SUSTAINABILITY OF COMMUNITY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AREAS IN THE BLACK VOLTA BASIN, UPPER WEST REGION

Abstract

The Community Resources Management Areas (CREMA) mechanism which is Ghana’s version of the Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) concept was introduced in the country by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Division to ensure sustainable conservation and natural resources management. Since then, over 40 CREMAs has been established in Ghana. Three of these CREMAs were established in the Black Volta Basin, north of the Bui National Park to ensure sustainable conservation of the hippopotami as a keystone species and other natural resources in those CREMAs. Several successes have been chalked by these CREMAs amidst several challenges. The sustainability of these CREMAs and others has however been questioned by critics and sceptics. This study assessed the extent to which the CREMA mechanism in Wechiau, Dorimon and the Zukpiri CREMAs has contributed to effective conservation and management of natural resources. The study used the mixed methods design in gathering data. The study used purposive, random, and expert sampling techniques. Field measurements, in-depth interviews and focus group discussion was used to source primary data, while secondary data were gathered through existing documents, reports, and internet search. The results revealed increases in the population of hippopotami as a keystone species from 2017 to 2019. A good population and diversity of birds were recorded with an average Simpson Diversity index of 0.98 for the three years of study. A diverse vegetation composition of the CREMAs which was observed and recorded contributed positively to the survival and continuous increase in the population of fauna. While the dominant economic species namely Shea and African Locust bean contributed to the sustenance of the CREMAs. Benefits accrued to the CREMAs ranged from ecotourism revenues, employment, Infrastructure development, educational opportunities, livelihoods, relationships, and conservation; however, these benefits are not equitably shared due to the absence of an elaborate benefit-sharing plan. Representation in the governance process is good as members of CREMA communities are represented in the governance process and they participate in decision making structures and activities. The study concludes that Wechiau CREMA, Zukpiri CREMA and to some extent the Dorimon CREMA has succeeded in meeting a majority of the requirements necessary to ensure sustainability. The study established that the diversity and abundance of Hippopotami, Birds, and vegetation of the three CREMAs have recorded positive changes and is on a sustainable trajectory with the introduction of the CREMA mechanism in the basin. Benefits such as revenues to the CREMAs, Employment for CREMA members, infrastructure and other opportunities has for the period of the study showed clear indications of sustainability. Governance and management structures of all three CREMA have been established and they are operational. The existing management structure of all CREMA was found to be effective in meeting the objectives of each CREMA as captured in the constitutions of those CREMAs. Though the level of achievement of these set of objectives varies for each CREMA, management generally showed enthusiasm at meeting them to ensure sustainability in all sectors. However, there are still several pressing issues that require attention and action from management to fully achieve sustainability. These include but are not limited to; - a strong belief in supernatural forces that lead to little effort towards conservation, - the negative effects of climate change, - poor leadership due to divergence in conservation and economic interest among others. The study recommends that hippopotami and other fauna be monitored simultaneously in all three CREMAs in a collaborative manner. CREMAs’ capacity must be built on the development and implementation of benefit-sharing plans. The Black Volta Basin must also be seen as viable for multiple ecotourism activities and such potentials should be tapped. Furthermore, Ecotourism around the hippopotamus or other fauna and flora should be explored.