Land use/Land Cover Dynamics in Pioneer Fronts and Implications on Livelihoods: Insights from Nkuh and Nkuv on the Bui Plateau

Abstract

Land use dynamics in pioneer fronts in Sub-Saharan Africa is recurrent; yet, stakeholder interests and the various changes in land-use practices are still to be fully mainstreamed in resource use practices. The implications for livelihood improvement are indicative of the attracting force of these areas to different stakeholders. This study sets out to: 1. Map land use and land cover change in Nkuh and Nkuv pioneer fronts in the Bui Plateau; 2. Identify stakeholders and interests in pioneer fronts; 3. Understand land use change practices and implications for livelihoods. The study used diachronic analysis accompanied by 7 focus group discussions, 9 key informant interviews across native authorities and some government delegations on thematic analysis and narratives. The results revealed that small agroplantations are the major land-use changes from the existing rangelands and remnants of natural forests. Farmers from neighboring villages have migrated and settled in pioneer fronts, practicing agriculture through expansion, stabilization and consolidation. Diversification and adoption of new techniques like agro-forestry, agro-plantations (oil palms, fruit trees, cocoa) is growing amongst farmers, especially among return migrants, bureaucrats and land-use change/ land-use practices have important implication for livelihood improvement for the population implicated with an increase in output. Further studies can focus on how local endogenous processes and power asymmetries can improve resource use outcomes.