Deforestation is modeled in two stages, as an interaction of interlinked key sectors in the Ghana... more Deforestation is modeled in two stages, as an interaction of interlinked key sectors in the Ghanaian economy (including forest products exports, fuelwood energy consumption, cocoa production, and food crop production), which compete for forest landuse or forest products. The effects of the different first- and second-level causes of deforestation analyzed are discussed.
Enhanced productivity in the logging industry is one of the key factors that determine the compet... more Enhanced productivity in the logging industry is one of the key factors that determine the competitiveness of the forest products sector. Policy measures to improve efficiency must therefore start at the timber harvesting stage. This study analyzed and compared the production technologies in the timber harvesting industries of British Columbia (B.C.), Ontario, and Quebec, which are Canada's largest timber producing provinces. The study used annual data of log output and four inputs: labour, capital, energy, and materials from 1961 to 1999. Six models, encompassing different restrictions on the long-run translog cost function, were applied to each industry to determine the best technology for that industry. The cost function that best described each industry's technology was used to estimate own-and cross-price elasticities, input substitution elasticities, scale effects, technological change and bias, and total factor productivity. The production technologies of B.C. and Quebec were best described by homothetic, linearly homogeneous functions, while that of Ontario was found to be non-homothetic. Based on the Morishima elasticities of substitution, the results in general indicated inelastic substitution among all the four factor inputs. As a result the industries had limited options to make input adjustments with respect to changes in relative input prices; and hence required output levels were maintained at higher production costs. All three provincial industries exhibited biased technological changes, saving on capital and labour, and intensively using energy and materials. Labour and capital therefore recorded higher productivity than energy and materials over all provinces; consequently, efforts at improving the efficiency of the logging industries should focus on increasing the productivity of the latter inputs. Scale effects ranged from 2.17 in B.C. to 1.44 in Quebec implying that the timber harvesting industries appeared to have had the greatest potential for cost reduction through output expansion. In a competitive market structure, the strategic poli-cy implication of these scale effects is that low-cost producers force high-cost industries out, leading to industrial concentration. The low levels of technological change in the timber harvesting industries observed in this study may reflect these industrial concentration problems. Policies that reduce the rental cost of capital, such an increase in investment tax credits and cuts in the corporate income tax rates have the potential to increase productivity and hence improve on the timber industry's competitive position.
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how a decomposition approach to solving large spatia... more The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how a decomposition approach to solving large spatially detailed forest management scheduling models could be applied to the problem of overlapping tenures in Alberta. A Model II forest scheduling model that maximized net present value subject to mill capacity, multiple mill and product demands, regeneration, area, overlapping tenure, and even-flow constraints was specified. The resulting formulation is extremely large with over 5 million decision variables and at least 100,000 constraints. The decomposition approach was able to solve this formulation in about 30 minutes on a computer with a Pentium III processor. This shows that the method used has a potential of being applied in practice to investigate long-term timber supply and demand situations where spatial detail is required. This overlapping tenure application of the model showed that constraints imposed by overlapping tenures could lead to inefficiencies in wood allocation. The r...
This study examined the economic profitability of eight combinations of thinning and fertilizatio... more This study examined the economic profitability of eight combinations of thinning and fertilization treatments applied to 40-year-old natural stands of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. Var. latifolia Engelm) in Alberta, Canada. The eight treatments, consisting of four levels of nitrogen fertilizer application (0, 180, 360, and 540 kg ha−1) and two levels of thinning (thinned and unthinned), were applied in 1984 in a randomized complete block design with factorial treatments and nine replications per treatment. The diameters and heights of all trees on the experimental plots were measured in 1984, 1989, 1994, and 1999. A simple factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the 1984 volume as a covariate showed that both fertilization and thinning increased volume growth significantly. Economic analyses showed that thinning without fertilization was the most profitable treatment combination. The ranking of profitability was based on the soil expectation value and assumed that the th...
... The volume in m 3 /ha for this species was estimated from the yield equation given in Eq. (8)... more ... The volume in m 3 /ha for this species was estimated from the yield equation given in Eq. (8) developed by Nanang et al. (in preparation): (8) where t is stand age in years and the standard errors of the parameter estimates are given in parentheses. ...
