Perception of community members on the impact of logging on medicinal plants; a case on Bobiri forest reserve

Abstract

Many Ghanaian rural communities depend on forest medicinal plants for health and income, but logging threatens the sustainability of these ecologically and medicinal valuable species. This research study examined community members’ perceptions about the effect of logging on medicinal plants in the Bobiri Forest Reserve. The study also explored perceptions about policies and programmes for the reduction of logging on medicinal plants. The study adopted the pragmatic research philosophy and used a mixed-method approach. Questionnaire was used to collect data from household living in distant to the forest reserve. Also, interview was conducted with Ghana Forestry Commission, opinion leaders, herbalists, and loggers. Data was processed and analyzed using percentages and frequencies. Results indicated that logging has resulted in job losses in the medicinal plants' value chain, affecting negatively on the livelihoods, cultural practices and rituals, growth, distribution and availability of medicinal plants. Also, community members who rely on medicinal plants for treatment have experienced adverse health effects. The study recommends developing educational and awareness campaigns highlighting the usefulness and ecological significance of medicinal plants in Ghana as a whole and in Bobiri Forest Reserve in particular. Regulations, and policies should be established to protect endangered medicinal plant species.