Connecting-Africa | Find publications

Advanced search

Find:


Title Interactions Between Rural Landholders and Migrant Birds in West Africa The Case of the West Gonja District in Ghana
Date 2013
Author(s) Donkor, Felix Kwabena
Contributor(s) Arler, Finn
Abstract The debate for linking conservation with the enhanced livelihood and culture of people has gained global momentum in contemporary times and is evidenced in acclaimed documents such as the Millennium Ecosystem Report and the Rio Declaration. The cultural aspect as a conservation helps explain conservation in terms that makes most meaning to local peoples and hence enhances impact of conservation education and reduces hostility of local communities. <br/>A qualitative research methodology was employed for the project based in the West Gonja District of Ghana, which is the site of the Mole National Park ( Important Bird Area). Qualitative research offer invaluable insights into the viewpoint of study communities as it produces a wealth of culturally specific and contextually rich data crucial to devising holistic social interventions. Furthermore the success of any social intervention is influenced by its adequate consideration of the sociobehavioral factors and socioeconomic profile of the target population. Data collection on the park specifically was based on literature review of current park management report, juxtaposed with independent reports from the EU's Africa Protected Areas Assessment on the Mole National Park and the SNV Netherlands development organisation. These were studied against the backdrop of the Millennium Ecosystems Assessment,2005 and the UNEP-CMS Migratory Birds Flyways publications and coupled with key informant interview for the data collection. Condensation meaning was utilised for the data analysis.<br/>The project uncovers some internal challenges within the park such as commercial harvesting and production of charcoal, scarce water sources, uncontrolled use of fire and poaching coupled with external threats related to increasing population and the livelihoods of the fringe communities of the park, which may be contributing to the general decline in migrant birds from Europe.<br/>The park is of historical and socio-cultural significance to the fringe communities as they trace their history to this site which encloses traditional shrines and other sacred sites of the locales. Local culture is replete with significance of birds in religion, medicine and other traditional rites. However there is low level of knowledge the need for conserving birds and for that matter biodiversity to reap its ecosystem services which the rural agriculture depends on. <br/>Year round improved agriculture will help to reduce reliance on the parks resources in the dry season. The burgeoning tourism industry has immense prospects for the local people if their capacity is built to take advantage of the opportunities and enhance their livelihoods.<br/>The collaboration of the relevant institutions with the local population is very much warranted for the benefit of biodiversity conservation and consequently improved livelihoods in the fringe communities for sustainable development.<br/>
Subject(s) Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystems Services, Migrant Birds, Sustainable Livelihoods, Institutions
Coverage 81 pages
Language eng
Relation By-, Energi- og Miljøplanlægning, Kandidat; Urban, Energy and Environmental Planning, Master; 3. semester; 3. Term; http://vbn.aau.dk/ws/files/72447927/Felix_Kwabena_Donkor_Sem_III_Project.pdf
Type of publication TERMPAPER
Format application/pdf
Repository Aalborg - Aalborg University
Added to C-A: 2015-02-05;14:41:09