Gender dimension of climate-induced migration and access to ecosystem services in the Tatale/Sanguli District of the Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

Climate-induced migration is an escalating global phenomenon with profound socio-economic and environmental implications. The intersection of gender dynamics and climate-induced migration presents unique challenges and opportunities that warrant further comprehensive investigation due to limited understanding of current issues facing specific localities and communities. Available literature is very vast, however, fails to explain definitive areal challenges and issues particularly dealing with unique gender inequalities. Migration also fuels competition for access to ecosystem services in border districts in the West-African Sub-region, where population is increasing due to migration against climate change effects. Using a mixed-methods approach and a survey of 250 respondents and 20 interview participants, in the Tatale/Sanguli District of the Northern Region of Ghana, this study finds that, prominently, access to ecosystem services in the local district largely depends on gender and migration status, and women migrants are more disadvantaged than any other groups. Women migrants only enjoy cultural services at par with their men colleagues and disproportionately higher than indigenous men, nonetheless, still less than their indigenous women counterparts in the district. The significance of the study is to offer a better understanding on migration due to climate change to highlight and direct interventions for access to resources and promote gender equity. This research therefore contributes to climate-migration studies by highlighting gender-specific impacts to inform policy and foster inclusive, resilient communities in climate-vulnerable regions.