The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has announced a comprehensive project aimed at strengthening climate resilience across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The initiative dubbed 'Advancing Knowledge for Long-Term Benefits and Climate Adaptation Through Holistic Climate Services and Nature-based Solutions' (ALBATROSS) commenced on March 1, 2024, and will span 42 months.

It seeks to tackle the escalating impacts of climate change through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.

According to the Principal Investigator at KNUST, Prof. Michael Poku-Boansi, ALBATROSS aims to address climate challenges by developing tools to support the adoption of sustainable and need-based adaptation strategies in African policies and programs.

The project will collaboratively develop climate services that allow for the evaluation of both positive and negative cascading impacts on ecosystem health, food security, and socio-economic vulnerability.

It specifically addresses natural hazards, such as droughts and floods, and sectoral climate adaptation needs, including agriculture.

The project emphasizes the use of nature-based solutions (NBS) and other climate adaptation measures.

Prof. Poku-Boansi added: “By leveraging participatory approaches and cutting-edge research grounded in the latest observational data and modelling techniques, ALBATROSS aims to provide robust, science-based evidence on the effectiveness of NBS as a multifunctional adaptation strategy.  

"This strategy is expected to counteract forced migration, biodiversity loss, and hydrometeorological risks across Sub-Saharan Africa.”

The ALBATROSS project is set to be validated in various Sub-Saharan countries, involving key stakeholders in the co-creation and co-evaluation of adaptation options and plans.

By combining research and practical solutions, KNUST and other 16 partners aim to significantly contribute to climate resilience efforts in the region, ultimately supporting sustainable development and safeguarding vulnerable communities against the adverse effects of climate change.

Speaking at the kick-off session of the project, Provost of the College of Science, Prof. Leonard Amekudzi further stated: “The ultimate goal is to enhance the capacity of communities, government agencies and NGOs to adapt to climate change and promote sustainable development.”

The project is funded by the European Union.