Chapter 7: Vulnerable Women's Participation in Climate Action and Alternative Financing for Livelihoods in the Northern Region of Ghana

The Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement call for financial assistance, particularly climate financing from parties with more financial resources to those that are less endowed and vulnerable to prevent climate change and cope with its consequences. Given this context, women in Africa are more likely to be exposed to the impacts of climate change due to their roles and responsibilities, gender inequalities, and lack of access to resources for livelihoods. This chapter presents empirical evidence from the qualitative phase of a broader study. It explored vulnerable women's participation in climate action and the alternative financing they would need for livelihoods. The study involved 30 participants, of whom 15 were vulnerable women from the Northern Region of Ghana. The results showed women were involved in climate-sensitive activities such as slash-and-burn agricultural activities, excessive fuelwood harvest, and charcoal production, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The women suggested that alternative climate financing should focus on climate-smart agriculture practices, providing electrical stoves and irrigation systems for livelihood diversification, and an adaptation strategy. The study will guide policymakers, social workers, and development practitioners on how to assist vulnerable women who depend on climate-sensitive activities to adapt to climate change, reduce emissions, and enhance livelihoods or include women in decision-making regarding climate governance. In addition, the study is invaluable to policymakers in the implementation of ambitious climate action plans to meet Ghana's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).