A Bold Response to Climate Risks in the Volta Basin
Communities along the Volta Basin in Ghana and Burkina Faso are on the verge of significant relief with the launch of the “Adaptation and Vulnerability – Strengthening Transdisciplinary Engagement for Climate Resilience” (AV-STEC) project. This initiative is set to combat the devastating effects of the annual Bagre Dam spillage, which has disrupted lives in the region for decades.
The Persistent Challenge of Bagre Dam Spillage
Since the commissioning of the Bagre Dam in 1992, its spillage has been a recurring issue for communities downstream, especially in Ghana. The dam, located in Burkina Faso, releases excess water to maintain its structural integrity. However, this necessary release has become increasingly problematic due to unpredictable rainfall and climate change, leading to severe flooding each year.
The overflow from the White Volta River floods more than 28 districts across seven regions in Ghana, damaging infrastructure, farmland, and essential services. Thousands are displaced each year, and their livelihoods are disrupted. This cycle of destruction underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
AV-STEC: A Collaborative Climate Resilience Initiative
The AV-STEC project is a targeted response to this ongoing crisis. By focusing on nature-based solutions and collaborative strategies, the project aims to empower wetland communities with the tools they need to adapt to these recurrent floods. It emphasises building climate-resilient infrastructure and improving flood mitigation efforts between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
Funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and CLAIRE, the project brings together key partners: the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research at the University of Ghana, York University (Canada), Start International (USA), and Naturama (Burkina Faso).
Building Climate Resilience Through Local Solutions
The goal of AV-STEC is to strengthen the adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities in Ghana’s Upper East, North East, and Savanna regions, as well as parts of Burkina Faso. This will be achieved through inclusive, sustainable, and locally driven approaches, ensuring that communities have the necessary tools and knowledge to address climate-related challenges.
A core aspect of the initiative is its transdisciplinary approach, which integrates scientists, policymakers, local leaders, and community members to foster collaboration and informed decision-making. Together, they will co-create nature-based solutions designed to reduce climate risks while boosting biodiversity, ecosystem health, and sustainable livelihoods.
Key Objectives of the AV-STEC Project
The project will pursue six primary objectives:
- Assess Climate Vulnerabilities: Understanding the climate risks faced by affected communities is critical for developing effective solutions.
- Identify Barriers and Enablers to Local Adaptation: Understanding the obstacles that hinder adaptation efforts and the factors that promote resilience will guide future interventions.
- Co-develop Nature-based Adaptation Strategies: The project will work closely with communities to design adaptation strategies that are rooted in the local context and needs.
- Pilot Livelihood Support Interventions: Practical interventions will be tested to support community livelihoods while reducing vulnerability to climate risks.
- Enhance Stakeholder Capacity and Awareness: Building the capacity of local stakeholders to address climate issues is essential for long-term resilience.
- Share Knowledge and Best Practices: The project will focus on knowledge sharing to inform policy and scale successful interventions.
A Timely Approach to Climate Resilience
As flooding continues to threaten lives and livelihoods along the Volta Basin, the AV-STEC project offers a comprehensive approach to building climate resilience. By focusing on nature-based solutions, community involvement, and transboundary cooperation, the initiative provides a promising path forward for the most vulnerable communities in Ghana and Burkina Faso.
Through this collaborative effort, it is hoped to mitigate the destructive impact of Bagre Dam spillage and create a sustainable, climate-resilient future for the region.
Conclusion: A Step Toward a Climate-Resilient Future
The AV-STEC project is a timely and essential initiative for addressing the pressing climate risks faced by communities along the Volta Basin. By empowering local communities and creating collaborative solutions, the project lays the foundation for a climate-resilient future in the face of unpredictable flooding and environmental challenges.
