Forest Fringe Communities Research Articles

Factors enhancing and restricting the success of SRA compliance on the FLEGT/VPA initiative in Ghana. Insights from Juaso forest district in Ghana

This study examines the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) between Ghana and the European Union (EU) within the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade Initiative (FLEGT). The VPA aims to enhance forest governance, reduce deforestation, combat illegal practices, and improve livelihoods of forest fringe communities. The research focuses on the implementation of social responsibility agreements (SRAs) under the VPA framework and identifies factors contributing to their success or presenting challenges. Data collection involved mixed methods, including literature review and a survey of individuals involved in SRAs. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including exploratory factor analysis, were conducted. Principal component analysis revealed that accountability, monitoring of implementation and progress of SRAs, and documentation of SRA agreements were key factors contributing to the success of negotiated SRAs, explaining about 68.36 % of success variance. Challenges and constraints were categorized into two main factors: weak community capacity to negotiate SRAs and weak community capacity to enforce compliance, explaining about 71.4 % of challenge variance. The study found that the exclusion of the local SRA committee (LSRAC) from certain decision-making processes affected trust and transparency in calculating SRA benefits. Elite capture of benefits was identified as an issue, as the LSRAC did not conduct sufficient consultations with community members before negotiations. The findings emphasize the importance of including local communities in all forest management activities and call for increased awareness of SRAs, particularly for the LSRAC. The study highlights the need for proper representation of community interests during negotiations and their inclusion in forest management plans.

Perception of Locals on Multiple Contributions of NTFPs to the Livelihoods of Forest Fringe Communities in Ghana

Forest-dwelling residents frequently collect non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for various reasons, such as food, medicine, firewood, religious reasons, or handicrafts. This study examines the multiple benefits derived from NTFPs and how they contribute to the livelihoods of Ghanaian communities to alleviate poverty. Resources and services provided by NTFPs have an essential role in providing economic, nutritional, medicinal, cultural, and environmental benefits. This study examines the diverse range of NTFPs locals collect, such as chewing sticks, games, herbs, honey, leaves, mushrooms, pestles, raffia and palms, snails, and straws. In addition to serving different purposes, these NTFPs contribute to income generation, food security, health care, cultural practices, and the protection of the environment. A qualitative research approach was used in this study to collect data through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with members on multiple collections of NTFPs and their multiple benefits. We interviewed 732 residents regarding their multiple NTFPs and their potential to improve the livelihood of the locals. The data for the study were analysed using descriptive statistics. As a result of the survey, the frequency and percentages of responses were analysed for each indicator related to multiple values of NTFPs. Both males and females collected a list of NTFPs during the survey. Regarding NTFPs used for sale, 275 were reported, representing 37.57% of the total. In addition to emphasising the importance of sustainable management practices and equitable distribution of benefits, the study explores the multiple benefits of NTFPs for poverty alleviation in Ghanaian communities. It is essential to ensure the conservation of forest ecosystems and promote inclusive policies to harness the potential of NTFPs and maximise their positive impact on livelihoods. NTFPs provide multiple benefits for Ghanaian communities, including income, nutrition, healthcare, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. To promote sustainable development, it is imperative to understand the role of NTFPs and implement appropriate strategies.

SOCIAL PRACTICES IN WATER USE DRIVE VULNERABILITY IN FOREST EDGE VILLAGE COMMUNITIES IN SUMEDANG REGENCY

This research focuses on social practices of water resource use in forest fringe communities. The existence of human water needs interacts with and forms patterns of relationships, with human water forming social institutions and social institutions, and the existence of social practices that abundant water encourages social change in communities facing scarcity. Old knowledge that is maintained and the assumption that water will never run out is seen in water use habits and ignoring water conservation practices. Potentially causing water vulnerability, especially in families working as farmers and families who do not have water reservoirs. The theory used looks at the social practices of Antony Giddens. The qualitative approach with the PRA method, with observation, interview, mapping, and FGD techniques, helps map practices in water use, and then the qualitative analysis is carried out. The results of this study show that there are water groups in hamlet areas that maintain old management practices, where group members who contribute early to finding springs have “patent” rights to obtain water while living in the area. However, this right has yet to adapt to changes in physical environmental conditions, such as reduced forest land cover and changes in the social environment where the village population continues to grow. While the rules made by the “patent” group give dominance to members materially, therefore individual practice still views that abundant water will not run out, so water use tends to be wasteful. Then, the practice of agents perpetuates or maintains a habit, which means that not much effort has been made by the community to carry out preventive practices to protect water resources, as seen from the Competence, namely knowledge and skills of water use are still simple and do not have the Competence to prevent vulnerability risks caused by the water crisis. So, it has the potential to face vulnerability, especially in families that do not have large-capacity shelters and farmer groups that rely on agricultural products. Agents as transformative actors, their practices passive, recursive, and discursive practices continue to be reproduced, maintaining old patterns.

