Student Thesis

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Acceptance and use of insecticide treated net (ITN) by mothers for malaria control in children under five years in the Sunyani Municipality
(2005-11-09) Agyei, Samuel Kofi
Malaria continues to remain a major burden of morbidity and mortality in most parts of developing world, more so in Sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that about 90% of the deaths associated with Malaria occurred in Africa, South of the Sahara (WHO 2003). But, what is more distressing is that children under-five years are disproportionately affected by the incidence of Malaria, especially in Ghana (GHS, 2001). The study sought to assess the context of acceptability and utilization of Insecticide Treated bed nets (ITNs) among children under five years in the Sunyani Municipality aimed at contributing towards the improvement of reducing malaria incidence. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was adopted, using multistage random sampling method to select study participants. The study was limited to mothers of children under five years. Three hundred (300) mothers with children under five were interviewed using structured survey questionnaire. The main findings, indicated that most (89.3%) of mothers interviewed had adequate knowledge about the causes and prevention of malaria. The respondents knew that the use of JTNs was the best method of malaria prevention. Few mothers however mentioned eating balanced diet (7.7%) and consulting herbalists (0.6%) as the best way to prevent malaria. Respondents’ knowledge about sources of information on ITNs was generally high with hospitals (75.3%) and television (60.7%) as the main sources of information about the net. • Despite their high knowledge about the ITNs, a little more than one-third (3 5%) own the nets. Majority (76.7%) of respondents who own the nets used them the night before the study. Those respondents, who did not have nets, expressed their willingness to buy them when they get money. Based on the key findings, it is recommended that: • Education on the use of ITNs should be intensified. • The Municipal Health Directorate should effectively collaborate with the Municipal Assembly and identifiable groups and organizations to educate the community on Malaria prevention methods through seminars. • The Municipal Assembly should embark on programmes on environmental cleanliness and good hygienic practices to eradicate mosquito breeding sites. • More ITNs to be produced and highly subsidized. • Public and Private Sector participation should be encouraged in the production and distribution of permanently treated ITNs.
The acceptance of family planning in the Tamale Metropolis
(2005-11-08) Salifu, Abukari
Every minute of every day at least one woman dies from complications of pregnancy and child birth, more than 585,000 deaths every year 99% of this is from the developing countries. Family planning can prevent at least 25% of all maternal deaths by allowing women to delay motherhood. Family planning can prevent improve the health and survival of adolescent girls by allowing them to postponed childbearing. Globally, three quarters of the World population do not plan their families A cross sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative approaches was used in Tamale Metropolis to investigate family planning acceptance among couples of reproductive age group. The study also sought to find out if there were any power relations in deciding family planning, fertility preference of the couples and their knowledge and opinion about the subject. Among the 100 people sampled 19% had never heard of family planning. Among those who had heard about family planning, 87% of both male and female knew at least one modern method of contraception but many did not approve of it. 61% reported not discussing family planning with their partners. 40% of the sampled population was using contraception at the time of the interview. Frequencies and percentages showed men disapproval of family planning. Over 58% of the population disapproved of the use of contraceptives, though they have the knowledge. Women realized that males have a dominant role in the family and makes decisions regarding most family matters including family planning. So they go behind their husbands for family planning services. Socio-economic and cultural factors affect contraceptive use. Of 100 sampled, 17% are not using contraceptives for religious reasons and 15% are not using because of socio-cultural reasons. However, some men and women showed interest for family planning for economic reasons. The family planning acceptor rate was 40% from this study indicating that there is improvement in the practice of family planning among respondents. In the nutshell family planning practice is very low among couples in Tamale. It is recommended here that community gate keepers should join hands with the government to ensure the practice of family planning. Also, MHMT should work with PPAG, population council and others to ensure family planning practice.
Access to finance by small and medium scale enterprises from Savings and Loans Institutions in the Kumasi Metropolis
(2008-08-10) Aboagye, Robert
In today's Global Economy, SMEs are the engine of growth and for that matter they must be funded and thereby the state or the government must put policies that will assist their growth by accessing funds from financial institutions or the banks with lower interest rate. The study aimed at finding out the type of credit used by SMEs from Savings and Loans Companies, other sources of credit accessed by SMEs in Kumasi, the major constraints faced by SMEs in accessing credit from savings and loans companies and to investigate to investigate the assessment criteria used by savings and loans companies in SME loan appraisal. There is evidence that savings and loans companies are making credit available to the entrepreneurs of small and medium scale enterprises. « Prior to that inadequate credit was a major problem facing the Sector. There is the need in Ghana for our Universities in collaboration with the banks or financial institutions to educate the public about the importance of savings.
