Climate change mitigation and adaptation in Ghana : strategies and challenges faced by social enterprises

Abstract

This research examined how social enterprises mitigate and adapt to climate change in Ghana, examining their strategies and challenges. The study adopted a descriptive research design and involved 379 social enterprises. Questionnaires were administered online, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a mean value ranking analysis. The findings revealed that the key strategies employed in climate change mitigation and adaptation include creating new funding models, promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems, forming strategic partnerships and networks, and implementing community-based renewable energy systems. The significant challenges in addressing climate change include competition from large organisations, cultural perspectives towards climate change, policy volatility, and lack of adequate technical skills. Hence, the study recommends developing specialised funding programmes for climate-focused social enterprises, climate change education and awareness campaigns, and capacity building to upgrade technical competencies in clean technologies and climate resilience design.