Land Use Scenario Modeling Based on Local Knowledge for the Provision of Ecosystem Services in Northern Ghana

Abstract

The understanding of multiple effects by possible future development is essential for adapted land use planning. This study assessed the potential of land use scenarios for the provision of ecosystem services using local knowledge in two districts of northern Ghana. Local knowledge was gathered through surveys with extension officers, who are regarded as eligible knowledge holders for agricultural land use. Firstly, ecosystem services that were perceived as important by the stakeholders were identified, namely food, fodder, energy, construction materials, marketable products, water provision, and erosion control. Quantitative indicators were then determined to analyze the capacity of land use types to supply the ecosystem services. Land use scenarios were developed based on their applicability and capacity to mitigate climate change impacts. The perception of stakeholders was applied to evaluate changes in ecosystem services provision by the scenarios. A modeling approach for a spatially explicit simulation was used to assess the potential to provide ecosystem services at a district level. The results reflected the different trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services of each scenario, depending on the district. Along with the local perception, characteristics of land use patterns also influenced the regional potential of ecosystem services provision.

Integrating Ecosystem Services into Land-Use Modeling to Assess the Effects of Future Land-Use Strategies in Northern Ghana

“…This study was based on previous studies in northern Ghana where data have been gathered by Koo et al [27,47] and integrated in the modeling approach. Here, a short overview of used data and selection processes is provided.…”

“…They also highly influence agricultural programs launched by NGOs and governmental authorities as field experts. Extension officers, accordingly, play a decisive role in actual farming decisions and implementation of agricultural policies at district level [47]. All extension officers who are in charge of Bolgatanga (15 officers) and Bongo (11 officers) participated as stakeholders, and their knowledge and opinions were collected through stakeholder surveys.…”

“…Table 1. Locally relevant agriculture related ecosystem services and indicators to assess the ecosystem services as identified in Koo et al [27,47]. Selection of land-management options: Future land-use strategies need to be developed considering ES protection, improvement, or trade-off between different ES [69].…”

“…In order to assess the capacity of land-use strategies to supply ES at district level, it is necessary to first identify ES values of land-use types influenced by agricultural land-management options, which comprise the strategies. Here, the ES values of land-use types that were assessed in the previous study [47] were applied, and they were analyzed considering potential trade-offs and synergies between different ES as land-management impacts. For example, mango intercropping with maize as an agroforestry management option can lead to synergies between multiple ES through supplying fruits, firewood, and fence materials, while preventing surface run-off by the root system of mango trees [78,79].…”

“…Especially, the feedback from the stakeholders on the simulated results was considered as an essential step to present the interaction between local knowledge and land-use modeling. This study is based on the results of previous studies [27,47], which assessed the impacts of various land-use scenarios on the provision of multiple ES in Northern Ghana. They covered the identification of a locally legitimate stakeholder group at district level, the selection of locally relevant ES and indicators, and the development of applicable agricultural land-use scenarios that were applied as management options for elaborating future strategies in this study.…”