Access to quality health care among the poor in Asante Mampong, Ghana: a prospective view through the National Health Insurance Scheme
(2005-11-09) Gyasi, Sampson Kofi
The introduction of the “cash and Carry’ system in 1992 compounded the problem of financial access to quality health care created financial barrier to quality health care and thus led to lo utilization of health services especially, by the poor. This led to deteriorating health status. To reduce this problem of financial access to health, Ghana government is committed, and has introduced a convenient, affordable and sustainable health financing arrangement to protect the people, especially the poor, through the National Health insurance Scheme (NHIS). Though laudable, little is known about the efficacy of the health insurance in improving access to quality health in developing countries with Ghana not being an exception. A cross-sectional analytic study design aimed at investigating whether the NHIS is a feasible option for improving access to quality health care, and to identify strategies to improve access to quality health care in Asante Mampong was undertaken between the periods. May- August 2005. A sample of 240; consisting of 200 community members (individual respondents) aged 18 years and above and 40 key informants also in the same age group were selected for the study. Data collection tools were pre-tested at Agona, with similar characteristics as Mampong before data collection. Data was collected mainly through quantitative means with structured questionnaire and face-to-face interviews with respondents while secondary data from the Sekyere West District Health Administration, District Assembly, and the National Health Insurance district office at Mampong were also used. Data was analysed by computer using Special programme for Social Science (SPSS) and Epi Info sofiwares as well as manual. Key findings from the study indicated that the NI-ITS has the potential of increasing access to quality health care. This was confirmed by the key informants all of whom have access to quality health care because they belong to the civil servants health insurance scheme. On the contrary, because the individual respondents do not belong to any form of health insurance (HI), their access to quality health care is low (2 1.5%). Financial barrier was identified as the major cause of access to quality health care. Access to quality health care was dominated by more married couples (69.8%) and Christians (88.4%). The dominant health care financing mechanism in Asante Mampong is the ‘cash and carry’ system, though unpopular. Notably, awareness of the NH1S was identified as high in Asante Mampong as public education and advertisements have gone to the grassroots level. Acceptability of the scheme was also noticed as high 90% for both respondents. Coverage was however low but promising for community members Informal sector respondents (1R) (40.5% but high for the K1-forflial sector (920%). The following strategies are suggested to improve access to quality health care through an improved coverage provision of quality health care; intensive public education; expedite implementation process; convenient premium paying mechanism; door-to door registration; compulsory membership for all residents in Ghana and stop politicising the scheme. The role of HI in improving access to quality of health care cannot be overemphasized. The establishment of a district-wide health insurance schemes nationwide is a welcome idea. Since the scheme is new in the country, there are bound to be challenges such as pertain in Asante Mampong. There are however, opportunities such as high level of awareness and acceptability of the NHIS in Asante Mampong. These should therefore be tapped and through proper scheme management and government continuous commitments, the full benefits of the NHIS could be realised. From all indications, the NHIS is capable of improving access to quality health care, despite the teething problems. It is therefore recommended that further studies into its sustainability should be undertaken.
Accessing the inventory management practices in a manufacturing company: ( a case study of Juaben Oil Mills Ltd)
(2008-09-13) Siriboe, Nana Yaw Sarpong
Effective inventory control is a vital function to help ensure the success of manufacturing and distribution companies. This effectiveness of inventory control is directory measurable by how successful a company is in providing high levels of customer services, low inventory investment and low costs. Certainly, an area where management should apply a philosophy of aggressive improvment. (http://www.rmdonovan.com/inventory -contorl .htm) Although the amount and value of inventories carried by different types of firms varies widely, a typical firm probably has about 30 percent of its current assets and perhaps as much as 90 percent of its working capital invested in inventory (J. Stevenson, 1999). Open and closed ended questionnaire and interview were used to assess all the primary data while reports and records were used for the secondary data. Graph tool of Microsoft Excel software was used to analyze the data obtained.\ The study tried to identify the inventory management system adopted by JOML with its challenges and how these systems can further be improved. The study revealed the urgent need for a well documented procedure to be adopted by the company in managing inventories. The study further indentified a lot of problems chief amongst these were shortages, overstocking and delays in deliveries. This study also revealed that the stores personnel do not have any professional training on the effect and cost of bad inventory practices. The store’s manager, however, does not take part in decision making and this poses a threat to effective inventory management. It is therefore recommended that Management considers inventory management as part of corporate planning so as to save cost in managing inventories. Management is also advised to computerized stores activities which will help improve the smooth transfer of information within and outside the stores. This will also ensure proper documentation of items to facilitate the company adopting an inventory model in the future. Although this is a demanding task, the resulting benefits of proper management of stores activities proposed by the research make the task worthwhile. Further studies must be done to implement pragmatic inventory management models relating to JOML after recommendations have been fully implemented
