INTERNATIONAL TROPICAL TIMBER ORGANIZATION · INTERNATIONAL TROPICAL TIMBER ORGANIZATION TOWARDS...

INTERNATIONAL TROPICAL TIMBER ORGANIZATION

TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE INDIGENOUS MAHOGANY TIMBER PRODUCTION IN GHANA:

PD528/08Rev.1(F)

Completion Report

TitleTOWARDS SUSTAINABLE INDIGENOUS MAHOGANY TIMBER PRODUCTION IN GHANA: PHASE II, REFINING SILVICULTURAL

"TOOL KIT" AND PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR INDUSTRIAL-

Serial Number1

Host Government: GH

Executing Agency: FORESTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF GHANA (FORIG)

Starting date of the project: 08/04/2010

Project Duration: 48

International Tropical Timber OrganizationInternational Organizations Center, 5th Floor - Pacifico-Yokohama 1-1-1, Minato-Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, 220-0012 Japan

Completion Report

Date:27/07/2016

Version:1.0

Executing Agency's full name:

FORESTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF GHANA (FORIG)

Executing Agency's address:

P.O. BOX 63 KNUST

KUMASI, GHANA

Executing Agency's telephone:

2335160123

Executing Agency's fax:

2335160121

Executing Agency's email:

[email protected]

Information on Collaborating Agency(ies):

MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (MTU) and SAMARTEX TIMBER AND PLYWOOD COMPANY Ltd

MTU Contact person: Andrew J. STORER (Associate Professor)

1400 Townsend Drive

Houghton, Michigan 49931-1295, USA

Tel: 9064872454

Fax: 9064872915

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.forest.mtu.edu

SAMARTEX Contact person: Richard KWAKU NSENKYIRE (Deputy General Manager)

Address: P.O. BOX 1

Samreboi, Ghana

Tel: 233277100144

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.samartex.com

Technical Staff / Scientific Staff:

No Staff

Disclaimer:

This report was prepared as an account of Project sponsored by ITTO and executed by the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana. Neither ITTO

nor FORIG thereof, nor any of their stakeholders, nor any individual makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or

responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or any third party's use of results of the attached standards and reports or any information,

apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would


Disclaimer:

not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific product, process, or service by trade name, or otherwise, does not

necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by the EA thereof. The views and opinions of the EA expressed

herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Ghana Government or ITTO or any agency thereof.


INTERNATIONAL TROPICAL TIMBERORGANIZATION

TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE INDIGENOUS MAHOGANY TIMBER PRODUCTION IN GHANA:

PD528/08Rev.1(F)

Completion ReportDate:27/07/2016

Version:1.0

Disclaimer

This report was prepared as an account of Project sponsored by ITTO and executed by the Forestry Research

Institute of Ghana. Neither ITTO nor FORIG thereof, nor any of their stakeholders, nor any individual makes any

warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or any

third party's use of results of the attached standards and reports or any information, apparatus, product, or process

disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific

product, process, or service by trade name, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement,

recommendation, or favouring by the EA thereof. The views and opinions of the EA expressed herein do not

necessarily state or reflect those of the Ghana Government or ITTO or any agency thereof.

Executive Summary:

Sustainable supply and conservation of mahogany (Khaya spp.) are threatened by over-exploitation of natural

mahogany forests. Exacerbating the situation is the inability to establish mahogany plantations in their native range

as a result of the incidence of Hypsipyla robusta (mahogany shoot borer) pest. Mahogany shoot borer mostly kills

the main stem of the young trees, causing excessive forking and branching, contributing to the tree mortality. As a

consequence of the destructive activities of mahogany shoot borer, some entomologists have classified it as the

most important pest in tropical forestry.

This project sponsored by ITTO focuses on research that is being conducted aimed at developing an integrated pest

management strategy for mahogany shoot borer via plantation culture and can contribute to restoration and

conservation of African mahogany. The development objective is to improve the sustainability of indigenous

mahogany in Ghana by developing superior mahoganies that are ecologically adapted and insect tolerant and

expand our collaboration with industrial and community tree farmers. The specific objectives seek to refine our

silvicultural "tool Kit" to improve the ability to produce economically viable indigenous mahogany in mixed

plantations and to transfer this technology to Ghana's key industrial partners and community tree growers via a

practical "how to" cultivate indigenous mahoganies manual. The project expected outputs are:

1.Practical methods for mass production of selected superior Hypsipyla-sp-tolerant clones.

2.Seed production orchards established for each Khaya spp. and Entandrophragma spp.

3.Our silvicultural "tool kit" refined to optimize planting of mixed stands in the 4 major ecological zones.

4.Wood quality and lumber properties from mature plantation-grown mahoganies.

5.Socio-economic impacts of integrated agro-forestry plantations of mixed mahoganies with various short-term crops

are determined.

6.A practical "How to cultivate mahogany" in plantations manual is produced and International workshop Organized


1

Executive Summary:

Deliverables:

Outcomes of the project were disseminated to key stakeholders and partners of the project.

Research findings were published in reputable journals,

A practical handbook for plantation development in the tropics has been developed to guide farmers and other

stakeholders interested in establishing plantations.

Technologies for establishing mixed indigenous mahogany plantations have been developed.

Plantation stands of the indigenous mahogany in pure and mixtures with other important species have been

established across the major ecological zones of Ghana as demonstration plots.

Hypsipyla tolerant genotypes have been identified and techniques of cloning them through vegetative propagation

have been done.

Wood technological properties of mahogany have been documented into a handbook to promote policy making on

species to be included in future reforestation programmes and also to arouse interest of investors.

International conference on Sustainable production and management of mahogany in plantations in Tropical Africa

was organized in CSIR-FORIG with participants from Ghana, Cote DIvoire, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Malaysia, Thunen

Institute of Forest Genetics, Germany, Michigan Technological University, USA.

Thirty undergraduate students had internship on the project and twelve undergraduate theses were developed from

the project.

Five masters students were accepted on the project to facilitate their studies and research work.

Beneficiaries: Industries: Samartex Plywood and Timber company, ABTS Berekum, communities; Osiem Saviour

Church and Kranka, Forestry Commission, Private Plantations Investors.

The implementation of the mahogany project has been effective and educative as valuable information has been

provided for sustainable management of mahogany in plantations. Activities carried out so far shows much

progress in achieving the developmental objectives of the project. The project built active community participation

which has renewed the interest of other community farmers and tree growers to engage in future plantation

development programs with the establishment of indigenous species such as mahogany for sustainability of the

Ghana forest estate.

Context:

The forestry sector contributes about 6% of the gross domestic product, with timber from native mahoganies

contributing about 12% of these timber exports. The sector also employs directly and indirectly about 2.5 million

people in the forest industry. The forest cover of Ghana which used to be about 8 million hectares has been reduced

to a current state of about 2 million hectares. This reduction of the forest cover is due primarily to deforestation

which is mostly as a result of over-exploitation of the prime timber species (including the native mahoganies) of

Ghana. Current research on climate change has shown that deforestation alone contributes about 20% of the

carbon (IV) oxide component of the green-house gases. The project was sited in the high forest of Ghana with

experiments distributed across the three major ecological zones of Ghana. The project conformed to the overall goal

of Ghanas Forest and Wildlife Policy of 1994, which all the forest management related legislations, strategies,

programmes and projects in Ghana should support. The project supported the national forestry programme to

conserve and sustainably develop the nations forest


2

Context:

resources while maintaining environmental quality and perpetual flow of benefits to all segments of society. The

project also supported the Forestry Commission Collaborative Resource Management Policy and Strategy, with the

goal of working in partnership with different stakeholders, which enhances the management and development of

forest and wildlife resources and leads to equitable distribution of benefits.

