There is overwhelming evidence of environmental decline in Ghana including forest destruction and southward movement of savanna vegetation types. The dynamics of vegetation change in the forest/savanna areas are poorly understood. It is unsurprising therefore, that as many of these dynamic forces are induced and controlled by human activity, the interaction between human activity and envirorn11ental quality is also poorly understood.
This study aimed to identify the processes of savannaisation, and the interaction of this process with livelihood activities. Whilst environmental determinants of activity were the key focus other factors such as marketing and socio-cultural issues were also incorporated into the study. The· research was undertaken in four villages in Wenchi district, Brong Ahafo, West Central Ghana in the forest/savanna mosaic in 1997, with two villages from each agro-ecological type, one interior and one road side, being selected to demonstrate impacts of environmental and marketing factors.
A holistic approach was taken to describe, measure and analyse both environmental quality and livelihood systems. Environmental quality was described in terms of historical and present day vegetation and soil quality. The identification of indicator species and the mapping of vegetation structures allowed for spatial analysis of present day conditions. Carbon content analysis was undertaken to demonstrate the value of carbon under vegetation restoration. Livelihood systems focussed on the household unit,
examining agriculture, fuel production, agro-processing, livestock, non-timber forest products and hunting.
The overall finding of this study was one of complexity, patchiness and dynamism, and that villages in close proximity are undertaking very different livelihood activities. The changes in environmental quality under the process of savannaisation occur at different rates, with reduction in soil quality lagging behind reduction in tree cover. There are also strong indications that in savanna areas farmers are taking advantage of spatial and temporal patterns of vegetation patchiness.
Agricultural activity is by far the most important economic and land-use activity in the four study villages. Productivity was greatest in forest villages, though roadside location lead to higher income levels in both agro-ecological zones. Agricultural systems were very different in the four study villages, with a great diversity of crops, cropping systems and land preparation methods. These differences reflect farmer attitudes to socioeconomic as well as soil management practices. Other livelihood activities are only significant contributors to overall income in the two interior villages, with gari processing and charcoal production being the two most important activities.
The study concludes that savannaisation is occurring in the study area, albeit at a slower rate than expected, and that present day conditions are as much an indication of historical land use patterns as present day activities. These changing conditions are identifiable using indicators of present and previous environmental conditions. In terms of present day activities, environmental quality can shown to be influencing livelihood systems although in the broader picture livelihood systems are determined by environmental quality.