Charcoal production in Gushegu District, Northern Region, Ghana: Lessons for sustainable forest management

The rate at which forest resources are being depleted due to population growth and rising poverty has become a matter of concern to environmentalists and policy makers. The study was conducted in Gushegu District of the Northern Region of Ghana to investigate charcoal production as a livelihood support system and the lessons that can be learnt to ensure sustainable forest management. Sixty charcoal producers were randomly selected and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Focus group discussions were also held with charcoal producers and users. Charcoal production was an important economic activity in the study area involving mostly women (70%) as a search for livelihood. Charcoal production was ranked as the second major occupation in the area. The activity also ranked second in terms of income generation. Deforestation, diminishing wildlife population, bush fITes and nutrient depletion were identified as the most critical environmental effects of charcoal production in the study area. Most producers and consumers were willing to adopt more efficient energy sources but lacked the means to do so. It was concluded that charcoal production will continue to be an important economic activity in the study area into the foreseeable future hence the need for sustainable methods of production. It is imperative to look at charcoal burning as a livelihood support system. What needs to be done is to fmd ways to reduce the rate of exploitation of forest trees for charcoal production, while at the same time providing a sustainable livelihood system for the people who depend on these resources.