Accounting and ethics: the case of selected accountants in the Kumasi Metropolis
(2009-08-16) Amponsah, Emmanuel Bismark
A lot of concerns have been expressed about unethical decisions and actions of accountants. These have been fuelled by the unravelling of serious accounting malpractices in the business world in recent times which have led to the collapse of many a big business. Since the discovery of these unethical phenomena, the question that has been in the inquiring mind has been whether professional accounting codes of ethics are potent enough to make the accountant ethical. The expectations of stakeholders in businesses and the general public have been mainly the introduction of stiffer measures against culprits. This research studies the causes of accounting malpractices whether or not there are effective codes of accounting ethics, and to suggest measures to be put in place to at least mitigate the situation in organisations. The study centred on accountants in the Kumasi metropolis, specifically at the central business district (Adum) and its immediate surroundings. To achieve the research objectives, primary data were collected for analysis through questionnaires, interviews and discussions. Others were from the internet and literature sources such as books, journals, newspapers, published conference proceedings, etc. Cross-tabulation, cluster analysis and factor analysis were employed to analyse the interview data whiles simple frequency was used to analyse data from interviews and discussions. The study revealed that the causes of accounting malpractices in our area of research have to do with (1) lack of adequate training in business and accounting ethics, and (2) inadequate formulation, promulgation and implementation of ethical and welfare policies and procedures.
Achieving customer satisfaction through logistics activities: a case of Mantrac Ghana Limited
(2008-08-17) Boakye, Helena Mary
The quest for achievement and sustenance of competitive advantage by business organizations have necessitated the establishment of new organizations and new branches of already existing ones which do more than just selling products or rendering average services only to satisfy customers. The previous practice led to customer decay, created gaps which increased cost and reduced profitability. The role of logistics activities in achieving customer satisfaction and improving organizational performance in developing countries was investigated through questionnaires and interviews, with Mantrac Ghana Limited as a case study and the staff with key customers as respondents. A model which explored the connection among logistics, logistics activities, customer satisfaction as in performance and corporate profitability as in success was used. Results of data analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) indicated that parts and service support, logistics communication, customer service, inventory control, and order processing were some of the logistics activities of Mantrac. There was 61-80% satisfaction of respondents, as measured with conversation as an instrument, who attributed this level of satisfaction to provision of value-added services such as customer track service, credit facilities, customer support agreement, adding that the shortfalls such as longer lead times and stockouts were due to circumstances beyond the control of Mantrac therefore suggesting Mantrac's dependability. The problems of lost of sales due to low level of inventory and capital lock-up due to excessive level of inventory could be addressed by the use of forecasting technique for optimum level of inventory. Also contract review with the third-party logistics service provider, could be use for the transportation problems whilst prompt verification of status speeds up order processing.
Adding value to agricultural waste: production and quality assessment of coconut coir as soilless media for plant production
(2005-11-03) Adomako, Charles
Coconut husks from two major sources (coastal and inland areas) were used in the study. Coir dust (CD) produced were grouped into five treatments and labeled CD- 1 to CD- 5. The study was to investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of the five media and the growth response of Salvia splendeus seeds. Five media mixes based on mixture of coir dust and sawdust with coir dust in increment of volume from 0 to 100% coir dust and KNUST soil mix as control substrate. The 50% coir and 50% sawdust blend had the best percentage germination (90%) with KNUST mix the lowest of 65%. There was no difference in percentage germination of 100% coir and 100% sawdust media. However, it was realized that various media had significant effect on growth rate after 4thi week of germination. The various sources of husks also had significant effect (p< 0.05) on Electrical conductivity, potassium, Nitrogen, Manganese, Moisture, Bulk Density, pH, Calcium, Iron, Sodium and Chloride contents but there were no significant difference (p> 0.05) in Phosphorus and Magnesium contents. Although significant differences were observed among sources of coconut coir with respect to physical and chemical properties, most mineral elements were within ranges reported for coir and sphagnum peats (Handreck, 1993) and considered acceptable substrates to be used in most horticultural applications. Due to the variability of minerals that exist among coir produced from various sources, coir products must be evaluated and amended before use. It should be noted that coconut coir dusts does not support and sustain plant growth for a lifetime unless otherwise supplied with continuous fertilizer regimes or are prepared in combination with other media.
