Assessment of Community Participation in the Co-Management of Abasumba Globally Significant Biodiversity Area (GSBA), Ghana

Despite the global rise in protected areas and their role in biodiversity conservation, significant gaps exist in evaluating their management. Forest reserves are vital for ecosystem services, human well-being, and contribute culturally, socially, and economically to local communities. Yet, they face challenges in management that require a new assessment approach. However, factors viz. forest degradation from agriculture, settlement, resource extraction, and conflicts with fringe communities, thwart conservation efforts. Hitherto, forests were solely managed by the state with little community participation. Recently, there has been a shift towards involving local communities. This study focused on the role of fringe communities and the Community Biodiversity Advisory Group in the co-management of the Abasumba Forest Reserve in Ghana. It assessed participation in planning, implementation, benefit-sharing, and monitoring, as well as the socio-economic impact of the establishment of Abasumba on community livelihoods. Qualitative data was gathered through focus group discussions with CBAG members, opinion leaders, and fringe community members, while quantitative data via a survey of 120 households from four fringe communities. Findings reveal that community participation through CBAG was minimal at 22.5%, with a higher participation index of 0.3 in monitoring and evaluation activities. The benefits accrued to communities include employment, building materials, firewood, medicinal plants, and non-timber products. The study highlighted the need for government intervention to enhance community involvement by developing useful schemes viz. micro-credit facilities, alternative livelihood opportunities, and entrepreneurial training in non-timber forest products. These could allay rural-urban drift and improve livelihoods, thereby strengthening conservation efforts.