ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND AND CAPACITY

The Charity Care Foundation (CHACAF) is a locally Ghanaian non-governmental organization founded by a group of people as a non-profit, non-partisan voluntary charitable organization on 29th October 2000.
It was officially incorporated under the companies code of the Registrar General Department as a Company Limited by Guarantee on 9th January 2001 with the Registration Number G7309 and later with the Department Social Welfare with Registration Number DSW 1474.
The organization started it activities with an official Inauguration by the Central Regional Director of Social Welfare at the Conference Room of the KEEA District Assembly on 5th April 2001.
The main goal of the organization is “Improved the Socio – Economic and Political status of rural marginalized poor people especially among women, girls, the physically challenge, the youth and children who are under stress, malnourished and orphanage.

Vision: To help improved the living standard of the marginalized rural people, especially women, the youth and well being of children.

Mission: To empower our target group’s and communities that we work with by designing with them a sustainable developmental process which embraces the building of self – reliant, co-operation, sense of belonging, sharing, caring and ownership of resources. That is a developmental process that will enhance their socio-economic and political advancement through awareness creation, capacity building, research, networking/collaboration, income generation activities, gender awareness, institutional strengthening and environmental management and protection
Our main programme focuses areas area;

? General Health Care Promotion
? Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS and Primary Health Care prevention activities
? Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
? Environmental sanitation
? Formal, non-formal, education and vocational skills training.
? Legal literacy promotion and services (Human Rights and Civic Education)
? Promotion of Good Governance and Accountability
? Income Generation Livelihood activities
? Poverty Reduction
? Gender Issues

From the past five (5) years CHACAF has organized series of community clean-up exercises campaigns
? Organized training workshops for 32 health inspectors from ten (10) communities.
? Trained community peer educators and Counsellors and Opinion Leaders on HIV/AIDS Prevention.
? Organized capacity building training on organizational development, financial management, networking for CBOs, FBOs and CSOs
? Trained 240 youth in batik, tie and dye.
? Organized outreach community educational programmes on Human Rights, Civic Rights and responsibilities, good environmental sanitation and personal hygienic practices, HIV/AIDS Prevention, environmental management and protection, tree planting, forest and wild life policies and laws, gender and domestic violence, child education and survival and on dangers of the use of chemical for vegetables farming.

Currently we are engaged in community natural forest resource management and protection awareness creation, promotion off farm income generation activities among the youth and rural women, promotion of organic farming and citrus production and networking promotion among CBOs, CSOs and FBOs operating within the KEEA District as well as the elimination of worst form of Child Labou
BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT AREA

Eguafo and Abrem Traditional councils are the one of the four traditional areas making the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) District in the Central Region of Ghana. Its capital, Eguafo and Agona respectively lies about 11 kms or 15 to 20 minutes drive north west of Elmina. Some of the settlements in traditional areas are Eguafo, Benyadze, Dabir, Egyeikrom, Breman, Abreshia, Dukukkrom, Edugyei, Mpeasem, Bando, Dominase, Ponkrom, Abrem Agona, Berase, Saaman, Anakse and Essiam with a total population of about 16,809 inhabitants.

Eguafo is an ancient settlement of the 11th century, which migrated from old Ghana Empire through Techiman. They were the former overlords of Komenda, Edina and Abrem, which now constitute the KEEA District. Eguafo became very popular in the 15th Century by Nana Kwamina Ansah who leased the two pieces of land on which the Portuguese built the St. George’s Castle and Fort St Jago both in Elmina, which used to be part of the Eguafo Empire. Eguafo was the first entry points to Africa though the West Coast of Africa.

Potentials for Development:

There are varied resources available in the traditional areas, which could be develop and turned the areas into a touristic haven. They span the physical/natural and historical/cultural realms. These include the following:
? The “Dumpow” Hill and Forest at Eguafo
? The “Abosom Aya” Hill and Forest at Abrem Agona
*with the possibility of bird and butterfly sanctuaries and trails.
? The Old Palaces
? Benuye Cultral Academy
? The Posuban (housed and open)
? The Masuoleum
? The Acrheological/Historical Sites (Excavations)
? The Ayewakese Shrine

The Dumpow and Abosm Aya Hill Forests are remnants of tropical high forests along the coastal savannah area with unique tree and animal species. Since the colonial era, the area has not been logged and it is guarded by traditional norms and practices. The two natural heritages are central in the general environmental conservation effort of areas that is rapidly losing its natural systems to unbridled humans activities, mainly farming, hunting and poaching. Perhaps even more important, it will offer a natural/physical balance to the historical/cultural and build-up settlement which visitors to Elmina – a mere 11 kms away – would have experienced. Also, developing The Dumpow and Abosom Aya Hill Forests may begin the corridor conservation concept to eventually connect it to Pra Suhien Forest Reserve to the north.

