Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, leading to unstable agricultural output and rising food insecurity. Desertification, sea-level rise, and extreme heat threaten livelihoods, especially for the most vulnerable. These pressures heighten the risk of forced migration and displacement worldwide, including in Senegal and Ghana. Nevertheless, despite being considered as an additional factor of instability, human mobility can support adaptation by bridging territories transnationally, promoting knowledge and resource transfer. In this context, diaspora engagement for climate action can be a powerful tool for adaptation and resilience building. In particular, diasporas from Ghana and Senegal in Italy— two priority Countries of Origin (CoOs) for the Italian Government — are already active in supporting sustainable development in their CoOs, but their potential to contribute to climate action and food security in their countries of origin remains largely untapped due to absence of structured mechanisms for engagement  and comprehensive information on diasporas potential role in driving action in these areas. The project “Diaspora for Climate Action and Food Security” seeks to strengthen the engagement of Ghanaian and Senegalese diasporas in actions for climate and food security with the aim of supporting them in implementing projects that benefit their CoOs. In particular, the project will begin with a preliminary study of the diaspora’s capacity and interest to engage in climate action, providing the evidence base needed to guide policy development and practical interventions. Specifically, the study will focus on the following elements for Senegalese and Ghanaian diaspora groups in Italy and their potential action in their countries of origin:

1. Past, ongoing, or planned climate action, including food security initiatives, by diaspora organizations (DOs) and individual diaspora members in Italy;

2. Green skills and knowledge available within the wider diaspora group;

3. Perceived opportunities, challenges, and potential innovative solutions for diaspora groups and organizations to engage in climate action and food security, which are also responsive to gender and youth perspectives; 

4. Priority areas for climate action and food security in Senegal and Ghana that diaspora groups and organizations could potentially support; 

5. Existing national institutional mechanisms for diaspora engagement in climate action and food security in Senegal and Ghana; and

6. DOs’ interest in participating in climate action activities in their countries/communities of origin, based  on their capacity to mobilize and on the actual needs in their countries/communities of origin.

The selected candidate will perform his/her duties under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, the direct supervision of the Head of Programme and Policy Support, the close guidance of the MECR Focal Point and in coordination with the diaspora engagement team. 

Within this framework, the consultant is required to conduct research on the aforementioned aspects concerning the Ghanaian diaspora in Italy, produce a report of the findings emerged from his/her research and to take responsibility for drafting the study presenting the final reports of the results of the research conducted on the Ghanaian and Senegalese diaspora. The research and  analysis on the Senegalese diaspora in Italy, will be carried out separately by another consultant. The consultant must ensure that the final study is comprehensive and coherent, reflecting both sets of findings in alignment with the project’s objectives.
 

Programme & Policy Support Unit, Coordination Office for the Mediterranean of the International Organization for Migration – Project “Diaspora for Climate Action and Food Security”