Conservation of mushrooms as non-timber forest products of economic importance and their benefits to communities around the Bui National Park of Ghana

Abstract

The Bui National Park covers an area of about 1,821km2 and is situated in the centre-west of the country. The communities around the Park consist of native Banda and Nafara as well as settler Ewe and Wassa among others; they are mainly farmers and fishermen. There are many edible mushrooms in the area which are eaten as meat or fish substitutes. The mushrooms are collected at the onset of the rainy season on various substrates; excess mushrooms that are not eaten or sold are preserved in many ways including drying for future use. Many species are however being lost because of bushfires and irregular rainfall patterns. The local people are eager to receive training in mushroom farming so that they can have access to the mushrooms throughout the year. The 30 plant species identified in the off reserve include trees, shrubs and herbs (grasses), some of which are ectomycorrhizal