THE CONTRIBUTION OF MODERN AND TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY-BASED FOREST RESERVES IN GHANA: THE CASE OF NAAHA IN THE UPPER WEST REGION

Abstract

The study examined the various forms and structures of both modern and traditional institutions and how they could complement each other in the sustainable management of the Naaha community-based Forest Reserve. The total sample size for the study was 101, with 83 as household respondents and 18 respondents from formal institutions in-charge of forest management in the Upper West region. The study employed both simple random and purposive sampling techniques in selecting its respondents. Data collection techniques such as interviews with questionnaire, focus group discussions. key informant interviews, and observations were used. The findings revealed that the Naaha Forest Reserve has several benefits spanning from socio-economic, cultural and environmental as it serves as a source of food, income and medicine to the community and preserves the esthetic value of the environment. The study also identified a number of modern and traditional institutions including Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Forest Service Division (FS1)), Chieftaincy, Magazia, Rainmakers all playing varied but coordinated roles in the management of the forest reserve. The modem institutions were however. not effective in discharging their functions but collaborated of with the traditional institutions in managing the Reserve. The community could derive more benefits from the reserve if the challenges these institutions faced, some of which includes, logistical constraints, inadequate financial support from government, activities of Fulani Herdsmen and lack of motivation for fire volunteers arc appropriately and timely addressed, This would require the full participation of all stakeholders at the district. regional, national, and possibly at the international levels