Challenges of Forest Reserve Management in Ghana: Evidence from Tain Tributary Block I Forest Reserve

Abstract

In spite of their immeasurable benefits to life sustenance, the sustainable management of forest and forest resources in Ghana is flooded with innumerable challenges such as the conflicting roles of the various stakeholders involved in forest management. This study sought to lay bare the peculiar challenges bedevilling the management of the Tain Tributary Block I forest reserve in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana from an institutional and communities’ perspective. Using the simple random sampling technique, Ninety-five (95) heads of households were selected from five (5) communities surrounding the Tain Tributary Block I forest reserve, whilst the purposive sampling was used in selecting the heads of institutions such as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the Sunyani West District Assembly, the Fire Service Department and the Forest Service Division (FSD) which have been tasked with the management of forest resources in Ghana.  The study revealed that, though the communities around the forest reserve play an indispensable role in forest management, only a minority of the populations of such communities are actively involved or have knowledge in relation to the sustainable management of forest resources. It was also observed that, intentionally sparked bushfires, illegal farming and conflict between the major institutions in forest resource management are major challenges confronting forest management in the Tain Tributary Block I forest reserve. It is recommended that clear cut modalities on the roles of forest management institutions be put in place to avoid conflict and also facilitate collaboration.

Keywords: forest management, stakeholders, challenges, sustainability.