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Sustainable production of afforestation and reforestation to salvage land degradation in Asunafo District, Ghana Peprah, Kenneth
Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management Vol. 5 No. 1 (2017)
Publisher : Brawijaya University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15243/jdmlm.2017.051.955

Abstract

Savannazation and marshy areas are common features of once evergreen and deciduous forest of Ghana. Attempts to salvage such degraded lands have considered replacement with closed tree canopy. This study aims at examining efforts at Asunafo forest area to use tree planting of different species to remedy land degradation in a swamp area colonized by shrubs and grasses. Study methods include the use of field visits and transect walk, photography, archival data, key informant interview, community meeting and socio-economic survey for sourcing primary data for analysis. The results indicate that where the swamp is vegetated by shrubs of different kinds, afforestation shows rapid success. And, where the swamp is dominated by grass species, afforestation success is slow. Terminalia ivorensis, Triplochiton scleroxylon and Ceiba pentandra registered quick impacts in height growth, stem development, canopy formation where the degraded land was originally covered with shrubs. Trees grow well when weed competition for essential resources is reduced through weed control. The study concludes that tree planting in swamp area is sustainable land management practice to redeem land degradation. Also, environmental benefits are imperatives but host communities derived near to zero social and economic benefits because such projects happen outside clean development mechanisms’ arrangement.
Smallholder farmers’ perception on ecosystem-based approaches for remedying land degradation in Nabdam District, Ghana Anafo, Humphrey; Peprah, Kenneth; Bukari, Francis Issahaku Malongza
Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management Vol. 7 No. 4 (2020)
Publisher : Brawijaya University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15243/jdmlm.2020.074.2345

Abstract

The co-benefits from the implementation of ecosystem-based approaches in managing land degradation and enhancing ecosystem services have not been adequately explored in the mainstream literature. The study aims at identifying the indicators of land degradation and the associated ecosystem-based approaches used to remedy the situation. The ecosystem-based approaches refer to ecosystems and ecosystem services together with their flexible management in a cultural setting. The paper adopts a descriptive research design with quantitative and qualitative approaches. Principally, it targets 236 smallholder farmers for the survey, key informants for interviews and community members for focus group discussion. The results revealed that land degradation is mainly identified by reduced crop yield (53%). Farmer identification of land degradation is influenced by the age of the farmer (p = 0.001) with  The ecosystem-based approaches include stone bonding, crop rotation, mulching and particularly, composting (53%). The ecosystem-based approaches are statistically linked to the communities with p-value of 0.020. A p-value of 0.001 shows that the ecosystem-based approaches are beneficial in the various study communities. Farmers’ experience over the past five years is statistically related to the age of respondents (p = 0.008). The p-value of 0.000 indicates very strong statistical significance of the challenges of ecosystem-based approaches in the communities. The ecosystem-based approaches have long term goals for sustainable land improvement and may not be realized unless there is direct policy to take care of the approaches even in the short term.
Ecosystem-based management of riparian forest resources: a five-year participatory forest management plan for Volta River in Nandom Municipality, Ghana Peprah, Kenneth; Aabeyir, Raymond; Nkegbe, Paul Kwame
Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management Vol. 10 No. 1 (2022)
Publisher : Brawijaya University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15243/jdmlm.2022.101.3921

Abstract

 The combination of water and land ecosystems as found in riparian areas offers valuable ecosystem resources, in dryland areas. The aim of this paper was to draw a management plan for the utilisation, and protection of the riparian forests or woodlands along the Black Volta River in Nandom Municipality. An exploratory research design was used together with quantitative and qualitative approaches. A survey of 75 respondents from 10 communities, 10 key informant interviews, and five focus group discussions in five communities were used to collect primary data. Satellite images for 2001 and 2014 were sourced from USGS site. The results revealed that riparian forest loss was 6.4% over 13 years. There was an increase in bare area by 10.6% over the same period. The study identified 49 plant resources, 14 wildlife resources, and 25 halieutic resources. A five-year management plan was developed with community participation; the implementation of which would engender sustainability of the riparian ecosystem.  
Application of triple bottom line concept to artisanal and small-scale mining activities in Wa East District, Ghana Mensah-Abludo, Emmanuel; Peprah, Kenneth; Baddianaah, Issah
Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management Vol. 10 No. 3 (2023)
Publisher : Brawijaya University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15243/jdmlm.2023.103.4547

Abstract

The artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector offers a supplementary livelihood strategy to agriculture in northern Ghana, acting as a source of capital to support agriculture. However, the sector has been associated with several adverse environmental and socio-economic consequences, making its sustainability dimensions extremely complex and inconclusive across the literature. This study sought to investigate the dynamics of ASM operations in line with the Triple Bottom Line concept. Specifically, the paper explored the influence of the small-scale mining law and institutional framework on ASM operations, examined the relationship between the economic benefits of ASM and other livelihood activities, and assessed the adverse environmental effects of ASM in the host communities. The research design was a mixed method and cross-sectional survey. Household questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation were the main primary data collection techniques. Secondary data were provided by satellite images sourced from USGS Earth Explorer. They were analysed to determine the land cover types. The results indicate that the relevant regulatory state institutions lag behind their law enforcement duty. The ASM is a lucrative job that provides quick income to the youth. However, ASM activities affect food crop farming and decrease the quantity and quality of vegetation causing variations in land cover. Consequently, the host communities and ASM cooperatives have employed some land reclamation strategies. The study recommends increased government support to the relevant regulatory state institutions to constantly monitor and sanitize the ASM sector. To eradicate illegal mining, the study advocates for multi-stakeholder consultation and action.