EFFECTS OF NATIVE TREE PRODUCTS HARVESTING ON THE LIVELIHOODS OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

The study examined the effects of native tree products harvesting on the livelihoods of rural Households in Northern Ghana. Several studies in Ghana on native trees have not looked at quantities of products harvested for sale and for consumption and the factors influencing household harvesting decisions. The main objective of the study was therefore to assess the harvesting of six native tree products and their effects on the livelihoods of rural households in Northern Ghana. Specifically, the study examined the quantities of native tree products harvested for sale and for household consumption, the factors influencing harvesting intensity, and the contribution of native tree products to the livelihood outcomes of rural households. A household survey was conducted to collect data through the use of structured and semi-structured questionnaires, administered on households in Kumbungu District, Kassena Nankana, and Nandom Municipalities. The multistage sampling technique was employed to select 324 household respondents from the three study districts/municipalities. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis were done through Stata statistical tool. The Ordinary least Square (OLS) regression and the livelihood (well-being) indices were used. Household demographic characteristics such as age, size, gender, educational status, and distance to trees, were the independent variables used. Household asset acquisition was assessed to determine household well-being status on the livelihood endowment status pentagon. The study revealed that households predominantly harvest five main native tree parts; fruits, leaves, seeds, bark, and flowers. Majority of these parts harvested are consumed domestically, leaving a smaller percentage for sale in the local markets. Also, of the thirteen parameters estimated, eight jointly formed significance on the harvesting intensity. These are; sex of respondents, access to credit, household size, remittances, primary occupation, distance to native trees, income, and availability of trees. The study also revealed that, with an index of 0.57 and 0.63 respectively for harvesters and non-harvesters, both respondent categories have the same medium well-being status, implying that harvesting native tree products has not contributed in improving the well-being status of harvesters as compared to non-harvesters. The study also discovered that, with an index of 0.57, most harvesters of native tree products are not wealthy but of medium well-being status. The study recommends to government and other partners in tree development on the need to train and inform households on the values and potentials of native tree products at their disposal to improve their well-being.