Diagnosis of perception of drivers of deforestation using the partial least squares path modeling approach

Deforestation is recking havoc on the world's forests, leading to the widespread depletion of forest biodiversity and ecosystem services, as well as eventual forest cover loss. Ghana is one of the highest deforestation rated countries in the World. Despite efforts of the Forestry Commission and other private organizations, the country's protected forest infrastructure continues to deteriorate. This is because policymakers have not examined the interrelation of the causes of deforestation. The study examines the interrelation among factors affecting deforestation in the Sefwi-Wiawso Forest District (SWFD) of Ghana. Partial least squares (PLS) approach was used to identify the direct and indirect effects of the factors of deforestation and assess' the relationships among the perceived causes of deforestation. The model showed that, Mining activities, Conflict over ownership rights, Illegal logging and Agricultural activities had positive direct impacts on Deforestation. On the contrary, Population growth, Knowledge on forest resources and Policy and enforcement had negative indirect impacts on Deforestation. Again, Population growth, policy and enforcement, and illegal logging were significant in predicting deforestation. As a result, the study propounds that, to effectively protect our forest and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 15, it is critical to address the direct effects of the variables influencing deforestation.