The perception of the locals on the impact of climate variability on non-timber forest products in Ghana
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Acta Ecologica Sinica
Abstract
All biological products obtained from forests other than timber are considered non-timber forest products
(NTFPs). NTFPs production levels in Ghana are affected by climate change. Over the past years, NTFPs have
adversely affected by prolonged droughts and short rainfall in Ghana. In rural areas, where NTFP enhance
livelihoods for rural dwellers, this adversely affects their food security. This study aimed to determine how rural
dwellers in Ghana perceive the impact of annual variability in rainfall and temperature on their non-timber forest
products. To better understand how residents perceive climate change’s effect on NTFPs, 732 residents were
interviewed. Household information and perceptions regarding changes to the availability of NTFP (snails,
mushrooms, honey, etc.) were recorded using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. As a result of the
sharp rise in temperature and the decline in rainfall, combined with a prolonged drought, there has been a
decline in the production levels of NTFPS in the forest areas of the country. The respondents reported a decline in
the production levels of honey, snails, and mushrooms, as well as income generated. It is imperative that the
Ghana government, through the Ghana forestry commission, educate rural dwellers about the importance of
NTFP sustainable use and implement afforestation programs to help regenerate degraded forest areas that
threaten some of the organisms required for the production of NTFPs. Embarking on afforestation programs will
help improve the climatic conditions supporting the production of NTFPs.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Climate change, Non-timber forest products, Impact, Perception