RAINS - Ghana

The Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS), formed in 1994 and registered as an NGO in 1996, provides services in a wide range of areas dealing with contemporary problems in developing countries like Ghana.

RAINS is working with local communities and Development Partners to improve the quality of life of women, youth and other vulnerable groups through Grassroots Institutional Capacity Building, the promotion of human rights and sustainable use and management of resources in a culturally sensitive manner. It has concentrated it efforts since its inception in the Northern parts of Ghana.

Northern Ghana, like other parts of the West Africa savannah has suffered periodic drought and famine since the 1970s. Irregular rainfall pattern lead to frequent crop failures. This has increased the migration flow from the north to the south and intensified the ‘distress’ element of that migration.

In 1994 open conflict broke out between certain ethnic groups, which created physical insecurity in the rural communities. The experience of conflict and expectation of future insecurity has had the effect of increasing migration into Tamale, which has become the fastest growing urban area in West Africa.

RAINS is committed to empowering local communities, working with Earth priests and elders to recuperate effective and equitable governance systems, and to protect the environment and traditional cultural systems. Key programme areas include: Education and Training for Development (ETD); Youth and livelihood development; Gender Equity; Community Environment and Governance (TIDD); and Voices in Development. RAINS uses participatory approaches in its work.

Contact:
Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems
P.O. Box 27ER
Tamale, Ghana
Tel: +233 71 23406
Fax: +233 71 22110
Email: rains@rainsgh.org
Web: www.rainsgh.org

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VACANCIES

Advocacy Officer for the African Biodiversity Network. Full-time, based in Africa. More detail.

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A range of workshops and evenings, to inspire and strengthen our relationship with the natural world and influence the choices we make in our daily lives.

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Changing America's Environmental Laws - by Andrew Kimbrell.

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Countdown: Life on a Hotter Planet - by Mark Lynas.

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