Published: 13 Jun 2017 Source: University Relations Office (URO)
The Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, KNUST, in collaboration with the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, has organised a workshop to present initial findings on the review of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) submitted by West African states in comparison with other parts of Africa.
In her opening remarks, Professor Ibok Oduro, Provost of the College of Science, indicated that the theme for the workshop, “Opportunities for Coherence between Climate Planning & Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” is of critical importance to the socio-economic development of this nation as climate change presents serious developmental challenges to many countries across the world. She stated that the adverse impact of climate change is manifested in droughts, floods and windstorms which have intensified over the last couple of years and the effects are particularly significant for developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa where the majority of the people depend on rain-fed agricultural systems for their livelihood. She added that this means any shift in the rainfall pattern can have adverse impact on agricultural production and household food security.
Professor Andy Dougill, Dean, Faculty of Environment, University of Leeds, UK addressed the participants on the lessons on the Climate Adaptation Planning and Cross- Sectoral Policy Coherences Studies. He indicated that integration can be achieved by developing sectoral action plans to deliver outcomes of nationally determined contributions, which are owned by key ministries and fully integrated into ministerial delivery plans. He added that the implementation plan of the NDCs should clearly set out actions, timings and responsibilities. He further stated that there are opportunities for countries to exchange best practices and lessons learned for mutual benefit and he went on to outline examples from Southern Africa.
Dr. Philip Antwi-Agyei, a senior lecturer at the Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, KNUST and the lead person on the report outlined the coherence between the nationally determined contributions and the SDGs in the case of West African countries. In his presentation, he explained that agriculture and the energy sectors were identified as the key priority sectors within NDCs. He also recognised a significant alignment between the mitigation and adaptation actions proposed in the NDCs and the SDGs, particularly across goals 1 (no poverty), 2 (end hunger), 6 (access to clean water and sanitation), 7 (affordable and clean energy), 13 (climate action) and 15 (life on land). These alignments, according to him, represented the opportunities and benefits that could be derived from integrated implementation of the NDCs and the SDGs. He observed that West African states would need international assistance to implement the mitigation and adaptation actions outlined in their NDCs.