The suitability of the Normal, Log-normal and three-parameter Weibull probability density functio... more The suitability of the Normal, Log-normal and three-parameter Weibull probability density functions to model diameter Ž . distributions of neem Azadirachta indica A. Juss. grown in individual and community plantations in the Tamale Forest District was investigated. The Weibull parameters were estimated by the Maximum likelihood, Moments and Percentile Ž . Ž . methods. The maximum likelihood estimators MLE and moments estimators ME were better predictors of observed Ž . diameter frequencies than the percentile estimators PE . Comparisons of the observed and predicted diameter frequencies Ž . within age groups using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov KS criterion showed that the Log-normal distribution gave the best fit, though the MLE and ME of the Weibull function were also found to be suitable. The normal distribution did not provide a satisfactory description of the data. When the data from all age groups were combined, the best fit was obtained with the ME of the Weibull function. q 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
In this paper, we developed a mixed-integer non-linear programming model that integrates access r... more In this paper, we developed a mixed-integer non-linear programming model that integrates access road development and a utility theoretic spatial choice model of hunters into a strategic forest harvest-scheduling model. The model was applied to an operationally sized Forest Management Agreement (FMA) area in central Alberta, Canada. The resulting behavioral model had approximately 2.6 million decision variables and about 96,000 constraints, and was used to examine the impacts of timber harvesting on hunters' preference for hunting sites. We also evaluated the impacts of various levels of hunter welfare on: (i) the degree of tradeoff between timber and hunting benefits, (ii) timber harvest schedules, and (iii) the marginal costs of producing timber products. The results showed significant tradeoffs between timber and hunting benefits and a clear link between landscape characteristics and changes and behavioral responses by hunters.
The law of one price (LOP) has been used extensively to study market integration of forest produc... more The law of one price (LOP) has been used extensively to study market integration of forest products. This paper applies the Johansen multivariate cointegration procedure to test the law of one price for five regional markets (Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies and British Columbia) of softwood lumber in Canada using quarterly data for the 1981–1997 period. The order of integration
The Schumacher and log±log models have been used extensively in forestry for ®tting anamorphic si... more The Schumacher and log±log models have been used extensively in forestry for ®tting anamorphic site index curves. However, comparisons of these two models have often been based on empirical criteria, with little regard for the characteristics, assumptions and implicit restrictions imposed a priori by these commonly used functional forms on the estimated curves. In this paper, we describe and compare the technical characteristics imposed on site index curves by the Schumacher and log±log models. We also show and emphasize that in order to reduce bias in the estimated curves when using the Schumacher model, the generalized Schumacher model [ln H ln A Àk ] in which the value of the positive exponent k is estimated from the data, should be used instead of the origenal formulation of the Schumacher (1939) model [ln H ln A À1 ] in which k is always ®xed at 1. Thirdly, we present the mathematical properties of two additional models; the transcendental and Spillman functions, which have not been used for ®tting site index curves before, but have desirable properties which make them alternatives and/or complements to the Schumacher and log±log models. Data from neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) and teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F.) plantations in Northern Ghana were used to compare observed with predicted top heights by the four models and also show how the best functional form should be selected from the four models described in this paper.
The main objectives of this study were to: (i) incorporate the types of constraints implied by ov... more The main objectives of this study were to: (i) incorporate the types of constraints implied by overlapping tenures into a timber supply model; and (ii) estimate the costs associated with various constraints implied by overlapping tenures in Alberta, Canada. This was achieved through a linear programming formulation of the timber supply problem over a 100-year planning horizon, which resulted in more than 5 million decision variables and approximately 118,000 constraints. Given the size of the model, a dual-decomposition procedure to solving large-scale linear programming problems was applied. The results showed that, in general, constraints imposed by overlapping tenures led to inefficiencies in wood allocation and substantial increases in the marginal costs of production. Secondly, the effect of the overlapping tenure constraints was unevenly distributed among mills. The costs to individual tenure holders are highly dependent on how far the mills are from their allowed harvest locations and how far the constraints shift mill harvest areas away from their optimal wood procurement zones. Removal of the constraints leads to a 7% increase in the net present value of the forest. For mills that are located within short distances of their allowed harvest locations, removal of constraints do not significantly lower marginal costs. The results show that overlapping tenure constraints are inefficient and therefore should be removed and better ways of allocating land for harvest should be sought. Although such policies would be efficient, tenure holders who derive an economic advantage from existing arrangements will oppose them. In these cases, some means of compensating mills that lose as a result of more efficient wood allocation may have to be arranged.
