Forest landscape restoration-induced changes in land cover and woody plant community structure in a degraded forest reserve in Ghana
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19586602 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Samuel Kumi (0000-0001-8136-3687, University of Energy and Natural Resources, corresponding author), Paul Kofi Nsiah (0000-0003-0986-6508, University of Energy and Natural Resources), Hope Kotoka Ahiabu (0009-0002-9329-6842, University of Energy and Natural Resources), Bismark Ofosu‐bamfo (0000-0001-9716-5212, University of Energy and Natural Resources), Michael Asigbaase (0000-0002-9162-1149, University of Energy and Natural Resources), Alexander K Anning (0000-0002-9195-9924, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology), Gilbert Amponsah (The Forestry Commission of Ghana) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 16 |
| Pages | 100578 |
| Publication date | 2024-06-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Trees Forests and People (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2666-7193 • E-ISSN: 2666-7193 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100578 |
| OpenAlex | W4397024254 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 18 |
Restoring degraded forests has become a global concern due to the high levels of forest disturbance arising from farming, logging, and mining. This study, conducted in the degraded Tain II Forest Reserve landscape in Ghana, examined the effects of forest landscape restoration (FLR) on land cover changes and woody plant community structure in the area. The study combined remote sensing, plot sampling techniques, and structured interviews in data collection. Landsat images were used to establish the land cover changes in the landscape. Plant community structure was assessed within thirty 50 m by 50 m plots that were laid randomly in equal numbers in Natural Forest (NF), Natural Regeneration (NR), and Assisted Regeneration (AR) sites. Ecosystem services and socio-economic benefits of the FLR to the local community were also assessed. To compare site attributes, one-way ANOVA analysis was used. The results showed that forestland increased from 45 to 70% while bare land and cropland declined consistently from over 50% to 28% and 5% to 0.7%, respectively, within 10-year study period. Woody plant species totaling 120 belonging to 34 families, compared to a baseline of 61 species and 24 families, were enumerated. The NF and NR sites had higher flora diversity than the AR sites. NF composition was less homogenous compared to the NR and AR. The majority of the community is perceived to have socioeconomically gained from ecosystem services and engagement in the FLR. Effective land governance, stakeholder participation, community-led fire control, and strategic interventions positively influenced the rate of forest restoration. The FLR influenced the land cover and species composition of the landscape. The findings highlight the importance of ecological, social, and economic considerations in FLR for sustainable outcomes for people and the environment. FLR restoration stakeholders should collaborate in planning and implementation of forest restoration to ensure sustainable outcomes
Agroforestry · Biology · Ecological succession · Ecosystem · Environmental resource management · Forest ecology · Forest restoration · Geography · Land cover · Land use · Logging · Plant community · Restoration Ecology · Species diversity · Species evenness · Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management · Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies · Environmental Science · Forest Management and Policy · Ecology · Forestry
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |