Transportation and Translocality in the Era of Climate Change and Sustainable Development

The connection between climate change/variability, migration and transport infrastructure has a profound impact on different dimensions of development in both the area of destination and origin of migrants. The link between the concepts is important to the livelihoods of many households in sub-Saharan Africa and the achievement of sustainable development goals. Although the migration of Africans to European and Western countries has attracted political and media attention, several studies have suggested that most West African migrants travel to destinations within the West African region. Moreover, migration is dependent on transportation as it provides the engine for people to move across geographical areas. Using a mixed method approach and data obtained from 500 households and 16 key informants from Nkoranza South Municipality in Ghana. The study through the lens of translocality highlighted the role of transport infrastructure in translocality, climate response/adaptation and sustainable development focusing on the networks and mobility between the area of origin and destination of migrants. The study finds that the condition of farming, which is the main livelihood in Nkoranza South has changed over the years. These changes coupled with transportation challenges have made farming difficult, risky and less profitable. The situation has culminated in a high rate of out migration as a coping strategy. The findings further show that a large number of livelihoods in both the area of origin and destination are organized around transport networks. The paper calls for improvement in transport infrastructure and investment in agriculture to support livelihoods and mobility.