Yaw Agyeman Boafo (Ph.D)

 

Profile

I am a social ecologist specializing in climate change and sustainability Science at the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies, University of Ghana. My academic background includes a Ph.D. in Sustainability Science with a focus on Ecosystem Services Assessment in rural, semi-arid landscapes. In my research and teaching, I combine both conceptual and practical approaches to explore the consequences of human-nature interactions.

My current areas of research and academic interest encompass various facets of climate change, including adaptation and mitigation strategies, nature-based solutions involving biodiversity and ecosystem services, disaster risk reduction and resilience, as well as food and farming systems. Over the past decade, I have actively engaged in conducting and contributing to climate change and biodiversity assessments at multiple levels, spanning national, regional, and district scales. Notably, I have served as a Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and as a Lead Reviewer for Ghana's Fourth National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

I am deeply passionate about employing participatory methodologies in my research endeavours to generate solution-oriented outcomes. I aim to challenge stakeholders to design and implement practical, transformative resilience strategies that can address pressing environmental and sustainability issues.

My profound love and passion for plants, flowers, photography, and nature-clicktivism have been integral aspects of my life. Nature-clicktivism, as I like to call it, is my way of raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting conservation efforts through social media. It's a powerful tool that allows me to not only showcase the splendour of plants and flowers but also inspire others to connect with and protect the precious ecosystems that sustain life on our planet.

    Senior Research Fellow
    Email: yboafo@ug.edu.gh

      Presently my teaching and research focus on:

      • Sustainability Science and Sustainable Development (Theory and Practice)
      • Integrated Climate and Ecosystem Change Assessment
      • Food systems (Food Security, Food Loss and Waste)
      • Environmental Management and Socio-Ecological Landscape Resilience

       

      Teaching Overview

      CCSD 609: Climate Change and Biodiversity

      CCSD 611: Population, Climate Change and Food Security

      CCSD 612: Ecosystem-Based Adaptation

       

      Selected Academic Publications

      Referred Journal Articles

      1.    Enu, K. B., Zingraff-Hamed, A., Boafo, Y. A., Rahman, M. A., & Pauleit, S. (2024). Citizens’ acceptability and preferred nature-based solutions for mitigating hydro-meteorological risks in Ghana. Journal of Environmental Management, 352, 120089. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120089
       
      2.   Boampong, M. S., Boakye-Danquah, J., Boafo, Y. A., Appiagyei, K., Tweneboah-Koduah, D., & Antwi, E. K. (2024). Experiences of inequality in international collaborative research – Perspectives from environmental and sustainability scholars from Ghana, West Africa. Environmental Science & Policy, 152, 103661. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2023.103661
       
      3.    Baidoo, C., Manteaw, B. O., & Boafo, Y. A. (2023). Assessing the Potential Benefits and Challenges of Cocoa Agroforestry Adoption in Ghana’s Western-North Region. Journal of Sustainable Development, 16(5), 1-47.
       
      4.    Harold McDougall and Boafo YA (2022). Vernacularizing Sustainability in Postcolonial Ghana. Fordham Environmental Law Review 34 (1), 1-39.
       
      5.    Akanwake, JB, Atinga RA, Boafo YA. (2022). Effect of climate change on cerebrospinal meningitis morbidities and mortalities: a longitudinal and community-based study in Ghana, PLOS Clim 1(8): e0000067. https://doi.org/ 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000067
       
      6.    Puplampu, D.A. & Boafo, Y.A. (2021). Exploring the impacts of urban expansion on green spaces availability and delivery of ecosystem services in the Accra Metropolis. Environmental Challenges. 5(12), 100283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2021.100283
       
      7.    Browne, A, N., K., Owusu, K., & Boafo, Y.A. (2020). Projected temperature increases over northern Ghana. SN Applied Sciences, (June). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-020-3095-3
       
      8.    Jarzebski, M.P., Ahmed, A., Boafo, Y.A. et al (2020). Food security impacts of industrial crop production in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review of the impact mechanisms. Food Security. 12 (1), 105-135.         doi:10.1007/s12571-019-00988-x
       
      9.    Owusu, K., Asiedu, A.B., Yankson, P.W.K. & Boafo, Y.A. (2019). Impacts of Ghana’s Bui dam hydroelectricity project on the livelihood of downstream non-resettled communities. Sustainability Science., 14 (2) 487-499. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-018-0588-8, Springer
       
      10.    Boafo, Y. A. Balde, B.S., Saito, O., Gasparatos, A., Lam, R.D., Ouedraogo, N., Chamba, E., & Moussa, Z.P. (2018). Stakeholder perceptions of the outcomes of reforms on the performance and sustainability of the cotton sector in Ghana and Burkina Faso: A tale of two countries. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 4 (1), 1477541. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2018.1477541, Taylor and Francis
       
      11.    Nsioh, M.N., Saito. O., Sato, A. Boafo, Y.A., & Jasaw, G.S. (2018). Traditional and Local Knowledge Practices for Disaster Risk Reduction in Northern Ghana.  Sustainability, 10 (3), 825. https://doi:10.3390/su10030825, MDPI