Origin and Problem:

Mahogany (Meliaceae: Swietenidae) is a valuable tropical timber, but continued supply is threatened by

overexploitation of natural forest reserves and the prevention of successful plantation culture by a single pest

species, the shoot boring moth Hypsipyla robusta, that devastates young stands by killing main stems, causing

excessive forking and branching, and, in worst cases, contributing to mortality. In West Africa, mahogany plantations

are seriously frustrated by the shoot borer pest which feeds on actively growing apical shoots causing excessive

branching and at times killing the trees. Due the devastative effects on mahogany established stands in Ghana

were abandoned because there were no existing control interventions to the pest and for maintenance of the

stands. The damage caused by the pest is frequently cited as the cause of failure of native Meliaceae plantations in

Ghana. Lack of information on management of the pest drew stakeholders attention to call on research institution to

undertake more vibrant and experimental studies to resolve the Hysipyla menace. A project ITTO project PD105/01

Rev.3 (F) Phase I, was initiated in FORIG which aimed at developing an integrated strategy for reducing the impact

of shoot borers on the establishment of Khaya and Entandrophragma species in plantations in order to address pest

problem. Before this study, therefore, the production of African mahogany in plantations in West Africa was

practically impossible due to damage by shoot borer. The phase I of the project established that the Hysipyla

problem could be managed with sound and replicated experimental approaches with integrated management. The

second phase of the project was a follow up to the previous project which sought to improve the sustainability of

indigenous mahogany in Ghana by developing superior mahoganies that are ecologically adapted and insect

tolerant and expand our collaboration with industrial and community tree farmers for restoration of indigenous

mahogany species.

Project objectives and implementation strategy:

(i)The development objective of the project was to improve the sustainability of indigenous mahogany in Ghana by

developing superior mahoganies that are ecologically adapted and insect tolerant and expand our collaboration with

industrial and community tree farmers. This will allow rehabilitation of previously degraded and unsustainably logged

forests with indigenous mahogany species to restore ecological integrity of the upper Guinean forest of Ghana and

enable sustainable timber production.

(ii)The specific objective of the project was to refine our mahogany silvicultural Tool Kit to improve the ability to

produce economically viable indigenous mahogany in mixed plantations and to transfer this Technology to Ghanas

key industrial partners and community tree growers via a practical How to Cultivate Indigenous Mahoganies manual.


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iii. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

The mahogany shoot borer is perhaps the most economically important insect pest in tropical forestry. The problem

has attracted a great deal of attention from foresters, ecologists, entomologists and plant breeders, but previous

attempts at managing Hypsipyla have largely been unsuccessful. Current efforts controlling the mahogany shoot

borer in West Africa and elsewhere have increased markedly with integrated management approaches which

includes the selection of pest resistant planting stocks combined with biological, chemical and silvicultural control

measures to minimize pest infestation if not alleviate it completely. In the context of shoot borers on mahogany,

resistance is defined as the ability of a plant to avoid, suppress, prevent, overcome or tolerate insect attack. In

previous research, FORIG implemented the project Towards sustainable timber production in Ghana: Stage 1.

Improving shoot borer resistance and developing silvicultural systems to maximize mahogany plantation successes.

Throughout the project implementation, some superior genotypes were identified in the fragmented forest of Ghana

coupled with the application of various silvicultural control measures. It is therefore necessary to that the experience

gained in Ghana, West Africa and neo-tropics, is applied and further developed to enhance the sustainability of the

mahogany resource. It is suggested that the use of a single control measure will not reduce the impact of Hypsipyla

to economic acceptable levels, and as part of integrated management approaches we refined our silvicultural

management tools which included identification and selection of pest resistant genotypes, planting of the indigenous

mahogany in mixed stands, biological control measures and use of insect repellent species in mixtures.

Thus, the concept underlying this project was to enhance the sustainability of mahogany timber through develop an

integrated pest management strategy for Hypsipyla in plantations of mahogany in Ghana improve the sustainability

of indigenous mahogany in Ghana by developing superior mahoganies that are ecologically adapted and insect

tolerant and expand our collaboration with industrial and community tree farmers. This will allow rehabilitation of

previously degraded and unsustainably logged forests with indigenous mahogany species to restore ecological

integrity of the upper Guinean forest of Ghana and enable sustainable timber production.

Among the strategies adapted by the project, selection of Hypsipyla-tolerant genotypes from the scarce

populations of the mahoganies in the natural forest. The project identified clones of the seven indigenous

mahoganies including K. grandifoliola, K. ivorensis, K. anthotheca, Entandrophragma utile, Entandrophragma

cylindricum, Entandrophragma angolense and Entandrophragma candollei.

Mass production of the selected genotypes was done through practical method such as nursery establishment of the

seeds and through vegetative propagation by cuttings and grafting. Seed production centers and orchards were

developed and some already existing provenance trials were converted into orchards with diverse genetic sources

of the Khaya and Entandrophragma species. To enhance conservation of forest and effective plantation

development, access to planting materials was key to the success of such programmes. In tropical forestry, the

irregular fruiting pattern of most trees and lack of quality seedling materials usually obstruct the effective

implementation of restoration programmes. Based on these inevitable challenges, the project took turns to address

any anticipated hindrances by establishing 3 hectares of additional seed orchards of the 7 major indigenous

mahoganies to supplement 5 hectares provenances converted into orchards which existed within the major

ecological zones of Ghana.

Mixed stands of mahoganies in companion with other species were intensified in the main ecological


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zones including the moist semi-deciduous, moist and wet evergreen, and the dry semi-deciduous ecological zone of

Ghana. Provenance experimental plots were established in different eco-zones of Ghana and trees with superior

growth characteristics and resistance to pest attacks were identified. The project team utilized various mixed

plantation designs including agroforestry system geared towards reducing the activities of the shoot borer incidence

which normally stunt the growth mahogany trees. Mixed species plantation is gaining interest due to benefits as

better site use, improvement of soil nutrients and less pest damage. The development of species mixtures may alter

plant suitability for growth of the pest, increase levels of natural enemies and eventually facilitate restoration of the

indigenous mahogany species which faces threat of Hypsipyla attack.

Silvicultural management techniques such as pruning, shade were applied in field trails to evaluate the impact on

reducing the pest incidence. Different mahogany stands were established and pruning treatments involving pruning

multiple shoots sprouted in response to Hypsipyla attacks to one main branch, two branches compared to their

controls was done to provide empirical data on the effects of pruning on productivity and pest tolerance of the

mahogany species. Previous research revealed that chemical control may be effective in reducing the shoot borer

attacks however cost of chemicals and longevity of the planted trees would have to be considered before its

application. Biodiversity conservation and maintenance a balance in the ecosystem necessitates that

environmentally friendly approaches should be considered in any management strategy adapted. Thus chemical

usage may be efficient in protecting nursery stock.

Other management strategies adapted in execution of the project was biological control measures. Biological

control measures involve the introduction of natural enemies of the pest such as pathogens, parasitoids and

predators which ends up feeding on the pest and thus limiting their intensity. Over the years, extensive studies on

natural enemies of H. robusta provided a basis for selecting the most promising agents for biological control

programs as such weaver ants were introduced to manage Hypsipyla larvae in the established plantations. It was

noted that the pest is host-specific in its attacks therefore Olfactory cues of Hypsipyla was studied

To arouse interest of industrial partners and private investors, wood quality studies of plantation grown mahogany

compared with natural ones was explored. Mahogany plantations often get attacked at the early stages of their

growth at times deforms and the trees. Determination of wood quality and lumber properties was very necessary as

it provided facts on the value of mature plantation grown mahoganies compared to the trees in natural forest of the

same age. In addition sawing characteristics of Hypsipyla infested mature logs of mahogany from plantation and

natural forest was examined. Anatomical and mechanical properties studies were also carried out on plantation and

naturally grown mahoganies of similar sizes.

