The causes of and impact from deforestation on local level sustainable forest management in Ghana : a survey of Dwease and Praaso communities in the Ashanti region

Abstract

The objective of this study has been to examine the causes of and the impact from deforestation and inquire into the conditions for local level sustainable forest management in Ghana. This has become necessary in the light of the fact that research and policy on deforestation has often asserted it as “evil” because of the long term environmental implication for sustainable development evident in global warming, biodiversity loss and soil degradation. While this is true, it is also undeniable that forest degradation and deforestation have contributed tremendously to the development of households’ livelihoods, income and employment as well as social amenities for the sustenance of indigenous people. Considering the negative consequences albeit socioeconomic benefits, this current research has provided a holistic discussion on the impact of deforestation on sustainable management of forests, and has rather asserted deforestation as a “necessary evil”. Using a cross-sectional design approach, the research questions are fashioned and built on the tripartite relationship that between development, environment and management, the major tenets of sustainable development, thereby inquiring into the conditions for local level sustainable forest management in two communities: Dwease and Praaso of the Asante Akim Central Municipality of Ghana. A key argument advanced by this study is that sustainable forest management is a collaborative activity, hence at the local level efforts should be made ensure broad public participation of all stakeholders in decision making and policy design and implementation.