College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

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Acacia tumida prunings as source of nutrients for soil fertility improvement in Niger: biochemical composition and decomposition pattern
(SEPTEMBER, 2015) Iliasso, Aboubacar Dan Kassoua Tawaye
Limited sources of organic amendments for increasing nutrient availability for crop growth is a major challenge in Niger. Reports on the role of organic material in soil fertility improvement in the Sahelian zone of Niger have been focused merely on limited range of organic amendments such as animal manure and crop residues. There is however little information on the use of agro-forestry leaves for soil fertility improvement in Niger. The current study was therefore designed to (i) evaluate the quality of Acacia tumida prunings, (ii) determine the decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Acacia tumida prunings (iii) assess the factors that influence the decomposition and nutrient release patterns of organic materials under Sahelian conditions. Litterbag experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments consisted of a factorial combination of (a) three types of organic amendments (Acacia tumida pruning, millet straw and cattle manure), and (b) two levels of insecticide application (with and without insecticide). The litterbag experiment was conducted on sandy and crusted sandy soil types. The percentage composition of N, P and K in Acacia tumida prunings were 2.30, 0.14 and 1.50, respectively on a dry weight basis. The decomposition of Acacia tumida pruning was faster (k/day = 0.014) than that of cattle manure (k/day = 0.012). On the average, 45 and 34 % of organic materials decomposed in the litterbags free of insecticide and litterbags treated with insecticide respectively. The contribution of termites to organic amendment decomposition was estimated to be 36 % for millet straw and 30 % for manure. The highest N release constant (k/day = 0.025) was recorded for millet straw whereas the highest P release constant (k/day = 0.035) was documented for manure. The highest potassium release constant (k/day = 0.114) was recorded for Acacia tumida pruning. This study has contributed to knowledge regarding the decomposition of Acacia tumida prunings which has an important implication for diversifying the source of nutrients for soil fertility improvement in Niger. Moreover, the results of this study indicate that the presence of termites and the intrinsic quality of the organic material play crucial roles in the decomposition of organic materials in the Semi-arid environment of Niger.
The Acceptance of E-Procurement in Ghana: A Study of Key Stakeholders in the Construction Industry in Greater Accra
(2015-02-23) Akibate, Pascal Percy
The Public Procurement Act of 2003 was intended to harmonise public procurement processes, secure judicious, economic and efficient use of state resources and ensure that public procurement is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. The research seeks to find out the acceptance of e-procurement on the local construction industry in Ghana. By policy or practice, the increasing numbers of Government Department in Ghana are mandating the use of information technology (IT) to administer and deliver service to public. Many institutions achieve, or expect to achieve, enhanced procurement service and productivity by using advance technologies in e-Procurement. The research community relies increasingly on e-Procurement-enabler users that massively registered to equip with the system. The effectiveness of the public delivering service regarding procurement is a relevant topic of discussion among the clients. Taking into consideration the gap in the literature, a study has been carried out on the acceptance of e-Procurement in the construction industry in Ghana and the factors that leads to the adoption of e-procurement in the sector as well as the challenging factors that inhibit the acceptance of e-procurement. The factors that lead to the acceptance of e-Procurement system are the framework of this research. Therefore, this research will focus on these factors as the moderating effect towards satisfaction level among the users.
