The Keta Basin, in the south-eastern part of Ghana, is a rural and densely populated region of coastal plains mainly drained by the Volta River, and experiencing both population growth and urbanisation. Agriculture including livestock rearing and fisheries, salt and sand mining, construction, trade, transport, and eco-tourism are key sectors in this region.
Regarding weather and climate-change-related challenges, this area suffers from weather uncertainty and intensive precipitation, high temperatures leading to evaporation and saline seawater intrusion. Sea erosion is also caused by squalls and more intense winds, as well as flooding of mangrove ceilings and withering during high temperatures. The most affected groups are fishers and farmers together with coastal citizen communities.
Climate services current use, gaps and ideas for improving
The local communities are aware of climate services through smartphone platforms, radio, TV, etc., and the warning systems are considered useful thanks to their pictorial representation of information. Having access to climate services through the internet is appreciated by users. However, weather and climate forecasts are perceived as unreliable by users, and they do not understand the scope of forecasts and/or predictions, as they do not include community-level information. Gaps in internet networks also obstruct the usage of climate services.
The ideas for improving climate services include help the meteorological service to develop an app for weather forecasting and establish an early warning mechanism, providing more user-friendly information and translate weather and climate information into local language, together with training and raising awareness on weather forecast and projections.
Experiences and plans for Nature-based Solutions
Many people are not aware of the nature-based solutions concept and management, thus they do not fully support them. However, Mangrove restoration activities and community woodlot plantation for alternative fuel wood are carried out.
The aim for the near future is to continue with the mangrove restoration and fuel wood tree planting activities and offer training to local communities on nature-based solutions concepts, practices and management. Promoting the protection and conservation of mangroves among communities and agencies and/or politicians is also seen as necessary in this hub.
Keta Basin Hub, Ghana
Keta, Ghana
- Region: Western Africa
- Climate: Tropical wet-dry or Savanna (Aw)
Keta Basin Hub, Ghana
- Region: Western Africa
- Climate: Tropical wet-dry or Savanna (Aw)