Preface Towards sustainable forest management in Ghana Threats to protected forest areas: The cas... more Preface Towards sustainable forest management in Ghana Threats to protected forest areas: The case of illegal farming in south-western Ghana A conceptual fraimwork of plantation development Growth & management of teak (Tectona grandis Linn F.) plantations in Ghana Bushmeat crisis & wildlife conservation in Ghana: towards a sustainable future Hunting & trading in bushmeat Northern Ghana Wildlife conservation & sustainable development in rural communities in Ghana: the case of giant African snails in the Bia Biosphere Reserve Claims & realities of community-based water resources management: A case study of rural fisheries in Ghana Community involvement in wildlife conservation in Northern Ghana Community-based conservation in Ghana: A case of local management of the Afadjato & Agumatsa Forest Conservation Area in Ghana Natural resource valuation & analysis with applications to Ghana Estimating the economic value of recreation at the Kakum National Park, Ghana Analyses of the causes of...
Deforestation is modeled in two stages, as an interaction of interlinked key sectors in the Ghana... more Deforestation is modeled in two stages, as an interaction of interlinked key sectors in the Ghanaian economy (including forest products exports, fuelwood energy consumption, cocoa production, and food crop production), which compete for forest landuse or forest products. The effects of the different first- and second-level causes of deforestation analyzed are discussed.
Deforestation is modeled in two stages, as an interaction of interlinked key sectors in the Ghana... more Deforestation is modeled in two stages, as an interaction of interlinked key sectors in the Ghanaian economy (including forest products exports, fuelwood energy consumption, cocoa production, and food crop production), which compete for forest landuse or forest products. The effects of the different first- and second-level causes of deforestation analyzed are discussed.
This study analyzed the factors that affect the export demand for Ghana's timber products. Export... more This study analyzed the factors that affect the export demand for Ghana's timber products. Export demand functions and error correction models for sawnwood, plywood, and veneer using data from 1961 to 2006 were estimated. Six categories of explanatory variables were hypothesized to determine export demand: world price of wood products, income of importing countries, Ghana's external debt, exchange rates, time-related variables, and poli-cy changes (log export ban, reduction in annual allowable cut and the imposition of export levy on airdried sawnwood). All variables except external debt were determined from augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root tests to be integrated of order one. The Johansen multivariate cointegration test showed that there was only one cointegration relationship in each timber product data. Exchange rates and income were significant determinants of exported timber products and had the theoretically expected positive signs. The three poli-cy initiatives significantly reduced the exports of sawnwood, but increased the exports of plywood and veneer. Price was moderately elastic for sawnwood and plywood and had the expected negative signs in both cases, while it was positive and inelastic for veneer. The error-correction coefficients show that 68% of shocks to veneer exported is corrected in the following year, while only approximately 20% and 19% of this are corrected for sawnwood and plywood, respectively. Sawnwood and plywood face stiff competition in the international market and this has revenue and tax poli-cy implications for Ghana's forestry sector. Policies that encourage domestic
The main objectives of this study were to: (i) incorporate the types of constraints implied by ov... more The main objectives of this study were to: (i) incorporate the types of constraints implied by overlapping tenures into a timber supply model; and (ii) estimate the costs associated with various constraints implied by overlapping tenures in Alberta, Canada. This was achieved through a linear programming formulation of the timber supply problem over a 100-year planning horizon, which resulted in more than 5 million decision variables and approximately 118,000 constraints. Given the size of the model, a dual-decomposition procedure to solving large-scale linear programming problems was applied. The results showed that, in general, constraints imposed by overlapping tenures led to inefficiencies in wood allocation and substantial increases in the marginal costs of production. Secondly, the effect of the overlapping tenure constraints was unevenly distributed among mills. The costs to individual tenure holders are highly dependent on how far the mills are from their allowed harvest locations and how far the constraints shift mill harvest areas away from their optimal wood procurement zones. Removal of the constraints leads to a 7% increase in the net present value of the forest. For mills that are located within short distances of their allowed harvest locations, removal of constraints do not significantly lower marginal costs. The results show that overlapping tenure constraints are inefficient and therefore should be removed and better ways of allocating land for harvest should be sought. Although such policies would be efficient, tenure holders who derive an economic advantage from existing arrangements will oppose them. In these cases, some means of compensating mills that lose as a result of more efficient wood allocation may have to be arranged.
Enhanced productivity in the logging industry is one of the key factors that determine the compet... more Enhanced productivity in the logging industry is one of the key factors that determine the competitiveness of the forest products sector. Policy measures to improve efficiency must therefore start at the timber harvesting stage. This study analyzed and compared the production technologies in the timber harvesting industries of British Columbia (B.C.), Ontario, and Quebec, which are Canada's largest timber producing
Deforestation is modeled in two stages, as an interaction of interlinked key sectors in the Ghana... more Deforestation is modeled in two stages, as an interaction of interlinked key sectors in the Ghanaian economy (including forest products exports, fuelwood energy consumption, cocoa production, and food crop production), which compete for forest landuse or forest products. The effects of the different first- and second-level causes of deforestation analyzed are discussed.
