Environmental Discourses, Charcoal Production And Plantations In The Kintampo Area

ABSTRACT

The study involves farmers, charcoal producers, and plantation developers in Weila, a community in Kintampo, a district in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. Plantation suggested as a sustainable alternative for charcoal production does not support other rural livelihoods and rural inhabitants are excluded from its development due to the high capital required. The nature of integration between farming and charcoal production and tree plantation is investigated. Also the study examines the access available to rural inhabitants in engaging in charcoal production and plantation development; as well as the contribution of the three livelihoods to the rural inhabitants. The study comprised 180 farmers, charcoal producers and plantation developers from Weila, who were interviewed concerning their livelihood and its impact on the environment. The study revealed that charcoal production successfully integrates with farming while plantation after 3-4 years displaces farming and other livelihood in the same environment. Also, farming is the most important livelihood to the rural inhabitants. While access to capital is the main challenge for developing plantations since plantations demands a lot of capital hence limiting rural inhabitants’ access to large-scale plantations. Access to sacks and transportation are the major limitation to rural inhabitants in having maximum profits from charcoal production. All the same charcoal production is a low entry activity which is easily accessible to most rural inhabitants, particularly, the youth. It is noted that woodlot plantations can cause food shortage, and affect the sustainability of the environment. Woodlot plantation may not support the state’s goal of sustainable charcoal production and sustainable environment. Importantly, the rural inhabitants are likely to be denied or segregated in benefiting from charcoal production should regulations be introduced by the state. Therefore, rural inhabitants should not be compelled to use woodlot plantation for charcoal production. Advanced regeneration methods should be encouraged. Regulation of charcoal production should be reconsidered. Finally, there is the need for area specific study of the impact of plantation development.