Thumbnail Image

Does independent forest monitoring reduce forest infringement? Insights from Ghana’s collaborative mobile-based IFM system

XV World Forestry Congress, 2-6 May 2022











Also available in:
No results found.

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Thumbnail Image
    Article
    Journal article
    “Fisherfolks eat from the sea, why should we not eat from the forest?”: farmer narratives of forest conversion in Ghana
    XV World Forestry Congress, 2-6 May 2022
    2022
    Also available in:
    No results found.

    Beyond global efforts dedicated to halting deforestation, in recent times, governments and companies are also implementing several voluntary initiatives to end agro-commodities driven deforestation. These initiatives are built on the assumptions that tropical forest loss endangers biodiversity, climate stability and forest livelihoods. While many of the assumptions hold in many ways, discussions around them tend to be dominated by governments, companies, and international organisations, neglecting the voices of subsistence farmers and forest-fringe communities (FFCs). Given that subsistence farmers contribute to about 33% of global deforestation, and that the meanings these farmers assign to their landscapes can affect conversation program outcomes, understanding FFCs perspectives about deforestation might provide new insights for effective zero- deforestation policies. Drawing on Narrative Policy Analysis, this paper traces the narratives that FFCs use to justify encroaching into protected forests to cultivate cocoa and food crops in southwestern Ghana, where restrictive deforestation policies have failed persistently. The article shows that FFCs are aware of the narratives, e.g., biodiversity, climate action, forest regulators use to legitimise forest conservation. However, they believe that their food security and quest for survival outweigh these ‘western priorities’. Besides, “the forest is finished”. The incongruity between farmers’ needs and forest regulators’ expectations complicates forest conservation attempts. Drawing on the political ecology literature, the paper argues that forest policy in the region needs to prioritise job creation and food security to have a chance at success, especially since most farmers in the region are prepared to put their lives at stake, converting forests for their daily survival. Keywords: Deforestation and forest degradation, Agriculture, Governance, Social protection ID: 3485073
  • Thumbnail Image
    Article
    Journal article
    Community forest monitoring and the social reproduction of inequalities in Ghana
    XV World Forestry Congress, 2-6 May 2022
    2022
    Also available in:
    No results found.

    This paper explores the intersectionality of actors engaged in community forest monitoring and its implications for gender roles and the reproduction of inequality in forest-fringe communities of Ghana. Data was collected through focus group discussions and interviews with community forest monitors and stakeholders across eight forest districts. The study found out that community forest monitoring (CFM) introduces new forms of agency in the study localities, stirring gender norms, practices and exclusion among the village actors. By constructing CFM as physically demanding and confrontational activity and women as tacit and nurturing, men wrestle control over monitoring roles, confining women to clerical and household duties. However, in reality, CFM roles require tactfulness and are by no means strenuous as women's daily farming roles in the study localities. Similarly, migrant farmers are excluded from CFM by natives with allegation that the former are involved in illegal farming in protected forests. Meanwhile, native farmers are equal culprits. In the process, a new class of vulnerable actors are formed, with migrant women appearing to be the most exposed. The findings suggest that CSOs need to pay more attention to how they constitute community forest monitoring groups, especially with regards to the local political dynamics and intersectionality among village actors, in order to achieve equitable inclusion. Keywords: Community forestry; Feminist Political Ecology; Gender; Ghana; Intersectionality ID: 3475479
  • Thumbnail Image
    Article
    Journal article
    Reducing risks from forest fire and disasters through a community-based forest fire brigade (MPA), a case study in Danau Sentarum National Park
    XV World Forestry Congress, 2-6 May 2022
    2022
    Also available in:
    No results found.

    The TNBKDS is an exotic ecosystem and has designated as one of the world biospheres reserves. The Park is also inhabited by around 6,000 people. Ecotourism, biodiversity, and cultural value attracts many domestic and international tourists. However, the park has high-risk from forest fire and flooding. During 2014-2019, forest fire in the park is recorded at the average of 206.6 Ha. The lake has also experienced in regular flooding. Reducing these risks should involve community by strengthening their capacity to protect their home. Consultations and SWOT analysis was used to map community capacity and to rank the threat. Opportunities on livelihood improvement is also identified to develop approach and strategy in reducing risks and improving their income. A GIS tool was used to monitor forest fire. A total of 10 MPA were established in 10 villages, involving 300 peoples (300 households). From series of consultations, 100% agreed that community need to involve in combating forest fire and reducing the damage from flooding. FIP-1 provides forest fire equipment, as well as series of training on forest fire, forest monitoring using GPS, alternative income activities such as bee keeping, fish processing, and women empowerment. Establishment of MPA and implementation of forest patrol for the period of 2018-Jun 2021 has directly protected a forest area from forest fire of 11,265 ha and non-forest area of 82,481 ha. Community participation is the key success of reducing risks from forest fire. Training program is also essential to support community capacity in reducing hotspots and to provide alternative income for their sustainable live within the national park. Keywords: forest fire, community, West Kalimantan, climate change ID: 3488239

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

  • Thumbnail Image
    Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet
    Brochure
    Joint Programme on Gender Transformative Approaches for Food Security and Nutrition
    2022 in Review
    2023
    Also available in:
    No results found.

    The 'JP GTA - 2022 In Review' offers a snapshot of the milestones, achievements and activities of the Joint Programme over the course of the past year, with links to articles, publications and event recordings. The report is structured along the four pillars of the JP GTA, with sections focusing on knowledge generation, country-level activities, capacity development and learning, and policy support and institutional engagement. The page on 'knowledge generation' offers an overview of resources published or facilitated by the JP GTA in 2022. Under 'country-level activities' readers will find a summary of the key activities and achievements of the Joint Programme in Ecuador and Malawi. The section on 'capacity development and learning' delves into the JP GTA’s initiatives to share lessons from the Programme and build colleagues' and partners' knowledge and skills. The final pages on 'policy support and institutional engagement' highlight major global and corporate initiatives supported by the JP GTA.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (stand-alone)
    Technical book
    Carbone organique du sol - une richesse invisible 2017
    Also available in:

    Cette publication a été lancée lors du colloque international sur le carbone organique du sol (GSOC) qui s’est tenu au siège de la FAO (Rome, 21-23 mars 2017). Pour les preneurs de décisions et les praticiens, il offre une vue d’ensemble sur les principaux faits et informations scientifiques concernant les connaissances actuelles et les lacunes de savoirs sur le carbone organique du sol. Elle met en lumière la manière dont une meilleure information et de bonnes pratiques peuvent être mises en pl ace pour soutenir l’élimination de la faim, l’adaptation et l’atténuation du changement climatique et l’atteinte d’un développement durable global.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Meeting
    Meeting document
    Report of the first International Network on Soil Biodiversity working group meetings (NETSOB) 2022
    Also available in:
    No results found.

    Report of the first NETSOB working group meetings