The Administration of Wages and Salaries at Armajaro Ghana Limited
(2008-08-24) Mensah, Raymond Kofi
Introduction: The study on The Administration of Wages and Salaries' was carried out to establish what really attracts workers to join a company and the critical factors which make it possible for organizations to motivate and to retain workers., Problem Statement: The literature show clearly that wages and salaries are of central importance in the employment relationship. It is therefore believed that organizations can only attract, retain and motivate workers when they have a well structured and attractive salary and wage system. The study seeks to establish the validity of the belief. Main Objective: The focus of the study is to find out how Armajaro Ghana Limited, through their salary and wage system has been able to attract, retain and motivate quality work force for the Company. Methodology:literature survey was conducted to ascertain practices documented in textbooks and electronic data. The information secured through the literature survey served as the general practice and expectation for testing.
Adolescent reproductive health; knowledge and practices in Ejisu-Juaben
(2005-11-09) Adugu, Florence Akpene
Good reproductive health is vital to the prospects of the individual as well as the community. With accurate information, an adolescent can complete her education, a couple can choose the size of their family and a community can prevent outbreaks of sexually transmitted diseases. The objective of the research was to find out adolescent knowledge and practices on their reproductive health in Ejisu-Juaben district. The study had a current cross-sectional descriptive design, which utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods to assess adolescent reproductive health; knowledge and practices among in school and out-of school adolescents in Ejisu-Juaben District. Focus Group Discussions (FGDS) were conducted within the study area from mid June to mid August 2005. Information collected was transcribed and used to develop a structured questionnaire comprising both open and close-ended questions which were used to conduct person —to-person interviews. In all, 256 adolescents (15-24 years) took part in the interviews and FGDs. It was found that 74% of in-school respondents and 65% out -of -school adolescents had lapses in understanding sexuality. Nearly all respondents 83% stated poverty as one of the causes of adolescent pregnancy. The prevalence of abortion as stated by in-school and out-of-school adolescents were the same; 53% in both cases. Adolescents had a fairly good knowledge about the existence of STIs. Almost all, 95% in school and 83% out-of school adolescents had heard of at least one STI, the most common infections mentioned were HIV/AIDS (84%) and gonorrhea (65%) correspondingly. In adding up the percentages of both groups, the main sources of information mentioned were the mass media (65%) and peer discussion (5 8%) respectively. Three percent (3%) of in-school adolescents indicated they have ever been treated for STI, 2 % was at the hospital and 1% was by self-medication. In out-of-school respondents 9% claimed they were treated of an STI. Five percent had treatment at the hospital, 1% was by an herbalist, 2% at a drug store and the remaining 1% by self- medication. Virtually all respondents’ 48% in- school, 34% out-of-school adolescents knew the condom as a contraceptive method. Contraceptive usage among in-school adolescents was 45% for users while among out- of-school respondents contraceptive users were only 23%. The condom was the most frequently used contraceptive method mentioned by in-school and out-of-school respondents. Knowledge on where to obtain contraceptives was very high 84% and 96% was indicated for in-school out-of-school adolescents respectively. Pharmacy shops were regular places for the purchase of contraceptives, in-school adolescents recorded 36% and out-of-school adolescents recorded 47%. Also mentioned were the hospitals, which had 27% among in- school adolescents and as low as 6% in out-of school-adolescent respondents. The study concluded that sexual health knowledge and practices among in- school adolescent respondents was fairly good. However, there is the need to intensify education especially among out-of-school adolescents.
Adsorptive removal of arsenic and manganese from groundwater
(2005-11-14) Addae-Mensah, Afiba
Groundwater remains the most important source of water supply for rural communities in Ghana. Currently, over 95% of the domestic water needs of rural communities are obtained from this source. In some localities, the quality of groundwater is affected by the occurrence of Arsenic (As) and Manganese (Mn) in concentrations above tough and 0.1mg/l respectively which are the World Health Organization (WHO) acceptable limits for drinking water. This is a limiting factor in the choice of this resource. Water supply companies are currently seeking to improve the process of As and Mn removal from groundwater. In this study, Adsorption capacity of locally available filter media namely, laterite and Iron Oxide Coated Sand (ICS) were investigated for removal of As and Mn from synthetic water. Batch studies were conducted under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Changes in concentrations of As and Mn were determined using the Atomic Adsorption Spectrometer (AAS) and Graphite furnace AAS. Adsorption isotherms were prepared using different concentrations of Mn. Isotherms were not prepared for As due to constraints of time. The effect of pH on adsorptive trends was also investigated into. The filter media was then used for treatment of real groundwater seeded with different concentrations of Mn and As from Ayeduase Township. Results of the study show that adsorption under conditions of anaerobic and aerobic is comparable prior to the attainment of equilibrium by the anaerobic case. However the aerobic adsorption process continues slowly and consistently probably because the adsorbed Mn2+ gets oxidized to form manganese oxides and manganese oxyhydroxide complexes. These complexes form a new external coating round the media and facilitate further adsorption of Mn2+ ions, The anaerobic adsorption data of both ICS and laterite fined well with the Freundlich’s Isotherm. The results revealed that, iron oxide coated sand has higher adsorption capacity than laterite. This may be due to higher iron and manganese oxide content in the coating of the coated sand as compared to the amount in the laterite. The iron oxide coated sand also had higher adsorption intensity as compared to the laterite. Better adsorption trends were realized at higher pH for both media.