Socioeconomic surveys were conducted to determine impacts of integrated agroforestry plantations of mixed

mahoganies with various short-term crops. Community farmers become interested and willing to participate in any

plantation programme that would improve their farming activities and livelihoods in the short term. The tree-crop

interface generates series of tangible and intangible benefits to enhance the overall productivity of the crops and

trees. When trees are mixed with crops in agroforestry system, the farm produce provides subsistence and benefits

from the trees supplements the short term benefit. Finding of the socioeconomic studies was disseminated to the

projects stakeholders including the farmers. Awareness creation in the farming communities promotes the easy

adaptation and active participation of community farmers in restoration


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programmes with indigenous species like mahogany.

The knowledge and findings tapped from the project implementation was finally compiled into a practical handbook

titled managing mahogany plantations in the tropics. The handbook or manual developed elaborates on how to

effectively cultivate mahogany in plantations and sustainably manage the established stands for economic and

ecological benefits. An international conference was organized in FORIG dubbed Towards sustainable management

and production of mahogany in West Africa aimed at sharing the success stories/ achievements and challenges of

implementing the mahogany project and the way forward after project completion.

Project Performance:

a). Specific Objective

The specific objective of the project was to refine our mahogany silvicultural Tool Kit to improve the ability to



b. Outputs and related Activities

Activity

OUTPUT 1 Practical methods for mass production of selected superior Hypsipyla-tolerant clones (upright growing

and straight-stem) clones of the seven indigenous mahoganies of Ghana developed.

Realized Project Elements- Achieved objective

Differences Between Planned and Realized Project Elements-None

Activity 1.1: Selection of Hypsipyla-tolerant from the range of provenance trials established in the phase I of the

project.

100 Hypsipyla-tolerant mahogany trees were selected from the existing provenances from the phase1 as potential

seed trees and Seeds were collected from the identified trees

Activity 1.2: Establishment of new provenance/genotype selection plots from seed sources which were not captured

in the phase I.were not captured in the phase I.Provenance studies were conducted in the 4 major ecological

regions of Ghanas high forest; Dry semi-deciduous, moist semi-deciduous, wet and moist evergreen forest types

Activity 1.3: Cloning Hypsipyla-tolerant mahoganies from existing and new trial plots through propagation by cuttings

propagation by cuttingsCuttings of the Khaya and Entandrophragma species was successfully cloned in a vegetative

propagation system

Activity 1.4: Establish hedge garden of Hypsipyla-tolerant clones of mahogany for mass production of cutting

material production of cutting materialSuccessfully rooted cuttings from the superior and tolerant mahoganies

identified were potted and used to establish hedge gardens.


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Activity1.5 Establish superior mahogany seedling production centerNurseries were established for the project at

FORIG main nursery, SAMARTEX, ABTS, Kranka Community nurseries and Osiem Saviour church nursery

Output 2 Seed production orchards established for each Khaya and Entandrophragma



Activity 2.1. Mahogany seed orchard with diverse genetic sources will be established for each of Khaya and

entandrophragma species from new seed sourcethe Khaya species and Entandrophragma species from new seed

sources3ha orchards of Khaya and Entandrophragma species was established to enhance the supply and

availability of genetic materials for planting

Activity 2.2. Selection of superior genotypes and conversion of 5 hectares of phase I mahogany trial plots into seed

production orchard

The 5ha of mahogany stands developed at the Phase 1 project was converted into seed production orchards

Output 3 Our silvicultural tool kit refined to optimize planting of mixed stands in the 4 major ecological zones



Activity 3.1 Examine different densities of mahogany in mixture with other native tree species that occur together in

natural stand effect on Hypsipyla attacks

Studies were conducted on different densities of mahogany in mixture stands with other indigenous species to

assess the growth and pest tolerance of the African mahogany species. The results were compared with pure and

mixed mahogany species to draw meaningful conclusions.

Activity 3.2: Examine the effect mixtures of mahogany with food crop farming on Hypsipyla attack in an agroforestry

system

Mixtures of mahogany trees with food crops was critically assessed for the level of Hypsipyla attacks and growth of

the trees.

Activity 3.3: Evaluate pruning effect on shoot borer incidence and tree form of mahogany in existing and new

plantation trials

Field trials of mixtures; Khaya ivorensis and K. grandifoliola were given pruning treatments and control stands were

also established. The effect of pruning on shoot borer incidence and tree form was assessed for trees with pruning

treatment in comparison with those without pruning.

Activity 3.4: Thinning and spacing effect on shoot borer attack in mahogany stands

Different spacing of close and wider intervals composed of 1m, 2m 2.5m, 5m spacing regimes were


7


applied in field experiment of the mahogany species. Growth of the trees and incidence of shoot borer was

evaluated among the spacing treatment. Results indicated the closer spaced trees were highly attacked relative to

the wide spaces. Thinning was conducted in the close spacing trials to minimize the pest damage.

Activity 3.5: Examine the activity of weaver ants as biological control agents in mixed stand and pure stands

The mixed and pure mahogany stands established were monitored for the presence of weaver ants and number of

ant nests on shoots of the trees. Assessment showed that the weaver ants and ants nests limits shoot borer attacks

and thus the ants serve as effective bio-control agent.

Activity 3.6: Develop a system for introducing weaver ants as biological control agent of Hypsipyla in mahogany

plantations

The project field crew were actively engaged to devise and implement strategies to introduce weaver ants on the

mahogany stands to enhance biological control of the pest. Some of the strategies included planting of well

spreading crown trees such as Terminalia superba with the mahoganies such that ants colonies was transferred

from the Terminalia to the mahoganies for active bio-control of Hysipyla.

Output 4 Wood quality and lumber properties from mature plantation-grown mahoganies



Activity 4.1: Harvest a number (3-5) 40-year old Khaya species at a FORIG plantation near Amantia

Five 40- year old Khaya species plantations were harvested from FORIG plantation in Amantia for wood quality

and lumber properties studies

Activity 4.2: Determine sawing characteristics of mature logs of mahogany from plantation(infected by Hypsipyla)

and natural forest.The infested mature logs from the harvested trees were sampled and their sawing characteristics

were determined and compared to the natural ones of the same age.

Activity 4.3: Compare anatomical properties of mahogany grown in plantation to that in Natural forest of similar

sizes.

Anatomical properties of plantations and naturally grown mahogany of similar sizes were studied successfully

Activity 4.4: Establish the mechanical and strength properties of mature plantation grown mahogany which suffered

Hypsipyla attack at younger age.

Mechanical and strength properties was determined on the plantation grown mahoganies which had Hypsipyla

attacks


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Activity 4.5: PhD training

One wood scientist from FORIG had PhD training at Michigan Technological. University, USA.

Output 5 Socioeconomic impacts of integrated agroforestry plantations of mixed mahoganies with various short-term

crops are determined



Activity 5.1: comparative socio-economic analysis of different model/systems of plantation establishment with

farmer communities in project areas

Socio-economic studies was conducted in the project communities including Kranka, Samreboi and Osiem

communities who were engaged in an integrated agroforestry system of their food/cash crops and the mahogany

species.