Adoption potential of biomass transfer technology in Western Kenya
(2002) Obonyo, Emily
This study assesses the adoption potential of biomass transfer technology in Western Kenya. The main aim is to assess uptake of the technology by farmers in six divisions of Vihiga District who have different levels of contact with research with special reference on use, management, benefits, problems, perceptions, innovations and expansions. It also looks at the major factors affecting adoption and the diffusion/uptake of the technology in six villages in Yala Division of Siaya District. The study employs both formal and informal survey methods which include questionnaires and a combination of PRA, RRA and PLAR techniques. A survey from 69 farmers of the extension department (extension farmers) and 53 farmers collaborating with researchers (research farmers) of the KEFRI, KARI, ICRAF project in Maseno are presented. Group discussions and interviews by farmers in the six villages in Yala Division (village farmers) are also presented. The findings suggest that the rate of adoption is affected by association with research. Among the research farmers 23% were strong adopters, 58% medium adopters and 19% did not adopt. Among the extension farmers, 15% were strong adopters, 20% were medium adopters while 59% did not adopt. For the village farmers, diffusion across the villages is generally not high and a larger proportion of farmers have not tested the technology. But the rate of uptake is very high among the village farmers who have tested the technology and are in close contact with research. Other factors associated with adoption are sex of decision-maker, household type, education level of decision-maker, affiliation to groups and participation in external activities. Many farmers currently apply the biomass on horticultural vegetables other than maize, the initial test crop. The revenue received from the sale of these vegetables off-sets the costs of the labour incurred in using the biomass. The main benefits include increased crop yield and better crop quality. The major problem is the labour and it is the main reason given by farmers who have discontinued with the technology. This issue needs to address if farmers are to adopt biomass transfer. Only a few farmers have planted tithonia within their farms to reduce the labour input. Extension efforts are needed to encourage more farmers to plant.
Agricultural biodiversity and sustainable child nutrition in Dormaa West District of the Brong Ahafo Region
(OCTOBER, 2016 ) Otabil, Alex
The study assessed diversities of crops and animals, and the relationship between agricultural biodiversity, dietary diversity, and malnutrition prevalence of children between 24-60 months using a cross-sectional survey in the Dormaa West District between April-May 2015. A sample size of 217 households was targeted with 10 communities conveniently selected. Thereafter systematic sampling was used until the required sample was reached. Agricultural biodiversity was measured by counting plants and animals kept, grown and obtained from the wild. Dietary diversity was also measured using data from 24 hour recalls and their food groups calculated using dietary diversity score. Weight and height measurement of children were taken and their Z scores calculated for stunting, wasting and underweight. Pearson correlation was used to test the relationships between variables. The study revealed agricultural biodiversity to be high in the District but low among households. The household's dietary diversity level was medium with 24.5% of the households consuming from ten different food groups. Underweight (WAZ) prevalence was the highest rate (20.3%) and was (2.3%) and (7.9%) more than stunting (HAZ) and wasting (WHZ) rates respectively. There was a positive correlation between agricultural biodiversity (AB) and dietary diversity (DD) (p<0.01). However, agricultural biodiversity did not correlate with HAZ, WHZ, and WAZ (p> 0.05). With the exception of HAZ and WHZ, higher dietary diversity explained 21% of severe WAZ. Regardless of sex and age, agricultural biodiversity and high dietary diversity have a relationship with severe underweight among children in the Dormaa West District. Underweight should be given attention for children between the ages of 24-48 months through highly diversified diets.
Agriculture as a development problem in regional planning in Ghana.: A study of the Central Region.
(1967) 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 adoption by small-scale farmers: a case study of Pioneer Tobacco Company’s Agroforestry Programme
(1996) Cobbinah, Francis Dontoh
Access to and control of resources by households affect their interest in and adoption of effective land use technologies which may enhance natural resource development and expansion of household’s production capacities. The analysis of the resource base of households, thus, becomes imperative in an attempt to introduce any innovation to a group of people. In pursuit of this, the study has taken a close look at the acceptance and adoption of Pioneer Tobacco Company’s (PTC) Agroforestry programme being extended to the people in its operational area. This was done by using a questionnaire guide to interview sixty households randomly selected from each of four districts covered by the programme. The households selected were categorised into tree farmers and non-tree farmers or households. Simple statistical techniques including the use of Frequency Distribution Tables, Means, Standard Deviation and percentages were employed. The study revealed that interest in and adoption of the tree planting exercise was dependent on the objectives of households, principally food and cash and their control over resources such as land, labour, credit and managerial ability. On the whole, households which had planted or were planting trees owned almost all the land they cultivated or had access to vast tracts of land averaging 21 .76 acres, relatively high annual incomes of C41 1 ,670, large household size of about 1 2 members and more males than households which have not planted trees. Tree species cultivated include Leucaena leucocephala, Senna siamea, Anacardium occidentale and Gmellna arborea. The majority of farmers cultivating trees also grew tobacco which was purchased by PTC at reasonably high and stable prices. The predominant farming system was bush and grass fallowing. Farmers maintained about 3 different plots of land totalling about 3 acres. It was also found out that adoption rate had been quite high in the communities (53%) but relatively low among tobacco farmers (43%) and PTC was continuously sustaining the programme and making it more farmers centered by responding quickly and addressing the perceived needs of farmers including excessive weed growth.
