Impact of Climate Change on Sustainable Utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products: In Ghanaian Case

Abstract

Increased vulnerability and proneness of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) to climate change shocks have had consequential negative effects on the food security of rural dwellers, that depend on NTFPs to enhance their livelihood outcomes considering the unstable national economy which beset the people irrespective of gender composition. The products obtained from the forest can be categorized into two main types. Timber forest products and Non-Timber forest products. Non-Timber Forest Products are any biological output that is obtained from the forest apart from timber. In many developing countries timber products in the forest have greatly received attention and have been acknowledged as a great contributor to the local, national and international economies while at the same non-timber forest product has received little attention from the international, national and local economies.

The alteration of climate is seen to have effects on the production levels of NTFPs in Ghana. The main objective of the research was to analyze the impact of Climate change on non-forest timber forest in Ghana. This study was examining the impact of climate change on the contributions of selected NTFPs like honey, Mushroom, and Archachatinamarginata (Snails) to household food security in Ghana and how it helps to alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living of the people living adjacent to the forest reserves. The research work was conducted in Ghana, in the forests areas to compare impact of climate change on NTFPs. Quantitative and qualitative information was collected from the people living in the forest areas within the period of the research, structured and Semi-structured questionnaires was administered at randomly selected households in selected communities adjacent to the forest areas in Ghana. Secondary data was also used. Questionnaire survey was supplemented with key informant interviews, focus group discussions, informal interaction, direct field observation and participant observation was also used