Preliminary Investigation on Bamboo Management in the Socio-Economic Development of Ghana: Case of Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions

Abstract

Bamboo (Bambusoideae) in Ghana is naturally found in almost all the ten regions of Ghana specifically, Central, Ashanti, Eastern, Western, BrongAhafo, Volta and some parts of the Northern Region. This free gift of natural; renewable; and versatile resource characterized by high strength and low weight which is easily worked with simple tools has undergone an insignificant economic management over the years, based on our investigation. The study captures seven species belonging to the subfamily bambusoideae of the family poaceae. They are commonly found along the length and breadth of the forest soils of Ghana, which can be invigorated to develop the bamboo industry to earn foreign exchange, yet these are not given the needed attention. Subsequently, we conducted formal interviews to ascertain farming practices with regards to reservation of bamboo species on their farm lands. All participants interviewed declared openly the clearance of the bamboo stands through cutting or setting it ablaze to make way for their food crops. The results indicated again that, an insignificant number of farmers are into bamboo plantation. The forestry department has not distinguished itself in the field of bamboo plantation in Ghana, the effort made by Bamboo and Rattan Development Project (Baradep) in 2002 by the presidential initiative was a mirage while the wild species in our forest are at the mercy of bushfires and indiscriminate cutting habits of man. The results of the study also portray that, the socio-economic impact of Bamboo Industry of the economy of Ghana is insignificant due to poor management as compared to countries like China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, etc. that earn very high economic returns from bamboo due to effective and efficient bamboo management.