Abstract:
There are few studies on the communication of forest use and preservation policies because
researchers concentrate on the policies rather than how they are communicated. This study,
therefore explored forest use and conservation policies and how these policies are
communicated to communities in forest zones with emphasis on the Pra-Anum forest zone
in the Asante-Akim South Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The study hinged on
Advocacy Theory and Participatory Communication Theory. The study used qualitative
approach to research with a single case study. Interviews, focus group discussion,
observation and document analyses were used to gather data. Purposive sampling was used
to get respondents to answer the questions that helped meet the objectives of the study. The
study found that some of the policies on forest use and conservation were mostly unclear and
indecisive, and overlapping in their implementation. It also observed that the law making
and implementation institutions were numerous, overlapping, and competing for space and
power which had created loopholes for people to override the policies and exploit the forest.
The study also found that though most modern development projects and policies had
participation components, the local people are disregarded in the enactment of policies on
forest use and conservation. Finally, it was observed that not all the means of communicating
forest use and conservation policies to forest zone communities were effective. It is
recommended that policies on forest use and conservation should be clear, apt and decisive,
and straightforward. It is also recommended that the law making and implementation
institutions for forest use and conservation should be streamlined, with each having clearlycut
powers, mandate and functions, in order to prevent excesses, unnecessary overlapping,
and the fight for space and power. Also, local people should be fully involved in the
enactment and implementation of policies that directly affect them. Finally, stakeholders of
forest use and conservation should concentrate on and enhance policies that highly reach and
benefit communities in forest zones.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Development Communication,
School of Communication and Media Studies, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies, in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Development Communication)
in the University of Education, Winneba
MAY 2023