Dumpow is a Hill situated just on the outskirts of the capital town Eguafo. It has high forest trees with clear signs of having been the habitat of varied animals and plant species. Naturally, these may have been lost or even become extinct on account of the close proximity to the settlement. With careful protection/conversations measures, the tree and animal species could be nurtured bank and be the basis of tours and interpretations.

Dumpow hill could be linked to Abosom Aya, another forested hill to the north of Dumpow and locally regarded as the “wife” of Dumpow. A conservation corridor could then be established between Dumpow and Abosom Aya. This would be ecologically significant, as it will create a habitat that will encourage varied animals and plant species to regenerate. It may be linked further northwards to Pra Shuien Forest Reserve and Perhaps be Kakum Conservation Area.

Preliminary trail routes have been already proposed for the forest on account of a previous study supported by Winrock International. These could be expanded with the development of sanctuaries for birds and butterflies, which are known traditionally to inhabit the area.

Dumpow hill was and still is a lookout post for fishermen at Elmina and other surrounding coastal villages. From the highest point of the hill, in clear weather, one could see as far as Sekondi/Takoradi and Cape Coast. Furthermore it provides a beautiful panoramic view of the entire KEEA District. In addition, gold was mined in the area and there is evidence of shafts that could be of great interest to visitors.

With the preliminary works started as shown above, it should be possible to begin work immediately on Dumpow and Abosom Aya Hill Forests as an initial phase of the total project. The Traditional Councils and the general people of Eguafo and Abrem Agona, will implement the project in the bid to protect their environment, create wealth for the community and eventually protect their heritage.

2.2 THE PROBLEM STATEMENT

In spite of attempts made at turning round the fortunes of Eguafo and Agona, once a rich mining center during the colonial era, not much has been achieved. There is total apathy towards the environment and the degradation of the last remnant of high forest has been on the increased. There is increasing loss of biodiversity as the natural habitats are being destroyed. Wanton destruction of the two forests, mineral and cultural resources Dumpow has reached a height, which need to be controlled.

The human activities has also led to loss of indigenous species including medicinal plants and other economic tree species. The area used to be ripe in wildlife especially snails, but due to the destruction of the forests, the wildlife (snail, antelope and buck) population has dwindled. The outcome of these destructive activities is abject poverty, out-migration and low level of development. This has become the bane of the traditional areas. Recent attempts to reverse the trend so far have not impacted significantly on the lives of the people. There is therefore imminent collapse of the social, economic and cultural fabric of the once rich state in the colonial era.

2.3 PROJECT GOAL/OBJECTIVES AND INTENDED RESULT

2.3.1 PROJECT GOAL

The goal of the project is conserve the Dumpow and Abosom Aya Hill community Forests and develop the capacities of local community groups to promote community-based eco-tourism and utilize the local biodiversity for wealth creation poverty reduction.

2.3.2 Immediate Objectives

(i) Organize community awareness programmes in biodiversity conservation and develop the capacities of the local people in ecotourism development.
(ii) Survey, demarcate and replant degraded areas around the Eguafo (Dumpow) and Abrem Agona (Abosom Aya) hill forests for biodiversity conservation and ecotourism..
(iii) To create protection corridors by establishing natural regeneration areas to link the two community forests to Pra Suhien Forest Reserve to the north
(iv) To promote alternative livelihoods for local community groups including art and craft to sustain the ecotourism activities.


3. INTENDED OUTPUTS/RESULTS

1. Increased awareness on effects of deforestation in two communities among 2,400 community members and making good use of information and knowledge acquire for sustainability of their community environment.
2. Degraded areas around the two community forests surveyed, demarcated and re-planted and linked to Pra Suhien forest reserve.
3. Important scenic sites, trails, medicinal plants among others within the two (2) forests area Identified and developed for eco-tourism
4. 20 community members trained as tour guards and effectively operating eco-tourism.
5. 150 community members provided with alternative sustainable livelihood in arts and crafts and supporting eco-tourism development.
6. CHACAF Staff capacity strengthened and effectively mobilizing, facilitating, implementing, managing, monitoring and evaluating Community Natural Forest Resource Reserve Projects. Communities Forest Management Committees capacity strengthened and effectively managing their eco-tourism centres as well as protecting other non developed community natural forest resources.

4 PROJECT ACTIVITIES TO ACHIEVE OUTPUTS

Output 1

ACTIVITIES.

