BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT AREA

Increasing land degradation and climate change resulting from biodiversity depletion are the bane of the Upper West Region .These are caused largely by human activities. Agriculture and natural resource management in the Upper West Region is therefore going through difficult times and this is evidenced by the downward trend in agricultural productivity and natural resource management. About 80% of the people are engaged in subsistence farming and depend largely on natural resources. The decline in Agricultural productivity and increase in poverty has been attributed to the misuse of natural resources through deforestation, bushfires, poor farming practices, pollution, over grazing among others which have led to land degradation and hence climatic change leading to high poverty levels. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 people in Upper West Region are considered poor (Ghana Living Standard Survey 2000). Furthermore, poverty levels have compelled people to focus on meeting their short- term economic needs to the detriment of the environment. In fact in the Upper West Region, climate change, desertification and land degradation have led to depletion of soil fertility, low crop yields, loss of herbal plants, siltation of water bodies, lost of biodiversity and reduction in tree population. The problem persists due to the break down of community rules and regulations, population increase and ignorance on the part of the community on the consequences of their actions on the environment. The goal of the project is to promote sustainable natural resource management through the creation of natural regeneration sites and its reinforcement, conservation of medicinal plants, protection of the Black Volta River catchments area, protection of wildlife, provision of alternative livelihood support and promotion of eco - tourism for the socio – economic development of the people.

Tanchara is a rural community in the Nandom traditional area of the Upper West Region. It has a population of 2,000 inhabitants. It is one of the most degraded communities in the Upper West Region.

DEFINITION OF THE PROBLEM

Increasing land degradation in the Tanchara, Nandom is caused by human activities mainly through tree cutting, bush burning, unsustainable farming practices. These have led to depletion of soil fertility, low crop yields, loss of herbal plants, and siltation of water bodies, lost of biodiversity, wildlife extinction, and reduction in tree population, contributing to threat of desertification and climate change. The situation poses threat to the socio- economic well being of the rural people. The problems have persists due to the break down in community rules and regulations, population increase and ignorance on the part of communities on the consequences of their actions on the environment.

In the past when community rules and regulations were held in high esteem, the biodiversity of the Region flourished well. During the time, different species of herbs were easily accessible for herbal formulation and administration. There was high concentration of flora and fauna and various animals in the savanna ecosystem could easily be found in the Region. Modernity as well as religious beliefs has eroded the strong traditional beliefs that used to protect the environment. All the taboos that helped protected the environment can scientifically be explained now. As such the barrier to traditional environmental protection has been seriously tempered with. Presently, the Region is under the threat of desertification, biodiversity depletion and climate change. If the current trend of events persists, the Upper West Region could lose the potentials of its ecology which would consequently affect productivity, exacerbate famine and poverty.

The project is in line with Government’s efforts to conserve biodiversity, combat desertification and climate change and protect international water bodies for the socio–economic development of the people of the Region. Additionally, it is in line with Ministry of Health’s programme to combat challenging and emerging diseases with herbal medicine. Also it falls in line with Ghana Tourists Board’s efforts to promote tourism for the development of the people. Besides, the EPA and the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council in collaboration with all districts in the Region have launched a vigorous campaign against wildfires in all forms to protect the environment and alleviate the poverty of the people. The Ministry of Lands and Forestry and EPA have encouraged all communities to preserve the environment to increase the fertility and subsequent crop yield for food security. Globally the project will help reduce green house gases generated from the cooking with biomass, which is the main source of wood fuel for majority in the Region. As such the project will help minimize climate change.

PROJECT GOAL, OBJECTIVES AND OUTPUTS

Goal

The main goal of the project is to promote sustainable natural resource management through biodiversity conservation, restoration of degraded areas, and protection of wildlife, provision of alternative livelihood support and promotion of eco - tourism for the socio – economic development of the people.

Project Purpose

The purpose of the project is to support community efforts in sustainable land management through the creation of natural regeneration area, conservation of medicinal plants, protection of the Black Volta River catchments area, protection of wildlife and provision of alternative livelihood activities that links to biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management.

Project Objectives

Objective 1
To develop the capacity of the local people to mainstream sustainable land management systems in their agricultural activities through training in bushfires management, agroforestry, soil fertility improvement techniques, establishment of local museum of rare medicinal plants

Objective 2
To promote partnerships with traditional authorities to increase the effectiveness of community natural resource management programmes in the dry lands.

Objective 3
To rehabilitate degraded lands through the establishment and management of natural regeneration areas, soil fertility and water conservation techniques, and watershed management.

Objective 4
To promote small business enterprises that will utilize the products from land management whilst reducing the incidence and severity of bushfires.

Project Outputs

Expected project outputs are as follows:

• Capacities of five farmer groups developed in efficient management of wildfires and sustainable land management
• 100 ha of degraded lands placed under sustainable land management through agro-forestry and soil and water improvement techniques.
• 5 Farmer-groups introduced to sustainable alternative livelihood activities that supports sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation.

