Evaluation of the community resources management area (CREMA) programme around Ankasa conservation area, Ghana

Abstract

Abstract The Community Resources Management Area (CREMA) programme was evaluated in 2016 around the Ankasa Conservation Area of Ghana by comparing the outcome of this study with that of a baseline study in 2008. Data were collected by applying specific techniques to survey mammals, reptiles, habitats and focus groups. The results indicated a reduced average species encounter rate from 10.2/km in 2008 to 3.7/km in 2016; a decreased mammals’ species richness from 25 to 18; a decreased Primates and Artiodactyles encounter but increased mammalian carnivores and reptiles encounters. Mammalian species richness declined through forest conversion and wildlife poaching in the CREMAs. The programme has yet to meet expectations but communities’ interests have already waned through mistrust in the implementation messages, which beguiled their interests. The benefits of CREMA are a long way to go, which should have been declared at the onset because understanding the programme should be the first step towards its successful implementation.