Agricultural Technical Aid Project Peki
(1973-10-20) Bansah, Emmanuel Kudzo
The average farmer in Ghana with the help of family labour and relatively little capital works a crop area of 1½ to 4 acres a year; using traditional husbandry methods. The opportunities for a high rate of capital formation and technological advance under this system are limited. Moreover the traditional farmer faces other problems such as long distances to farms, the total dependence on the weather and soil fertility, lack of storage and marketing facilities. Farming in general, until recently in Ghana, was considered a profession for the rural illiterate folks. The young middle School Leavers who should take up farming for their livelihood to leave the rural areas for the urban centres in search for “white collar” jobs. This drift from the rural to urban centers has dual effects. As the towns and cities continue to experience yearly influx of unwanted Middle School Leavers, the villages on the other hand suffer from depopulation. The growth of the average Ghanaian village is therefore at a stand-still. The above mentioned problems are not alien to the Peki District. Between 300 to 400 pupils complete Middle Form Four yearly in the district. Out of this number only few find their way into training Colleges and Commercial Schools. The rest drift to the cities and big towns especially Accra and Kumasi in search of jobs.
Agriculture as a development problem in regional planning in Ghana.: A study of the Central Region.
(1967-10-20) Hagan, Anthony Lindsay
The purpose of the study is to find out whether perspective comprehensive regional planning can facilitate the achievement of substantial and sustainable agricultural development in this country. The study starts with a general investigation of the significance of the problem of agricultural development in developing countries with special emphasis on Ghana. Here the hypothesis of the study is stated, and it is shown that the perspective comprehensive regional planning can be used in Ghana because (i) the past uncoordinated patch-up methods of planning and development or the non-interference approach of allowing the price mechanism to make and implement development decisions have proved inadequate for the purpose of agricultural development; (ii) it is seen that the state of agriculture today requires a new treatment. Most of the problems connected with agricultural development can be solved most effectively only within a long term period; (iii) as agricultural development involves technical, social, economic, cultural and other problems are generally interdependent, there is the need to have some comprehensive system to embody and cope with the different problems, (iv) finally as agricultural development always involves the translation of national objectives and policies into realities (which transformation always takes place at local level) it is found necessary that the agricultural development programme should occur within a regional framework – the region being a link between national and local level. The study goes on to make a general survey of the state and role of agriculture in Ghana emphasizing its most notable characteristics such as its subsistence nature and low productivity and its close attachment to traditionalism. It also focuses attention on the important role of Ghana’s agriculture as the main supplier of foodstuffs and raw materials fro human consumption, industry and export, and also main source of employment, domestic and foreign savings. The next stage concentrates on the tasks and problems of agricultural development. Agricultural development is seen as aiming at (i) the reduction of the inflationary pressures in the economy, (ii) correction of the imbalance in the country’s external trade accounts and (iii) creation of employment opportunities. The main problems which affect agricultural development in Ghana are seen as those connected with soils, climate, vegetation, socio-economic and cultural factors such as land tenure, marketing organization, education capital and production aids or prerequisites. This is followed by a general review and analysis of past attempts made under the Colonial Administration and the first Nationalist Government to solve the problem of agricultural development. This is done with the aim of projecting the past mistakes and omissions in the development attempts with the object of avoiding the omissions and correcting the mistakes. These preliminary reviews and investigations actually prepare the stage for the suggested approach which is carried on in the Central Region. In the next stage the methods and techniques, such as the analysis of the physical conditions, the use of the techniques of general programming, Von Thunen’s economic rent, the principles of comparative cost and cost-benefit analysis employed to demonstrate how the new approach may operate are fully elaborated. From the different analyses, techniques and methods investigated, it becomes conclusively evident that a perspective comprehensive regional development planning can facilitate the achievement of substantial and sustained agricultural development in Ghana.
