Prioritization of strategies for protected area management with local people using the hybrid SWOT-AHP analysis: the case of Kakum conservation area, Ghana

摘要: Article history: Received January 20, 2015 in revised format 6 February Accepted 15 March Available online The contribution of protected areas towards conservation and protection biodiversity cannot be over emphasized. Likewise, the dependence local communities on forest natural resources overlooked. Hence for long term viability reserves wildlife area, relationship people living close to these are key importance if conflict use can mitigated. Admittedly, decision-making with respect resource complex due multiple interests major stakeholders. Stakeholder involvement planning, management policy analysis help resolve conflicts, increase commitment support areas. In this paper, we employ SWOT-AHP methodology, aid Priority Estimation Tool (PriEsT), evaluate prioritize three strategies Kakum area Ghana, as a means facilitate while ensuring benefits people. Considering objectives seventeen SWOT sub-factors were identified used rating alternative strategies. Among strength sub-factors, enforcement regulations (S4) is most important. Similarly, limited funds patrolling outreach programs (W3), people’s interest livelihood (O4) presence illegal activities (T3) important weakness, opportunity threat respectively. strategy “institute village committees monitoring resources” (A1) has highest priority rating, indicating that authorities must pay more attention collaborative management. We propose improve studies conducted. However, may apply fuzzy AHP technique since it supposed have better capacity handle uncertainties human judgments during decision-making. Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 5 © 201