Accra: Madam Racheal Yeboah Nketiah, a PhD Candidate of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), has launched a data collection project to help tackle heat stress in the Accra Metropolis. The initiative, known as the 'PALM-TREEs Project,' focuses on studying the effects of extreme events on marginalized communities, specifically assessing the impacts of heat stress on women's livelihoods in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project aims to develop climate-resilient solutions by collaborating with communities, stakeholders, and policymakers. Madam Nketiah revealed that a two-day training workshop was conducted to prepare seven field enumerators for the data collection. This training, held on January 15 and 16, 2025, covered project objectives, heat stress research, and data collection tools, including the use of 'ODK Collect' for digital data gathering. The sessions included practical simulations in Twi and Ga languages to ensure effective communication with the target populations.
From January 17 to 21, 2025, the team engaged nine selected communities, such as James Town, Malata, and Darkuman, among others. They conducted formal introductions to local authorities, facilitating the installation of i-button sensors in 27 small businesses and households to measure heat exposure. Despite challenges like locating stores and participant withdrawals, the team successfully adapted to ensure the project's deployment.
The data collected aims to deepen understanding of heat stress impacts on women in Accra's informal sectors and guide climate-resilient policies. Insights from this case study could offer scalable solutions for addressing climate vulnerabilities globally. The research is part of a broader effort by PALM-TREEs to address the severe socio-economic impacts of climate extremes across Africa.
PALM-TREEs takes a pan-African, transdisciplinary approach, ensuring that climate information is practical, accessible, and tailored to local needs. In West Africa, the project partnered with UENR and Sustainable Solutions for Africa (SSA) in Ghana to analyze the effects of rising temperatures on health and economic activities, particularly among women in Accra's informal sector. The insights gained will shape climate-resilient policies and offer scalable solutions for addressing heat stress in urban settings globally.