Activity 5.2: Evaluate the economic viability of smallholder plantations

Economic viability of small holder plantations was successfully determined using the Kranka community plantations

as a model. Results showed that the small holder plantations were profitable at 10% discount rate and stable to

downward changes in cost and yield factors up to 50%.

Activity 5.3: Economic analysis of vegetative propagationThe cost-benefit analysis of vegetative propagation system

was determined. The study shows that cost of establishment of the propagation system and maintenance was low.

Superior mother trees are readily available. vegetative propagation is relatively cheap and simple for farmers and

tree growers to adapt

Activity 5.4: Economic assessment of the basis for Mahogany research from the perspectives of the timber industry

in GhanaEconomic assessment of the basis for mahogany research was undertaken successfully. The mahogany

species such as K. grandifoliola (indigenous) grows relatively fast compared to the exotic species). The projects

timber industries were much interested in the studies conducted. Findings from the project were published to

encourage the establishment of mahogany plantations.

Output 6: A practical how to cultivate mahogany in plantations manual is produced and International Workshop



Activity 6.1Prepare a handbook for establishment of Mahogany plantationA handbook have been developed on

managing mahogany plantations in the tropics. It details the processes from seed collection, planting, maintenance

and overall management of mahogany plantations.

Activity 6.2 Organize an International Workshop for restoration of the mahoganies in forest ecosystems in the

TropicsInternational conference was successfully organized on sustainable


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management of mahogany with participants from Cote DIvoire, Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Thunnen Institute of Forest

Genetic; Germany, Malaysia, Michigan Tech University, USA. The project industrial partners; Samartex, ABTS and

reps from Kranka community farmers and Osiem saviour church all participated in the conference.

Output 7 Training and technology transfer-Added during project implementation



Activity 7.1: One FORIG entomologist will receive doctoral training at Michigan Technological University- added

during project implementation. PhD in Forest Science was completed successfully

Activity 7.2: Presentation and Dissemination of projects results at conferences and workshops.

Project results have been presented at a number of forums and workshops to stakeholders

Activity 7.3: Refereed publications and technical manuals on sustainable restoration of mahogany will be developed

and disseminated.

Journal publications, Posters and abstracts have been published from the results of these studies

Activity7.4 capacity building of undergraduate and postgraduate students and farmers.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students were accepted for internships on the project. Students were trained in

project/plantations management.

The capacity of farmers were built in nursery management techniques and bee-keeping as an alternative livelihood

activity.

Project Outcome, Target Beneficiaries Involvement:

(i)Elaborate on the extent to which the Project Specific Objective was achieved

Project Specific Objective

The specific objective of the project was to refine our mahogany silvicultural Tool Kit to improve the ability to



The project team was very committed and work hard to ensure the attainment of the projects objectives. All activities

were carried out as required and a strong collaboration was established between the projects team and the

participating communities. The farmers were interested in integrating the mahogany trees with their food crops in an

agroforestry system as the mixed system enhanced the crops growth for their subsistence and maintenance of the

trees will generate future benefits as well. The project industrial partners benefited from the wood properties studies

and are therefore willing to foster a fruitful collaboration when the need arises. Strategies developed for the

management of the shoot borer and how to successfully establish the indigenous mahogany species have been

compiled into a practical handbook to guide farmers, plantation developers and private investors. Execution of the

project was very successful without any major challenges.

(ii) The situation existing at Project Completion as compared to the Pre-Project situation:

Tangible Outputs


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The progress of the project has been very encouraging with the deepening interest of the participating communities

and the industry which has resulted in planting over 100hectares of experimental and demonstration plots across the

forest zones of Ghana.

Total Area Planted During the Project Period

PLANTATION TYPE LOCATIONFOREST TYPE AREA PLANTED

Provenance

MesewamMoist semi-deciduous forest

2010 1.2ha

2011 0.6ha

AbofourDry semi-deciduous forest

2010 1ha

2011 4ha

2013 2ha

Benso Moist evergreen forest

2010 4ha

2011 2ha

Mixed planting

MesewamMoist semi-deciduous forest

2010 0.5ha

2011 0.5ha

2012 1ha

2013 1.2ha

Bobire

2013 0.5ha

2014 2ha

Spacing experiment

2010 Mesewam Moist semi-deciduous forest 0.8ha

2010 FORIG Moist semi-deciduous forest 0.8ha

Pruning experimentFORIG Moist semi-deciduous forest

2011 0.6ha

Shade experiment

2010 BobireMoist semi-deciduous forest 1.2ha

Comm. Agroforestry(AF)

Saviour church, OsiemMoist semi-deciduous 81.01ha

Comm. AFKrankaTransitional forest

2011 2.5ha


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2012 6ha

Kranka(Baafi)

2011 2.5ha

Kranka(Manso)

2011 1.6ha

2011 8.0ha

Comm. AF with industryBerekum(Tain 2)Dry semi-deciduous forest

2010 2.2ha

2011 7ha

2012 15ha

Industrial plantationSamreboi(Tano Nimiri)Moist evergreen forest

2010 10ha

2011 12ha

Experimental AF 2013 Mesewam Moist semi-deciduous 0.5ha

FORIG campus

2012 0.5ha

TOTAL 172.71ha

The project team published a number of articles from the project results (list below) and presented the results at a

number of seminars and conferences.

Publications

1.Opuni-Frimpong, E., Nyarko-Duah, N. Y., Bedford, E. J. D. and Storer, A. J. (2014). Silvicultural systems for

restoration of mahogany in degraded landscapes in Africa: Influence of mixed rainforest plantation on growth and

pest damage, Open Journal of Forestry 4: 414-425.

2. Owusu S. A., Opuni-Frimpong, E. and Antwi-Boasiako C. (2014). Improving regeneration of mahogany:

techniques for vegetative propagation of four African mahogany species using leafy stem cuttings. New Forest. 45:5,

687-697. DOI 10.1007/s11056-014-9431-y

3. Abraham, J., Opuni-Frimpong, E., Weissbecker B, Schuetz S, Angeli, S. (2014). Olfactory cues of mahogany

trees to female Hypsipyla robusta. Bulletin of Insectology 67 (1) 21-30.

4.Yeboah, D., Burton, A. J., Storer, A. J., Opuni-Frimpong E. (2014). Variation in Wood Density and Carbon

Content of Tropical Plantation Tree Species from Ghana. New Forests. 45 (1) 35-52 DOI 10.1007/s11056-013-9390

-8.

5. Opuni-Frimpong E, Opoku, S. M, Storer, A. J, Burton A. J. and Yeboah D. (2013). Productivity, pest tolerance and

carbon sequestration of Khaya grandifoliola in the dry semi-deciduous forest of Ghana: a comparison in pure stands

and mixed stands. New Forests 44 (6) 863-879 (DOI 10.1007/s11056-013-9376-6)

6.Opuni-Frimpong, E., Tekpetey, S. L., Opoku, S., Mensah Opoku,E., Andrew J. Storer, Nyarko-Duah, Naa Y.,

Appiah-Kubi, E., Essien, C., Darko -Obiri , B. (2016) Managing Mahogany Plantation in the tropics: Field guide for

Farmers. pp 94 (In Press)

7.Appiah-Kubi, E., Kankam,C.K., Frimpong-Mensah, K., Opuni-Frimpong, E.(2016) The bending strength and

Modulus of elasticity properties of plantation grown Khaya ivorensis (Africa Mahogany) from Ghana. Journal of Ind.

Academy of Wood Science. ISSN 0972 (Doi:10.1007/s13196-016-)


12


8.Tekpetey, S. L., Opuni-Frimpong, E., Appiah-Kubi, E., Essien, C. Korang , J. Pentsil,S., and Owusu, F.W. (2016)

Khaya ivorensis in Ghana Forest Estate: Distribution, Properties and Uses. pp 138 (In Press).

