Abstract:
pluralistic nature of Ghana’s land and tree tenure poses challenges to the implementation of REDD+ and benefit sharing. The purpose of the study was to investigate the implementation of REDD+ in the Kakum Hotspot Intervention Area (HIA) with focus on benefit sharing and effect on rights of forest dependent communities. Specifically, the study sought to review existing benefit sharing arrangements in the Ghana’s forest sector, identify the factors that affect the equitable flow of benefit sharing, the effect of REDD+ on rights of local communities and investigate the state of benefits sharing in the HIA. Qualitative research approach was employed using an exploratory design for the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select a total of 74 participants. The study revealed that Ghana’s forest sector benefit sharing arrangements are inclusive but allocates most of benefits to government ogranisations. The factors that affect equitable benefit sharing includes limited resources, corruption, difficulty in reaching communities and enforcement of laws. The study also revealed that the implementation of REDD+ has negatively affected the rights of forest dependent communities by limiting their rights to access, own or use forests and forest products. Finally, it was also revealed that current benefit sharing arrangements in the HIA do not address the Equity, Effectiveness and Efficiency (3Es) of benefit sharing principles. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to the Government and the Forestry Commission (FC) to review arrangements and policies to ensure benefit sharing are more equitable and also protect forest dependent communities.
