DESERTIFICATION OF THE SAVANNA: ILLEGAL LOGGING OF ROSEWOOD, CAUSES AND EFFECTS ON THE PEOPLE OF KABONWULE, NORTHERN REGION

Abstract

Illegal logging of rosewood has become an environmental concern in the Northern Region of Ghana. Some affected districts in the region include; West Gonja, Central Gonja, East Gonja and Kpandai Districts. This study was conducted on illegal logging of Rosewood in Northern Ghana using Kabonwule in the Kpandai district as a case study because of the varied domestic uses of rosewood and the implications of its depletion. The study design adopted was a combination of qualitative and quantitative research approaches while the research methodology was case study and descriptive survey. The sample frame was 350 with a sample size of 70. Data was collected using interview guides, analyzed and presented in tables using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) version 16. Results of the study indicated that illegal logging of Rosewood was a major environmental problem in the study area. Estimates by affected farmers indicated large scale destruction of farm lands by illegal logging of rosewood. High demand for Rosewood and corruption were concluded as the main causes of the illegal logging activity. Government should review existing laws to ensure that punishments for illegal logging activities are severe enough to discourage perpetrators.