Poverty Dimensions of Public Governance and Forest Management ...

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4.2 Output 1: ‘Increased understanding of the social and institutional dimensions of
natural resource management at the FAI in Ghana’
Research results, with reference to Output One, consist of a more comprehensive understanding
of the development of agriculture in the Brong Ahafo, the dominant cropping patterns, and the
main environmental and institutional issues in natural resource management.
A complex picture emerges. This belies many of the assumptions that underpin current research,
and challenges several of its principles.
Following the review, a forward research strategy is identified and discussed.
4.1.1 Research study sites
Farming systems in the transition zone are diverse. In order to comprehend this diversity, six
settlements in three main administrative areas were selected for research. These were:
1. Wenchi District – the Ahenfie electoral area in the Nsawkaw Area Council, comprising part
of Nsawkaw, Tanoso and Njau; also Subinso, Atuna, and Buoku electoral areas;
2. Kintampo District – Weila and Mansie
3. Techiman District – Kokoago
These settlements covered the main ecological areas of the transition zone. Their location in
relation to the main forest ecotones is indicated in Map 1. In addition, a study of the functioning
of the district assembly and its component unit committees was undertaken in one district,
Wenchi. Figure 4.1 indicates the sites of the main settlements studied, and Table 4.1 summarises
their major characteristics:
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