Accra, Ghana//-Data for Governance Alliance (D4GA) today opened a five-day second multi-stakeholder convening on Governance, Democracy and Human Rights in Accra, Ghana.
The convening which is underway focused on enhancing the capacity of pan-African Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the use of data to guide their advocacy and policy engagement activities.
It also deepened the existing platforms of the collaborations since the 2022 convenings; to work more progressively on the core mandates of the organs; and to co-create strategies that would facilitate the CSOs’ contributions to promote the work of the organs to African citizens.
“We aim to build upon the foundation laid during the 2023 convenings, deepening the collaboration between CSOs and AU organs. Together, we will explore strategies to advance the core mandates of these organs more effectively, facilitating impactful contributions from CSOs in promoting the work of these institutions to African citizens.
This convening is the second of three planned for 2024; the first was successfully held in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 5th to 9th, and the final one is scheduled for Cape Town, South Africa, from September 9th to 11th”, Frederick Adu-Gyamfi, Director of Programs and Operations at CDD-Ghana said at the Stakeholders’ Convening on Enhancing Human Rights in Africa: Building Capacity for Advocacy on Education, Climate Change, and Elections.
The impetus for this project stems from the troubling trend of democratic backsliding in Africa, underscored by recent coups in Niger and Gabon in 2023, and failed attempts in several other countries.
The instability in the Sahel region, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, has only exacerbated the challenges facing our continent. These events highlight the urgent need for robust responses to the governance and security crises that threaten the stability of our nations,
“Moreover, Africa is grappling with the devastating effects of climate change, worsened by inadequate strategies to mitigate its impact. This has led to increased conflicts over resources, particularly in agricultural communities, and has exposed the continent to further economic and social vulnerabilities.
The challenges of corruption, poor governance, and economic mismanagement have created a breeding ground for youth unemployment, social unrest, and the lure of dangerous migration routes.
The threats of violent extremism and terrorism, once distant concerns, are now very real and present dangers on our continent. The absence of effective state presence in many communities has left a vacuum that extremist groups are eager to fill, drawing vulnerable youth into their ranks”.
Given these many challenges, African citizens, CSOs, and regional bodies must work together to create a better future—a resilient and prosperous Africa capable of withstanding these shocks and delivering on the promise of the “Africa We Want.”
Mr Adu-Gyamfi was confident that this convening would achieve its objectives, fostering stronger partnerships and more effective strategies for advancing governance, democracy, and human rights in Africa.
He acknowledged the generous support of the European Union, without which this convening would not have been possible and encouraged everyone to actively participate in the program, share their insights, and contribute to the success of the convening.
Keynote address
Delivering the keynote address on Climate Change, the Director of Research at Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr Edem Selormey said the gathering comes at a critical moment in the continent’s history—a time when the topic and effects of climate change and governance and human rights issues are more evident than ever, and the need for collective action has never been more urgent.
Despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, climate change disproportionately affects Africa. According to the latest Afrobarometer survey, over 60% of Africans believe that climate conditions for agricultural production have worsened over the past decade. This belief is not just a perception; it reflects the harsh reality millions across our continent face.
Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and cyclones have become more frequent and severe, devastating livelihoods, displacing communities, and exacerbating food and water insecurity. For instance, the devastating Cyclone Idai in 2019 affected millions in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, highlighting our region’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters.
Therefore, it is not surprising that recent data from Afrobarometer highlights the growing awareness and concern among Africans about climate change and its ability to threaten a series of rights, including the right to life, food, and health.
As more and more people on the continent are aware and conscious of the devastating nature of climate change, the data shows that they are increasingly seeing that it is making their lives worse.
This sentiment is particularly strong in countries such as Madagascar (91%), Lesotho (88%), and Mauritius (86%). Moreover, across all surveyed countries, most citizens who are aware of climate change believe that their governments should take immediate action, even if it involves economic costs.
On average, 51% of Africans are aware of climate change, and this awareness is as high as 74% in countries like Malawi and Mauritius and notably low in places like Tunisia, where only 22% of the population is familiar with climate change. Among those aware of climate change, a significant majority believe it is making their lives worse. In eight countries, 80% or more of the population supports immediate and decisive climate action.
Climate Change, Migration, and Livelihoods
Climate change has also become a significant driver of migration across Africa. As environmental conditions deteriorate, particularly in regions reliant on agriculture and natural resources, many are forced to leave their homes for better opportunities. Current literature shows that climate-induced migration is on the rise, with communities increasingly unable to sustain their traditional livelihoods.
Additionally, the impact of climate change on jobs and livelihoods is profound. Sectors like agriculture, fishing, and tourism, which are highly sensitive to climate fluctuations, are experiencing significant job losses. In regions plagued by recurrent droughts, reduced agricultural productivity leads to economic instability and food insecurity, with approximately 70% of respondents across Africa reporting a decline in their income due to these challenges.
Scientific Implications of AMOC on Africa
Dr Selormey said what she heard on the media also shows that beyond these immediate effects, global climatic processes like the potential weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could have severe implications for Africa.
The AMOC is a system of ocean currents that circulates water within the Atlantic Ocean, bringing warm water north and cold water south. A slowdown in AMOC is expected to disrupt rainfall patterns in the Sahel and increase drought conditions across West Africa, further exacerbating the existing challenges these regions face.
This scientific projection underscores the need for Africa to engage actively in global climate discussions and to advocate for policies that address these potential threats.
African Responses to Climate Challenges
African nations have proactively implemented innovative mitigation strategies in response to these challenges. The African Union’s Green Recovery Action Plan exemplifies our commitment to integrating climate resilience into national development agendas. This plan emphasizes renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem restoration, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
According to data from the Afrobarometer survey, there is strong public support for renewable energy initiatives. Approximately 70% of African respondents favour government investment in renewable energy sources over fossil fuels. This public mandate is crucial as we transition to a low-carbon economy.
While mitigation is essential, adaptation to climate change is equally critical for Africa’s resilience. Adaptation strategies must be tailored to local contexts, leveraging indigenous knowledge and practices.
The African Adaptation Initiative, endorsed by the African Union, emphasizes the importance of integrating climate adaptation into national planning and budgeting processes.
The Afrobarometer survey again reveals that nearly 75% of Africans believe their governments should prioritize policies that protect communities from the impacts of climate change. This includes enhancing early warning systems, improving water management, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure. For example, implementing climate-smart agriculture in Kenya has been reported to increase crop yields and improve food security for smallholder farmers.