Unveiling Resilience: Exploring the Adaptive Capacities of Ghana’s Forest Fringe Communities in the Face of Climate Change

This study employed a comprehensive two-stage sampling method to investigate climate change impacts and adaptation strategies in Ghana, focusing on three distinct ecological zones: Dry Semi Deciduous (DSD), Moist Semi-deciduous (North West) MSDNW, and Savannah (SAV). 600 households from randomly selected communities within each ecozone participated in interviews and questionnaire administration over a two-year data collection period. Data was gathered through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods for analysis. Descriptive statistical methods were applied to determine socio-economic factors and social vulnerability levels across the ecological zones. The study revealed significant variations in adaptive capacity among the ecological zones. The Savannah (SAV) zone exhibited higher scores in non-farm income-generating activities, adaptive capacity for changing cropping patterns, and adoption of irrigation in response to climate change. Conversely, the Dry Semi-Deciduous (DSD) zone excelled in forest plantation modules, relocation of farming activities due to climatic factors, and modification in agrochemical use. Access to information on climate change varied significantly among ecological zones, emphasizing the necessity for tailored and context-specific strategies. The study's conclusion underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing diverse challenges and opportunities faced by communities in different ecological zones. To enhance adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change in Ghana, the study recommends targeted information dissemination for improved access, support for economic diversification, and promotion of climate-resilient agricultural practices. Emphasizing the role of economic diversification, adaptive agricultural practices, and forest-related measures, the study highlights their critical contribution to building resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of climate change.

Evaluating local perceptions of sustainable utilisation of non-timber forest products and their potential to improve livelihoods in Ghana's forest fringe communities

The sustainable utilisation of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) holds significant promise for livelihood improvement within forest fringe communities in Ghana. While local communities benefit from NTFPs, there is limited understanding of the locals' perceptions with regard to the potential of NTFPs to alleviate poverty. This research evaluated the intricate interplay of local perceptions with regard to climate change, value addition and the multiple uses of NTFPs, and their influence on livelihood improvement. The study employed a multidimensional approach, incorporating quantitative, qualitative and systematic review methodologies. Surveys and interviews were conducted to gather data on the perceptions of local communities of climate change, value addition to NTFPs and the multiple uses of NTFPs, as well as social factors that influence their perception. In addition, a systematic review using the PRISMA method was used to assess the potential of NTFPs to alleviate poverty. The findings underscored the significance of education, religion and gender, which are pivotal in shaping local perceptions of NTFPs and their potential to improve livelihoods. The systematic review showed the potential of NTFPs to alleviate poverty in Ghana and in other parts of the world. Initiatives that enhance market accessibility and create value-addition opportunities should be considered to uplift communities economically. Furthermore, policy frameworks and institutional support can emerge as essential elements in shaping local perceptions. In conclusion, this research elucidated the vital role of local perceptions for the sustainable utilisation of NTFPs to improve livelihoods within Ghana's forest fringe communities.

Conservation or deforestation: Households attitudinal analysis of forest resources for sustainable development of the Tain (II) Forest Reserve, Ghana

Forest conservation has recently become a global necessity, capturing considerable attention from scholars and policymakers. However, rampant deforestation remains a significant catalyst for the recent exacerbated climatic repercussions in forest regions. This study examined the perspectives regarding forest conservation and assessed their relationship with household income conditions in Ghana. Primary data were gleaned from two hundred fifty households within five communities around Ghana's Tain (II) forest reserve using a participatory rural assessment approach and interviews with structured questionnaires. The survey considered (i) socio-demographic drivers, (ii) basic family information, and (iii) forest conservation characteristics as hypothetical incentives to promote forest conservation and poverty alleviation. The findings revealed varied perspectives on conservational attitudes in the forest fringe communities. Marital status, education, employment, home size, and other factors influenced opinions in forest conversations. The study suggested the need for tailored ecological compensation and agroforestry practices to reduce deforestation in the Tain (II) Forest reserve area.

Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal tree species used in the treatment of diseases by forest-fringe communities of Southwestern Ghana

Demand for medicinal plant remedies is rising globally, while indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants is declining rapidly. The preservation of indigenous knowledge is critical in discovering and developing innovative drugs. The ongoing discussions on providing nature-based solutions to contemporary issues make it urgent to document indigenous knowledge about medicinal trees, especially in areas with limited or no studies such as our study area. Our study aimed to understand the use of medicinal trees among the communities fringing the Asukese and Amama Shelterbelt Forest Reserves. We administered structured questionnaires and interviewed 88 respondents who were selected using snowball and simple random techniques. The ethnobotanical survey data were processed and evaluated using parameters such as Indigenous Knowledge Index (IKI), Relative Citation Frequency (RCF), Species Use Value (SUV), Family Use Value (FUV), and Plant Part Value (PPV). We found that ethnobotanical knowledge about medicinal trees was higher in respondents who were widowed or had larger number of dependants. We found that the local communities used diverse medicinal trees (70 species belonging to 33 families) to treat 83 ailments. Azadirachta indica had the highest RCF (8.9) and SUV (23.4). The other top four species according to the SUV were Alstonia boonei (SUV = 11.1), Khaya senegalensis (SUV = 10.7), Moringa oleifera (SUV = 10.3) and Cocos nucifera (SUV = 10.2). The most-well represented and valuable families were Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae, Meliaceae, Arecaceae, Rubiaceae and Malvaceae. Medicinal trees had alternative uses such as food, fodder, fuelwood, and construction material. Indigenous knowledge about medicinal trees was transmitted to younger generations predominantly by parents. The results show that the most known botanical families and species with the most useful parts were the most useful plant families and species. Thus, the selection of medicinal trees was driven by their traits. Furthermore, results indicate that species diversity is critical to the healthcare needs of local communities and that their conservation and sustainable use and the preservation of indigenous knowledge are crucial to ensuring good health and the general well-being of local communities of all ages.

Conservation and economic benefits of medicinal plants: Insights from forest-fringe communities of Southwestern Ghana

Medicinal plants have significant socioeconomic and health benefits, especially in developing countries with high poverty rates and limited health care coverage. However, the continuous utilization of medicinal plants without conservation efforts leads to species scarcity, especially for endangered species. This study, therefore, assessed the economic benefits and conservation status of medicinal plants in the Asukese and Amama Forest Reserves in Ghana. Field visits, structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used to survey 172 respondents focusing on their socio-demographic characteristics, medicinal plants used to treat diseases in the communities and plant parts used, preparation and administration of remedies, availability trend of medicinal plants, drivers of loss of medicinal plants, contribution of medicinal plants to gross incomes and conservation strategies. The study identified 143 plant species used to treat 135 ailments and diseases. The mostly highly cited plant family was Fabaceae (15 spp.). On average, medicinal plants contributed 64 % of gross annual income. Income from medicinal plants varied significantly across marital status and primary occupation but was similar across gender, religion, and educational levels. Thirty-three (33) of these plants were perceived to be threatened by over-harvesting, agricultural expansion, mining, logging, and climate change. Consequently, the cultivation of medicinal plants on farms, creation of medicinal plants nurseries, integration of medicinal plants in home gardens, creation of botanic gardens, and indigenous knowledge systems and practices were suggested as strategies for their conservation and sustainability utilization. There is therefore the need for increased conservation efforts to protect medicinal plant species from anthropogenic disturbance and the imminent threat of climate change. This will be critical for biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic development in local communities.

