Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
MATERIALS AND ARTEFACTS PRODUCTION IN WOODWORK INDUSTRY IN GHANA
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MATERIALS AND ARTEFACTS PRODUCTION IN WOODWORK INDUSTRY IN GHANA
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 3
Grade code: 3.4.2.LI.3
Strand code: 4
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.4.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.4.2.LI.3
Theme: WOOD TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: MATERIALS AND ARTEFACTS PRODUCTION IN WOODWORK INDUSTRY IN GHANA
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In Ghana, when we think of wood for building or making furniture, our minds often go to popular species like Odum (Iroko), Mahogany, Sapele, and Wawa. These timbers are excellent, but our heavy reliance on them has put immense pressure on our forests. This over-harvesting threatens biodiversity and makes these popular woods very expensive. This lesson introduces a sustainable and economically smart solution: exploring and utilising Lesser-Known Timber Species (LKS) and Lesser-Used Timber Species (LUS).
This section breaks down the core ideas you need to understand. We will start with the basics and build up from there. A. What are Timber Species? A timber species refers to a particular type of tree that is valued for its wood. Each species has unique properties like colour, grain pattern, density, hardness, and durability. For example, Odum is a species, and Wawa is another species. B. Defining Lesser-Known Timber Species (LKS) Lesser-Known Timber Species are commercially viable timbers that are not well-known in the general market, both locally and internationally. The wood itself may have excellent properties (strength, beauty, durability), but people are simply not aware of it. Analogy: Think of a very talented musician in a remote village. They have a great voice and write amazing songs, but because they have no promotion or marketing, nobody in Accra or Kumasi knows their name. The talent is there, but the recognition is not. LKS are like these musicians. Key Reasons for being "Lesser-Known": Lack of Promotion: They have not been marketed effectively by the Forestry Commission or timber merchants. Limited Scientific Data: Insufficient research on their properties, workability, and best uses. Focus on Tradition: The industry is accustomed to using the same few popular species. Ghanaian Example: Essa (*Celtis mildbraedii*). It is a hard, heavy, and strong wood, suitable for heavy construction and flooring, but very few people ask for it by name. C. Defining Lesser-Used Timber Species (LUS) Lesser-Used Timber Species are timbers that are abundant in the forest and are generally known to exist, but are underutilised or avoided by the industry. Unlike LKS, the market may be aware of them but chooses not to use them for various reasons. Analogy: Think of a type of local vegetable that grows everywhere in your community. People know it exists, but they prefer to buy and cook other vegetables because the local one might be slightly bitter or take longer to cook. The vegetable is available and known, but not popular to use. LUS are like this vegetable. Key Reasons for being "Lesser-Used": Technical Difficulties: The wood might be very hard on tools (e.g., contains silica that blunts saw blades), difficult to dry (season) without cracking, or hard to finish smoothly. Poor Natural Durability: Some may be prone to insect or fungal attack if not properly treated with preservatives. Market Prejudice: A negative reputation, perhaps due to colour, smell when freshly cut, or being perceived as "inferior" to the classic timbers. Ghanaian Example: Dahoma (*Piptadeniastrum africanum*). It is very common in our forests and is a strong, durable timber. However, it is often avoided because its sawdust can be irritating, and the fresh wood has a strong, unpleasant smell. D. Comparison Table: LKS vs. LUS
| Feature | Lesser-Known Timber Species (LKS) | Lesser-Used Timber Species (LUS) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Awareness | Low market and public awareness. | Generally known to exist but not preferred. | | Abundance | Can be abundant, but not well documented. | Often very abundant in the forest. | | Primary Barrier | Lack of information and marketing. | Technical challenges, prejudice, or perceived defects. | | Potential | High potential if introduced to the market properly. | High potential if technical solutions are found or perceptions change. | | Example | Bonsamdua (*Antiaris toxicaria*) | Denya (*Cylicodiscus gabunensis*) | E. Examples of Ghanaian LKS/LUS and Their Uses
Here are some specific examples you should know. For each one, we will look at its properties and potential uses. Denya (*Cylicodiscus gabunensis*) - Primarily LUS Properties: Extremely hard, heavy, and very durable. It is highly resistant to termites and decay. The colour is yellowish to reddish-brown. Reason for Underuse: Very difficult to saw and machine because of its hardness and interlocked grain, which quickly blunts tools. It is also difficult to nail. Potential Uses: Heavy Construction: Beams, bridges, railway sleepers, harbour and port construction (marine work). Flooring: Industrial or heavy-duty flooring due to its excellent wear resistance. Utility Poles: Can be used for electricity poles after treatment. Ofram (Afara) (*Terminalia superba*) - Can be both LKS and LUS Properties: Light-coloured (pale yellow), lightweight, and relatively soft. Easy to work with, glues well, and takes a good finish. Reason for Underuse: It often suffers from "blackheart," a dark, brittle core that is seen as a defect, reducing the usable volume of the log. However, this can be used for decorative effect. Potential Uses: Furniture: A great substitute for Wawa for general-purpose furniture, cabinets, and interior joinery. Plywood Manufacturing: Used as core veneer for plywood. Decorative Panels: The "blackheart" sections can be sliced into veneers to create beautiful, patterned panels. Dahoma (*Piptadeniastrum africanum*) - Primarily LUS Properties: Yellowish-brown wood, moderately hard and heavy. It is strong and quite durable. Reason for Underuse: Has a bad odour when green (which disappears when dry). The wood contains a yellow dye that can stain clothes and other surfaces. Sawdust can cause irritation. Potential Uses: General Construction: Rafters, beams, and structural framing. Furniture: Once properly dried and finished, it can be used for sturdy school desks, benches, and tables. Sleepers: Used for railway sleepers due to its durability. Bonsamdua (*Antiaris toxicaria*) - Primarily LUS Properties: Very lightweight and soft with a creamy-white colour. It is not durable and is susceptible to insect attack. Reason for Underuse: Its low durability makes it unsuitable for many applications without preservative treatment. Potential Uses: Plywood Core: Its lightweight and easy-to-peel nature make it excellent for the inner layers (core veneer) of plywood. Boxes and Crates: Used for making lightweight packing cases. Interior non-structural work: Ceiling battens, drawer sides, and other hidden parts of furniture.
Guided Practice (With Solutions)