Abstract:
Riparian forests (RF) composition is important for moderating climate
change impacts on agricultural watersheds. However, they are under threat from
deforestation of catchment areas. The study used remote sensing techniques and
field inventorying to assess woody species composition of RF on farmland (FA) and
protected area (PA) along Afram rivercourse in the humid savanna of Ghana.
Analysis of Landsat images revealed a reduction in forest cover from 1986
(50 %) to 2014 (31 %) in the river catchment. Ground survey of 60 randomly
selected plots (500 m2 per plot) equally divided between FA and PA along the river
in a 50 m buffer zone showed a reduction in the number of woody species
(diameter 5 cm) from PA (58) to FA (39). Shannon-Wiener Index for species
diversity also reduced from PA (3.8 0.05) to FA (3.1 0.08). Diameter class
distribution of species of both PA and FA showed a reversed J-shaped curve
indicating successful regeneration. Reduction in species density per hectare from
PA (545 18) to FA (277 13) is likely to increase the surface exposure of the
riparian area in FA. This will heighten risks of climate disasters such as fires and
flooding. Education of farmers on the importance of riparian forests may ensure
their protection.
