Spotlight on a prominent young Ghanaian researcher in Australia

Francis Diawuo Darko, a distinguished researcher and educator at Flinders University in Australia, is making significant strides in the field of human geography. With a decade of research experience, Mr. Darko's journey is a testament to his dedication to improving lives through rigorous academic inquiry.

Born and raised in a community in the Jaman South District of the Bono Region of Ghana, Francis' academic journey began at Drobo Senior High School. His passion for research was ignited during his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University for Development Studies (UDS), where he earned both a bachelor's degree and a Master of Philosophy degree in Environment and Resource Management. His academic excellence and intellectual curiosity led him to serve as a research and teaching assistant at UDS, a role that cemented his research interests.

Francis' extensive research experience spans various roles, from conducting fieldwork to data analysis and publishing original findings in reputable journals. His work is renowned for its significant impact on the field of human geography and environmental management. One of his notable research interests includes the integration of indigenous knowledge systems to address social and environmental challenges such as climate change.

"I came from a farming household, so issues of the environment and its management are dear to me. The world is currently facing environmental challenges worsened by climate change and variability, yet the livelihoods of most people are tied to the environment. Everything counts if we can overcome the observed and impending impacts of climate change and sustain rural livelihoods. Our forefathers left us a wealth of knowledge that can be useful in

coping with and overcoming these problems. We can only know how if we explore and talk about it. Although indigenous philosophy is not a new field, research focus in the field is emerging, and I am doing my part to promote indigenous knowledge systems and their usefulness," Francis explained.

One of Mr. Darko’s early research projects on indigenous knowledge and natural resource conservation has brought widespread recognition to the Tongo-Tengzuk Cultural Landscapes and Shrines in the Talensi-Nabdam District in the Upper East Region of Ghana. He highlighted the immense contribution of indigenous knowledge systems to the conservation of natural resources.

As a multidisciplinary researcher, Francis' research is driven by his commitment to social betterment.

“I have always wanted to do something to improve the lives of people, and I

I thought this was possible through research."

This commitment has driven his academic and professional pursuits, leading him to his current research at Flinders University. At Flinders, Francis is spearheading a ground-breaking project aimed at estimating the wellbeing of young Northern migrants in Sunyani using a novel wellbeing framework. This innovative approach seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the quality of life for migrants, moving beyond traditional measures to capture the complex realities of their experiences.

By incorporating a wide range of indicators, Mr. Darko aims to offer a more nuanced and accurate assessment of these young migrants' wellbeing.

“When we talk about the importance of northern migration to urban centres like Accra and Kumasi, especially for those in the informal economic sector like the kayaye and wheelbarrow pushers, we often focus on the economic implications of their movements. However, these young people have issues they contend with in cities where there are no family members. Most of them sleep outside with no protection, do the kinds of jobs that many people avoid, and sometimes face resentment from their clients. These things affect their well-being. Their precariousness, therefore, warrants a closer look, especially in Sunyani, where research focus on this issue is rare. I aim to provide a deeper insight into how they perceive the quality of their life, what we call subjective assessment, and the support available to them. The findings could support the development of interventions to support them.”

Mr. Darko's contributions to academia have not gone unnoticed. Recently, the prestigious Conflict Resolution Quarterly Journal published by Wiley awarded one of Francis’ papers the "most downloaded paper within a year of its publication"—an accolade highlighting the quality and relevance of his research. In his few years of academic career, Francis’ published research has been cited over 200 times by other researchers and institutions, such as the IOM. His expertise has also earned him a place as a member of the African Loss and Damage Association

Network (ALADAN), a network of distinguished researchers from Europe and Africa based in the Centre for Sustainability Sciences at Lund University, Sweden.

“I was selected for ALADAN through an online talent search by the convenors who recognised my expertise and the significance of my contributions.”

In addition to his research achievements, Francis has recently been elected president of the postgraduate students’ association of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at Flinders University, the first African to assume this prestigious position in the College. In this role, he oversees the affairs and welfare of postgraduate students, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to academic community building.

Francis is described by many of his superiors in his college as an outstanding talent and a hard-working, highly motivated researcher. His journey from a humble background in Ghana to becoming a respected researcher in Australia is a remarkable story of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and a profound commitment to social impact. His work not only advances academic knowledge but also holds substantial significance and promises tangible improvements in the lives of individuals and communities facing environmental and social

challenges.

As he continues to push the boundaries of research, Mr. Darko remains a shining

example of how one individual's dedication to knowledge and social betterment can inspire and drive meaningful change. We are fortunate to have him as part of our community, and we can only expect greater things from this outstanding individual.