Empowering Climate Resilience: How CSIR and ACE4ES are Enhancing Media’s Role in Ghana

The Agroecology Circular Economy for Ecosystem Services (ACE4ES) recently held a workshop in Accra for journalists. This event, organized with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Crop Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) and the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), focused on “Strategic Media Programming for Agroecology, Circular Economy and Climate Change Communication.”

The goal was clear: equip journalists to report on environmental sustainability and climate resilience more effectively. Dr. Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofour Asante, a key figure in the project and a research scientist at CSIR-CRI, emphasized the media’s critical role in promoting environmental issues. “When people are informed, they act,” he noted. However, many communities lack understanding of sustainability, mainly due to the complexity of the scientific concepts involved.

Training journalists on agroecology and the circular economy is vital. They are essential in educating the public, acting as bridges between complex research and everyday understanding. Dr. Asante pointed out that agricultural practices, including emissions of methane and nitrous oxide, significantly affect global warming and public health. Raising awareness can help mitigate these effects and encourage more sustainable agricultural methods.

He urged media outlets to integrate sustainability into regular coverage, rather than treating it as a sporadic topic. Consistent reporting can lead to behavioral changes and greater public action. “As we discover new technologies, we need the media’s help to share these innovations with communities,” he said.

The interaction between CSIR-CRI and the media can greatly enhance public understanding of these critical topics. By fostering this collaboration, both parties can work toward a more sustainable future in Ghana and beyond.

According to a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), agriculture is responsible for around 10–12% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This highlights the urgency of addressing agricultural practices and improving sustainability. As more people become aware of these issues, communities can better advocate for change.

With media support, we can build a more informed society ready to tackle climate change challenges together.



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