Agroforestry as a sustainable landuse system in Ghana: a Case Study of Atwima and Offinso Districts
(2004-11-22) Derkyi, Mercy Afua Adutwumwaa
Agro forestry as a sustainable land use system has the potential to solve a variety of land use problems that affect developing countries, especially amongst the rural populace. Despite the sustainable nature of Agro forestry as land use system, it is less practice in Ghana. This is confirmed by studies and seminar reports from various regions in Ghana that clearly shows that Agro forestry is less intensively used in the country especially in the High Forest Zone (EPC, 1985). It is in view of this, that the study was conducted in Atwima and Offinso districts in the Ashanti Region of the High Forest Zone of Ghana to determine the various land use systems prevailing in the two districts. The study again examined the socio-economic factors that influence farmers’ decision to adopt Agro forestry as well as land use institutions perception of Agro forestry in the study area In this study, a total of 600 respondents were sampled from 20 communities in both study districts for in-depth study and analysis. A combination of structured questionnaire and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques were used in data collection. Semi-structured questionnaire and interviews were used to solicit information from the various land use institutions in the districts. Data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The study revealed that the major land use systems prevailing in the study area are agriculture, forestry, agro forestry, mining and sand winning. Among these, agriculture, which is predominantly by slash and bum, is the major land use system being practiced by majority of the respondents. Most of the respondents (27% in Offinso and 36.67% in Atwima districts) in the study area who practice agro forestry do so in the forest reserves under the Forest Services Division’s modified taungya system. It was also established that farmers of the study area have deep knowledge of indigenous trees and their uses. Their knowledge cuts across a wide spectrum of socio-economic attributes of trees (e.g. medicinal, spiritual, food, fallow management). Farmers have not yet deliberately planted most of the indigenous trees for intensive agro forestry purposes, however, the trees are common on their farmlands. This provides good opportunities for adoption and adaptation into the agro forestry systems. It was also found that farmers in the study area have been tending naturally growing trees and have even taken the steps to plant trees for varying reasons. Despite these efforts, 60.33% and 83 % of the respondents in Atwima and Offinso respectively were found not to be involved in tree planting. Some of the reasons given for not planting trees were several and varied amongst respondents were as follows; not important in the farming systems, land limitation, tree tenure issues and long period of tree maturity for one to enjoy benefits among others. This clearly indicate that the Forest Act 547 and its amendment 617 which gives right of ownership of trees to farmers or individuals who plant them have not been well publicized among the rural folks. The study again revealed that the adoption of agro forestry practices and technologies in the study districts are influenced by several socio-economic factors. The degree of importance of these factors varies among respondents in both districts. The unavailability of credit facilities to hire labour and to buy planting materials is a constraint to Agro forestry adoption by the farmers. Land and tree tenure systems, inadequate extension services and longer period of tree maturity are considered as factors that affect agro forestry adoption. The institutions, including Forest Services Division (FSD) and Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), perceived factors such as unavailability of land for the majority of the migrants, poor awareness creation and education and lack of agro forestry extension techniques for the low patronage and non-adoption of agro forestry practices and technologies among the farmers in the districts. Unfavorable land tenure systems, small land sizes , little access to credit facility, minimal knowledge in tree planting and almost no access to agro forestry extension were perceived to influence farmers and institutions adoption of Agro forestry in the study area. Despite the above factors, farmers have the zeal to adopt agro forestry when the packages are suitable and favorable in their farming system leading to increase and variety in production. In view of the perceptions of the farmers, appropriate recommendations such as the training of the field staff of both FSD and MOFA in participatory extension techniques and creating awareness and educating the farmers on the Forest Acts 617 which gives the farmers right to own trees on their farmlands among others, have been recommended for effective adoption of Agro forestry in the study area and Ghana as a whole.
