The impact of small-scale wood harvesting on neem Azadirachta indica A. Juss stands in the coastal savanna of Ghana |
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| Authors: | Michael O'Neal Campbell |
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| Institution: | Department of Geography, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9SJ Email: |
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| Abstract: | Although the introduced neem tree Azadirachta indica A. Juss is a very important energy source in the coastal savanna of Ghana, the sustainability of small-scale wood harvesting (SSWH) has not been investigated with regard to this species. This paper assesses the sustainability of SSWH on neem stands in the coastal savanna, using a socio-economic and ecological survey. The results show that SSWH, incorporating coppicing, stand tolerance, balanced with total bole cutting and root removal, and based on socio-cultural supports, has created a modified yet sustainable system of SSWH. It is concluded that these systems may contribute to tree stand conservation. |
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| Keywords: | coastal savanna small-scale wood harvesting socio-ecological neem coppicing Ghana |
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