sustainable

The Political Economy of Security:

Climate Change, Resource Conflicts, and International

Policing in the Volta River Basin

Outline

01 Introduction

03 Political Economy of Security

05 Case Studies

02

04 International Influence & Economic Interests

06 Challenges & Future Outlook

Climate Change & Resource Scarcity in the Volta River Basin

08 Conclusion

07 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction01

Introduction ● Climate change is intensifying resource scarcity worldwide,

affecting security and economic policies.

● The Volta River Basin is a key water source for multiple West

African countries.

● Climate-induced water shortages can trigger resource

conflicts, migration, and security crises.

● International policing and security strategies are influenced by

economic and political interests.

Climate Change & Resource Scarcity in the Volta River Basin02

Climate Change & Resource Scarcity in the Volta River Basin

● Climate change impact:

- Increasing droughts & unpredictable rainfall patterns.

- Reduced water availability for agriculture & hydropower.

● Conflicts emerging:

- Competition for water among farmers, herders &

industries.

- Cross-border tensions over water access.

- Increased migration pressures on urban areas.

Climate Change & Resource Scarcity in the Volta River Basin

● Over 24 million people depend on the Volta River Basin.

● The basin spans 6 countries and covers 400,000 km².

● Rainfall variability has increased by 15–20% since the

1970s.

● Ghana's hydroelectric power output has dropped by 30%

during major droughts.

Quantitative Data

The Political Economy of Security in the Region

03

The Political Economy of Security in the Region

● Political economy of security examines how economic policies shape security responses.

● Water security is not just an environmental issue but a political one.

● Governments' role:

- Policies on water access, dams, and irrigation favor economic elites.

- Weak enforcement of environmental regulations leads to overuse of resources.

● Security Implications:

- Armed groups exploiting resource scarcity.

- Increased need for international policing cooperation.

The Political Economy of Security in the Region

● 60% increase in farmer-herder conflicts in Burkina Faso (2010–2020).

● Over 300+ local disputes related to water access recorded in the past decade.

Quantitative Data

International Influence & Economic Interests

04

International Influence & Economic Interests ● Wealthier nations & international organizations shape security efforts in the Volta Basin.

● Key players:

- EU: Supports regional policing & climate adaptation programs.

- US: Military & security assistance tied to economic policies.

- China: Heavy investment in water infrastructure, influencing local governance.

● Economic Interests:

- Water access linked to foreign investments in agriculture & energy.

- Climate security as a justification for international interventions.

International Influence & Economic Interests

● €1.3 billion in EU funding to West Africa for climate

and development (2021–2027).

● $450 million in U.S. support for ECOWAS/regional

security over the last decade.

● $600 million estimated Chinese investment in water

infrastructure in West Africa.

Quantitative Data

International Policing & Security Strategies

05

The Political Economy of Security in the Region ● Types of international policing efforts:

- UN & regional security missions addressing cross-border conflicts.

- Training local police forces to handle climate-related conflicts.

- Surveillance & intelligence-sharing on environmental crime.

● Challenges:

- Resource constraints & corruption within local security agencies.

- Mistrust of foreign interventions by local communities.

- Conflict between economic development & security measures.

Case Study06

Case Study

● ECOWAS plays a role in addressing conflicts in the Volta Basin.

● Key initiatives:

- Early warning systems for resource-based conflicts.

- Mediation efforts between countries over shared water resources.

- Deployment of security forces in conflict-prone areas.

● Effectiveness:

- Limited enforcement power.

- Dependency on external funding (EU, UN).

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

07

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

● Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensuring sustainable water management to prevent conflicts.

● Goal 13: Climate Action – Strengthening resilience and adaptation to climate-related impacts.

● Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Promoting stability through effective governance and policing.

Challenges & Future Outlook

08

Challenges & Future Outlook ● Challenges:

- Limited coordination between security & environmental agencies.

- Economic interests of powerful states influencing policies.

- Climate financing often benefits wealthier nations rather than local communities.

● Future Outlook:

- Strengthening regional cooperation for climate security.

- Greater investment in sustainable water management.

- Balancing economic development with security needs.

Challenges & Future Outlook

● Only 55% of water infrastructure in the basin is climate-resilient.

● 35%+ of rural populations in northern Ghana and Burkina Faso lack access to safe water.

Quantitative Data

Conclusion • Climate change is fueling water scarcity and conflict in the Volta River Basin, making

environmental security a regional priority.

• International security strategies are heavily shaped by economic interests , often

serving foreign agendas more than local needs.

• Sustainable development in the region depends on integrated solutions—combining

climate resilience, fair resource governance, and stronger regional cooperation.

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