Agroforestry as a sustainable landuse system in Ghana: a Case Study of Atwima and Offinso Districts
(2004) 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 for sustainable fuelwood industry in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions : case study: Kumasi, Atwima and Atebubu Districts
(2003) Castel, David
Fuel wood is the source of energy for households and many industrial activities in Ghana. Fuel wood is widely used in urban areas but mostly in rural areas. Even though Fuel wood is a renewable energy if well managed there are some signs of scarcity in the country. During the thesis research the socio economic background of peop1e involved in the fuel wood industry were investigated. Farmers’ interest and responses to agroforestry interventions were evaluated. Structured as well as unstructured interviews were conducted through questionnaire administration, focal group discussions and individual interviews. The study area can be viewed in two phases: the urban phase and the rural phase. In the urban phase fuel wood production, markets and sources of’ hid wood were identified. Mill residue v as identified as a source of fuel wood. Some of the mills identified included Logs and Lumber Limited (L.L.L.). AG Timbers, Paul Sagoe Sawmill and FABI Timbers. The identified areas of’ charcoal production in Kumasi included Kaase, Ahinsan, Akosombo and Asokwa. The markets identified included Ayigya. Adum. Sepehuokuotu. Krofrom. and Tafo. The rural phase identified communities in Atebubu and Atwima districts. Due to the proximity the of Atwima district and the fact that a lot of hire wood markets identified their sources from the Atwima district led to majority of the research communities being chosen from the district. Some of the communities identified in Atwima district included Koheng. Mpasatia. Apenkro. Mofranfadwene, Kyereyase Amanchia and Toase. Identified communities in Atebubu district were Amantin, Kyato-Zongo and Sulemana. The results obtained indicate that some species used for fuel wood are experiencing shortages and may become extinct in areas here the used to be in abundance. Roadside communities that actively participated in fuel wood production and sale such as Kobeng. Mpasatia and Amanchia lacked the preferred fuel wood species such as Celtis while communities in the interior like Mentukwa. Mmehame. Oforikrom Akentcnsu and Kramokroin still have most of the preferred species. The preferred species that were identified in these communities include Celtis Species. fiscus experata, Amphimas pterocarpiodes, Albilzia zygia, Phylanthus and Terminlia ivorensis. The research also looked at farmer’s knowledge of Agrofurestrv and their responses to its interventions. It was noted that farmers had indigenous knowledge of agroforestrv, the use of shade trees and the practice of taungva using tectona grandis in their farming practices can be cited as examples. In the final analysis it would sum up to the issue that the fuel nod problem is a multifaceted one, which can be addressed nation wide at the policy level through the district assemblies to put in measures that would aim at sustainable management of our forest resource that would curb the ever increasing urban demand for fuel wood. The beneficiary stakeholders such as the fuel wood communities should be encouraged to practice sustainable farming practices such as agroforestry, which apart from its numerous benefits can sustain their livelihood as fuel wood communities.
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.
