Stella Effah

Q1: Who are you? 

I am a PhD candidate at the Centre for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana. My research interest is on environmental and climate-induced internal displacement (IDPs) and social cohesion, transnational migrants and development, and migration and development. 

Q2: What was your motivation to apply for the FFVT fellowship? Why Germany? 

My motivation for applying for this FFVT fellowship is to engage with leading experts in forced displacement, which will enhance my research skills and deepen my understanding of the field. By studying these scholars and with their mentorship, I aim to broaden my academic horizons and gain diverse perspectives to address complex displacement issues. This opportunity will significantly support my goal of building my research career as well as strengthen my networking opportunities with experts in the FFVT collaborating institutions. 

Germany’s robust academic environment, exemplified by institutions like IDOS, where I previously contributed to a research project in Ghana. This makes it an excellent opportunity for me to participate in this year’s FFVT Fellowship. 

Q3: What do you expect from the fellowship? 

During my FFVT Fellowship, I expect to share my knowledge on forced displacement and gain access to advanced research resources and mentorship, deepen my expertise in forced displacement through collaboration with leading experts and expand my professional network, all of which will significantly enhance my academic and career development. 

Q4: What is the focus of your work, and what is innovative about it? / What are your planned outcomes and activities for the fellowship period? And how do they relate to your FFVT hosting institution/ the FFVT cooperation project? 

My research project focuses on exploring the nuances of climate-induced forced displacement and social cohesion in the Greater Accra region of Ghana, with the innovation of utilising first-hand data to inform policy decisions and appropriate interventions be made for these communities. 

Planned outcomes include providing support in analysing quantitative and qualitative data and collaboratively developing a policy brief with the principal and co-principal investigators. The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), the hosting institution with whom I have been collaborating on the Ghana project, will facilitate this process and support the integration of research findings into actionable policy recommendations.