College of Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (NReg)

Development and International Trade

Development and International Trade Relations

At the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (NReg), Development and International Trade Relations form a strategic part of our commitment to shaping sustainable economies, strengthening governance systems, and improving livelihoods across Ghana and the African continent. As natural resources become increasingly central to global markets, understanding the intersection between development, trade, and environmental stewardship is more important than ever.

Building Knowledge for a Globalized Economy

Ghana’s economic growth is closely tied to international trade in commodities such as cocoa, timber, gold, charcoal, shea, and agricultural products. NReg prepares students and communities to navigate global trade systems while ensuring that economic development aligns with sustainability, equity, and responsible resource management.

Our programs integrate interdisciplinary knowledge—combining economics, policy, international relations, environmental science, and law—to equip learners with the skills to analyze and influence the global forces shaping natural resource governance.

1. Global Trade and Natural Resource Governance

  • Examining how global markets influence the use, management, and sustainability of Ghana’s natural resources.

  • Studying the impacts of global demand on commodities such as cocoa, timber, minerals, and non-timber forest products.

  • Analyzing trade agreements and international standards that shape environmental and social outcomes.

Key Focus Areas

2. Development Policy and Economic Transformation

  • Exploring how national and regional development policies affect local communities, ecosystems, and the broader economy.

  • Promoting research on inclusive and sustainable growth strategies for Ghana and West Africa.

  • Assessing the role of international development partners in shaping governance and resource management.

3. Climate, Trade, and Environmental Diplomacy

  • Understanding global climate agreements (Paris Agreement, COP processes) and their implications for Ghana.

  • Studying carbon markets, climate finance, and nature-based solutions as emerging trade and development opportunities.

  • Building capacity for environmental diplomacy, negotiation, and policy leadership.

4. Trade Justice, Equity, and Community Rights

  • Investigating how trade policies impact small producers, forest-dependent communities, and rural livelihoods.

  • Promoting fair and ethical value chains that protect workers, ensure transparency, and support sustainable resource use.

  • Highlighting gender dynamics and youth participation in trade and development processes.

5. Regional and International Partnerships

NReg collaborates with stakeholders across Ghana and abroad to enrich learning and strengthen impact, including:

  • Government agencies such as the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Finance, and Forestry Commission

  • International organizations (FAO, UNEP, UNDP, AfDB, ECOWAS)

  • Universities and research institutions in Africa, Europe, and beyond

  • NGOs and civil society groups working on trade, development, and environmental justice

These partnerships create opportunities for training, internships, field research, and policy engagement.

Why Development and Trade Relations Matter

Global trade influences everything from land-use decisions and food systems to climate action and community livelihoods. At NReg, we ensure that students and community partners understand:

  • How development and trade policies shape natural resource outcomes

  • How Ghana can leverage international trade opportunities sustainably

  • How to promote equitable development that benefits both people and the environment

  • How local communities can participate meaningfully in global value chains

Opportunities for Students and Practitioners

NReg provides:

  1. Courses in development economics, international trade, and environmental policy

  2. Research opportunities on trade governance and sustainable development

  3. Workshops on global markets, export standards, and value-chain systems

  4. Internships with development agencies, trade bodies, and international organizations

  5. Training in policy advocacy, negotiation, and global governance

Whether students aim to become development professionals, environmental diplomats, trade analysts, or policy experts, NReg equips them to navigate the complex relationships between global trade and sustainable development.