The economic and environmental effects of commercial charcoal production in the Upper West Region of Ghana
| dc.contributor.author | Lurimuah, Stephen | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2011-12-05T00:27:54Z | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2023-04-19T07:43:38Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2011-12-05T00:27:54Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2023-04-19T07:43:38Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2011 | |
| dc.description | A Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Development Policy and Planning | en_US |
| dc.description.abstract | Over exploitation of forest resources for commercial charcoal production is a worrying phenomenon in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The forest is rapidly becoming depleted due to the human quest for fuel wood. The fast disappearance of trees may influence climate change which, may in the long run affect crop yields and deepen poverty. This report therefore presents the findings of a study undertaken to examine the economic and vegetation effects of commercial charcoal production in the Upper West Region. The study covered three districts, namely Sissala West, Sissala East and Wa East. The selection of these districts was informed by the prevalence of commercial charcoal production in those areas. The researcher used both structured and unstructured questionnaires to collect data from the commercial producers. In addition to these, Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews and Observations were employed to obtain data from the target population. The study revealed that charcoal production is an income generating activity, although it presents dire environmental consequences to forest resources. The charcoal activity provides an average monthly income of GH¢200 per producer in the study area. Despite the economic impact the vegetation effects are enormous. Live trees, essential for the sustenance of lives are preferred over dead trees by charcoal producers because they produce quality charcoal. Again the method (earth mound) employed by commercial charcoal producers often causes fire outbreaks, destroying the already fragile forest. Additionally, charcoal producers widely use the shea tree, whose economic value cannot be overstated. Commercial charcoal production is dominated by rural households and therefore has some potential for serving as a major source of livelihood if sustainably handled. Therefore sustaining the industry will enhance rural livelihoods. To achieve a balance between forest protection and livelihood sustainability, there is the need for the adoption of efficient and appropriate technologies and strategies for charcoal burning. This will require government to introduce subsidy on the cost of acquiring improved technology like the kiln method. There is also the need to increase wood supply through the establishment of agro-forestry in farming areas and community woodlots. The production of charcoal should be limited to specialized parks or forests and should not be allowed in any forest as currently practiced. | en_US |
| dc.description.sponsorship | KNUST | en_US |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/2177 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | en_US |
| dc.title | The economic and environmental effects of commercial charcoal production in the Upper West Region of Ghana | en_US |
| dc.type | Thesis | en_US |
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