Natural Resources, Socio-Ecological Sensitivity and Climate Change in the Volta-Oti Basin, West Africa

The book discusses the impact of climate change on natural resources in the Volta-Oti Basin in West Africa, and aims to strengthen the capacity of junior scientists to conduct environmental analyses. It highlights the human-induced factors such as agriculture and deforestation that contribute to ecosystem fragmentation and degradation. The workshop also aimed to bridge the language and cultural barriers between the Anglophone and Francophone research communities in West Africa, fostering better cooperation and networking.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book presents the outcome of an interdisciplinary and international workshop supported by the Volkswagen Stiftung (funding line 'Knowledge for Tomorrow) on the topic of 'Natural Resources, Socio-Ecological Sensitivity and Climate Change in the Volta-Oti Basin, West Africa.' The conference was jointly organised by Goethe-University Frankfurt (Germany) and the University of Kara (Togo) held from March 6 to 8, 2019, in northern Togo. It aimed to strengthen capacities of junior scientists from the sub-region, exchange and mobilise theoretical and methodological background from various scientific fields (Botany, Construction, Geology, Geography, Infrastructure, Politics, Remote Sensing, Sociology and Urban Planning). One goal was to deliver reliable elements for ongoing and profound environmental analyses that lie outside the common questions of the academic and civil society stakeholders.

Ecosystem fragmentation and deforestation in West Africa are mainly triggered by humans, such as agriculture and small-scale forest disturbances for charcoal and firewood production. Increasing population pressure, declining carrying capacity, and demand for agricultural land caused the reduction of land conservation capacities, even in protected areas. The complexity of interactions between environmental and socio-ecological systems and subsequent effects (sensitivity) has raised ongoing international awareness in light of ongoing climate change. By the example of natural resources, land use, and stakeholders' perceptions within the Volta-Oti Basin, the books proceedings present, discuss, and distribute new findings that will sustainably stimulate the international debate. The workshop also intended to overcome national borders and language barriers between the Anglophone (Ghana) and the Francophone (Togo) participants.

The Volta-Oti Basin is a transboundary region located in West Africa, spanning the countries of Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Burkina Faso. It is known for its rich biodiversity, including forests, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems. The basin is also home to a diverse range of human communities, including farmers, fishermen, and indigenous peoples. The region has faced numerous environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.

The workshop aimed to address these challenges by bringing together experts from various fields to share their knowledge and expertise. The participants discussed the impacts of climate change on the basin's ecosystems and human communities, as well as the strategies for sustainable resource management and conservation. One of the key themes of the workshop was the role of natural resources in driving economic development and social well-being. The participants recognised that natural resources, such as forests, fisheries, and minerals, can provide economic opportunities for local communities and contribute to poverty reduction. However, they also noted that the exploitation of these resources can have negative impacts on the environment and human health.

Another theme of the workshop was the importance of stakeholder engagement in natural resource management. The participants recognised that different stakeholders have different perspectives and interests in natural resource management, and that effective collaboration and communication are essential for achieving sustainable outcomes. They discussed the strategies for engaging with local communities, government agencies, and international organisations to promote sustainable resource management and conservation.

The workshop also highlighted the need for interdisciplinary research and collaboration to address complex environmental challenges. The participants recognised that different scientific disciplines, such as ecology, economics, and social sciences, have unique insights and approaches to understanding and addressing environmental problems. They discussed the strategies for promoting interdisciplinary research and collaboration within the Volta-Oti Basin and beyond.

In conclusion, the workshop on 'Natural Resources, Socio-Ecological Sensitivity and Climate Change in the Volta-Oti Basin, West Africa' was a successful event that brought together experts from various fields to share their knowledge and expertise. The participants discussed the impacts of climate change on the basin's ecosystems and human communities, as well as the strategies for sustainable resource management and conservation. The workshop highlighted the role of natural resources in driving economic development and social well-being, the importance of stakeholder engagement in natural resource management, and the need for interdisciplinary research and collaboration to address complex environmental challenges. The findings and recommendations from the workshop will contribute to the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development and conservation in the Volta-Oti Basin and beyond.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367618223