Contestations, counteractions and equitable conservation – a case study of Ghana's Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve

This paper delves into the intricate dynamics of forest conservation conflict in rural Ghana, where state-led conservation efforts through forest reserves have met fierce counteractions from local communities within and around the Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve. The study adopts a critical postcolonial institutional framework to examine the historical struggles that have shaped conservation policies in the country and subsequent contestations by forest-fringe communities (FFCs) seeking to use forest reserves for agricultural purposes. It dwells on archival materials, participant observation and interviews with farmers, local chiefs and forestry officials. The paper highlights the multifaceted strategies employed by these communities to assert their right to produce food within the forest reserve, leading to clashes with forestry authorities. By employing a critical postcolonial lens, the paper sheds light on the complex power relations and the historical legacies that underpin this conservation conflict, ultimately providing valuable insights for navigating sustainable and inclusive conservation approaches that respect the rights and local priorities of dispossessed, marginalised FFCs.

Rational Choices of Labor Workers in Increasing Family Income in Indonesia Forest Fringe Communities

This study aims to describe the Rational Choices of Labor Workers in increasing family income in forest fringe communities. The method used is qualitative descriptive with an ethnographic approach; informants consist of laborers and landowners. Data collection techniques are carried out by participant observation, interviews, and documentation; data analysis is carried out by Interactive analysis, namely with three flow processes: data reduction, data presentation, and data verification. The study results show that labor is the main job for people who do not have land; the selection of work as a laborer is motivated by economic factors, and they do not have land to cultivate themselves. The income obtained by workers is only enough for daily food, so this work greatly supports the survival of people who work as laborers to meet their daily needs, only relying on daily work with wages of Rp.50,000 to Rp.80,000. Women have a dual role in helping the family economy. Women work as laborers to help meet the daily needs of the family. Labor efforts increase income by working in two places, thus increasing family income.

Land Tenure of Forest Fringe Communities and Their Impact on Deforestation: A Case Study in Soeharto Forest Park

Soeharto Forest Park is a forest area located in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Soeharto Forest Park has an area of about 61,840 hectares and is one of the critical forest areas in Indonesia. Soeharto Forest Park primarily serves as a conservation area and nature preservation. It contains high biodiversity, including various species of flora and fauna that are protected. The research methods involve field surveys, structured interviews, and secondary data analysis. Data was collected to understand community land tenure, including tenure rights, land use, and agricultural practices. In addition, deforestation impacts are identified through mapping land cover change and vegetation density analysis. It is just that over time, the connection of the surrounding community with Soeharto Forest Park is very high. Many people use the Forest Park area to become open land. This lasted from 1957 until 2022. The total land area of Soeharto Forest Park that has been opened is 335,994 m2 or 33,6 hectares. Many communities on the outskirts of Soeharto Forest Park that cleared land and used it as settlements, plantations, and rice fields from 1957 to 2022 highlights the deforestation in land use around the area over a long period. These changes reflect social, economic, and policy dynamics that affect local communities and the surrounding environment.

Livelihood strategies of farming households in forest fringe communities of Niger State, Nigeria

Livelihood strategies of farming households in forest fringe communities of Niger State, Nigeria

Community-based forest management promotes survival-led livelihood diversification among forest-fringe communities in Uganda

Livelihood diversification is a prominent feature of rural households in developing countries. It is a strategy commonly pursued by households to enhance their resilience to shocks and/or risks that affect their livelihood. While a common characteristic of Uganda’s community-based forest management (CBFM) is the promotion of alternative livelihood activities to reduce household reliance on natural forest resources from gazetted forests, it is unclear how livelihood diversification has been embraced by households engaged in CBFM. We explore livelihood diversification using cross-sectional survey data collected from 423 households in villages adjacent to Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) compartments and non-CFM compartments of Budongo Central Forest Reserve as well as two Community Forests (CF) in mid-western Uganda. We quantified the levels of diversification and fitted a Gini-Simpson Diversity Index as the response variable in two Tobit regression models to examine the determinants of livelihood diversification among forest-fringe communities in CFM and CF sites. Our results reveal high levels of survival-led household livelihood diversification in the area, with an average household engaging in five livelihood activities that were predominantly on-farm or involved the extraction of forest products for subsistence. In the CFM sites, livelihood diversification levels significantly increased with household heads’ duration of residence in the village and membership in other social groups in the village. In villages adjacent to the community forests, only the household dependency ratio positively influenced household livelihood diversification. Membership in forest conservation groups did not significantly predict the level of household livelihood diversification. Given the current survival-led diversification that these communities pursue, we recommended that development and conservation agencies in the area and other similar sites of CBFM deliberately enhance household access to high-return on-farm and non-farm livelihood activities to achieve meaningful transformations in rural livelihoods.

