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Youth-led households in Ghana’s coastal fishing communities face mounting economic and food security challenges. New research from Rsif PhD graduate Dr Esther Aba Eshun offers critical insights and solutions for a more resilient, inclusive future.

As the world marks World Environment Day 2025, with its theme “Restore Our Earth, Empower Our Youth,” the spotlight falls on communities where environmental changes directly impact daily life. In Ghana’s coastal fishing communities, declining fish stocks and the growing impact of climate change are putting immense pressure on young people — especially those heading households — to find alternative sources of income.

A new study by Dr Esther Aba Eshun, a recent PhD graduate from the University of Ghana and alumna of the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif), reveals how livelihood diversification can significantly enhance food security and economic resilience among these vulnerable groups.

“Different groups — men, women, persons with disabilities — play specific roles in Ghana’s food systems, not just fisheries,” Dr Esther explains. “A gendered approach provides the avenue for tailored solutions that address group-specific needs and ensure economic stability year-round.”

Esther’s research, carried out across 14 coastal communities in Ghana’s Greater Accra and Central Regions, used both quantitative and qualitative tools to explore the factors influencing livelihood choices among youth-headed households (YHH). The study finds that income from diversified sources is positively correlated with food security — and that support systems like education, training, and social group membership are critical to enabling youth to adapt. Her findings underscore the urgent need for environmental action and youth empowerment, echoing the global call to invest in young leaders as agents of change for a sustainable planet.

Her analysis, which used the household dietary diversity score (HDDS) and household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS), shows that increased income from diversified activities helps reduce household stress and shocks. Yet, women and youth often lack the skills or assets to take up alternative livelihoods — underscoring the importance of targeted interventions.

“To meet the specific needs of young women, a needs assessment is essential,” Dr Esther says. “This helps identify challenges, map out opportunities, and develop the right skills to equip them.”

The research also highlights the stark gender roles in Ghana’s fisheries supply chain and warns that failing to adopt an inclusive approach will only deepen existing inequalities. Esther’s findings point to the need for gender-responsive skills development and institutional support to empower youth-headed households in the face of climate and economic pressures.

Esther credits the Rsif program for enabling her research:

“Without PASET-Rsif, my studies would have been very challenging. The gender-sensitive nature of the scholarship encouraged me to adopt a gendered lens. My work contributes not just to academic literature, but also to national food systems transformation and the Sustainable Development Goals.”

With 424 households surveyed and clear policy implications, her research has the potential to inform national strategies in Ghana — and inspire similar interventions across Africa’s coastal and small-scale fisheries communities. This World Environment Day, Esther’s work serves as a reminder that environmental restoration and climate adaptation must go hand-in-hand with social innovation. By equipping young people with the skills and opportunities to diversify their livelihoods, Ghana — and the world — can build more resilient communities that thrive in harmony with nature.