Agroforestry potential in the Tolon-Kumbungu District of Northern Region
(2005-11-10) Mbelayim, Imoro Abdul-Wahab
The agro forestry potential in the Tolon - Kumbungu district was investigated using a survey. The objectives of the study were to describe the land use systems and identify the major indigenous trees in the area, identify the major production constraints of the land use systems and to identify the socio-economic factors that may limit or encourage the introduction of agro forestry interventions as well as suggest probable agro forestry interventions to alleviate the major production constraints in the area. The survey was carried out in twelve (12) communities in the district consisting of 120 households. The methodology used in the study was Diagnosis and Design methodology but the approach used to gather the primary data was socio-economic survey using a structured questionnaire. The results indicated that the major agricultural land use in the area consists of around-homes and far-away farms with varying degrees of crop mixture in the field. The around-homes farms are usually cropped with maize while the main crop mixture in the far-away farms consisted of maize/sorghum/groundnuts mixture. Major production constraints of the land use systems as identified by the survey included general decline in soil fertility, inadequate rainfall and lack of money to purchase inputs such as fertilizer among others. The role trees play in the area especially the economic parkland trees such as the Vitellaria paradoxum (sheanut trees) and Parkia biglobosa (dawadawa) has motivated many farmers to adore tree planting but the main constraints to tree planting were perennial bush fires and water shortages together with livestock destruction of plants. Others included management problems and difficulty in getting tree seedlings in the area. With regards to tree tenure, the farmers generally do not own Farkia biglobosa (dawadawa tree) from whose land the tree grows. The results also indicated that the major indigenous tree species in the area included Vitellaria paradoxun; (sheanut trees), Parkia biglobosa (Dawadawa), Diospyros mespiliformis (ebony), Lannea acida and Ficus gnaphalocarpa among others. The resource endowment of the farmers particularly the land belonged to them and this coupled with other factors may motivate them to accept and adopt agro forestry as a land use practice. Even though, the land holding in the area is generally small due to fragmentation of this natural resource base. The farmers in Tolon-Kumbungu district are well aware of the importance of trees and are prepared to plant them in their crop fields, but the individual farmer land holding is small in the area. This however, does not deter farmers from expressing interest in tree planting. Some of the farmers have already planted a lot of trees especially the exotic tree species to provide fruits, building poles and other benefits provided by the trees. Even though the land holding in the study area is generally small for individual farmers, they usually have many farm plots located under different soil conditions and this is strategy in coping with multiplicity of crops cultivated in the area. Farmers used this to guard against risk of total crop failure since they are totally rain-fed agriculturists. Maximum land holding size in the area does not exceed nineteen (19) acres per individual and as such majority of the farmers are subsistent farmers whose primary objective is to produce food for the family.
Analysis and interpretation of genotype by environment interaction using cluster analysis
(2005-11-03) Bessah, David Maxwell
In Agricultural Research, plant breeders conduct multi-environmental testing of genotypes to select the best genotype for farmers to grow on their farms. The genotype with relatively high mean yield across the test environments is usually considered as the best genotype to be selected. The problem with this selection is that some genotypes that might have performed well in some sites may have performed badly in some other sites. This phenomenon often referred to as genotype by environment (GE) interaction complicates the selection process. This thesis is therefore concerned with the analysis and interpretation of genotype by environment (GE) interaction which occurs when a wide range of genotypes are tested over a wide diversity of environmental conditions. Various statistical methods for the analysis of GE interaction have been proposed. One of the methods currently in use, Cluster analysis technique that is efficient at extracting information on genotype by environment (GE) interaction is of interest.
Analysis and interpretation of genotype by environment interaction using cluster analysis
(2005-11-10) Bessah, David Maxwell
Agricultural Research, plant breeders conduct multi-environmental testing of genotypes to select the best genotype for farmers to grow on their farms. The genotype with relatively high mean yield across the test environments is usually considered as the best genotype to be selected. The problem with this selection is that some genotypes that might have performed well in some sites may have performed badly in some other sites. This phenomenon often referred to as genotype by environment (GE) interaction complicates the selection process. This thesis is therefore concerned with the analysis and interpretation of genotype by environment (GE) interaction which occurs when a wide range of genotypes are tested over a wide diversity of environmental conditions. Various statistical methods for the analysis of GE interaction have been proposed. One of the methods currently in use, Cluster analysis technique that is efficient at extracting information on genotype by environment (GE) interaction is of interest. Cluster analysis techniques are appealing ways of explaining GE interaction, but can suffer from lack of clarity on the objectives of the analysis. Building on the work reported by Byth et. al., (1976), cluster analysis is extended with the particular objective of predicting the “best” genotype for each environment. The objective is achieved by attaching to each environment the predicted genotype. This approach is illustrated using Wheat yield data consisting of 40 genotypes in 45 environments from Centre for Maize and Wheat Yield Improvement Trial centre in Mexico (CIMMYT).
Analysis and interpretation of genotype by environment interaction using additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model
(2004-11-14) Owusu-Ansah, Frank
One very important activity in plant breeding is to test a wide range of genotypes in a wide diversity of environments. Environment refers to site, year or a combination of site and year. The objective of the plant breeder is to select superior genotypes. The plant breeder however is usually confronted with the problem of genotype by environment interaction which complicates selection of superior genotypes. Genotype by environment (GE) interaction is a situation in which the performance of genotypes varies across different environments. GE interaction makes it inadequate for the plant breeder to recommend a particular genotype because its mean yield over the environments tested is high; it might have produced outstanding yield in some sites and performed poorly when grown in a particular site. Several statistical methods have been proposed for the analysis of GE interaction. In recent years one of the most popular methodologies is the additive main effect and multiplication interaction (AMMI) model (Gauch, 1988) which was originally proposed by GolIob (1968) and Mandel (1971). This thesis is concerned with the analysis of GE data using the AMMI model. The performance of the AMMI model is investigated by comparing genotypic correlations and their respective sums of squares using real data sets with the objective of highlighting the “optimism” associated with the fitting of the model. Results have shown that the interaction matrix exhibits high correlations between the genotype vectors which when ignored leads to optimism in the fitting sums of squares. This has prompted the development of the complement index vector as an alternative fitting procedure. The performance of the new approach is evaluated using real data sets.
