Impacts of local conservation strategies in the co-management of Brutu forest reserve in the Nandom Municipality, Ghana

The existence of little data on local actors’ involvement in the co-management of Brutu forest reserve in the Nandom Municipality has necessitated this study. In view of this, examining strategies used by local actors’ in the co-management of Brutu forest reserve and the impacts associated with it will fill the knowledge gaps in literature by providing information on how local actors are participating in the management of forest flora and fauna in Ghana especially in the Nandom Municipality. This study is motivated by the fact that it is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 15 (biodiversity conservation).This study assessed the participation of local actors in the co-management of Brutu forest reserve and its impact on forest flora species. Specifically, the objectives of the study are: to assess local actors in the co-management of the Brutu forest reserve; to examine strategies used by local actors in the co-management of the Brutu forest reserve; and to evaluate the impacts of strategies used by local actors in the co-management of the Brutu forest reserve. Using a mixed-method design, the study analyzed data from 160 randomly selected household heads quantitatively and 12 key informants qualitatively. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used, and qualitative findings were thematically integrated. Findings of study reveal active local engagement in co-management, with chiefs, queen mothers and land priest playing key roles in decision-making as reported by the majority of respondents (27.5%). Local strategies like traditional fire belts and taboos are the key strategies used by local actors for conservation as reported by the majority of respondents (67.50%). These are supported by sacred groves and community watchdogs. The majority of respondents (30%) mentioned increased forest cover and improved forest management as impacts of local conservation strategies. Normalised Difference Vegetation Index analysis from 2001 to 2022 indicated that strategies used by local actors in the co-management of Brutu Forest Reserve led to reduced deforestation, increased forest cover, and improved forest management. The study concludes that involvement of local actors in forest management is key to sustainable development. It is recommended that the Forest Services Division should provide training and resources to ensure that the Brutu community is equipped to be able to track changes in the forest and also report illegal activities in the forest.