The West Africa Regional Bosch alumni network, has raised concerns about the worsening socio-psychological effects in coastal communities due to climate change.
A study funded by the Bosch Alumni Network, focusing on gender and climate in Shiabu, Glefe, a suburb of Dansoman, a coastal community in the Greater Accra Region, revealed that many women, particularly fishmongers, are grappling with stress due to declining incomes.
The women reported that their livelihoods have been severely affected due to lower fish catches by fishermen, a consequence of climate change. Rising sea levels have also submerged homes, exacerbating the crisis.
Fishermen are being forced to venture farther, sometimes crossing into neighboring countries, leaving their wives with the financial responsibility of supporting the family.
Roland Padi, Member of the Bosch Alumni Ghanaian Research Team, said the research focused on coastal areas because reports indicated that this group of people face significant risks.
He noted that beyond environmental impacts, these communities are also experiencing mental health challenges due to deteriorating living conditions.
The women reported noticeable changes in weather patterns, including altered rainfall, rising sea levels, and increased water pollution.
The research recommended implementing social intervention programs and providing psychological support to help alleviate these pressures.
It also emphasized the need for greater awareness of climate impacts, the completion of sea defense projects, and the provision of dustbins for efficient waste management.
Sylvia Hagan, Project Lead of the Climate Mental Health Initiative, emphasized the importance of collaboration between policymakers and local communities.
She said community education and policy reforms are imperative to address the socio-psychological toll of climate change.
Research Lead and initiator of the project for Bosch Alumni Network, Mrs Emmaryn Leuzzi, added that many women had become irritable and aggressive, often due to family strain as their husbands travel for extended periods in search of better fish catches, sometimes neglecting their families.
Mrs Leuzzi, also the West Africa Regional Coordinator, for the Bosch Alumni Network said “They have children who are malnourished, not educated and have to take care of them with or without support and this actually poses some stress on them.
“This regional activity not only collected data from these women but we offered psychological support to these women who expressed distress, anxiety, and even aggression due to climate-related challenges.”
The network also supplied dustbins to improve waste management and provided bowls for both household and fishing activities.