Translocality as a driver of nature-based solutions to climate change in Ghana

Abstract

The relationship between migration and ecological conditions has been studied with a focus on the ecological factors that contribute to migration. Besides, many studies tend to classify migration as a one-time unidirectional event of movement from one place to another, neglecting the complex interactions, interlinkages, and flow of people, ideas, and resources between the areas of origin and destination. Thus, how migration impacts the ecology at the place of origin is poorly understood. Using sequential explanatory mixed methods, this paper makes two important contributions to the emerging discourse on the intersections of translocality and nature-based climate solutions using agroforestry in Ghana as a case study. First, it demonstrates that monetary and ideological remittances are critical drivers of participation in the Modified Taungya System. Secondly, translocal networks interact in complex strategic ways with local and national forestry practices to facilitate reforesting of degraded landscapes. Specifically, translocal networks contribute to degradation-minimization and climate-enhancing activities. An understanding of the complexities of the intersection of translocality and net environmental impacts could provide critical policy-relevant pointers to sustainable migration policies