Frontline for Climate Action (FCA) has taken its mission to educate communities about climate change and build resilience against its impacts to one of Accra’s busiest commercial hubs—Kaneshie Market. Located in the Okaikoi South Sub-Metro of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), this vibrant market serves as a livelihood center for thousands of traders, buyers, and service providers. As part of FCA’s "Integrating Climate Change Education into Local Governance" project, the engagement provided critical insights and practical solutions to climate challenges, particularly heat waves, a pressing issue for the bustling market community.
This initiative was conducted under the AMA Youth Fund Project and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), whose contributions have been instrumental in enabling FCA to engage communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.
A Focus on Heat Waves and Climate Resilience
Kaneshie Market faces a range of climate challenges, with rising temperatures and frequent heat waves ranking among the most pressing. FCA’s engagement prioritized addressing this issue, focusing on how traders and market users can adapt to extreme heat conditions while reducing risks to their health and livelihoods.
Participants were educated on the causes and effects of rising temperatures, including urban heat islands created by dense commercial activities and inadequate vegetation. FCA provided practical tips for mitigating these effects, such as introducing greenery to market spaces, installing shaded structures, improving ventilation in trading areas, and adopting proper hydration practices.
The traders were particularly keen to learn how their daily activities contribute to climate challenges and how small, sustainable changes—such as reducing waste burning, conserving energy, and using environmentally friendly materials—can help mitigate heat impacts in their environment.
Success Through Inclusive Community Engagement
The Kaneshie Market engagement was a remarkable success, with over 200 participants actively involved in the sessions. The event was structured to be highly inclusive, ensuring traders, customers, and even bystanders could benefit from the discussions. FCA’s team of climate experts and facilitators used relatable examples to break down complex climate concepts, making them accessible to people of all ages and educational backgrounds.
The event also featured interactive activities and live demonstrations. For instance, traders were shown how to use simple, cost-effective methods to reduce indoor temperatures in their stalls and protect perishable goods from heat damage. This hands-on approach resonated strongly with the community, leaving many participants feeling empowered and ready to adopt new practices.
A key highlight of the engagement was the active participation of women traders, who make up a significant portion of the market’s workforce. Many expressed gratitude for the knowledge shared, particularly on how to safeguard their health and maintain productivity during intense heat waves.
Strengthening Grassroots Collaboration
FCA’s efforts to empower Kaneshie Market were bolstered by close collaboration with local governance actors and market leaders. These stakeholders helped identify the market’s unique challenges and contributed valuable insights into shaping strategies that resonate with the community.
Local leaders also played a crucial role in mobilizing participation, ensuring the event reached a broad audience. Their support underscored the importance of grassroots partnerships in driving community resilience and fostering long-term sustainability.
Recognizing the Role of Sponsors and Stakeholders
The success of the Kaneshie Market engagement would not have been possible without the support of the AMA Youth Fund Project, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). FCA deeply appreciates these organizations for their steadfast commitment to advancing climate education and building community resilience in vulnerable areas.
Their investment in this initiative reflects a shared vision of empowering grassroots communities to adapt to climate challenges and drive sustainable development from the ground up.
Building a Sustainable Future for Kaneshie Market
The engagement at Kaneshie Market reaffirmed FCA’s mission to integrate climate education into local governance and empower vulnerable communities. By focusing on actionable strategies for combating heat waves, FCA inspired participants to embrace a culture of sustainability and resilience.
Through ongoing partnerships with local leaders, market stakeholders, and global sponsors, FCA continues to pave the way for a climate-resilient future for all. With each engagement, the organization takes another step towards equipping communities with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the face of climate challenges.
Together, we can transform markets like Kaneshie into models of sustainability and resilience, ensuring a better future for generations to come.
Peter Martin
Project Lead
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