Dilemmas of Implementing Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (Redd+): Evidence from Redd+ Pilots in Western Region, Ghana

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) is an interesting environmental policy in the global South to reduce carbon and support livelihood. Ghana is planning to implement REDD+ with the state as a key implementer. This paper examines how state actors are planning to mediate the competing objectives of land use change for REDD+ and agriculture expansion and to what extent state actors involve the participation of forest fringe communities in this process. To examine the roles of state and non state actors in reconciling REDD+ and agricultural production goals, qualitative case study research was conducted in two REDD+ pilot sites: Aowin Suaman and Wassa Amenfi west, both in western Ghana. Interview results firstly show that state actors are planning to improve upon the existing forest policies by working with forest fringe communities however, the final decision rests with the state officials. Secondly, the knowledge level of local people in the pilot areas about REDD+ is relatively low, especially on marketing carbon, because of the complex nature of REDD+ in valuing carbon for marketing. The state actors are facilitating a contradictory role by encouraging farmers to expand agriculture lands which drives deforestation, at the same time to interplant trees in agriculture farms which encourages reforestation. Agricultural activities are for food to reduce hunger and generate income for the country as well as increasing tree cover in their farms in the same piece of land. In conclusion the paper proposes that, policy makers of forest conservation should pay critical attention to process and work to strengthen the capacity of state and non-state actors when reviewing forest policies for REDD+.