dr Jasaw warned that technology alone was insufficient. He emphasized the importance of public awareness, behavioral change, and community involvement in crafting a sustainable response to climate threats. He commended experts and stakeholders for their contributions to the validation process, calling it a vital step towards developing evidence-based and locally relevant climate adaptation strategies.
Dr Jeremiah Rogito, a Specialist for Soil Health and Climate at AGRA, noted that the climate vulnerability and risk mapping assessment, a collaboration with Mathematica and EDI Global, had been underway for the past eight to ten months. He highlighted the devastating impact of climate change globally, particularly in Africa, and the need for effective tools and interventions to inform decisions and guide strategic investments. By examining Ghana’s agroecological zones, the mapping process aims to guide investment decisions, determine suitable adaptation tools, and strengthen resilience in farming regions most vulnerable to climate risks.