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Mangrove plantation and fuelwood supply chain dynamics in the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site, Ghana

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Abstract

Due to the overexploitation of mangrove ecosystems and subsequent decline in biomass, fringing communities of the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site (KLCRS) have resorted to plantation farming of mangroves in the wetland to continue meeting their fuel needs. Using a mixed-method approach which employed a semi-structured questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide, this study investigated the mangrove plantation practices and fuelwood supply chain in the KLCRS. In the two communities surveyed, plantations were usually found on communal lands, individual and family lands. Harvesting and trade of mangrove fuelwood support the livelihood of vulnerable groups like the aged and women in the KLCRS who have limited livelihood options. Trade in fuelwood from harvested mangroves generates US$ 54.6, US$ 184.1, US$ 86.7, and US$ 118.5 for harvesters, transporters and wholesalers, and retailers, respectively, every month. With an average of 93.16 kg of fuelwood per day, fish smokers were the leading users of mangrove fuelwood because smoke from the fuelwood gives a desirable colour and flavor to smoked fish. After the smoking of fish, the use of mangrove fuelwood by food vendors for commercial food preparation (63.93 kg/day); and households use (61.08 kg/day) are the next major uses of mangrove fuelwood. To minimise the exploitation of mangroves of the KLCRS, the creation of protected areas and alternative energy sources are recommended that will take the pressure of mangrove used for fuelwood.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Mr. Lawrence Tetteh-Klu and the staff of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission of Ghana in charge of the KLCRS who assisted with data collection. We also acknowledge Mr. Promise Gavor for his help during the survey of households and fishmongers.

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The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Wonder Sekey, Kwasi Adu Obirikorang, Kwadwo Boakye Boadu, Benjamin Apraku Gyampoh, Angela Nantwi-Mensah, Elizabeth Yeboah Israel, Oparebea Asare-Ansah, George Ashiagbor & Daniel Adjei-Boateng

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  1. Wonder Sekey
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Contributions

KBB and KAO contributed to the study’s conception and design. WS wrote the manuscript with contributions from KAO, KBB, ANM, EYI, OAA, BAG, GA and DAB. All authors contributed to the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Wonder Sekey.

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Sekey, W., Obirikorang, K.A., Boadu, K.B. et al. Mangrove plantation and fuelwood supply chain dynamics in the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site, Ghana. Wetlands Ecol Manage 31, 143–157 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-022-09906-z

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