Socio-Economic Impact of Logging Activity in Fanteakwa District
Date
2002-08
Authors
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Publisher
University of Ghana
Abstract
The subject matter of this study was to assess the impact of logging activities on
the socio-economic development of the people of Fanteakwa District in the
Eastern Region of Ghana. The study was carried out in three selected
communities within the district, namely, Begoro, Akwansremu and Beseboum.
These communities were selected because the logging activity has been consistent
over the years and more so, the inhabitants of these communities have on several
occasions shown their disapproval to the logging practices going on in the district.
The primary aim of the study was to find out the extent to which the logging
activities by logging firms operating in the district have affected the socioeconomic
development.
Primary data were collected from the three communities by randomly selecting
one hundred respondents from hundred households. The data was collected
through personal interviews guided by structured questionnaire as well as
discussions with relevant institutions and stakeholders. Both univariate and
bivariate as well as descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.
The study revealed that though the logging activity has brought some
improvements such as the construction of access roads by timber firms,
construction of school buildings and revenue to the District Assembly for the
development of the district, it was found that the activity has not really help the
people. These problems include the destruction of farms without due
compensation, forest encroachment mostly by migrant settlers whose activities are
enhanced by the access roads created by the timber firms, deforestation especially
in the off-forest reserve and the rising activities of illegal chainsaw operators due
to lack of alternative employment opportunities.
Though the impact of logging activity on socio-economic development of
respondents was difficult to assess in a short-term study such as this, it was
identified that the most affected groups of people included indigenous farmers
who have been farming in the off-forest reserve for over ten years and hunters.
The expectations expressed by different groups concerning logging in the district
were observed to be varied. While farmers in Begoro and Beseboum expected
timber firms to embark on sustainable afforestation programme, those in
Akwanserem expected the timber firms to increase their investment in the
provision of socio-economic amenities in the affected communities. While total
ban on logging was advocated by hunters, chainsaw operators called for the lifting
of the ban on chainsaw operation.
The study recommends a strong and effective collaboration among all institutions
involved in forest management and the community not only for sustainable timber
exploitation but also for the socio-economic development of the local people.
Description
Thesis, (M. A.) - University of Ghana, 2002