Presentation and Posters at Conferences

1.Opuni-Frimpong E. (2012). Management of mahogany shoot borer, Hypsipyla robusta (Moore): A native pest with

invasive characteristics in plantations. A presentation given at the 23rd USDA Interagency Research Forum on

Invasive Species 10-13, January 2012 in Annapolis, MD USA.

2.Opuni-Frimpong, E. (2011). Research advances on African mahogany (Khaya and Entandrophragma) in Ghana.

Guest Speaker at Forest Genetic Research Institute of Germany, 2/12/11. Organized by the Research Institute for

Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Germany.

3.Opuni-Frimpong, E. (2011). Incidence of Hypsipyla robusta (Moore) on Mahogany Trees. Guest Speaker, Faculty

of Science and Technology, Lecture Series, University of Bolzano, Italy, 30/11/2011. Organized and Funded by

University of Bolzano, Italy.

4.Nyarko-Duah, N.Y., Opuni-Frimpong E., Belford E.J.D. and Storer, A.J. (2012). The effect of mixed-tree species

stands on Hypsipyla robusta attacks and growth of African mahogany in a wet forest. Presented at IUFRO

FORNESSA Regional congress. Nairobi Kenya, 25th 29th June, 2012. Oral presentation.

5.Nyarko-Duah, N.Y., Opuni-Frimpong E., Belford E.J.D. and Storer, A.J. (2012). The presence of weaver ants

(Oecophylla longinoda) in mixed-tree species stands on Hypsipyla robusta attack and growth of African mahogany.

Presented at IUFRO FORNESSA Regional congress. Nairobi Kenya, 25th 29th June, 2012. Oral presentation.

6.Opuni-Frimpong, E., Nyarko-Duah, N.Y., Kwarkye, G.A., and Storer, A.J. (2012). Incidence of Hypsipyla robusta

(Moore) on native mahogany trees: a challenge for sustainable supply and conservation of mahogany resources.

Presented at IUFRO FORNESSA Regional congress. Nairobi Kenya, 25th 29th June, 2012. Oral presentation.

7.Opuni-Frimpong, E., Opoku Mensah, S., and Storer, A.J. (2012). Growth and Productivity of Khaya grandifoliola in

the dry semi-deciduous forest of Ghana; a comparison in pure and in mixed stands as a potential plantation species.

Presented at IUFRO FORNESSA Regional congress. Nairobi Kenya, 25th 29th June, 2012. Poster presentation.

8.Ward, S. (2012). Overview of mahogany and Spanish cedar collections and trials from Mesoamerica. Presentation

given at FORIG on the 12th of July, 2012.

9.Opuni-Frimpong, E. and Owusu, S. A. (2014). Breeding for pest resistance in African mahogany. A presentation

given at IUFRO 2014 side event: Implementing a Global plan of action for Forest Genetic Resources. Organized by

Bioversity International. Friday, 10th October 19.00 -21.00 Room SPCC 250A. Salt Lake City, USA

10.Abraham J., Opuni-Frimpong E., Weissbecker B., Schütz S. Angeli S. (2015). Exploiting the scent of trees to

protect mahogany plantations from pest insects, International Conference on Sustainable mahogany production held

in CSIR-FORIG, Kumasi, 2nd -6th March, 2105.

11.Opuni-Frimpong, E. (2015).Genetic variation in African mahogany with resistance/ tolerance to Hypsipyla; World

Forestry Conference 7-12 September, 2015, Durban south Africa.

12.B. D. Obiri, Opuni-Frimpong,E Sekyere, J. O. Abgenyega Storer, J. A. (2015). Economics of Mahogany

production in Ghana, Presentation at the International Conference on Sustainable mahogany production held in

CSIR-FORIG, Kumasi, 2nd-6th March, 2105.


13


13.Opoku M. E., Owusu S. A., Sarfo Y., Opuni-Frimpong E., Storer. A. J. (2015). Vegetative propagation techniques

of improving seedlings production for restoring mahogany by plantation culture, Presented at International

Conference on Sustainable mahogany production held in CSIR-FORIG, Kumasi, 2nd -6th March, 2105.

14. Bernd Degen, Maike Pailini , Birte Pakull, Emmanuel Opuni Frimpong, Aki Hoeltken (2015)DNA fingerprints for

species assignment and CoC tracking of Khaya ivorensis and Khaya anthotheca, International Conference on

Sustainable mahogany production held in CSIR-FORIG, Kumasi, 2nd -6th March, 2105.

15.Darko C. B., Opuni-Frimpong E., Kyere B. and Storer J. A. (2015) Screening Meliaceae for their resistance to the

Hypsipyla robusta attack. Presented at the International Conference on Sustainable mahogany production held in

CSIR-FORIG, Kumasi, 2nd -6th March, 2105.

16.Opuni-Frimpong E. and Storer J. A., (2015). Biology of mahogany shoot borer (Hypsipyla robusta Moore) on

artificial media and associated natural enemies. Presented at the International Conference on Sustainable

mahogany production held in CSIR-FORIG, Kumasi, 2nd -6th March, 2105

17.Tekpetey, S. L., Riegel A.; Dekomien K., Opuni-Frimpong E. (2015). Investigating Surface Quality of African

Mahogany from Ghana using Stylus and Deflectometry Techniques. presented at International Conference on

Sustainable mahogany production held in CSIR-FORIG, Kumasi, 2nd -6th March, 2015

18.Appiah-Kubi, E., and Opuni-Frimpong E. (2015). Durability and Mechanical Strength Properties of Plantation

Grown Khaya ivorensis from Ghana, presented at International Conference on Sustainable mahogany production

held in CSIR-FORIG, Kumasi, 2nd -6th March, 2105

19.Opuni-Frimpong, E (2016). Breeding and Genetic variation in African mahogany tolerance to Hypsipyla robusta

Moore in plantations. An International Workshop in the frame of the Large scale on genetic timber verification"..

Hosted by University of Sao Paulo, Pirasicaba, Brazil, April 11-15, 2016.

Training of a PhD student from FORIG at the projects partner institutions Michigan Technological University is a

major output of the project. During the project implementation the capacity building of students was enhanced

through the internships hence twelve undergraduate and seven masters level graduate students used the project

field experiments and facilities for their thesis research. Three PhD students utilized some aspect of the project

findings for their dissertation. Community farmers engaged in the project were exposed to various alternative

livelihood development programs, nursery management aside the tree planting of mahoganies in their agroforestry

system. This have refined and renewed their interest to embrace any restoration program with the indigenous

species especially the mahogany. Other tree growers, investors and the forestry sector who formally neglected the

mahogany species due to the pest attack have now realized the need to add such species to current and future

plantation development initiatives. Thus, the project has established a viable and practical management approaches

to enhance sustainable plantation culture which is relevant to sustainable ex-situ conservation of the indigenous

species which are diminishing at a faster rate in Ghanas forest estate.

Support to Sectoral Policies and Programs

The project outputs are contributing to the realization of the following sectoral policies and programs on forest

plantations.