The agronomic qualities of the mexican sunflower (tithonia diversifolia) for soil fertility improvement in ghana: an exploratory study
(2015-05-22) Tetteh Partey, Samuel
Soil fertility depletion remains a major biophysical constraint to increased food production in Ghana even when improved germplasm has been made available. With the growing concern of the potential of low input agriculture in mitigating soil fertility challenges, exploratory researches are imperative in selecting best quality organic materials that meet this expectation. This study was conducted to assess the suitability of Tithonia diversifolia green biomass as a nutrient source for smallholder agriculture in Ghana using both on-station and on-farm trials. The on-station research comprised an evaluation of the decomposition and nutrient release patterns of T. diversifolia in comparison with well-known leguminous species of agroforestry importance: Senna spectabilis, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala and Acacia auriculiformis. Concurrently, field trials were conducted to appraise the quality of T. diversifolia green biomass in relation to its biophysical effects on soil properties and the agronomic characteristics of crops. This was a comparative study with S. spectabilis, G. sepium and mineral fertilizer on a ferric acrisol. Field trials were also conducted to determine best practices for optimum biomass production of T. diversifolia using different pruning regimes and cutting heights as factors. The on-farm research was conducted at Dumasua in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana to appraise 200 farmers’ preliminary knowledge of T. diversifolia and evaluate the effect of T. diversifolia green biomass on soil fertility indicators and crop yields. The results of the decomposition study confirmed significantly high N, P, K concentrations in T. diversifolia comparable to levels recorded for the four leguminous species. In addition, T. diversifolia recorded the highest decomposition and nutrient release rates which differed significantly (p < 0.05) vii from rates of the four leguminous species. Although decomposition and nutrient release rates of species were related to quality of leaf material, P and Mg concentrations in particular were most influential in decomposition and nutrient release based on significant results. The on-station trials showed significant effect of the green manures (particularly T. diversifolia) on soil properties and the biomass and fruit yield of okro (Abelmoschus esculentus). These results were comparable and in some cases greater than fertilizer treatments. Total yield response in T. diversifolia treatment was 61% and 20% greater than the control and fertilizer treatments respectively. From the pruning experiment, it was evident that height of cutting, pruning frequency and their interaction significantly affected dry matter production of T. diversifolia. Dry matter production was highest (7.2 t ha-1yr-1) when T. diversifolia was pruned bi-monthly at 50 cm height. Results from the sociological survey confirmed farmers’ general knowledge on T. diversifolia at Dumasua was poor. Although majority of respondents had seen the plant growing, none could give a common name. Only the ornamental importance of T. diversifolia was identified. Meanwhile, the on-farm trials revealed a significant synergistic effect of combining T. diversifolia and fertilizer on soil nutrient availability and harvest index of maize. The results showed that the application of Tithonia either alone or in combination with fertilizer can increase yield by 24% and 54% respectively compared to plots which received no inputs.
Alley cropping Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench with Senna siamea and fertilization in the Sudan savanna zone of Ghana
(1996) Atibila, John Mbabugri
The relative contributions of a Senna siamea alley cropping system and application of inorganic fertilizer to the yield of Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench var ‘Belko” was investigated during two cropping seasons, at the Forestry Research Institute’s (FORIG) On-Station Experimental Plots in the Sudan Savanna zone at Kuka, near Bawku (11° 10’N; 0O 15’W) in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The objectives of the experiment were to determine S. siamea pruning biomass and nutrient yields, weed suppression by the prunings as well as Sorghum crop performance under fertilizer and the prunings. Results showed that S. siamea prunings biomass were 104.6 kg/plot (8.7t/ha) in 1994 and 94.7 kg/plot (7.91/ha) in 1995. Nitrogen levels were 2.3 and 1.4% in first and second prunings respectively in 1994 with corresponding values of 1.9 and 1.5% in 1995. The proportion of foliage in 1994 was 49% and 51% in 1995. Residual fertilizer significantly increased S. siamea vigour in height increment (p = 0.004) and number of coppiced shoots (p = 0.016) and dry matter production (p 0.032) in the fertilized plots compared with the unfertilized plots. Mulching with or without fertilizer application significantly suppress grass weeds (p 0.000). Mulching with fertilizer application, however significantly promoted non-grass weed production (p = 0.000). Weed suppression was due to the cover effect of the mulch rather than canopy shading of the S. siamea hedgerows. Sorghum bicolor yield was in the order: fertilized sole cropping > fertilized alley cropping> unfertilized sole cropping> unfertilized alley cropping in 1994 but the unfertilized alley cropping performed better than the unfertilized sole cropping in 1995. Reduction in sorghum yield was attributed to competition for soil nutrients by the S. siamea hedgerows rather than by shading. The fertilized sole cropping system produced the highest yield but the Senna siamea/Sorghum bicolor alley cropping system with or without fertilizer application is more beneficial than the continuous sole cropping system since it provides fuelwood and poles as additional outputs which are in very short supply for communities in the severely deforested area. The alley cropping system is also quite sustainable as modest amounts of foliage and, hence, organic matter and nutrients are added to the severely degraded soils.