Major drivers for reducing vulnerability of forest-fringe communities in Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh and designing suitable adaptation strategies

Major drivers for reducing vulnerability of forest-fringe communities in Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh and designing suitable adaptation strategies

Our forest, our livelihood: Natural resources’ use controversies and community livelihood sustainability in the Mole National Park, Ghana

‘Protecting’ natural resources as a policy intervention for biodiversity conservation is a double-edged sword. Often touted as sources of revenue and a tool for poverty reduction in fringe communities, they are also largely a source of natural resource-use conflict. Over the years the Mole National Park in Northern Ghana has provided both cost and benefits to fringe communities and the local government. While studies have investigated the benefits of the Mole National Park to local resource users, conflicts that have characterized the park in recent years in terms of resource use, ownership and livelihood sustainability have been the least investigated. Using a qualitative approach, the study examines community perception of natural resource use and livelihood sustainability in fringe communities of the Mole National Park, Ghana. Thematic analysis from 13 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 14 in-depth interviews revealed that respondents’ major sources of sustenance hinge on Natural Resources (NRs) through farming and hunting with minimal alternative sources of livelihoods. As a consequence, denial of respondents’ access to the natural resources in the park has been a major source of contention between the local resource dependents and management of the park as residents believed that the resources from the forest are a gift from God, their ancestors and forefathers and no man can prevent access and utilization. This implies that a community-led management team involving other stakeholders is important in the management of the Mole National Park. Moreover, equal distribution of benefits that accrue from the forest with the forest fringe communities at heart will assist in minimizing the yearly conflicts that have been a characteristic of the park and ensure sustainable forest resource management.

An Assessment of the Impact of Round Wood Collection on Deforestation in Benue State, Nigeria

Purpose: The high cost of alternative sources of household energy and steel in Nigeria is aggravating the dependence on forest frontiers in search of forest wood for construction, charcoal production, and fuel wood gathering for heating. This necessitates the study to access the impact of Round Wood Collection (proxies as Tree Logging, Charcoal Production, and Fuel Wood Collection) on Deforestation in Benue State, Nigeria.
 Methodology: A survey design research was used for the study with the instrument of a structured questionnaire administered to 400 respondents determined by Taro Yamane’s (1967) sampling formula and selected through two-stage sampling techniques across nine (9) Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State. The data elicited from the field was analyzed through descriptive statistics and a regression with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 23.
 Findings: The result showed a significant positive relationship between Round Wood Collection (RWC) and Deforestation (DEF) in Benue State, implying that DEF in Benue State will increase significantly by 24.4%, 44.7%, and 28.4% as a result of a percent change in the rate of Tree Logging, Charcoal Production, and Fuel Wood Collection respectively in the state.
 Conclusion: The study concludes that RWC impacts negatively on the forests and vegetation cover in Benue State which has a negative ripple effect on biodiversity, the ozone layer, ecosystem functioning, and livelihoods of forest fringe communities.
 Recommendation: The study recommends that the Benue State government should increase funding to the State Department of Forestry and employ adequate forest personnel to enhance forest management and revenue yields from the forests.

Seroprevalence of Zika Virus among Forest Fringe Communities in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah: General Population-Based Study.

Zika virus (ZIKV) has had a history in Malaysia since its first isolation in 1966. However, it is believed that the immunity status among forest fringe communities has been underreported. We conducted cross-sectional surveillance of forest fringe communities from 10 Orang Asli villages and their peripheral communities in Perak, Pahang, and Sabah in Malaysia. A total of 706 samples were collected from 2019 to 2020 and screened for ZIKV exposure using an anti-ZIKV IgG ELISA kit. A neutralization assay against ZIKV was used to confirm the reactive samples. The seroprevalence results reported from the study of this population in Malaysia were 21.0% (n = 148, 95% CI, 0.183-0.273) after confirmation with a foci reduction neutralization test. The presence of neutralizing antibodies provides evidence that the studied forest fringe communities in Malaysia have been exposed to ZIKV. Multivariate analysis showed that those older than 44 years and those with an education below the university level had been exposed significantly to ZIKV. In addition, higher seropositivity rates to ZIKV were also reported among secondary school students from Bentong (Pahang) and residents from Segaliud (Sabah). No associations were identified between Zika seropositivity and gender, household size, house radius to the jungle, and income level. The presence of neutralizing antibodies against ZIKV among the study population might indicate that the causative pathogen had already circulated widely in forest fringe regions. Intervention for vector control, protection from mosquito bites, and awareness improvement should be encouraged in this population.