Promote the development of plantations programs to enhance sustainable supply of timber to meet the current

needs and future demands

It will reduce pressure on the natural forest


14


It will encourage collaborative resource management among community farmers, governments and other relevant

stakeholders

It will improve the livelihood of the communities and farmers in plantation site

It will increase biodiversity conservation and ecological integrity

The project results will increase government commitment to degraded landscape restoration through massive forest

plantation development schemes

It will promote small and medium forest plantation as channel of job creation for the rural communities and forest

dependent people

Application of and practical technologies in restoration and rehabilitation of degraded landscapes

It will enhance food production and security through the adoption of agroforestry system

It will support investments in plantations establishment including the indigenous species to enhance the attainment

of the national forest plantation goals in Ghana

The Physical Environment

During the implementation of the project, our vegetation clearance and land preparation activities were done

cautiously and precisely to prevent destruction of other close forest areas. In the community agroforestry system,

famers were coached in the clearing and advised to prevent excessive burning and application of weedicides that

might destroy microorganism essential for soil nutrient enrichment. Within the demarcated areas of establishment,

the project team focused on using various mixed plantation designs that will enhance the trees growth and this has

increased the forest cover in most of the degraded lands.

(iii) Participation of the target beneficiaries in the implementation of the Project and their utilization of the project

results.

All the Stakeholders targeted to utilize the project results were involved right at the inception and throughout the

implementation of the project. The project steering committee was constituted such that we had the director of

plantations of the Ghana Forestry Commission as the chairman. The project industrial partners investors in

plantations in Ghana were well represented on the steering committee meetings which formed the major decision

making body of the project. The community farmers who participated in small holder tree plantations and the

agroforestry system was represented by a representative from all the communities in the steering committee

meetings. During the steering committee meetings, series of technical presentations were given to disseminate the

project results. Workshops and forums were organized in the communities with the presence of all the project

participating farmers to update them on the project results and to boost their interest in tree growing initiative.

Publications and the practical handbook developed from the project will add to the information pools of all

stakeholders for immediate utilization to support sustainable forest management in Ghana.

(iv) Project sustainability after Project Completion as a result of conditions prevailing at completion.

The project implementation was organized such that monitoring and maintenance of the established stands will

continue effectively after the project completion with active participation of all stakeholders. The project executing

agency signed an MOU with the industrial partners; Samartex, ABTS and APSD for smooth implementation of the

project activities and also for continuity of the project after completion. The project team will therefore conduct

assessment and maintenance of the stands annually with support from the industries till the trees reach a

merchantable size for harvest. The community farmers involved in the farm forestry also have responsibilities of

protecting the trees


15


on their lands and regular monitoring will be conducted by the field team trained on the project. Established stands

on research plots within the major ecological zones will be frequently be monitored and maintained by the project

team at CSIR-FORIG.

Thematic Programme:

Assessment and Analysis:

(i)Analysis and comments on the project rational and the project identification: Stakeholder participation in the

project formulation process

The project formulation originated from stakeholder interactions that the mahogany species are declining in the

natural occurrences and effort of mahogany restoration were faced with frequent problems of pest. The pest

incidences of the mahoganies was discouraging tree growers, industries such as Samartex, ABTS from establishing

plantations with the species although the mahogany timber had high commercial value. Mahogany plantations

established previously were abandoned by the forest sector because of the ubiquitous pest and mahoganies was

excluded from the plantations development program. It was relevant that the pest incidence is immensely studied to

provide reliable economical and practical strategies of controlling the pest. Various efforts for control of the pest in

the past could not completely reduce the damage caused as such integrated management approaches of pest

control was recommended globally as the best option. Selection of pest resilient planting stock, combination of

sivilcultural, biological control measures in integrated management system was adopted for control of the

Hypsipyla pest. Reports from the pre project phase 1 of the mahogany studies to ITTO indicated that tolerant

genotypes of the mahogany species existed in the sparse forest fragment within the ecological zones of Ghana

which necessitated that identification of such genotypes for cloning. The project implementation strategy included

various silvicultural management approaches such as pruning, shad, mixed planting of mahogany with other

indigenous species, biological control agent as bait for Hypsipyla which were geared towards managing the pest

infestation for sustainable plantation development. The project has results have established that management of

the pest could be achieved through the integrated approaches outlined. The discouragement caused within the

forestry sector, among tree growers and private investors with mahogany plantations establishment would have

remained a major challenge to sustainable forest management with the indigenous species. This has however been

has been addressed through project implementation.

(ii)The adequacy or inadequacy of the results of the identification process: definition of the problem, the project

objective and the choice of the implementation strategy

Design of the project, from definition of the problem, project objective through the development of implementation

strategies, the project initiators involved stakeholders in critical analysis of the issues. The major challenge which

destructed effective mahogany plantation establishment was the shoot borer Hypsipyla robusta Moore which is

also a serious pest in West Africa and other areas where mahogany are grown. In Ghana, the Hysipyla pest attacks

most of the Khaya and Endrophragma species, and the exotic Swietinia macrophylla. The devastative nature of the

pest was the single menace to successful management of mahoganies as such previously planted stands were


16


abandoned in Ghana and the mahoganies were excluded from the indigenous species recommended for plantation

programs. Through Stakeholder meetings, it came up that a more practical and scientific research should be

developed to address the pest problems of the mahogany as it cannot be eliminated form plantations development

because it commands high economic value in Ghana and other countries of their abundance. Therefore, the project

aimed to address this problem Through the application of integrated pest management approaches including

refining our silvicultural toolkits, identification of superior elite genotypes for cloning and bio-control measures

geared towards managing the Hypsipyla activities for sustainable management of mahogany species in Ghana and

West Africa. The project implementation teams regular meeting with stakeholders and the annual steering

committee meetings did not identify any need for alteration in the implementation strategies. Thus the results of the

identification process were adequate for the definition of the problem and objectives set were appropriate.

(iii)The most critical differences between planned and actual project implementation

The project team thoroughly executed the project according to the planned activities. Execution of the project

activities was done accordingly as scheduled within the duration planned. The project team faced challenge in

sourcing Entandrophragma candollei seeds for the experimental work. During the third steering committee meeting it

was recommended for the project team liased with the various FSDs at the Forestry commission to assist with

identification of the seeds to enhance the attainment of the project objectives. The project budget was adjusted

within the original total budget without requesting for any additional funding. The project directorate sought approval

from ITTO for the new activity and the budget adjustments which were granted. In the fourth year of the project,

most of the activities were completed except few ones which were still ongoing. The Osiem savior church

community partners was brought on board to participate in the project where their goal was to establish cocoa

agroforestry. The project directorate sought for 8 months extension of project activities, to enable us complete the

few remaining activities and also to strengthen the collaboration made with the Osiem savior church and other rural

communities who express their interest to participate in the tree mahogany planting. Though these communities

were not originally included in the project, the steering committee approved this noble idea from the principal

investigators as a key to sustainability of the project after completion of the ITTO support.

These differences between planned and actual implementation were very necessary to the successful

implementation of the project.

(i)Time and project Inputs quality and quantity: personnel and equipment, financial resources, knowledge and

expertise

The project team realized that the data collected within the four years of the project cycle could provide some level

of information to document strategies for mahogany plantation establishment. However, selection of tolerant clones,

propagating them and testing them again in the field needed additional time. This resulted in the formulation of the

second phase of the project that has been approved and the implementation of which starts immediately. The quality

and quantity of personnel involved in the implementation of the project was very good making it possible to publish

some of our results in reputable journals even before the end of the project. There were enough equipment, and

financial resources provided were just enough for successfully implementing the planned activities and the additional

activities the steering committee suggested.


