opulation growth and deforestation in the Volta River basin of Ghana, 1960-2010. Intergration of satellite survey and census data

Abstract

The Volta River basin in Ghana, about 160,000 km2, is experiencing rapid deforestation. Paper uses satellite, household survey and population census data to relate trends and patterns of population in the Volta River sub-basins to forest cover. It assesses amount of forest available in 1990 and 2000, and the relationship between population and forest cover. Forest cover that might be lost due to changes in population was computed for 2010, based on simple regression models and demographic projections. Forest cover predicted for 2010 was matched with actual forest cover in 2000. A forest availability status table was generated. It gives an indication of available forest cover in the sub-basins in 2010. Predictions show that about 20% and 25% of all districts within the Black Volta and Daka sub-basins, respectively, would experience deforestation as a result of increase in population. Other indirect demographic factors were also shown as reasons for deforestation.

Institute of African Studies: Research Review Vol. 22 (2) 2006: pp 55-70