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Result 1.0 Capacities of five farmer groups developed in efficient management of wildfires and sustainable land management

1.1 Introduce weekly environmental awareness programmes on the three (3) local FM stations.
The project will promote weekly environmental education programme on Radio Upper West, Radio Progress and Radio Freed. These local FM stations have wide coverage, which includes the project locations in the Upper West Region. Resource persons will come from EPA, UDS, LandCare, MOFA, FSD and GNFS. The activity will be carried out throughout the project period.

1.2 Organize fora in five (5) communities
Community fora will be organized in 5 communities to sensitize them on the project. This activity will help change behavior and attitude to enable community members contain environmental problems. The Communities include Nandom Tanchara and four (4) adjoining communities. Resource persons will be drawn from EPA, UDS, LandCareGh Ghana, MoFA, FSD and GNFS. The activity will be carried out throughout the project period.

1.3 Compile profile of one beneficiary community
An in – depth biological and socio – economic baseline survey of the project area will be carried out. The results of the studies will provide for meaningful applied research, demonstration of land use options, the priority needs and areas of emphasis. The baseline studies will afford the project management team the database on the Nandom Tanchara community. This information will be used to develop monitoring indicators to assess the performance of the project. Resource persons will be drawn from EPA and the activity will be carried out within the first quarter of the project.

1.4 Form and launch Project Management Committee
The project will put in place a Project Management Committee (PMC) to organize the community to carry out environment enhancement activities. The PMC will be formally launched at a durbar organized by the chiefs and people of the Nandom Traditional Council. The committee will carry out the task of collaboration with the Traditional Council, the 8 respective District Assemblies and EPA within the first quarter of the first year of the project.

1.5 Form a media Coalition on the Environment in the Upper West Region
The Project will form a Media Coalition on the Environment to disseminate information on environmental issues. This activity will help change behavior and attitudes to enable community members carry out practical environmental enhancement activities. This activity will be done within the third quarter of the first year of the project

1.6 Form Environmental Clubs in two (2) Schools at Nandom Tanchara
Environmental clubs will be formed in two (2) schools at Nandom Tanchara. The project will cover Primary and Junior High Schools. The youth represents the country’s greatest resources for the future and represents a wide range of communities in various schools. This therefore put them in touch with the grassroots of the society. Environmental clubs in schools will therefore mobilize the youth in the effort to protect the environment to contain climate change, protect water resources, combat desertification and promote sustainable land management. The activity will come on within the second quarter of the1st year of the project with resource persons from EPA, GES, UDS and FSD.

1.7 Form and or Reactivate Lawra District Environmental Management Committee and Four (4) Community Environmental Management Committees
To ensure that all sectors of the society are actively involved in the planning system that defines commitment for integrating social, economic and environmental objectives, the Lawra District Environmental Management Committee will be supported to enable it play its role more efficiently.

Result 2.0 100 ha of degraded lands placed under sustainable land management through agro-forestry and soil and water improvement techniques.

2.1 Restore 100 ha of degraded area at Nandom Tanchara
Survey Department will be contracted to demarcate one thousand acre degraded area within the first quarter of the project for restoration. The CEMC in collaboration with the Tandana(landowners) and the Nandom Paramountcy will set aside the one thousand acre degraded area for restoration. This activity will be carried out within the second quarter of the first year of the project

2.2 Form and Train Wildfire Prevention and Management Squad.
An 30-member Wildfire Prevention and Management Squad will be formed and trained to help reduce the incidence of wildfires at Nandom Tanchara. The squad will be trained in fire prevention and management. At the end of the training they will be equipped with protective apparel, cutlasses and identification cards. The squad will also ensure responsible environmental behavior among community members. In collaboration with the Project Management Committee, the Project will help the community enact and enforce community rules and regulations. The activity will come off within the third quarter of the 1st year of the project with resource persons from GNFS and EPA.

2.3 Establish one community nursery
A 50,000-seedlings capacity tree nursery will be established at Nandom Tanchara to supply seedlings to all communities and the School Clubs involved in the project. The activity will be done in the second quarter of the 1st year of the project with resource persons from EPA, MOFA, LandCare Ghana and FSD.

2.4 Prepare participatory land use plan
Landlords, chiefs, opinion leaders and the whole community will participate to draw land use plans for the communities at a workshop to be organised at Nandom Tanchara. Maps of the exercise will serve as guide in implementing the project. The activity will come off within the first quarter of the first year of the project period with resource persons from Survey Department and Town and Country Planning Department in the Upper West Region.

2.5 Introduce Agroforestry and composting in farms of farmers
The Project will assist farmers to introduce Agroforestry and composting on their farms to reduce pressure on the vegetation and also improve sol fertility. The activity will be carried out within the second quarter of the 1st year of the project with resource persons from EPA, FSD, UDS,and MOFA.

2.6 Establish twenty (20)-acre multipurpose woodlots and fodder banks at Nandom Tanchara
To reduce the pressure on the natural woodland as source of fodder for livestock and domestic energy, a twenty (20) acre multipurpose community woodlot will be established at Nandom Tanchara to supply the various communities with their wood fuel needs and as a fodder bank for livestock. Seeds of improved species will also be broadcast to grow as feed for livestock. The activity will be carried out within the second quarter of the second year of the project with resource persons from EPA, FSD UDS and MoFA.

