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This policy brief describes a pilot study conducted as part of the Future Climate for Africa (FCFA) scoping phase to evaluate the use of medium to long-term climate information in Accra, Ghana, and Maputo, Mozambique. The study found that future climate projections are not routinely used in decision-making, which is instead driven by historical data and seasonal forecasts. The authors advocate for a 'co-exploration' approach that prioritizes place-based, multi-stressor vulnerability analysis—addressing socioeconomic and governance issues first—before integrating climate data to identify adaptation strategies.

This special edition of Climate and Development Outlook describes the scoping phase of the Future Climate For Africa (FCFA) programme, a five-year international research initiative funded by the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). The programme focuses on improving the scientific understanding of sub-Saharan African climate on decadal timescales and enhancing the communication and uptake of this information for long-term climate-resilient development strategies.

This document introduces a report by the African Centre for Cities and CDKN that provides a framework for climate compatible development in African cities, specifically addressing the challenges of informality and inequality.

This case study describes a project led by the Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) at the University of Ghana, supported by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), to build climate resilience in six coastal communities. The project utilized the Community-based Risk Screening Tool for Adaptation and Livelihoods (CRiSTAL) and a 'community-based reciprocal learning' approach to integrate local knowledge into national and district-level development planning.

This research paper by the African Centre for Cities and the Climate and Development Knowledge Network proposes a framework for 'climate compatible development' in African cities, specifically focusing on informal settlements. It argues that because a significant portion of Africa's urban growth occurs in slums, climate resilience must be integrated with poverty alleviation and in situ upgrading to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities.

This briefing describes a project led by the Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) at the University of Ghana, funded by CDKN, to integrate climate risk analysis and disaster risk reduction into the development planning of Ghana's coastal cities. The project utilized community-based participatory methods and the CRiSTAL tool to identify vulnerabilities and inform policy at local, district, and national levels.

This report, published by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network in 2012, synthesizes the findings of the IPCC's SREX report specifically for African policymakers. It examines the interaction between climate extremes, human vulnerability, and disaster risk management (DRM), emphasizing that disaster risks in Africa are increasing due to both climate change and socio-economic factors such as rapid urbanization and poor governance. The document provides regional observations and projections for temperature and precipitation extremes across Africa and advocates for the integration of DRM and climate change adaptation into national development planning to build long-term resilience.

This 2012 report synthesizes the IPCC SREX findings for Africa, highlighting that disaster risk is increasing due to higher exposure of vulnerable populations. It details observed and projected increases in temperature and dryness across various sub-regions, warns that current extremes will become the 'new normal' by 2100, and emphasizes the high vulnerability of the agricultural sector and coastal cities. The document advocates for a shift from reactive to proactive, transformational disaster risk management that integrates local knowledge, high-level political leadership, and international financial support.

This research paper explores the complexities of resource governance in Africa, examining how the extraction of minerals and oil often triggers conflict driven by greed and grievance. The author argues for a transition from violent political struggle to a discourse of cooperation and the creation of transparent institutional structures to ensure that resource wealth benefits local communities and national development rather than fueling instability.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes Ghana's 2008 general elections, characterizing the peaceful transfer of power from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a significant step toward democratic consolidation. It examines the role of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, the influence of ethno-regional voting patterns, and the lessons Ghana's experience offers for other African nations struggling with political stability.

This 2008 report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the multifaceted relationship between Ghana and the People's Republic of China, focusing on political ties, development assistance, trade, and foreign direct investment. It highlights China's role in addressing Ghana's infrastructure gaps in energy and telecommunications while noting the challenges posed by Chinese cost-competitiveness to local Ghanaian manufacturers.

This report by Friends of the Earth International critiques the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), challenging claims that it promotes regional integration, provides affordable energy to Ghana, or effectively ends gas flaring in Nigeria. The document highlights risks including legal unaccountability due to the project company's registration in Bermuda, economic burdens on Ghana through 'take-or-pay' contracts, and the continued environmental and health impacts of gas flaring in the Niger Delta.

This conference report details a workshop held in Accra, Ghana, from September 8-12, 2002, focused on the impact of small arms on children and youth. Organised by UNICEF and the Institute for Security Studies in South Africa, the event featured presentations on youth involvement in violence, the legal and technical aspects of small arms and light weapons, and the effects of war on children, while supporting the development of a UNICEF strategy for Africa.

This case study describes SolarTaxi, a Ghana-based electric vehicle manufacturer supported by Persistent Energy Capital (an FSDAi investee). SolarTaxi designs, assembles, and leases low-cost solar-powered two-wheel and four-wheel vehicles to address urban transportation inefficiencies and fossil fuel dependence in Ghana and broader Africa.

This briefing by E-Consult, coordinated by FSD Africa, examines the potential for establishing onshore financial centres in Africa to attract international capital and skilled employees. It evaluates existing hubs like Mauritius and Johannesburg and assesses the prospects for cities such as Nairobi, Kigali, Lagos, and Accra to become globally significant financial centres.

This case study examines a private Licensed Buying Company (LBC) in Ghana's cocoa industry to assess its compliance with the Committee on World Food Security’s Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI). The company operates as a trader and distributor, purchasing cocoa from approximately 20,000 farmers via 2,000 purchasing clerks and selling to the state-run Cocoa Board of Ghana (COCOBOD). While the company demonstrates high compliance in inclusive structures and stakeholder treatment, it shows significant gaps in formal strategy, human resource systematization, and environmental impact management.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies examines the rapid pace of urbanisation in Africa, with a specific focus on Nigeria. It highlights the disconnect between rapid population growth in cities and the lack of adequate urban planning, which has led to the proliferation of slums, infrastructure deficits, and economic instability.

A statement by Trevor Manuel, Minister in the Presidency for National Planning, delivered on 18 September 2009, discussing Africa's economic vulnerabilities and the need for the continent to strengthen its regional integration and institutional capacity to effectively influence global governance reform.

This report outlines the critical cooling and cold chain needs in Ghana across three primary sectors: food, nutrition and agriculture; health services; and human comfort and safety in the built environment. It details the economic and health impacts of inadequate cooling, such as significant food waste, vaccine distribution failures, and rising heat-related mortality, while highlighting the inefficiency of current air-conditioning infrastructure.

This report by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) examines the cooling landscape in Ghana, highlighting the critical need for sustainable cooling to support healthcare, agriculture, and human safety. It identifies significant access gaps, with millions of people at high or medium risk due to heat exposure and lack of electricity. The document provides a roadmap for a just transition, recommending passive cooling strategies, higher energy efficiency standards, the phase-out of HFC refrigerants, and the decarbonization of the power sector to align with Ghana's net-zero emissions target by 2060.