THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE WEST GONJA TRADITIONAL AREA

Abstract

Over the years Institutions have contributed in diverse ways in the management of natural resources. Little is known about the roles of traditional institutions in the management of natural resources. Because of the little knowledge about the roles traditional authorities play, management and sustainability of natural resources becomes a problem in West Gonja traditional area. The research is to find out how the roles and issues of traditional institutions could be mainstreamed in the management of natural resources. Qualitative, quantitative, focus group discussion, observation, interviews and questionnaires were the methods used to collect data for analysis. Ownership and control of natural resources were found to be in the hands of the chiefs. It was also found out that woman roles were neglected to the background in the study area. It was also observed that traditional institutions have knowledge in the management of natural resources. From the findings, women do not occupy positions like main chiefs, Kasawule-wurah (land priest) elders, and clan heads in the study area but remain as women leaders. The following recommendations were also made, the various institutions, District Assemblies’ and Non-governmental organizations should consider expanding and including women roles in the management of natural resources in that particular traditional area. This can be done through designing collective strategies to support the activities of women in the traditional area. It is also recommended that we need to mainstream the roles of traditional institutions into natural resource policy issues. This can be done through advocacy, dialogue, lobbying networking and mobilizing as well as building consensus with traditional institutions.