How a Ghanaian village banned charcoal production — and stands firm against the pressure

Nature Answers: Rural Stories from a Changing Planet · Mar 20, 2025 · 29m

Yaara stands as a lone, lush oasis in its part of Ghana. And yet, women in the town have to walk six miles every day to fetch water. Despite pressure from surrounding communities, Yaara has decided against cutting their trees to make a profit by producing charcoal. Why? They’re holding out hope they can bring their water access back. Community members, including Chief Nana Yaw Sumaa, the Queen Mother, and local farmers like Aisha Gbinda, share their insights on why they hope protecting the forest will do exactly that: help their rivers flow again.

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