An evaluation of the national Agroforestry policy in response to a sustainable agricultural land use management in Ghana
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Date
1998-02-22
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Abstract
It is increasingly recognised that Ghana’s environment is deteriorating and Agriculture is both a perpetrator and a causality especially in the process of land
degradation.
Agriculture contributes greatly to the economy of Ghana in terms of GDP, employment and foreign exchange earnings. In addition agriculture serves as the source of raw materials for manufacturing and agro-based industries.
This notwithstanding the sector is dominated by traditional fanning systems which have a relatively low production capacity. Shifting cultivation, extensive mechanised land clearance for agriculture among others has been identified as the main threat to land resources. The effects of these problems have been the low performance of the sector.
Ghana’s accelerated growth strategy as stated in the Vision 2020 aims at a growth rate of 8 - 10 per cent (GDP) and 4 per cent per annum in the agricultural sector.
This has warranted the development of technologies and systems that are environmentally sound and sustainable to address the problems associated with agriculture and environmental degradation. The adopted technologies are those which prevent wind and soil erosion and seek soil protection and soil nutrient replenishment, reafforestation and energy saving technologies.
An attempt has been made in this study to evaluate the success of the Agroforestry Policy focusing on the Upper East Region where land degradation is most intense in Ghana. The study approach employed a combination of methods including the review of literature, reconnaissance survey and direct observation, farmers interview and discussions with environmental experts, Ministries, ‘Departments and Agencies (MDAs), District Assemblies and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
Results of the study survey and field observation suggest that the Upper East Region’s environment is fast degrading and this is basically a natural phenomenon also associated with land use practices which is linked to the rural economy.
The impact of the Agroforestry Policy has not improved the environment as expected due to certain social, economic, institutional and logistic problems.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Board of Postgraduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in National Development Policy and Planning, 1998