Farmers‘ Socio-Economic Perceptions on Shea Trees: A Case Study in the Tolon District of Northern Region

Abstract

Vitellaria Paradoxa (Shea tree) is an important economic tree in most parts of the Savannah ecological zones, particularly in Northern Ghana. Due to its enormous contribution to supporting numerous homes in the Northern Savannah belt, the Shea tree, also known as northern "Cocoa," has received substantial local and worldwide prominence in recent times. This is partly due to the increased demand for its final products, such as butter, which has replaced more expensive cocoa products in favour of cheaper alternatives. Among the many socioeconomic advantages of the tree are the fruits, the oil, and the bark. Unfortunately, the same people whose lives are supported by the tree produced also exposed these trees to extensive destruction in the Northern enclave. Shea trees are cut down in Tolon and other rural areas in Northern Ghana to be utilised as fuelwood or for the burning of charcoal during substantial ceremonial gatherings. These attitudes have caused the Shea parklands to be depleted throughout the sub-region, especially in the Savannah belt. Due to the economic, sociocultural, and environmental advantages that the shea tree provides, its significance for household livelihood in the Northern Region cannot be understated, especially for rural women. However, there hasn't been much effort put into understanding how farmers perceive the Shea tree's economic and sociocultural benefits and how that influences farmers' attitudes towards the tree‘s conservation. The study in filling this gap, used a qualitative design to investigate farmers‘ perceptions of the socio-economic benefits of Shea trees to determine how that influences their attitudes towards the tree. The results established that the Shea tree has several socio-economic benefits including food, shade, income, medicine, etc. It also revealed that farmers are aware of the benefits of the tree and eager to have conservation measures to protect the tree in the area. The study recommended that the Tolon District Assembly collaborate with the area council to enact and implement appropriate measures to protect the trees for the maximum benefits to be derived by the people in the area. The Area Counsel is perceived to have access to educational and awareness resources, funds, and grants, as well as the authority to enact regulations and enforcements. This study did not address the question of farmers' willingness to engage in extensive Shea tree farming, which is a direction for future research.