266 The rattan industry in the Ashanti and Western regions of Ghana
particularly in the dry season, when most roads are motorable. Small scale
local weavers, however, harvest all year round as the quantity needed is small.
They normally harvest when they go to work on their farms. In areas where
the collection is undertaken there are no rattan plantations nor has there
been any history of planting or cultivation. Since the outer bark, the sheath
and the tips of the leaves are covered with thorns or spines the collection of
cane is a difficult work. Harvesters begin the collection of rattan by severing
the stems with a cutlass. After cutting and dragging the stems from the canopy,
they are cleared of spines and leaves. The stems are then cut again to the
desired merchantable length, which depends on the species, and packed into
bundles of 50 to 80 pieces, again depending on the species, and transported
to the roadside. The bundles are then further transported to the processing or
marketing centres. Urban-based collectors usually undertake collection trips
of up to 21 days. After collection the stems are stored and, when enough cane
has been gathered, they are transported to the processing centres. Resource
availability and accessibility of areas in the forest where rattan is growing are
the most critical factors that determine the quantity of rattan harvested.(Laccosperma secundiflorum)15Rattan.p65 266 22/12/2004, 11:05