Mainstreaming Climate Change into Development Plans of Local Assembly’s in Transitional Zones of Ghana: A Case Study of Tain District Assembly

ABSTRACT

This study sought to examine the extent to which and how climate change programmes are being mainstreamed into Local Assembly’s Development Agenda (LADA) in the Tain District Assembly (TDA). A case study design within the qualitative research method was adopted. Multi-stage sampling involving purposive technique was employed for the study. In-depth interviews were the instruments of primary data collection. The study found out that climate change concerns are yet to be well integrated into the district assembly planning process. The main initiatives taken concerning climate change in the Tian District include human/capacity development on climate change, modernization of agriculture in response to climate change and sustainable natural resource management. Other initiatives include integrated water resources management practices, integrated soil and land management and advancement of alternative livelihood strategies. The study argues that compared to other pressing global challenges, climate change is not well budgeted for at the District level to enable district assemblies respond adequately to this conundrum. The study also found out that there are no strong institutional structures for responding adequately to climate change issues within the District. The study concludes that the overarching challenges confronting climate change mainstreaming in the District includes the absence of clear institutional structures at the district level for dealing adequately with climate change, poor capacity building interventions and climate change education, poor budgetary commitment towards climate change related issues at the local assembly and limited collaboration between stakeholders. In order to address these daunting challenges posed by climate change, the study recommends effective capacity building, sensitization and awareness creation for stakeholders on climate change planning and strong budgetary commitment for climate change related issues by earmarking at least five percent (5%) of the annual budget statement of the district for climate change issues. The study further recommends that all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) integrate climate change into their administrative and governance structures of the district. In this bid, the study recommends that at least a district climate change committee be formed or a climate change desk officer be engaged in the administration, governance, coordination and facilitation of climate change concerns in the district. Additionally, the study recommends the enforcement of requisite bye-laws on tree felling, chain saw operations and bush fires