Exploring forest use and conservation policies and their communication to communities in forest zones a case of Pra-anum forest zone

Abstract

There are few studies on the communication of forest use and preservation policies because researchers concentrate on the policies rather than how they are communicated. This study, therefore explored forest use and conservation policies and how these policies are communicated to communities in forest zones with emphasis on the Pra-Anum forest zone in the Asante-Akim South Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The study hinged on Advocacy Theory and Participatory Communication Theory. The study used qualitative approach to research with a single case study. Interviews, focus group discussion, observation and document analyses were used to gather data. Purposive sampling was used to get respondents to answer the questions that helped meet the objectives of the study. The study found that some of the policies on forest use and conservation were mostly unclear and indecisive, and overlapping in their implementation. It also observed that the law making and implementation institutions were numerous, overlapping, and competing for space and power which had created loopholes for people to override the policies and exploit the forest. The study also found that though most modern development projects and policies had participation components, the local people are disregarded in the enactment of policies on forest use and conservation. Finally, it was observed that not all the means of communicating forest use and conservation policies to forest zone communities were effective. It is recommended that policies on forest use and conservation should be clear, apt and decisive, and straightforward. It is also recommended that the law making and implementation institutions for forest use and conservation should be streamlined, with each having clearlycut powers, mandate and functions, in order to prevent excesses, unnecessary overlapping, and the fight for space and power. Also, local people should be fully involved in the enactment and implementation of policies that directly affect them. Finally, stakeholders of forest use and conservation should concentrate on and enhance policies that highly reach and benefit communities in forest zones.