Comparative Study of Forest Resource Management Initiatives in the Nchumuru and Adele Communities of the Oti Region, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Community-Based Forest Resource Management (CBFRM) has become an increasingly recognised approach for combining ecological stewardship with local empowerment, especially in rural settings where forests underpin food security, energy access, and cultural livelihoods. The Nchumuru and Adele communities, in particular, remain underrepresented in the literature, creating a contextual gap in understanding how local governance structures, cultural practices, and livelihood pressures shape community-based forest management outcomes. Aim: This study comparatively assesses the effectiveness of community-based forest resource management (CBFRM) initiatives in the Nchumuru and Adele communities of the Oti Region in Ghana. It examines differences in participation, benefits derived from forest resources, and perceived performance of existing governance arrangements. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional research design was employed. A structured questionnaire survey was administered to 344 systematically selected respondents, 174 from Nchumuru and 170 from Adele. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and Chi-square tests in SPSS (Version 23) to determine the level of effectiveness and the extent of variation between the two communities. Result: The results show that CBFRM initiatives are operational in both communities but vary in effectiveness. Nchumuru recorded higher participation in forest management activities, whereas Adele demonstrated stronger enforcement mechanisms through community by-laws. Respondents from both sites acknowledged ecological and livelihood benefits of forest management, though these were more pronounced in Nchumuru. Perceptions of effectiveness were generally moderate, with limited institutional support and weak monitoring practices identified as constraints. Conclusion: The study highlights the need to strengthen enforcement, monitoring, and institutional support systems to enhance CBFRM outcomes, particularly in communities with weaker participation structures. Improved CBFRM effectiveness has the potential to enhance community cohesion, promote environmental stewardship, and sustain forest-dependent livelihoods, thereby contributing to rural socio-economic resilience. This study contributes empirical evidence on how different community governance structures influence the effectiveness of CBFRM initiatives. It advances comparative understanding of forest governance systems and supports context-sensitive policymaking for sustainable natural resource management.