i Parkia biglobosa - School of Forest Resources & Environmental ...

government acknowledges the disproportionate economic advantages and access to
resources across the country. Prior to the 1999 National Land Policy, Ghana had never
formalized or implemented a land policy. The aims and objectives of the Land Policy are
“the judicious use of the nation’s land and all its natural resources by all sections of the
Ghanaian society in support of various socio-economic activities undertaken in
accordance with sustainable resource management and maintaining viable ecosystems”
(Kasanga and Kotey 2001).
In summary, I recognized the survival of P. biglobosa as a resource is not
threatened by the presence of soybeans. The danger of overexploitation and depleting a
resource often comes from a dismal economic situation and poverty. The social impact
assessment study in Nigeria (Sanginga et al 1999) showed that farmers who adopted
soybean cultivation improved their material wealth. Diversifying their methods of
generating income, farmers will be capable of managing their resources, instead of
depleting them. Soybeans present a viable substitute to P. biglobosa in several ways.
Soybeans are available throughout the year. The difference in cost relative to zuini is
negligible. Soybeans are equally nutritious and beneficial supplement to the local diet.
Adopting soybeans as a crop can improve farmers’ level of affluence and material wealth.
Generating income and improving material wealth alone cannot ensure the
survival of P. biglobosa. Continued education and outreach programs are critical for
encouraging sustainable resource management and conservation practices. Enforcing
policies against bush burning by local government improve crop yields but may also
promote natural regeneration of trees. Promoting agroforestry practices that benefit the
farmers and their lands are important. Farmers can derive income from fruit trees or
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