In a transformative effort to combat the challenges posed by climate change, the PALM TREEs project recently convened inception workshops on May 21, 2024, in Tamale and May 23, 2024, in Bolgatanga, Ghana. These gatherings united community members, disaster management experts, and researchers to discuss strategies for enhancing the resilience of marginalized communities in the White Volta Basin.

The workshops provided a vital platform for community voices to be heard regarding the impacts of floods and droughts on their livelihoods. Alfred Awuah, an early career researcher, stressed the importance of understanding these economic consequences. “We must quantify the economic implications of floods and droughts on our communities,” he stated. “Only by recognizing the financial toll can we develop effective adaptation strategies that truly resonate with local needs.”

Participants engaged in breakout sessions, emphasizing the need for policies that consider community insights. One participant noted, “Our voices must be included in the decision-making process. We know our challenges best, and only through collaboration can we find solutions.”

Dr. Andrew Manoba Limantol presented the concept of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) as a means to enhance financial stability in farming communities. “VSLAs are crucial for our communities,” he explained. “By facilitating savings and providing access to loans, we empower individuals to better prepare for and recover from climate shocks.”

Despite existing initiatives, many participants expressed concerns about the lack of awareness surrounding climate policies. A member of the policy group remarked, “We need to educate our communities about these policies and ensure they are designed with inclusivity in mind.”

The insights gathered from the Tamale and Bolgatanga workshops will be instrumental in guiding the PALM TREEs project as it progresses. With an emphasis on co-production and collaboration, the project aims to create tailored strategies that address the specific needs of local communities.

As the workshops concluded, participants expressed hopeful anticipation for the future. “These discussions are just the beginning,” said Dr. Limantol. “Together, we can build a resilient future for the communities in the White Volta Basin, ensuring that no one is left behind.”

The PALM TREEs project is committed to ongoing engagement with local stakeholders, fostering a participatory approach that elevates community voices in addressing the challenges of climate changes.