Livelihood, carbon and spatiotemporal land-use land-cover change in the Yenku forest reserve of Ghana, 2000–2020

Tropical forests are important sources of securing basic human needs (livelihoods) for both the deprived and well-endowed but are also critical for reducing metric tonnes of carbon (tC) emitted from deforestation and land degradation. However, inequalities of human population and land-use land-cover change (LULCC) are existential threats to sustainable tropical forest reserve management and their aboveground biomass carbon stock (AGBCS) in Africa. This study examines the extent of LULCC, AGBCS and perception of livelihood effects on the Yenku Forest Reserve (YFR) in the Central Region of Ghana. Google Earth Engine remotely sensed Landsat data analysis using supervised classification, change detection, mixed with qualitative data from individual in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with inhabitants were used. The overall classification accuracy was 89.1%, 90.8% and 89.8% for the LULC in 2000, 2010 and 2020 respectively. Farming, charcoal production, hunting and harvesting non-timber forest products were the main livelihood activities impacting LULCC and AGBCS in the reserve. Open degraded forest was estimated at 1627ha, 1764ha, 1784ha out of 2293ha, corresponding to 36,349.6tC, 39,395.70tC, 39,840.0tC respectively in 2000, 2010 and 2020. Dense degraded forest cover yielded the least carbon stock of 938.6tC compared to 39,840.0tC from less dense degraded forest cover. These findings would aid policy decisions toward achieving United Nations land degradation neutrality and sustainable development goals (SDGs) one, ten and fifteen while ensuring YFR sustainability. Deprived forest-fringe communities, traditional authorities and other relevant stakeholders need to actively adopt gendered livelihood objectives to achieve SDGs, carbon and land degradation neutralities within YFR.

Community forest monitoring and the social reproduction of inequalities in Ghana

Since the emergence of collaborative resource governance in the 1990s,many scientists, governments, and development practitioners are working to improve forest-fringe communities (FFCs) involvement in forest management for better outcomes. However, how such efforts affect inequalities within communities in resource frontiers is underexplored, even more so in forest monitoring. This study attempts to overcome this challenge through a qualitative analysis of intersectionality of the actors engaged in community forest monitoring (CFM) and its effects on inequality among FFCs in Ghana. Data were collected through focus group discussions and interviews with community forest monitors, forestry officials and NGOs in eight forest districts and content analyis applied to the transcripts. The findings revealed that CFM has introduced new forms of agency in the study localities, stirred gender norms and practices, leading to the further exclusion of some of the most marginalised actors. For example, by constructing CFM as a physically demanding and confrontational activity, and females as nurturers, men wrestle control over monitoring roles, confining women to clerical and household duties. Furthermore, by painting migrants as 'illegal farmers' that destroy protected forests, indigenes exclude migrants from participating in community forest monitoring. Meanwhile, indigenes are equal culprits of illicit farming as their way of resisting the state's appropriation of their ancestral lands. The findings suggest that development agencies need to pay more attention to how they constitute CFM groups, given keen attention to local political dynamics and intersectionality among community actors if equitable inclusion is to be achieved.

Impact of land use and climate change on forest reserves in Ghana

ABSTRACT Using supervised classified Landsat 7 images ETM – 2000 and 2010 and Landsat 8 images – 2020, this study examines the various Land Use Land Cover Changes (LULCC) in the Bosomkese forest reserve in Ghana. The study recorded significant changes in all the various forest covers driven predominately by illegal logging, bushfires, illegal farming, and agricultural expansion projects within the reserve. These results suggest that there is a need for stringent punishment for culprits involved in forest illegalities, capacity-building interventions and participatory forest management by the Forestry Commission, environmental management institutions, and forest fringe communities to protect the forest reserve.