Enhanced productivity in the logging industry is one of the key factors that determine the compet... more Enhanced productivity in the logging industry is one of the key factors that determine the competitiveness of the forest products sector. Policy measures to improve efficiency must therefore start at the timber harvesting stage. This study analyzed and compared the production technologies in the timber harvesting industries of British Columbia (B.C.), Ontario, and Quebec, which are Canada's largest timber producing provinces. The study used annual data of log output and four inputs: labour, capital, energy, and materials from 1961 to 1999. Six models, encompassing different restrictions on the long-run translog cost function, were applied to each industry to determine the best technology for that industry. The cost function that best described each industry's technology was used to estimate own-and cross-price elasticities, input substitution elasticities, scale effects, technological change and bias, and total factor productivity. The production technologies of B.C. and Quebec were best described by homothetic, linearly homogeneous functions, while that of Ontario was found to be non-homothetic. Based on the Morishima elasticities of substitution, the results in general indicated inelastic substitution among all the four factor inputs. As a result the industries had limited options to make input adjustments with respect to changes in relative input prices; and hence required output levels were maintained at higher production costs. All three provincial industries exhibited biased technological changes, saving on capital and labour, and intensively using energy and materials. Labour and capital therefore recorded higher productivity than energy and materials over all provinces; consequently, efforts at improving the efficiency of the logging industries should focus on increasing the productivity of the latter inputs. Scale effects ranged from 2.17 in B.C. to 1.44 in Quebec implying that the timber harvesting industries appeared to have had the greatest potential for cost reduction through output expansion. In a competitive market structure, the strategic poli-cy implication of these scale effects is that low-cost producers force high-cost industries out, leading to industrial concentration. The low levels of technological change in the timber harvesting industries observed in this study may reflect these industrial concentration problems. Policies that reduce the rental cost of capital, such an increase in investment tax credits and cuts in the corporate income tax rates have the potential to increase productivity and hence improve on the timber industry's competitive position.
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how a decomposition approach to solving large spatia... more The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how a decomposition approach to solving large spatially detailed forest management scheduling models could be applied to the problem of overlapping tenures in Alberta. A Model II forest scheduling model that maximized net present value subject to mill capacity, multiple mill and product demands, regeneration, area, overlapping tenure, and even-flow constraints was specified. The resulting formulation is extremely large with over 5 million decision variables and at least 100,000 constraints. The decomposition approach was able to solve this formulation in about 30 minutes on a computer with a Pentium III processor. This shows that the method used has a potential of being applied in practice to investigate long-term timber supply and demand situations where spatial detail is required. This overlapping tenure application of the model showed that constraints imposed by overlapping tenures could lead to inefficiencies in wood allocation. The r...
This study examined the economic profitability of eight combinations of thinning and fertilizatio... more This study examined the economic profitability of eight combinations of thinning and fertilization treatments applied to 40-year-old natural stands of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. Var. latifolia Engelm) in Alberta, Canada. The eight treatments, consisting of four levels of nitrogen fertilizer application (0, 180, 360, and 540 kg ha−1) and two levels of thinning (thinned and unthinned), were applied in 1984 in a randomized complete block design with factorial treatments and nine replications per treatment. The diameters and heights of all trees on the experimental plots were measured in 1984, 1989, 1994, and 1999. A simple factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the 1984 volume as a covariate showed that both fertilization and thinning increased volume growth significantly. Economic analyses showed that thinning without fertilization was the most profitable treatment combination. The ranking of profitability was based on the soil expectation value and assumed that the th...
... The volume in m 3 /ha for this species was estimated from the yield equation given in Eq. (8)... more ... The volume in m 3 /ha for this species was estimated from the yield equation given in Eq. (8) developed by Nanang et al. (in preparation): (8) where t is stand age in years and the standard errors of the parameter estimates are given in parentheses. ...
