Farmers’ Perception on Forest Degradation in Eastern and Northern Regions of Ghana: Implication for Developing Sustainable Forest Management Strategy

Abstract

BackgroundGhana’s forest land is under threat of degradation. Even though forest degradation is reported as serious environmental problem, the nature and extent of farmers’ perception on forest degradation has not been adequately reported. In this study, we have attempted to examine farmers’ perception on forest degradation in the study villages from the Eastern and Northern Regions of Ghana and imply for developing forest management strategy. ResultsIn both regions study villages, farmers’ socioeconomic, farm and institutional attributes varied significantly among the farmers in which this could influence their perception on forest degradation. In this study, the main direct causes of forest degradation were perceived by most farmers’ (> 90%) as high firewood and charcoal demand and wildfire/bush fire. Similarly, poverty and population pressures were perceived by significantly higher proportions of the farmers as the major indirect causes of forest degradation. In study regions, significantly higher proportions of the respondents (97%) perceived that there is no forest near to their residence or farmland in 2017. This study showed that significantly higher proportions of the framers perceived that many plant species (e.g., Mahogany (Khaya ivorensis)) and animal species (e.g., Leopard (Panthera pardus)) were disappeared due to forest degradation. In this study, the majority of the respondents also identified other forest degradation indicators such as temperature increased and rainfall irregularity. The most frequently noted strategy to reduce forest degradation that perceived by significantly higher proportions of the respondents (95.6%) were strengthening and enforcement of forest rules and strategies. The binary logistic analysis result indicated that age, education, farming experience and income were the determinant variables common in both study villages that influenced significantly farmers’ perception on forest degradation. ConclusionThis study shows that significantly higher proportions of the farmers well perceived the causes, indicators and consequences of forest degradation in their village. The perception of farmers on forest degradation can support for decision-making while suggested suitable forest management strategy for their village condition such as introduction of environmental regulations and rules, strengthening farmer-extension system, energy options to replace firewood and charcoal and massive reforestation and afforestation programmes.

From conflict to collaboration: Atewa Forest governance

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Assessment of Rural Farmers’ Perceived Effect of Soil Erosion on Farming Activities in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

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