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Abstract
The paper explores the factors contributing to the Bushmeat trade in Ghana, including its multi-faceted nature and complexity. It also discusses conservation efforts to control the trade and suggests areas for future research and policy changes.
Keywords: Bushmeat, Ghana, Crisis, Wildlife, Trade
1 Introduction:
The illegal and unsustainable harvest of bushmeat has become a major threat to wildlife species in Ghana. Bushmeat, which refers to the meat of wild animals, has transitioned from a traditional, subsistence activity to a lucrative commercial trade. It is estimated that the bushmeat trade in Ghana is now a $350 million industry, with endangered species like primates being driven towards extinction. This has serious consequences for a country like Ghana, which lacks the resources to effectively manage its natural resources. One example of this is the Miss Waldron’s Red Colobus Monkey, which is now extinct. This paper explores the contributing factors to this unsustainable pattern, suggests policy changes, and identifies areas for further research.
2 General Background
The term “bushmeat crisis” refers to the unsustainable exploitation of wildlife for human consumption, leading to the decline of wildlife populations, endangerment of species, and negative impacts on communities that depend on wildlife. In the past, wild animals were a significant food source, biogenetic resource, and cultural symbol for communities in Ghana. Today, however, the bushmeat trade is threatening the survival of many species, including monkeys, porcupines, and duikers. The trade is not only illegal, but it is also highly profitable, comparable to the illegal drug trade. This multibillion-dollar industry is one of the immediate threats to tropical vertebrates, but there is limited data on the underlying drivers and impacts on human welfare. Meeting the demand for bushmeat from the growing middle class, both domestically and internationally, has overshadowed the need for wildlife habitat conservation. This paper aims to shed light on the contributing factors to the ecological crisis in Ghana, beyond the commonly attributed factor of poverty.
2.1.1 A Brief Description of Ghana and the Bushmeat Trade
The bushmeat trade has a long history in Ghana, dating back to at least the fifteenth century. It is estimated that 385 million kg of bushmeat, valued at $350 million, are harvested annually, with 92 million kg being marketed. Research has shown that rodents, duikers, and invertebrates make up the majority of the trade, while primates account for less than one percent. This may be due to declining primate populations or a change in consumer preferences. Notable bushmeat market centers in Ghana include the Kantamanto market in Accra, Atwemonom market in Kumasi, and the Tarkoradi market in Tarkoradi. These markets are well-organized and have been passed down through generations.
2.1.2 Actors in the Bushmeat Trade
There are five main actors in the bushmeat commodity chain in Ghana. Commercial hunters, mostly men, depend on bushmeat as their primary source of income. Farmer hunters, on the other hand, hunt bushmeat part-time to supplement their income from agriculture. Wholesalers, market traders, and local restaurants, known as “chopbars,” are predominantly women. Research shows that a significant proportion of bushmeat retailers are full-time traders, suggesting a heavy reliance on the trade. Unfortunately, there is limited information on the investment behavior of the capitalist bushmeat entrepreneurs or the illegal actors who sustain the crisis.
3 Contributing Factors to the Bushmeat Trade
The complex nature of the bushmeat trade is influenced by various factors. Logging is a major facilitator of the trade in Ghana. International logging companies not only destroy wildlife habitats but also provide access to deep forests through logging roads, which are then used by bushmeat hunters to transport their catch to markets. Intensified hunting strategies, such as the use of guns and chemicals, also contribute to the decline of wildlife populations. It is concerning that only guns and traps are legally approved hunting methods, yet guns are widely used by hunters. This paper seeks to shed light on these contributing factors and their implications for wildlife conservation in Ghana.
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