Background
The AMA Baseline Survey was conducted under the “Integrating Climate Change Education in Local Governance and Development” project, spearheaded by Frontline for Climate Action in collaboration with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA). This initiative is part of the Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). The survey aimed to assess the level of climate change awareness and preparedness among key local governance officials, including Assembly Members and Unit Committee Members, across three districts: Ablekuma South, Ashiedu Keteke, and Okaikoi South. The findings will guide the development of climate education initiatives, training programs, and community-based solutions to promote climate resilience and sustainability.
Key Findings
Response Rate and Demographics
Out of 120 expected responses, 52 were received, representing a 43.33% response rate. Of the respondents, 82.7% were male, and 17.3% were female.
Age Distribution
The majority of respondents (44.2%) were aged 26-35, followed by 36.5% aged 36-45, and 15.4% aged 46-60.
Designation at the Assembly
75% of respondents were Unit Committee Members, while 13.5% were Assembly Members.
District Response Rates
Ashiedu Keteke had the highest response rate (69.2%), followed by Ablekuma South (17.3%) and Okaikoi South (13.5%).
Climate Change Awareness
The survey revealed that 30.8% of Assembly members had a low level of awareness about climate change and its impacts. Meanwhile, 28% had moderate awareness, 25% had high awareness, and 15% had very high awareness.
Sources of Climate Information
Social media emerged as the most common source of climate information (78.6%), followed by television (69.2%), radio (30.8%), educational institutions (21.2%), and community workshops (17.3%).
Observed Climate Change Impacts
The most frequently observed climate impacts were increased temperatures (76.9%), followed by flooding (34.6%), agricultural changes (19.2%), erosion (17.3%), and drought (9.6%).
Community Concerns
59.6% of respondents expressed concern about the effects of climate change in their communities, while 36.5% were very concerned.
Awareness of Climate Change Policies
A significant 69.2% of respondents were unaware of any climate change policies being implemented within their assemblies, while 30.8% were aware of such policies.
Local Governance Prioritization
55.8% of respondents strongly agreed that climate change should be prioritized in the local development agenda, while 44.2% agreed.
Integrating Climate Change in Local Governance
Assembly members identified several priorities for integrating climate change education into local governance. These include involving members in decision-making processes, organizing workshops and training, incorporating climate change solutions into development planning, and enforcing climate-sensitive policies.
Participation in Climate-Related Events
The survey found that 75% of respondents had never participated in any community meetings or events focused on climate change, while 25% had attended such events.
Community Engagement
A large majority (84.6%) of respondents indicated that there is not enough community engagement on climate change issues in their assemblies, while 11.5% believed there was sufficient engagement, and the rest were unsure.
Effective Climate Education Strategies
The respondents identified public awareness campaigns (92.3%), community workshops (80.8%), school programs (38.5%), and online resources (28.8%) as the most effective ways to promote climate education.
Barriers to Participation
Key barriers to understanding or participating in climate change initiatives included a lack of information (84.6%), financial constraints (80.8%), low interest (57.7%), and cultural barriers (30.8%).
Willingness to Engage
90.4% of respondents expressed interest in participating in further surveys or community engagement sessions on climate change, while 7.7% were uncertain.
Motivations for Climate Action
The primary motivation for engaging in climate change initiatives was community well-being (82.7%), followed by financial incentives (78.8%), educational opportunities (73.1%), and personal interest in environmental issues (57.7%).
Challenges Encountered
Difficulty in obtaining data from the Sub Metro Assembly Members.
Low response rate for the baseline survey.
Lack of proper documentation on Assembly operations.
Reluctance of some Assembly members to participate in the baseline survey.
Key Recommendations
Assembly members made the following recommendations to improve climate change education and action in local governance:
Engage Institutions: Partner with organizations experienced in climate change for policy and planning development.
Public Awareness: Communities lack climate change knowledge, making education essential.
Women & Girls Training: Capacity building for women and girls is important.
Community Workshops: Workshops involving local governance, Assembly members, and Unit Committees can raise awareness.
Continued Initiative: There is strong support for ongoing public education and engagement.
Stakeholder Involvement: Community leaders, including chiefs, should be actively engaged.
Funds & Resources: Allocation of funds is needed for climate change initiatives and stakeholder training.
Government Engagement: Local communities seek involvement in decision-making and consistent government communication.
Education & Campaigns: Incorporating climate change education into the curriculum and organizing cleanup exercises are suggested.
Recycling & Tree Planting: Recycling and tree planting should be part of community activities.
Follow-Up & Training: There is eagerness for training and education on climate change issues.
Conclusion
The AMA Baseline Survey reveals significant gaps in climate change awareness and education among local governance officials. While concern about climate impacts is high, especially regarding rising temperatures and flooding, there is a clear lack of knowledge about climate policies and sustainable development strategies. Encouragingly, there is a strong willingness to engage in climate change initiatives, offering an opportunity to integrate climate education into governance practices.
To address these gaps, targeted educational campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and continuous community engagement are essential. By empowering local leaders with the necessary knowledge and tools, the Accra Metropolitan Area can build stronger climate resilience and ensure that local governance plays a key role in tackling climate challenges. The recommendations from Assembly members emphasize the need for institutional collaboration, financial support, and sustained public education to foster climate-conscious communities.
Peter Martin
Project Lead
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