Knowledge and perceptions of rural and urban communities towards small protected areas: Insights from Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Conservationists recognize that protected areas (PAs) have limited prospects without the involvement and support of local people. People inherently express positive perceptions to nature and support for wildlife conservation. Yet, people in rural and urban communities may differ in their knowledge and perceptions of benefits and costs of nearby small‐size PAs, which induce a vital impact on the effectiveness of PAs and conservation goal achievements. We investigated local people's knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes around rural PAs (Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuaries, Shai Hills Resource Reserve, and Ankasa Conservation Area) and urban PAs (Owabi Wildlife Sanctuaries) in Ghana. Based on a questionnaire survey (928 respondents) in communities surrounding the parks, the perception of benefits from PAs was mainly for ecological reasons and did not differ between PAs. However, the perception of costs incurred by PAs differed between urban and rural PAs. The locals of the urban PA perceived fewer costs (crop damage from wildlife) than those in rural areas. Although there were significant differences between the urban and rural PA respondents, most respondents had positive attitudes toward the PA. Fifty‐five percent of the total respondents were satisfied with the active law enforcement carried out by PA staff to protect biodiversity. However, 41% and 33% of respondents expressed discontent with restrictions on the use of natural resources within PAs and lack of involvement in decision‐making, respectively. Of the sociodemographic factors investigated in all parks, men were more satisfied with the policies and governance of PAs than women due to the greater participation of men in many outdoor activities. Positive attitudes toward PAs suggest that despite conflicts, there is a straightforward understanding by local people about healthy ecosystems, which creates a common ground between conservationists and local communities for successful conservation in PAs.

Keywords

• biodiversity
• ecosystem services
• governance
• human–wildlife conflict
• law enforcement
• local communities' perceptions