      12.    Owusu, V., & Boafo, Y. A. (2018). Opportunities and Challenges for Multi-Level-Stakeholder Participation in Community-Based Ecotourism Development: The Case of the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Ghana. Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea, 21(1), 53–68. https://doi.org/10.23841/egsk.2018.21.1.53
       
      13.    Jasaw, G. S., Saito, O., Gasparatos, A., Shoyama, K., Boafo, Y. A., & Takeuchi, K. (2017). Ecosystem services trade-offs from high fuelwood use for traditional shea butter processing in semi-arid Ghana. Ecosystem Services, 27, Part A, 127–138.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2017.09.003, Elsevier
       
      14.    Lam, R.D., Boafo, Y.A., Degefa, S. Gasparatos, A., and Saito. O. (2017). ‘Assessing the food security outcomes of industrial crop expansion in smallholder settings: insights from cotton production in Northern Ghana and sugarcane production in Central Ethiopia’. Sustainability Science (2017), 1-17.  https://doi: 10.1007/s11625-017-0449-x. , Springer
       
      15.    Oteng-Yeboah A., Dunbar W., Boafo Y.A & Ichikawa K. (2016). ‘Securing biodiversity and ecosystem services in Africa: Notes from the 2015 Satoyama Initiative Regional Workshop in Accra, Ghana’, Bothalia 46 (1), 2030. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/abc.v46i1.2030. AOSIS Publishing 
       
      16.    Boafo Y.A., Saito, O., Jasaw, G.S., Otsuki, K.& Takeuchi, K. (2016). Provisioning ecosystem services-sharing as a coping and adaptation strategy among rural communities in Ghana's semi-arid ecosystem. Ecosystem Services, 19, 92-102, ISSN 2212-0416, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2016.05.002.  Elsevier
       
      17.    Boafo Y.A., Saito O., Kato, s., Kamiyama C., Takeuchi K., & Nakahara M. (2015). The role of traditional ecological knowledge in ecosystem services management: the case of four rural communities in Northern Ghana. International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services & Management. 12 (1-2), pp.24-38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/21513732.2015.1124454.  Taylor and Francis


      18.    Antwi, E.K., Boakye-Danquah, J., Owusu, A.B. Loh, S.K., Mensah, R.  Boafo Y.A. &, Apronti, P.T. (2015). Community vulnerability assessment index for flood prone savannah agroecological zone: A case study of Wa West District, Ghana. Weather and Climate Extremes, 10 (2015), 56-69.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.wace.2015.10.008. Elsevier


      19.    Antwi, K, Otsuki K; Saito, O; Obeng, F; Gyekye, A.G, Boakye-Danquah J; Boafo Y.A. et al. (2014).  Developing a Community-Based Resilience Assessment Model with Reference to Northern Ghana. Journal of Integrated Disaster Risk Management, Vol. 4 (1): 73-92. http://idrimjournal.com/index.php/idrim/article/view/101. Integrated Disaster Risk Management 
       
      20.    Boafo Y.A., Saito O., & Takeuchi K., (2014). Provisioning Ecosystem Services in Rural Savanna Landscapes of Northern Ghana. Assessment of Supply, Utilization and Drivers of Change.  Journal of Disaster Research, Vol. 9 (4), 501-515. Available at https://www.fujipress.jp/jdr/dr/dsstr000900040501/. Fuji Press
       
      21.    Boafo Y.A, Asiedu A. B, Addo-Appeaning K., Antwi E.K., & Boakye-Danquah J. (2014). Assessing Landcover Changes from Coastal Tourism Development in Ghana: Evidence from the Kokrobite-Bortianor Coastline, Accra. Journal of Civil and Environment Research. Vol. 6 (6), 9-19. Available online at http://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/CER/article/view/13435
       
      22.    Boafo Y.A, Jasaw G.S. & Dayour F.  (2014). Exploring Some Social Dimensions to the Practice and Sustainability of Traditional Conservation Agriculture in Semi-Arid Ghana. Journal of Environment and Earth Science, Vol. 4 (10), 47-58. Available online at http://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/JEES/article/view/12974
       
      23.    Jasaw G.S., Boafo Y.A & Lolig V. (2014). Factors Influencing the Adoption of Mucuna Pruriens as a Land Conservation Strategy, Evidence from Northern Ghana, Journal of Science, Technology and Environment; Vol. 4, (1). 1-11. Available online at http://sciencedex.com/j/ap_abstract.php?x=0&ap_id=4000145      .

