Socio-Economic Impact of Logging Activity in Fanteakwa District

ABSTRACT

The subject matter of this study was to assess the impact of logging activities on the socio-economic development of the people of Fanteakwa District in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study was carried out in three selected communities within the district, namely, Begoro, Akwansremu and Beseboum. These communities were selected because the logging activity has been consistent over the years and more so, the inhabitants of these communities have on several occasions shown their disapproval to the logging practices going on in the district. The primary aim of the study was to find out the extent to which the logging activities by logging firms operating in the district have affected the socioeconomic development. Primary data were collected from the three communities by randomly selecting one hundred respondents from hundred households. The data was collected through personal interviews guided by structured questionnaire as well as discussions with relevant institutions and stakeholders. Both univariate and bivariate as well as descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that though the logging activity has brought some improvements such as the construction of access roads by timber firms, construction of school buildings and revenue to the District Assembly for the development of the district, it was found that the activity has not really help the people. These problems include the destruction of farms without due compensation, forest encroachment mostly by migrant settlers whose activities are enhanced by the access roads created by the timber firms, deforestation especially in the off-forest reserve and the rising activities of illegal chainsaw operators due to lack of alternative employment opportunities. Though the impact of logging activity on socio-economic development of respondents was difficult to assess in a short-term study such as this, it was identified that the most affected groups of people included indigenous farmers who have been farming in the off-forest reserve for over ten years and hunters. The expectations expressed by different groups concerning logging in the district were observed to be varied. While farmers in Begoro and Beseboum expected timber firms to embark on sustainable afforestation programme, those in Akwanserem expected the timber firms to increase their investment in the provision of socio-economic amenities in the affected communities. While total ban on logging was advocated by hunters, chainsaw operators called for the lifting of the ban on chainsaw operation. The study recommends a strong and effective collaboration among all institutions involved in forest management and the community not only for sustainable timber exploitation but also for the socio-economic development of the local people.