Forest Products, Livelihoods and Conservation

268 The rattan industry in the Ashanti and Western regions of Ghana

Our field surveys showed that around 80% of rattan collectors financed

their collection activities from personal sources. Other sources of finance

identified were customers (6%), friends or relatives (2%), and loans from money

lenders (12%) (Figure 4). Loans from money leaders were the least sought

after method of financing since interest rates were usually unbearable.

Financial support from either government or any other formal organisation

has never been obtained.

Figure 4. Sources of funding for rattan collection

PROCESSING AND MANUFACTURING

Freshly cut cane is highly susceptible to attack of staining fungi and to insect

infestation. Ordinario (1973) noted that careful drying and treatment are

important steps before its utilisation. The problem is aggravated when canes

are not dried immediately or left in the forests for longer periods without any

prophylactic treatment.

Harvested canes are dried for about seven days either directly on the ground

or on a special frame raised above the ground to promote even drying, but our

studies revealed 14 days as effective drying period. During the wet season,

canes are dried over fire to ensure a faster rate of drying. Initial field drying

of cane does not provide maximum protection since the moisture content of

the canes is considerable and the relative humidity in the wet evergreen forest

zone is usually extremely high. Therefore subsequent drying and treatment

are essential to enhance durability and prevent staining and borer attacks. All

harvested canes are allowed to dry before being stored and are best stored

flat (large-diameter canes) or in broad loop (small-diameter canes).

Major occupation Average gross income (US$) Percentage of

collectors

Carpentry 100 10

Business (trading) 100 200

Rattan production 150 30

Farm production 50 10

Table 1. Average gross income of collectors

15Rattan.p65 268 22/12/2004, 11:05