Wildlife conservation and livelihood options: A case study of Kakum conservation area

Abstract

The Kakum Conservation Area (KCA) was part of a system of social cohesion within a culture. That environment created a sub-culture providing for the people food, clothing and shelter among others. By the creation of the conservation area, restrictions were imposed on the communities around it. There is therefore a persistent attempt by the communities to illegally enter the restricted area in the quest to satisfy their livelihood needs. This work examined the conservation and livelihood situations in twelve (12) communities around the Kakum Conservation Area (KCA). The purposive sampling method was used in selecting the communities. The study relied on the outcome of focus group discussions (FGDs) and data collected from the field. The use of data from other published and unpublished works were employed to buttress findings and trend analysis. The study confirmed that resource decline in fringe lands encourage poaching. Other findings include the absence of beQlefit sharing scheme resulting in high poverty levels, inadequate public education and awareness creation, high land acquisition rent charges and, community involvement in park management. Recommendations are offered based upon the findings to curb the menace of poaching and encroachment in KCA include increasing public education and awareness creation to win support of the fringe communities; benefit sharing and gender equity; and above all the introduction of sustainable livelihood options to meet the livelihood requirements of the fringe communities.