This paper examines the complex linkages and impacts of land degradation and primary livelihood activities in Ghana, specifically the Talensi District. Though a global challenge, land degradation is a major concern in the District. This is because the processes of land degradation are closely related with the operation of primary activities, which are livelihood sources for people in the District. The study explored the type of livelihood activities affecting land degradation and the impact of land degradation on these activities in that complex interrelationship. Based on the nature of the study, a mixed research strategy was employed in the gathering, analysis and presentation of data. A sample of 150 respondents were randomly sampled and issued with structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide for collecting data. Participant observations were also conducted and official statistical data analyzed. The data analysis and presentation involved both inferential statistics and qualitative interpretations of field data. The research findings indicate that agriculture; hunting; illegal mining and wood fuel production relate with the processes of land degradation. Crop farming exhibits a strong interrelationship with land degradation because it is the major livelihood of people in the District. It is argued, that, land degradation has caused low crop yields because of loss of soil fertility. The impact analysis therefore indicates that, there is 'enhanced degradation' of land because of people's struggle to meet their livelihood sources affected by land degradation.
The objective of the study is to examine stakeholders' perception of forest and its implication for sustainable forest management in Ghana. This has become necessary in the light of the fact that operational application of forest management remains troublesome leading to the development of inconsistent forest management practices in the country. The study was approached using a cross-sectional design imploring semi-structured interviews and questionnaires as data collection method and instrument respectively in Juaso Forest District in the Asante Akim Central Municipality of Ghana. The research findings indicate that stakeholders' participation in sustainable forest management in the Juaso Forest District has been met with a myriad of challenges. These challenges are deeply rooted in the stakeholders' perceptions of what constitute forest in the communities. These perceptions have defined the conditions required for sustainable forest management at the local level. It is noted that sustainable forest management is a collaborative efforts, hence at the local level efforts should be made to ensure participation of all stakeholders in the decision making, policy design and implementation.