Analysis of Loan Portfolio of Rural Banks in Ghana : (A Case Study of Atwima Kwanwoma Rural Bank Limited)
(2009-08-19) Yeboah-Asiamah, Padmore Victor
Loans are the largest asset of banks and indeed the main source of operating income to the rural banks. Banks, by regulations, make provisions for bad debts and higher provision for bad debt invariably reduces profits of banks and shareholders' wealth. Therefore, the inability of a bank to manage its loan portfolio efficiently and effectively may lead to a reduction in profit and liquidity and even the collapse of the bank. Rural banks basically give only short-term and medium-term loans. The study attempted to analyse the loan portfolio of rural banks to establish the causes of loan default and which of the two terms of loan is more prone to loan delinquency. The descriptive survey method was used to seek answers to the research questions. Structured, closed and open-ended questionnaire and interview were used to collect data for analysis. Simple random and stratified random sampling techniques were employed to select 180 loan ^defaulters and 120 non-defaulters to cover all the short-term and medium-term loan products from all the branches of Atwima Kwanwoma Rural Bank Ltd. Findings showed that the short-term loans have more loan delinquency than the medium-term loans in AKRB and causes of loan delinquency were found to be delayed approval, lack of business knowledge, decongestion exercise, insufficient amount, inadequate loan monitoring, poor weather condition, and loan diversion as well as high interest rate. It was also found out that female customers pay their loans better than the male customers. It is recommended that AKRB could recover its expired loans through loan rescheduling, refinancing, internal recovery task force and external debt recovery agencies. They should also prevent current and future loans from going bad through proper loan appraisal, monitoring and diversification of loans to reduce risks by lending to all the productive sectors.
An analysis of the determinants of exports of Ghanaian manufacturers
(2005-11-03) Baba, Insah
The instability of export earnings necessitated the establishment of the export promotion council in 1969. There have been many trade regimes until the current liberalized trade and investment regime. After the economic recovery programme (ERP) in 1983, reforms were geared towards stimulating the manufactured exports sector. There is ample evidence that unfavourable terms of trade for primary products and their declining shares of world trade are principal contributors to the abysmal performance of the external sector. This has led the country into a number of macroeconomic imbalances including budget deficits and balance of payments disequilibria. The main objective of the study is to present an analysis of the determinants of exports of Ghanaian manufactures. This entailed assessing empirically the major determinants of exports of Ghanaian manufactures and examining the influence of non-price factors on manufactured exports. Some recommendations for economic policy were enumerated. The overall hypothesis put forward was that there exists a functional relationship between manufactured exports and some macroeconomic variables, notably; income, exchange rate, domestic price level and domestic capacity utilization. The rest are price of exports and lagged export values. The research analyses and investigates the determinants of Ghanaian manufactured exports for the period 1970 to 2000. Broadly, manufactured exports considered were: basic metals, handicraft items and sea foods. The rest are foods and beverages and wood products. A model is formulated based on the imperfect substitutes model where exports are not perfect substitutes for domestic products in the importing country. On the supply-side, the model includes as explanatory variables; price, consumer price index, capacity utilisation and a one year lag manufactured export value. A distributed lagged scheme was employed in the estimation. On the demand-side, the small country assumption is invoked where Ghana is able to sell all its exports at the prevailing world market price. The explanatory variables used are income and average nominal exchange rate. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method was used to estimate the demand and supply functions. Data for the estimation was obtained from Quarterly Digest of Statistics, CEPA and Ghana Export Promotion council. Also, some information was obtained from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, World Bank Data Tables and United Nations Statistical Year Books. The results obtained were favourable to the existence of relations between the explained and the explanatory variables. On the demand side, all variables were statistically significant with a high R2 and correct signs consistent with economic behaviour. The parameters of the supply equation also had the expected signs and a high R2 value. However, not all the parameter estimates were statistically significant. These were the constant term and the domestic capacity utilization variable. Nevertheless, the statistically insignificant parameters do not suggest the absence of causal relationships between them and the dependent variable.

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