The integrated management of buffer zones contributes to the survival of tropical forests in Ghana

In the forest transition zone in Ghana wild fires occurred frequently, thus menacing and destroying agricultural crops, natural forests and tree plantations. Afforestation efforts often failed for that reason. Prevailing land use is subsistence shifting agriculture which was also the main cause of fires. Alternative sources of income are scarce which is similar to many rural regions in Africa. The situation called for a strategy to improve people’s livelihood and simultaneously enhance the environment. A science and development concept was designed for buffer zones surrounding natural forests and tree plantations with focus on the involvement of local communities in a participatory approach. Farmers received the right for crop production in personalized plots within the buffer zones. Genetically improved high-yield fruit trees like mango and orange were distributed cost-free from a local saw mill among participating farmers for mixed cropping on their plots. Since trees were planted farmers did not use fire for land preparation to avoid any endangerment of the valuable trees. Already three years after planting, fruits were harvested, sold and income could be generated.The cultivation of valuable timber trees such as teak became an additional asset. Farmers were granted rights to sell their trees after reaching maturity for attractive market prices to wood processing companies in the region. This “outgrower system” is meanwhile widely practiced in anticipation of future income from timber sale. Additionally wild fires were drastically reduced in the region. The project proofs that protection concept for tropical forests can be a success, if careful problem analyses of the local conditions has been applied. Activities must be planned and discussed in close cooperation with all stakeholders. Regular presence of representatives of the involved parties and trustful interaction were important pillars of success. The approach has potential for transfer to other regions.