      Referred Book Chapters

      1. Owusu, V., Atanga, R.A., Boafo, Y.A., Gyabaah, K., Boateng, R. (2023). The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Small-Scale Hospitality and Tourism Businesses in Coastal Communities in Ghana. In: Dube, K., Mensah, I., Chapungu, L. (eds) COVID-19, Tourist Destinations and Prospects for Recovery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-24655-5_2)
      1. Owusu, V., Boafo, Y. A., Adjei, M., & Boateng, R. (2022). The COVID-19 Pandemic and Coastal Fishery Livelihood Systems: Socio-economic Implications for Small-Scale Fisherfolk in Winneba, Ghana. In COVID-19 and a World of Ad Hoc Geographies (pp. 1657-1678). Springer, Cham.)
      1. Boafo Y.A., Saito, O., Jasaw. G.S., Yiran G.A.B., Dam R.L., Mohan, G.& Kranjac-Berisavljevic G. (2020) Perceived Community Resilience to Floods and Droughts Induced by Climate Change in Semi-arid Ghana. In: Gasparatos A. et al. (eds) Sustainability Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa I. Science for Sustainable Societies. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-4458-3_6
      1. Jarzebski M.P. Ahmed A. Boafo, Y.A.et al. (2020) Linking Industrial Crop Production and Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: Local, National and Continental Perspectives. In: Gasparatos A. et al. (eds) Sustainability Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa I. Science for Sustainable Societies. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-4458-3_3
      1. Saito O., Boafo Y.A., Abe M. (2020) Synthesis: Can Sharing Enhance the Sustainability and Resilience of Our Society? In: Saito O. (eds) Sharing Ecosystem Services. Science for Sustainable Societies. Springer, Singapore
      1. Boafo, Y.A., Lam, D.R., Denabo B, J, & Saito, O., (2019) The role of sustainability science in addressing Africa’s sustainable development challenges and priorities: A bibliometric survey. In C. Aguirre-Bastos, J. Chaves-Chaparro and S. Aricò, (eds) Co-Designing Science in Africa: First steps in assessing the sustainability science approach on the ground. Paris, UNESCO. ISBN:978-92-3-100319-6
        Available here: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000368900?posInSet=1&queryId=19...
      1. Saito O., Boafo Y.A., Jasaw G.S. (2018). Toward Enhancing Resilience to Climate and Ecosystem Changes in Semi-Arid Africa: Evidence from Northern Ghana. In: Saito O., Kranjac-Berisavljevic G., Takeuchi K., A. Gyasi E. (eds) Strategies for Building Resilience against Climate and Ecosystem Changes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Science for Sustainable Societies. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4796-1_1
      1. Saito O. Boafo Y.A., Jasaw G.S et al.  (2018). The Ghana Model for Resilience Enhancement in Semiarid Ghana: Conceptualization and Social Implementation. In: Saito O., Kranjac-Berisavljevic G., Takeuchi K., A. Gyasi E. (eds) Strategies for Building Resilience against Climate and Ecosystem Changes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Science for Sustainable Societies. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4796-1_2
      1. Saito O., Boafo Y.A. et al. (2018). Internationalization and Localization of the Ghana Model: Lessons Learned, Opportunities for Upscaling, and Future Directions. In: Saito O., Kranjac-Berisavljevic G., Takeuchi K., A. Gyasi E. (eds) Strategies for Building Resilience against Climate and Ecosystem Changes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Science for Sustainable Societies. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4796-1_18
      1. Boafo Y.A, Ichikawa, K. Dunbar, W., & Manago, C. (2016). Understanding current status, trends and efforts at revitalization of socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes in Africa. Chapter 1 in Yaw Agyeman Boafo & Kaoru Ichikawa, (eds), Socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS) in Africa, United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, Tokyo, ISBN (Hardcopy) 978-92-808-4569-3 (eBook) 978-92-808-4564-8. Pp. 1-11. Available online at http://satoyama-initiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SEPLS-in-Afric...
      2. Boafo, Y.A. Ziem R, & Alhassan, A., (2016). Compound farming systems in semi-arid Ghana: a socio-ecological production landscape in decline. Chapter 6 in Boafo. Y.A. & Ichikawa, K. (eds), Socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS) in Africa, United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, Tokyo, ISBN (Hardcopy) 978-92-808-4569-3 (eBook) 978-92-808-4564-8. Pp. 44-51. Available online at http://satoyama-initiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SEPLS-in-Afric...

      ...

      Edited Book

      UNU-IAS & IR3S/UTIAS. (2016). Socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes in Africa (Yaw Agyeman Boafo & Kaoru Ichikawa, eds). United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, Tokyo. August 2016 ISBN (Hardcopy) 978-92-808-4569-3; ISBN (eBook): 978-92-808-4564-8. Available online at http://satoyama-initiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SEPLS-in-Africa_FINAL_lowres_web.pdf

      Published Conference Papers

      1. Dam Lam, R., Boafo, Y.A., Degefa, S., and Saito, O., (2016). Food Security and Gender Equality under Industrial Crop Expansion in Ethiopia and Ghana. Environmental System Research Paper Lecture Collection/Civil Engineering Society, 44:2016. 159-164, ISSN 1345-9589

      Others (News, Web, Blogs)

      1. Boafo. Y.A. (2016). Disseminating Research Findings through Community Theatre in Ghana., United Nations University. Available at http://ias.unu.edu/en/news/news/disseminating-research-findings-through-community-theatre-in-ghana.html

      2. Keynote speaker: YouSustain: Maiden conference on Youth and Sustainable Cities in Africa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIIDRTdCcaU&t=2699s speaker 

        Available here:https://yousustain.net/2023/01/29/maiden-conference-on-youth-and-sustainable-cities-in-africa-held