1.1. Mobilize the project communities through sensitization meetings with key stakeholders on their roles and responsibilities.
1.2. organize community awareness creation/educational programmes on effects of deforestation and on importance of tree growing.
1.3. organize community awareness creation/educational programmes on forest and wild life policies and laws.
1.4. organize community awareness creation/educational programmes on the National Environmental Management and Protection policies and laws.
1.5. organize community awareness creation/educational programmes on eco-tourism potentials and benefits.
1.6. organize community awareness creation/educational programmes on the importance of conserving our mountain eco-system, community natural forest reserve (Sacred Groves) and the use of bamboo for arts and crafts development.

Output 2
ACTIVITIES

1.7. Survey and demarcate degraded areas for re-planting of trees
1.8. Identify and select tree seedlings raising nursery sites.
1.9. Prepare identified and selected tree seedlings raising nursery site, purchase nursery raising working tools and tree seeds for production of tree seedlings for reforestation purposes around the two degraded forests areas of “Dumpo” and “Abosom Aya” Natural Forest Resource Reserves at Eguafo and Agona communities.
1.10. Start a tree seedlings production for distribution to the project communities.
1.11. Mobilize community members in tree growing activities by planting trees around the two community forests (Acacia, teak, cassia, neem, maringa,)
1.12. Care, protect and manage the planted trees through watering, weeding, pruning and creation of fire protection belts.


Output 3
ACTIVITIES
1.13. Establish two (2) Communities Natural Forest Resource Reserves to link Pra Suhien
1.14. Construct and operate one Eco-Tourism Visitors Centres.
1.15. Plant trees around the forest reserves to serve as fencing structures.
1.16. Make pave ways and resting camps within and outside the forest reserves.
1.17. Identify and mark trees within the forests.
1.18. Establish trails in the forest reserves
1.19. Erect sign post to direct visitors to the forest reserves.
1.20. Develop handouts and brochures on the two forest reserves for distribution to visitors who visits the forest reserves and to enlist them into tourist database.
1.21. Care, protect and manage the community forest reserves by the community natural forest resource management committees through shared rotational, routine sites working weekly scheduled to be determined by the committees.

Output 4
ACTIVITIES
1.22. Identify sustainable alternative means of livelihood with community members.
1.23. Facilitate the implementation of identified sustainable alternative means of livelihood by community members to train community members in identified alternative livelihood income generation activities such as Arts and Crafts, Beads, Batik Tie and Dye production and marketing.
1.24. Help communities and project implementation participants to establish alternative livelihood projects by supporting them with inputs and micro- credit facilities.

Output 5
ACTIVITIES
1.25. Identify, screen and select trainees.
1.26. Negotiate for resource person with identifies institution and preparation of training schedule.
1.27. Mobilize training logistics
1.28. Inform and invite selected participants.
1.29. Organize training programmes for 20 community members as tour guards and passing out ceremony for the trainees in the form of a community durbar.

Output 6
ACTIVITY:
1.30. Sign project implementation contract with GEF/SGP.
1.31. Train 7 CHACAF Project Staff and 4 Community Project Focal Persons on community mobilization, project management, monitoring and evaluation.
1.32. Form 2 community based Natural Resource and eco-tourism centres Management Committees and builds their capacity in natural resource management through training in project management, monitoring, records keeping and on forest and wild life policies and laws.
1.33. Officially launch the project in the two project communities.

4.2 OUTCOME INDICATORS

? CHACAF Capacity Strengthened and effectively facilitating Community Natural Forest Resource Management and Protection in the KEEA District and beyond.
? Eguafo and Agona community capacity built, empowered and effectively managing, protecting and sustaining their natural resources thus helping to minimize poverty.
? 70% of community members aware of the effects of deforestation and making use of acquired information to help reduce its occurrences.
? 70% of community members well informed and educated on forest and wild life and on the National Environmental Policies and Laws and making use of the knowledge to protect their environment and forest reserves.
? 70% of community members aware of importance of conserving their eco-systems and natural forest reserves as well as eco-tourism potentials and making use of knowledge to improve upon their the management of their natural forest reserves thus promoting biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction.
? Encroachment rates reduced from 80% to 40%.
? About 26 acres of degraded land restored.
? 35% of community members engaged in alternative sustainable livelihood activities as compared to the current level thus helping to increase household income thereby reducing poverty level among community members and eco-tourism development.
? Wetlands and local biodiversity would be restored thus promoting eco-tourism.
? Wealth creation would be promoted for the rural communities through sustainable livelihood activities.