Socio-economic systems and environmental dynamics of charcoal production in Kintampo, Ghana

Résumé

Grounded in the Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) theory, this study examined the systemic socio-economic, ecological, and health implications of charcoal production in the Kintampo Municipality of Ghana’s Bono East region. Despite its central role in rural livelihoods, charcoal production in Kintampo generates severe and interlinked environmental, health, and socio-economic consequences. Deforestation, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and respiratory disease are well documented in comparable West African contexts, yet systematic empirical evidence that integrates these dimensions remains limited, particularly in the Kintampo area. This study addresses that gap using a sequential explanatory mixed methods design that combined quantitative household surveys with qualitative focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The target population of the study comprises households and institutional actors within the Kintampo Municipality who are directly or indirectly involved in the charcoal production value chain. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 200 households, with stratification based on socio-economic and occupational strata to ensure adequate representation. To obtain information on the socio-economic impact of charcoal production, 15 key informants were purposively selected for in-depth interviews. Four focus group discussions were conducted with 8–10 participants in each group. A two-pronged analytical strategy was used, integrating quantitative and qualitative data processing to provide a comprehensive interpretation of the dynamics of the system. The study established the importance of charcoal production as a key component of the rural economy, with about 62% of households relying on the activity for more than half of their annual income. The study also revealed the significant environmental impacts of the activity, such as deforestation (71%), depletion of soil nutrients (64%) and loss of biodiversity (58%). Significant health impacts were also observed, with 49% of the respondents reporting respiratory problems and 36% injuries related to the activity. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association (r = 0.61, p < 0.01) between the intensity of charcoal production and household income, while regression analysis confirmed that higher levels of production are significantly associated with environmental degradation (β = 0.47, p < 0.001). The study concludes that charcoal production simultaneously reinforces short-term economic resilience and undermines long-term environmental sustainability and public health. It recommends promoting alternative livelihoods, community-based reforestation programmes, the distribution of improved cookstoves and protective equipment, and stronger enforcement of forestry regulations, all aligned with Ghana’s commitments to SDGs 1, 3, 7, 13, and 15.