1.8 Protect the Black Volta River catchments area near Nandom Tanchara
The project will protect the Black Volta River catchments area by promoting natural regeneration and tree planting on a one (1) Kilometer stretch of land to protect the water body as well as the wildlife. The sound environment that will be created will provide a sanctuary for the Hippos within the catchment area. The presence of the hippos will boost the tourism potential of the area. The activity will come on within the second quarter of the 1st year of the project with resource persons from EPA, Wildlife and Ghana Tourist Board.

To facilitate the concept of poverty alleviation through sustainable natural resource management at the community level, Community Environmental Management Committees will be formed at Nandom Tanchara. The Community Environmental Management Committees will also promote commitment and ownership at the community level. The activity will come on within the second quarter of the 1st year of the project with resources persons from EPA.

1.9 Institutionalize Bye-Laws on Prudent Environmental Management
The Nandom Tanchara community will be assisted by LandCare Ghana to enact bye-laws /rules and regulations to control and prevent bushfires. Resource persons will be drawn from the EPA, MOFA FSD and the Lawra District Assembly. This activity will be carried out during the first quarter of the 1st year of the project.

1.10 Establish a 10- acre Jetropha plantation
Jetropha is a high oil yielding vegetable and thrives under a wide range of soil and weather conditions. It is drought-resistant grows well in the northern savanna zone. In view of the increase in imported petroleum and its associated environmental and economic implications, it has been established that Jetropha could produce liquid fuels to serve as a substitute for diesel.

A one hundred acre plantation of Jetropha will be established at Nandom Tanchara. This will serve as carbon sinks to reduce net carbon dioxide emission in the area. It is also expected that through this initiative, it would form the basis for any future plans of government to promote liquid bio-fuels. This activity will be carried out during the second quarter of the 2nd year of the project with resources persons from EPA, MOFA, UDS and FSD.

Result 3.0 5 Farmer-groups introduced to sustainable alternative livelihood activities that supports sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation

3.1 Introduce 20 farmers to appropriate farming technologies

The project will organize ten (10) field demonstration workshops for 20 farmers on appropriate farming technologies. The demonstrations will be on compost preparation, organic farming, and integrated Pest Management, soil and water conservation. The activity will come on within the fourth quarter of the 1st year of the project with resource persons from EPA, SARI UDS, and MOFA. The trained farmers will serve as trainers to train the rest of the community members on sustainable land management practices.

3.2 Train a group of 20 farmers in guinea fowl production
Majority of the community members at Nandom Tanchara rely on the sale of wood fuel for their livelihood. As a means to reduce this pressure on the natural environment, a training progrmme on guinea fowl production will be organized for a group of 20 farmers as alternative source of income. One brooder farmer at Lawra will be assisted to hatch 1000 keets twice every year This will be distributed to forty farmers at Nandom Tanchara as an alternative livelihood support programme. Guinea fowls have ready local market in the Upper West Region and beyond. The activity will come on during the first quarter of the 2nd year of the project with resource persons from MOFA and EPA.


3.3 Train 20 women in Shea Butter Processing Enterprise
The project will train and support 20 women in Shea Butter processing to meet international standards for export. This will serve as an alternative income source for women in the dry season. Trainees will impact the knowledge to other women in the adjourning communities. The women groups will be linked to the export market. Shea nuts will be collected from the established natural regeneration site and off-reserve areas. The activity will take place during the second quarter of the 2nd year of the project and resource persons will come from the Regional Technology Transfer Center (RTTC) and NBSSI.
3.4 Provide three water pumps for the Nandom Tanchara community in order to facilitate dry season gardening.
The project will provide 3 water pumps to facilitate dry season gardening. This will stem the problem of seasonal migration confronting the pilot community. This activity will be done within the fourth quarter of the 2nd year of the project.

3.5 Train and Support 30 Community Members in Small Ruminant Production and Honey Production
The project will train and assist 30 Nandom Tanchara community members in honey and small ruminant production. Livestock such as goats, sheep, rabbits and pigs have high potential in terms of production and marketing in the Upper West Region.As an alternative source of income, this activity will reduce the burden on the savanna ecosystem. This activity will be carried out during the third quarter of the first year of the project with resource persons from MOFA, and EPA.

3.5 Establish a Smock Weaving shop for street children
A smock weaving shop will be established for 15 Nandom Tanchara Community members at Nandom. This activity will reduce pressure on the environment. This activity will be carried out during the third quarter of the 2nd year of the project with resource persons from Regional Technology Transfer Center (RTTC) and NBSSI.

3.6 Develop the capacities of 10 Traditional healers
Land Care Gh. will develop the capacity of 10 Traditional Healers at Nandom Tanchara in herbal preparation, packaging and administration. This activity will be carried out by resource persons from Ghana Food and Drugs Board and Centre for Traditional Medicine at Mampong Akwapim. This activity will be done in the first quarter of the 2nd year.