‎‎The engagements formed part of the implementation of the Adaptation and Vulnerability – Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Engagement for Climate Resistance (AV-STEC) project.
‎‎The first set of meetings brought together representatives from affected communities, along the Volta Basin, to discuss their concerns arising from the annual flooding caused by the Bagre Dam spillage.

‎‎Community members highlighted the destruction of farmlands, displacement of households, and disruption of livelihoods as major challenges, while also drawing attention to extreme drought conditions during the dry season.
‎‎The engagements also sought to identify locally appropriate climate mitigation and adaptation measures that could help communities better cope with the recurring floods and associated climate risks.
‎‎The team also met policymakers and government institutions operating within the selected districts.

‎‎Participants included District and Municipal Chief Executives, agricultural officers, district police commanders, and other relevant state agencies.
‎‎Discussions focused on key policy and implementation gaps, coordination challenges, and practical solutions to reduce community vulnerability to climate shocks.
‎‎Stakeholders unanimously agreed on the urgency and relevance of the AV-STEC project, describing it as critical to strengthening climate resilience and improving preparedness among affected communities.

‎‎All stakeholders present pledged their commitment to supporting the project and contributing expertise and resources when called upon.
‎‎The AV-STEC project is being implemented by the CBCR in Ghana and Naturama in Burkina Faso, in partnership with York University in Canada and START International in the United States.
‎‎It focuses on building climate resilience for vulnerable communities along the Volta Basin in Ghana and Burkina Faso through trans-disciplinary engagement, collaboration, and evidence-based interventions.
‎‎The project is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada under the Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CLARE) initiative.