In an inspiring initiative aimed at fostering sustainable practices in Northern Ghana, A Rocha Ghana recently partnered with the UK-based Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society to host a groundbreaking two-day workshop on equitable fire management.
The workshop which took place this month at Damongo in the Savannah Region, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, showcasing a collective commitment to addressing the complexities of fire management in the region.
Participants were drawn from government institutions, NGOs, academia, the private sector, traditional authorities, and local livelihood groups, all of whom share a vested interest in the intricate relationship between fire and landscape in Northern Ghana.
With a focus on participatory approaches, discussions revolved around the various types of landscape fires, their ecological roles, and the socio-economic factors influencing fire management practices.
Fire management
Fire management is more than just an environmental concern; it is vital for the preservation of unique ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities that depend on these landscapes. The rich biodiversity of Northern Ghana’s savannas and forests has evolved alongside naturally occurring fires, yet the increasing impact of human activity and climate change has disrupted these patterns. This workshop aimed to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific understanding of fire, emphasizing the need for comprehensive management strategies.
In a keynote address, Rahina Sidiki Alare, a PhD student at King’s College London whose research delves into fire governance within the Savannah landscapes highlighted a pressing issue—the disconnect between national fire policies and local burning practices. According to her, “the way we manage fires in Northern Ghana has marginalized certain livelihoods, which could lead to more destructive fires.” “The workshop’s goal is to bridge this gap, ensuring fire management is effective and adaptable while being inclusive,” she added.
A Rocha Ghana’s Northern Sector Project Manager, Mr. Godwin Evenyo Dzekoto echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of integrating traditional fire knowledge with scientific methods. “The Savannah region needs fire for ecological balance,” he remarked, underlining the necessity for a collaborative approach that respects and utilizes indigenous practices alongside contemporary science.
Hands-on
A highlight of the workshop was the use of ‘rich pictures’—participatory drawings that allowed participants to express their perceptions of fire in their landscapes. This creative exercise not only facilitated dialogue but also illuminated the need to include marginalized voices, such as herders and hunters, in fire management strategies.
The artistic contributions from these sessions will soon take the form of a mural billboard, created by international artist Daniel Kweku Anetang, which will be mounted in the Savannah Region. This mural will serve as a lasting reminder of the collective effort to harmonize fire management practices.
Network for Sustainable Practices
Thanks to funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Impact Accelerator Award and the Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society, the workshop concluded by establishing an inclusive network of fire management practitioners.
This network aims to spearhead future projects that promote sustainable fire practices, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the communities that rely on it.
As Northern Ghana navigates the complexities of fire management, efforts like this workshop stand as a beacon of hope—demonstrating that with collaboration and inclusivity, sustainable practices can thrive, ensuring a richer, more balanced ecosystem for generations to come.
