Abstract:
Deforestation has been on the rise in worlds’ tropical forest from the late 20th
century. Africa has lost more than 19 million ha of its forest. However, Ghana recorded
a net gain of 1.96% in forest cover in 2018. This study assessed the role of plantation
forest in the forest cover change of Offinso North District. The specific objectives were
to assess what intrigued farmers in establishing forest, its extent, benefits and
challenges. The study used the mixed method approach. It employed the purposive and
systematic sampling methods. A sample of 135 farmers was used. Data was collected
through semi – structured interviews and observation. GIS and Remote Sensing were
used to assess forest cover change from 1990 – 2020.The study revealed that plantation
forest was established by farmers mainly for economic benefits. The study showed that
all farmers planted Teak with their alternate livelihood activities as food and cash crop
farming. From this study, plantation forest increased by 4.3% and 18.5% in 1990 – 2015
and 2015 – 2020 respectively. Also, the study revealed that a change in forest cover
improves local farmer’s socio-economic wellbeing. Moreover, farmers’ main
challenges were no assistance from government and low income obtained from tree
printing. It is recommended that the government should intervene in setting prices of
trees planted by farmers together with assisting them with financial and technical
support.
Description:
A Dissertation/Thesis in the Department of Geography Education, Faculty of
Social Science Education, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for award of the
Master of Philosophy
(Geography Education)
in University of Education, Winneba.
NOVEMBER, 2020
