Aforestation in the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam district in the Central region of Ghana

Abstract

This study examined afforestation in Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District (AEED). The study was cross-sectional as well as descriptive and made use of interview schedules and questionnaire to collect data. The simple random, quota and systematic sampling techniques were used for household respondents, while the purposive and simple random techniques were employed in getting responses from departmental heads and tree growers respectively. Questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussion and observation guide were used for data collection. The study revealed a low community participation in forest activities and management in the district. There was also low women participation in afforestation. A number of factors were given by respondents for the low level of participation. These included logistics constraints, inadequate incentives, shortage of seedlings and improper distribution of seedlings. Choice of seedlings, property rights and right of access are three main motivational factors for improving afforestation in the area according to the study. The thesis ends with some recommendations to stakeholders to promote effective afforestation in the district. Increased budgetary allocation for afforestation, coordinated approach to forest issues and the institution of motivational packages for tree growing were some of the suggestions proposed to enhance afforestaton in AEED. There is also the need to consider the documentation of forest sites in various parts of the district to determine their conservational status and the challenges facing them. The production and use of bamboo need to be encouraged as it has many advantages.