Same problem, conflicting 'truths': rethinking the missing links in forest degradation narrativization in Ghana. Issue 4 (2nd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kansanga, Moses; Atuoye, Kilian; Luginaah, Isaac
• Is Part Of: African geographical review. Volume 38:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 283
• Page End: 295
• Publication Date: 2019-10-02
• Subjects: Narrative analysis -- forest degradation -- environmental narratives -- forest policy -- Ghana: carbon forestry -- sub-Saharan Africa; Africa -- Geography -- Periodicals; Africa -- Description and travel -- Periodicals; 916.005
• DOI: 10.1080/19376812.2017.1415814
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1937-6812

Abstract

Abstract: This paper uses narrative analysis drawing on secondary data from policy documents, reports, and academic literature to examine contemporary discourses on forest degradation in Ghana. Situating the analysis within science and policy-making, we identify the actors, corresponding storylines, and demonstrate how the knowledge produced shapes forest policy. We find that, external voices dominate forest degradation narrativization in Ghana. Amid conflicting statistics on the extent and rate of forest loss, local farmers are tagged as both villains and victims of degradation to which prescriptive technocratic solutions preoccupied with merely replacing trees are prioritized while neglecting underlying poverty and indigenous knowledge systems