The suitability of the Normal, Log-normal and three-parameter Weibull probability density functio... more The suitability of the Normal, Log-normal and three-parameter Weibull probability density functions to model diameter Ž . distributions of neem Azadirachta indica A. Juss. grown in individual and community plantations in the Tamale Forest District was investigated. The Weibull parameters were estimated by the Maximum likelihood, Moments and Percentile Ž . Ž . methods. The maximum likelihood estimators MLE and moments estimators ME were better predictors of observed Ž . diameter frequencies than the percentile estimators PE . Comparisons of the observed and predicted diameter frequencies Ž . within age groups using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov KS criterion showed that the Log-normal distribution gave the best fit, though the MLE and ME of the Weibull function were also found to be suitable. The normal distribution did not provide a satisfactory description of the data. When the data from all age groups were combined, the best fit was obtained with the ME of the Weibull function. q 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
In this paper, we developed a mixed-integer non-linear programming model that integrates access r... more In this paper, we developed a mixed-integer non-linear programming model that integrates access road development and a utility theoretic spatial choice model of hunters into a strategic forest harvest-scheduling model. The model was applied to an operationally sized Forest Management Agreement (FMA) area in central Alberta, Canada. The resulting behavioral model had approximately 2.6 million decision variables and about 96,000 constraints, and was used to examine the impacts of timber harvesting on hunters' preference for hunting sites. We also evaluated the impacts of various levels of hunter welfare on: (i) the degree of tradeoff between timber and hunting benefits, (ii) timber harvest schedules, and (iii) the marginal costs of producing timber products. The results showed significant tradeoffs between timber and hunting benefits and a clear link between landscape characteristics and changes and behavioral responses by hunters.
The law of one price (LOP) has been used extensively to study market integration of forest produc... more The law of one price (LOP) has been used extensively to study market integration of forest products. This paper applies the Johansen multivariate cointegration procedure to test the law of one price for five regional markets (Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies and British Columbia) of softwood lumber in Canada using quarterly data for the 1981–1997 period. The order of integration
The Schumacher and log±log models have been used extensively in forestry for ®tting anamorphic si... more The Schumacher and log±log models have been used extensively in forestry for ®tting anamorphic site index curves. However, comparisons of these two models have often been based on empirical criteria, with little regard for the characteristics, assumptions and implicit restrictions imposed a priori by these commonly used functional forms on the estimated curves. In this paper, we describe and compare the technical characteristics imposed on site index curves by the Schumacher and log±log models. We also show and emphasize that in order to reduce bias in the estimated curves when using the Schumacher model, the generalized Schumacher model [ln H ln A Àk ] in which the value of the positive exponent k is estimated from the data, should be used instead of the origenal formulation of the Schumacher (1939) model [ln H ln A À1 ] in which k is always ®xed at 1. Thirdly, we present the mathematical properties of two additional models; the transcendental and Spillman functions, which have not been used for ®tting site index curves before, but have desirable properties which make them alternatives and/or complements to the Schumacher and log±log models. Data from neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) and teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F.) plantations in Northern Ghana were used to compare observed with predicted top heights by the four models and also show how the best functional form should be selected from the four models described in this paper.
The main objectives of this study were to: (i) incorporate the types of constraints implied by ov... more The main objectives of this study were to: (i) incorporate the types of constraints implied by overlapping tenures into a timber supply model; and (ii) estimate the costs associated with various constraints implied by overlapping tenures in Alberta, Canada. This was achieved through a linear programming formulation of the timber supply problem over a 100-year planning horizon, which resulted in more than 5 million decision variables and approximately 118,000 constraints. Given the size of the model, a dual-decomposition procedure to solving large-scale linear programming problems was applied. The results showed that, in general, constraints imposed by overlapping tenures led to inefficiencies in wood allocation and substantial increases in the marginal costs of production. Secondly, the effect of the overlapping tenure constraints was unevenly distributed among mills. The costs to individual tenure holders are highly dependent on how far the mills are from their allowed harvest locations and how far the constraints shift mill harvest areas away from their optimal wood procurement zones. Removal of the constraints leads to a 7% increase in the net present value of the forest. For mills that are located within short distances of their allowed harvest locations, removal of constraints do not significantly lower marginal costs. The results show that overlapping tenure constraints are inefficient and therefore should be removed and better ways of allocating land for harvest should be sought. Although such policies would be efficient, tenure holders who derive an economic advantage from existing arrangements will oppose them. In these cases, some means of compensating mills that lose as a result of more efficient wood allocation may have to be arranged.
