Contribution of non-timber forest products to livelihood of rural communities in Kumbungu District of Northern Ghana

Abstract

Abstract. Ammal A, Mariam M. 2020. Contribution of non-timber forest products to livelihood of rural communities in Kumbungu District of Northern Ghana. Asian J For 4: 10-14. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) play an important role to fulfill the livelihood of rural communities. This survey investigated the contribution NTFPs to the livelihood of rural communities in the Kumbungu District of Ghana. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and verbal interviews to obtain information from sampled members of the communities' in the Kumbungu District of Northern Ghana. Personal interviews and direct observation were carried out and a total of 200 structured questionnaires were administered randomly to respondents in 5 selected communities in Kumbungu District namely Cheyohi, Kpalchi, Kokpeng, Zuolanyili and Garizew. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (tables, charts, and graphs). The findings indicated that NTFPs were abundant in the study area and were found in all the forest land areas within the communities. NTFPs collection for utilization was usually carried out throughout the year. The respondents in the five communities collected and used the NTFPs for preparation of food for the family and other purposes. The number of respondents involved in the collection of NTFPs was highest in Kokpeng community (21.3%), while only 18.5% of respondents were involved in the Garizew community. The chi-square test revealed that there were highly significant differences (P>0.05) between the number of respondents involved in the collection and non-collection of NTFPs in the district. The lowest income generated from NTFPs ranged between 1-25 (GHC) Ghana cedis per week whilst the highest income was 65+ GHC per week. A proportion of 12.5% of respondents in Zuolanyili had income ranging between 1-25 GHC per week and 10% of respondents had income above 65 GHC per week. A proportion of 47.5% and 30% of respondents’ income ranged between 25-45 and 45-65 GHC per week respectively in the Zuolanyili community. Respondents in the Kokpeng community had the highest proportion of respondents (30%) who obtained income above 65 GHC per week whilst Garizew had the lowest proportion of respondents (5%) who obtained income above 65 GHC per week.