17


(ii)Anticipation and reality of external influences, assumptions and risks etc. and the effectiveness of mitigating

measures

The implementation team anticipated the presence of variability in susceptibility within the mahogany population that

existed in forest and thus gives the possibility for genetic studies. The identified genotypes trees could coppiced

easily to facilitate the production of planting materials form the tolerant genotypes. The assumption that there must

be sufficient genetic variation in susceptibility of mahoganies to Hypsipyla was right as the provenance study

showed the extent of variation in growth and pest tolerance of over 90 /15 families of mahogany. The project team

anticipated a strong linkages with communities and farmers to enhance the sustainability of mahogany in the major

ecological zones of Ghana. Demand for seedling was very overwhelming especially with the newly joined partners;

the Osiem saviour church which the project collaborated with them to raise 90,000 seedlings to commemorate their

90th anniversary. Some farmers in Kranka who joined the project in the third year also demanded more seedlings

for planting. The preparation of a practical handbook on management of mahogany plantations was also very

expensive in terms of editing and reviewing for publishing.We managed to keep the demands and other associated

costs within the financial resources of the project budget. The assumptions and risk anticipated at the inception of

the project were managed as planned. The continuous planting of the mahoganies by our collaborators and

stakeholders is sufficient evidence that the risk of collaborator losing interest in the project was managed for the

success of the project.

(iii)The participation of anticipated and actual project beneficiaries in project implementation and how they have and

will be benefited from the project

The anticipated participants/beneficiaries in the project findings were the Forestry Commission, National Plantation

Development Center, Forest Industries and local community farmers involved in plantation development. The project

implementation was designed such that we had representatives of all these bodies on the project steering

committee to understand and act on their concerns, for them to maximize the benefits from the project findings. Most

of the field experiments were conducted in the beneficiaries plantation sites. The project execution agency signed

MOUs with the collaborators/beneficiaries who donated land for the project studies to allow continuous monitoring of

the field plots to manage any eventualities and also for evaluation and assessment for comprehensive

documentation of the performance of the integrated management of mahogany plantations.

(iv)Sustainability after Project Completion

Mechanisms to ensure sustainability of the project after completion were put in place at the inception of the project.

The project executing established active involvement of community farmers and industrial partners/investors to

ascertain the implementation of the project activities and for the realization of the developmental objectives.

Samartex and ABTS donated some land area for the rehabilitation with the mahogany species with their workers,

and the community farmers were assisted by the project team to establish pure and mixed mahogany agroforestry in

their fields. The industry uses the established site as demonstration plots to other stakeholders in their categories.

The agreement made for maintenance and sustainability of the stand was that the industry will provide financial

support for weed clearing and beating- up exercise by the field team. Regular evaluation will be done by FORIG

project team until the trees become fully matured for harvesting. The community farmers involved in the plantation

are also responsible for maintenance of the stands


18


as techniques developed were transferred to the farmers and the executing agency will provide technical advises

and support. Some experimental plots were established at FORIGs research stations in Mesewam, Bobire, Benso

and Abofour including seed orchards and hedge gardens will be monitored and maintained by the scientist and

project team at FORIG.

(v)The understanding and appropriateness of the roles and responsibilities of the institutions involved with the

project implementation

The Institutions invited to participate in the project were carefully selected by the execution agency to involve all

stakeholders that could contribute to maximizing the impact of the project on the forestry sector in Ghana as a

whole. The steering committee meetings was chaired by the director of plantations at the forestry commission. This

has helped to influence policy decisions to include the mahoganies in the National plantation program in Ghana as

techniques of managing the pest problem have been developed. Samartex and ABTS are lead investors in timber

plantations and major players in the timber industry in Ghana and their role on the project were very appropriate to

attract investor interest in mahogany plantations. The community tree farmers played active role in the application of

the project strategies developed towards management of mahogany which has helped in the extension of the project

ideas to other communities already. The collaboration harnessed between the project agency; FORIG and Scientists

of Michigan Technological University sharing a corporate responsibility appropriately led to the successful execution

of the project.

Lessons Learned:

(I) Lessons learned from project identification, design and implementation

(a) Project identification and design matters

The need for an integrated approach to manage Hypsipyla has been repeatedly identified by stakeholders as the

most promising solution to overcoming the problem associated with growing mahogany in plantations. Damage by

the shoot borer, had been the overriding factor restricting the successful establishment of mahogany plantations. It

was relevant that a solution to the shoot borer problem was discovered as most companies, investors, tree growers

that invest in reforestation or planting of mahogany expressed the risk and great economic loss the results from the

shoot borer attacks. The shoot borer is thus restricting the establishment of plantations of Khaya species, Swietenia

species and other valued tropical timbers of Meliaceae mahogany species in Ghana. Several strategies of managing

shoot borer damage in isolated cases to reduce damage to acceptable levels however integrated pest management

seemed a reliable approach to minimize the pest incidences. Thus the project identification involved critical analysis

as to how to combine silvicultural management strategies, selection of resistant genotypes for cloning and seedling

production, and application of biological control agents incorporated in integrated pest management to reduce the

impact of Hypsipyla in mahogany plantations. The achievement of the project specific and developmental objective

as set by the project design could be attributed to the full commitment and diligence of all the stakeholders involved

in the project implementation.

Additional arrangements that could improve cooperation between the relevant parties interest in the project

Adequate funding for plantations establishment was a major issue in Ghana among the timber industries and

especially the poor rural farmers are most vulnerable as they were enthused in


19

Lessons Learned:

participating effectively in the tree plantation of the indigenous mahogany species. However, the adoption of

agroforestry systems on their piece of land which was used to be previously managed in shifting cultivation system

and subsequently planting of trees implied that the size of land for the crops will reduce and that will affect the

produce of food stuff from the farms. During the project implementation, Famers were therefore introduced to

sustainable livelihood activities and nursery management which they could apply to produce seedlings of cash crops

like cocoa, coffee and cashew to generate income. Basic nursery equipment were supplied to initiate the nursery

work. With the help of the Forest service divisions, and the project team, plantation designs that incorporated much

of farmers food crops were adapted in the farming. This avoided unnecessary demands by the farmers for funds

which facilitated the progress of the project. The possibilities of exploring carbon credit and trading from the

sequestered carbon was introduced to farmers to raise their interest in tree growing.

Aspect of project design which most contributed to its success or failure in achieving the Development objective

The project strategy of involving stakeholders and targeted beneficiaries throughout the implementation of the

project was key to the achievement of the development objective of the project. Also the expertise of the project

team and their commitment to achieve sustained interest of the stakeholders in the project contributed significantly

to achieving the development objective of the project. The project in the field could have failed if the farmers were

not co-operative.

Actions to be taken to avoid variations between planned and actual implementation

Any variation that will affect the budget significantly had to be avoided. However since the project is applied

research, there was the need to make room for unplanned activities during implementation. Stakeholder

participation had to be encouraged at the formulation of the project idea and subsequent project development

Factors which will most likely affect project sustainability after completion

The projects main goal was to improve the sustainability of indigenous mahogany in Ghana by developing superior

mahoganies that are ecologically adapted and insect tolerant and expand our collaboration with industrial and

community tree farmers. The sustainability of the project after completion will depend on the forestry commissions

insisting on adding mahogany species to the national plantation program since the Forest service is the biggest

stakeholder. In current and future plantation programs, supply of free seedlings to the community farmers will

sustain the rural poor farmers interest. The governments new plantation program makes provision for seedlings

supply to tree growers. Through awareness creation and participatory rural appraisals in forest fringe communities

the project team can also arouse interest in mahogany plantation development in other communities. The project

team and Scientists at FORIG will continue to monitor and maintain the research sites within the FORIGs

concession as part of their routine activities. Regular monitoring, assessment and technical assistance will be

rendered continuously in the industrial planted sites, farmers and other partners fields to enhance the sustainability

of the indigenous mahogany species in


20

Lessons Learned:

the high forest of Ghana. The practical guide developed for farmers, tree growers and private investors and

industries interested in managing mahogany will intensify national concern on plantation culture.

