THE EFFECTS OF CUSTOMARY LAWS ON BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN THE NADOWLI/KALEO DISTRICT OF THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Customary laws have been used in most African countries to conserve biodiversity even before the coming of modern laws. Modern laws on biodiversity conservation aim at complementing the already existing customary laws on biodiversity conservation. This report presents the findings of a case study that examined the effects of customary law on biodiversity conservation in the Nadowli/Kaleo District of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study examined the customary laws that exist in support of biodiversity conservation, the ways and means that customary laws support biodiversity conservation, the role of traditional leaders in biodiversity conservation and how customary laws can complement modern laws on biodiversity conservation. Key informant interviews, focus group discussions and structured and unstructured questionnaires were administered at the household level to assess the customary laws that exist in support of biodiversity conservation, the ways and means that customary laws support biodiversity conservation, the role of traditional leaders in biodiversity conservation and how customary laws can complement modern laws on biodiversity conservation. The study revealed that customary laws are effective and significant in biodiversity conservation. Traditional leaders enact the customary laws. They were responsible for making sacrifices to the gods, protecting the taboos and totems, punishing of offenders and management of conflicts. Sometimes they carry out these roles together with the entire community. The study concludes that it is important to seriously take into consideration customary laws and practices, as these are vital for conserving biodiversity in the District.