CONSERVED FORESTS AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE: EXPERIENCES OF FRINGE COMMUNITIES ALONG THE ATIWA RANGE FOREST RESERVE

ABSTRACT The climate change challenge in this century threatens life itself on the planet; natural systems and human societies alike. The ability for human systems to adjust to and deal with threats posed by climate change is in no doubt better than natural systems. The very existence and well-being of humanity especially the rural poor is solely dependent on a proper functioning natural systems and the services they provide and more importantly the livelihoods they derive from it. This study was primarily to assess the effects of climate change on ecosystem services provided by the Atiwa Range Forest Reserve and its effects on livelihood outcomes on fringe communities along the reserve. In carrying out the work, the mixed method of social science research approach was used; 184 respondents were randomly surveyed from three communities along the range whilst 44 respondents were purposively selected for in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The results from the survey were analysed using three statistical tests: the Pearson Chi-square, McNemarBowker Chi-square and binary logistics regression. Respondents‘ perception on variable rainfall and a rising temperature in the area was corroborated by the scientific data obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency. It was also found that as amount of rainfall decreases, forest productivity also decreases leading to respondents‘ widely held observation that both ecosystem services and livelihood outcomes have reduced relative to the past. It was recommended that for the forest to continue performing its role in supporting these poor communities, the people should be actively involved in forest protection.