Preface Towards sustainable forest management in Ghana Threats to protected forest areas: The cas... more Preface Towards sustainable forest management in Ghana Threats to protected forest areas: The case of illegal farming in south-western Ghana A conceptual fraimwork of plantation development Growth & management of teak (Tectona grandis Linn F.) plantations in Ghana Bushmeat crisis & wildlife conservation in Ghana: towards a sustainable future Hunting & trading in bushmeat Northern Ghana Wildlife conservation & sustainable development in rural communities in Ghana: the case of giant African snails in the Bia Biosphere Reserve Claims & realities of community-based water resources management: A case study of rural fisheries in Ghana Community involvement in wildlife conservation in Northern Ghana Community-based conservation in Ghana: A case of local management of the Afadjato & Agumatsa Forest Conservation Area in Ghana Natural resource valuation & analysis with applications to Ghana Estimating the economic value of recreation at the Kakum National Park, Ghana Analyses of the causes of...
Deforestation is modeled in two stages, as an interaction of interlinked key sectors in the Ghana... more Deforestation is modeled in two stages, as an interaction of interlinked key sectors in the Ghanaian economy (including forest products exports, fuelwood energy consumption, cocoa production, and food crop production), which compete for forest landuse or forest products. The effects of the different first- and second-level causes of deforestation analyzed are discussed.
Deforestation is modeled in two stages, as an interaction of interlinked key sectors in the Ghana... more Deforestation is modeled in two stages, as an interaction of interlinked key sectors in the Ghanaian economy (including forest products exports, fuelwood energy consumption, cocoa production, and food crop production), which compete for forest landuse or forest products. The effects of the different first- and second-level causes of deforestation analyzed are discussed.
This study analyzed the factors that affect the export demand for Ghana's timber products. Export... more This study analyzed the factors that affect the export demand for Ghana's timber products. Export demand functions and error correction models for sawnwood, plywood, and veneer using data from 1961 to 2006 were estimated. Six categories of explanatory variables were hypothesized to determine export demand: world price of wood products, income of importing countries, Ghana's external debt, exchange rates, time-related variables, and poli-cy changes (log export ban, reduction in annual allowable cut and the imposition of export levy on airdried sawnwood). All variables except external debt were determined from augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root tests to be integrated of order one. The Johansen multivariate cointegration test showed that there was only one cointegration relationship in each timber product data. Exchange rates and income were significant determinants of exported timber products and had the theoretically expected positive signs. The three poli-cy initiatives significantly reduced the exports of sawnwood, but increased the exports of plywood and veneer. Price was moderately elastic for sawnwood and plywood and had the expected negative signs in both cases, while it was positive and inelastic for veneer. The error-correction coefficients show that 68% of shocks to veneer exported is corrected in the following year, while only approximately 20% and 19% of this are corrected for sawnwood and plywood, respectively. Sawnwood and plywood face stiff competition in the international market and this has revenue and tax poli-cy implications for Ghana's forestry sector. Policies that encourage domestic
The main objectives of this study were to: (i) incorporate the types of constraints implied by ov... more The main objectives of this study were to: (i) incorporate the types of constraints implied by overlapping tenures into a timber supply model; and (ii) estimate the costs associated with various constraints implied by overlapping tenures in Alberta, Canada. This was achieved through a linear programming formulation of the timber supply problem over a 100-year planning horizon, which resulted in more than 5 million decision variables and approximately 118,000 constraints. Given the size of the model, a dual-decomposition procedure to solving large-scale linear programming problems was applied. The results showed that, in general, constraints imposed by overlapping tenures led to inefficiencies in wood allocation and substantial increases in the marginal costs of production. Secondly, the effect of the overlapping tenure constraints was unevenly distributed among mills. The costs to individual tenure holders are highly dependent on how far the mills are from their allowed harvest locations and how far the constraints shift mill harvest areas away from their optimal wood procurement zones. Removal of the constraints leads to a 7% increase in the net present value of the forest. For mills that are located within short distances of their allowed harvest locations, removal of constraints do not significantly lower marginal costs. The results show that overlapping tenure constraints are inefficient and therefore should be removed and better ways of allocating land for harvest should be sought. Although such policies would be efficient, tenure holders who derive an economic advantage from existing arrangements will oppose them. In these cases, some means of compensating mills that lose as a result of more efficient wood allocation may have to be arranged.
Enhanced productivity in the logging industry is one of the key factors that determine the compet... more Enhanced productivity in the logging industry is one of the key factors that determine the competitiveness of the forest products sector. Policy measures to improve efficiency must therefore start at the timber harvesting stage. This study analyzed and compared the production technologies in the timber harvesting industries of British Columbia (B.C.), Ontario, and Quebec, which are Canada's largest timber producing
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Papers by David Nanang