How effective are task forces in tackling illegal logging? Empirical evidence from Ghana

Marte Franck; Christian Pilegaard Hansen

doi:10.1505/146554814812572511

How effective are task forces in tackling illegal logging? Empirical evidence from Ghana

Marte Franck, Christian Pilegaard Hansen

Section for Global Development

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

SUMMARY This paper analyses the experiences and effectiveness of timber task forces to combat illegal logging. The paper is based on an analysis of 30 semi-structured interviews with members of timber task forces and other relevant stakeholders in Ghana. The paper finds that task forces have generally not proven effective in Ghana. The task forces are influenced by corruption; interference by powerful actors; fear of violence; and logistical and resource-related challenges. The paper suggests that effectively addressing illegal logging in Ghana will require a more normative approach that involves policy reforms addressing fundamental issues such as rights to trees and benefits from them. Without such reforms, timber task forces as well as other types of "hard" law enforcement become illusive.

Original language	English
Journal	International Forestry Review
Volume	16
Issue number	3
Pages (from-to)	354-362
Number of pages	9
ISSN	1465-5489
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1505/146554814812572511
Publication status	Published - Jun 2014

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AB - SUMMARY This paper analyses the experiences and effectiveness of timber task forces to combat illegal logging. The paper is based on an analysis of 30 semi-structured interviews with members of timber task forces and other relevant stakeholders in Ghana. The paper finds that task forces have generally not proven effective in Ghana. The task forces are influenced by corruption; interference by powerful actors; fear of violence; and logistical and resource-related challenges. The paper suggests that effectively addressing illegal logging in Ghana will require a more normative approach that involves policy reforms addressing fundamental issues such as rights to trees and benefits from them. Without such reforms, timber task forces as well as other types of "hard" law enforcement become illusive.

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How effective are task forces in tackling illegal logging? Empirical evidence from Ghana

Abstract

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