(b)Operational Lessons

Project organization and management

The project had a project directorate led by the project leader under the supervision of the director of the executing

agency. There were regular formal and informal meetings and interactions with project team members to deliberate

on project results and expectations. Project facilities were made available to all project team members and

bureaucracies were avoided as much as possible. The cordial environment provided by the project directorate made

it possible to achieve the project objectives.

Flow of funds

The funding from ITTO and collaborating agencies were provided as planned. Michigan Technological Universities

support to the PhD student on the project was consistent with the project objective. The project directorate

sometimes waited for project funds in the execution agencies accounts to get almost depleted before requesting for

funds which on few occasions caused some financial stress for the project.

Definition of the roles and responsibilities of the institutions involved in the project implementation

The institutions involved in the project were;

Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG)

Forestry Commission

Samartex Timber and Plywood Company limited

ABTS Company Limited

Kranka Community Farmers

Osiem Saviour church

School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University (MTU)

Ghana Government/Forestry Commission representative chaired the steering committee to support the project

implementation with policy advice

Director of the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, supervised the overall implementation of the project as the

director of the executing agency

-Timber Industry Association representative provided advice on the expectations of the timber industry and also

was the link to inform the industry of the research outputs

SAMARTEX was a collaborating timber organization in the implementation of the project. Samartex was involved in

most of the project activities and their contributions at the steering committee meetings were of help to direct the

research and execution of the activities to make the results user friendly to the timber industries

-Michigan Technological University was a collaborating organization. The Experts from Michigan Technological

University provided funds and trained one FORIG staff in forest science at PhD level.


21

Lessons Learned:

The experts participation at the steering committee meetings helped to improve project implementation

-ITTO representative guided project steering committee to implement the project as defined in the project document

as part of the Technical monitoring role of ITTO.

-Kranka Community Farmers served the interest of the community farmers involved in the implementation of the

project at the steering committee level to make sure the project took care of concerns of farmers.

Project documentation

The project team developed a scheme of keeping project records and documentation for reporting, monitoring and

publications of project results. The project directorate made sure that biannual progress reports to ITTO and project

results presentations at workshops and conferences to stakeholders were all kept both electronically and in hard

copies. Project financial documents and reports were kept according to financial standards of the Forestry Research

Institute of Ghana and were fully audited to ensure that the expenses are within the project approved budget. Project

technical reports and student research theses that used project research material have been kept electronically and

in hard copies at the project secretariat.

Monitoring and evaluation

The project directorate had regular interactions and meetings with project participants (community farmers, timber

industries that donated land as demonstration plots and the church group) as a way of monitoring project progress

with the various participants and for deliberations on project expected outputs. Workshops and seminars were

organized frequently in the participating communities to disseminate the discoveries and strategies developed

towards effective management of mahogany plantations. The annual steering committee meetings with

representation of ITTO and all the major stakeholders and beneficiaries of project results helped to keep track of the

project activities with the set objectives. Major additions like the efforts of identifying Entandrophragma candollei

seeds using the stock map of the Forestry commission and acceptance of the Osiem Saviour church into the farm

forestry were identified during one of the monitoring and evaluation meetings of stakeholders and collaborators. The

project established stands were also monitored on regular basis and status of research outputs were presented at

the PSC meetings for inputs.

External factors that influenced the project implementation

Sourcing of Entandrophragma candollei seeds from the sparse area within the Forest service division stock map and

the addition of the Osiem savior church group to participate in the project were not originally planned as project

activities. However, they were eventually identified as necessary to the achievement of the project goals and further

restoration initiatives. Though these did not require additional funding from ITTO, the project budget had to be

adjusted to cater for such contingencies caused some activities to delay in implementation. The immense

contribution made by the project external expert especially with the introduction of weaver ants as biological control

agent of Hypsipyla in Ghana influenced the project implementation strategy to some extent. The expert advice from

the external consultants influenced the identification and design of a regional project of sustaining mahogany

production and management in West Africa which has been submitted for


22

Lessons Learned:

funding.

Conclusions and Recommendations:

(i)Conclusions and Recommendations

Identification

The main goal of the project was to improve the sustainability of indigenous mahogany in Ghana by developing

superior mahoganies that are ecologically adapted and insect tolerant and expand our collaboration with industrial

and community tree farmers. This goal was realized through tied efforts of all stakeholders involved in the project

implementation. The project identification process should be as participatory as possible involving all stakeholders

and expected beneficiaries of the project results, to ensure relevance and ready acceptance of project outputs by

stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Design

The uniqueness of the project design was the participatory approach by involving many stakeholders as

collaborators to have their inputs integrated into the project design. The design should be simple, having in mind the

stakeholders capabilities, skills, level of education and capacity to use technologies to be developed.

Implementation

The project outputs were achieved it was considered among the most successful projects implemented in the

executing agency. The success and achievement of the project goals can be attributed to the meticulous and

constructive inputs of stakeholders on the proposed schedule of activities and timely monitoring and evaluations

system put in place to ensure activities are done accordingly as planned. The established stands on the lands

donated by the industry was done with their own staff and the project field team such that they would be familiar with

the design application of management strategies that will sustain the stand. Experiment established on research

plots owned by FORIG with the various mixed plantation designs were often evaluated to ascertain impact of

strategies applied on the growth and productivity of the stands. This serve as firsthand attraction area for

demonstration to relevant stakeholders and other investors interested in plantation establishment with the

indigenous mahogany species. The project team is enthused and motivated with the stakeholders adoption and

implementation of the technologies developed under the project and which has promising impact on the national

plantation development plan which includes rehabilitation of degraded landscapes with high value indigenous

species. The involvement of the director of plantations division of the Forestry Commission and his association with

the success of the project contributed to the acceptance and promotion of the mahogany species among key

species targeted for ex-situ conservation in Ghana.

Organization

The project directorate led by the project leader under the supervision of the director of the executing agency

ensured the successful completion of the project. Series of formal and informal meeting which included PSC

meetings, workshops, and participatory rural appraisal were organized regularly for the project team, stakeholders,

and community famers to interact deliberate on project schedules and


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Conclusions and Recommendations:

ways to achieve the project objectives. Results and expectation of the project were also made known to all the

partners of the project. The availability of project facilities to all project team members including student interns and

the avoidance of bureaucratic processes all provided a very cordial environment to stimulate innovations and better

outputs. Aside the formal meeting, a platform for easy flow of information was created for the stakeholders to share

problems which received urgent considerations and possible solutions to enhance success of the project.

(ii)Potential for replication and/or for scaling up

The stakeholders and beneficiaries of the project output have expressed their enthusiasm in expanding their

plantations established with the strategies and technologies developed. The active involvement of community

farmers and expected benefits in mahogany plantation development have attracted other neighboring farmers to

also engage in more vibrant farm forestry and are making demands for inclusion although the project is completed.

Their concerns were raised in the final PSC meetings and the project team accepted to incorporate them in further

plantation development program. The project implementation was climax with an international conference on

sustainable production and management of mahogany held in the executing agency with various participants from

West Africa, Thunen Institute of Forest Genetics, Germany. To take care of the demands of community farmers and

the partners recommendation, it came up that a regional project of sustaining mahogany production in West Africa

has been developed and submitted to ITTO for funding. It is expected that regional collaboration for exchange of

genetic materials, strategies of managing mahogany effectively in the tropical region will be achieved through this

new project.

Responsible for the project

Name: Dr. Emmanuel Opuni-FrimpongPosition held: Project Leader


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