Harnessing Synergies: The Role of Traditional Institutions in Natural Resource Management in the Talensi-Nabdam District of Ghana

Government and Non-governmental Organizations have contributed in diverse ways in encouraging communities to use traditional structures, systems and institutions in the management of communities natural resources. Despite this, very little has been achieved because existing indigenous structures, knowledge systems and institutions in Natural Resource Management over the years are least recognized and integrated in programming Natural Resource Management issues. This has resulted in unsustainable management of natural resources in the Tallensi- Nabdam District, Ghana. To achieve the research objectives, methods used to collect data include focus group discussions, key informant interviews, inter-generational comparative narratives and household questionnaires. The main findings were that: indigenous beliefs and practices which were modes of indigenous natural resource management years ago are proving less effective today. The study also revealed male dominance in Natural Resource Management issues and decisions in the district and lastly, the perception that indigenous institutions lack knowledge of existing government policies on Natural Resource Management issues was found to be untrue. The study recommended integration of modern and traditional management systems into Natural Resource Management policies; gender inclusion in Natural Resource Management decisions by targeting and training traditional authorities; capacity building of formal and informal institutions through exchanges, joint visits and sharing of responsibilities; natural resource management transcends boundaries, hence, the need for district-wide and cross district bye-laws on natural resource management issues