Analyses of perceptions and adaptations to climate change by rice farmers: case study in the Ashanti and Northern Regions of Ghana
(NOVEMBER, 2016) Adusei, Kwame
Climate change is becoming a serious global problem that is expected to pose a serious threat on the environment and many sectors of economic growth such as agricultural production and food security and especially on rural farmers whose livelihoods depend on the use of natural resources are likely to bear the burden of the adverse impacts. The extent to which these impacts are felt depends in large part on the extent of adaptation in response to climate change perceived by farmers. This study analyses the perceptions and adaptations of rice farmers to climate change in the Ashanti and Northern regions of Ghana. To carry out this analysis, a multinomial logit model, in which the choices of rice farmers' adaptations to climate change are specified to be a function of socioeconomic and institutional variables, and is estimated using the maximum likelihood method. Cross sectional data was collected from a sample of 249 rice farmers from the Adansi South district, Ahafo Ano South district and the Tolon-Kumbungu districts. The results show that rice farmers in all the surveyed districts are aware of the changing climatic conditions, and recognize climate change. The overall perception index (CBPI) of sampled rice farmers about climate change across the surveyed districts is 0.5, suggesting that rice farmers have a positive perception about climate change and as well agree to most of the perception statements about climate change. Hence, they are always willing to put measures in place to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. The main adaptation strategies used by rice farmers are migrating to urban areas, diversification of crop, making of bonds (irrigation) and engaging in off-farm jobs. The results reveal that age significantly but negatively affects the decision of farmers to make bonds on their rice fields as well as migrate to the urban area when faced with climate variability. Policy should therefore aim at encouraging and motivating the young people to go into the rice farming business. Farm size also had negative influence on a farmer ’s choice of vi making bonds his rice field. It is therefore recommended that the bonding method of irrigation on rice fields is improved and mechanized as farmers with very large rice fields are not able to invest in the method. Off-farm income negatively influence the likelihood of a rice farmer making bonds, migrating as well as diversifying his crop types. Rice farmers should properly manage their off-farm income-earning opportunities so that these jobs do not interfere with their farm activities. The size of a rice farmer's household, distance from house to farm, educational level, farming experience and land acquisition were all found to negatively influence a farmer's choice of an adaptation strategy. However, gender and fixed agreement between land owner and the rice farmer positively influence a farmer's choice of adaptation to climate change. It is recommended that land acquisition and property rights should be clearly defined to both land owners and rice farmers. Lack of financial resources, High cost of labor and inputs and transportation problems are the most pressing problems facing rice producers in the surveyed districts. The study therefore recommends that policies that would improve access to credit, extension service delivery, off-farm jobs, land acquisition and property rights should be pursued.
Analysis of factors influencing the adoption of improved groundnut storage technology in Ghana
(2013-11-03) Attah, Festus Selorm Kofi
This study employs the Logit model to analyze factors influencing farmers' choice of groundnut storage technologies, cost incurred and awareness of storage conditions on aflatoxin growth...
Analysis of modified taungya system from socio-economic and biodiversity perspective: A case study in Sunyani Forest District, Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana
(June, 2009.) Amoah, Alexander
Taungya plantation development schemes based purely on technical grounds and national economic criteria are bound to be unsuccessful, if the social and economic needs of the farmers are not incorporated into the taungya forest plantation development schemes. Failure of taungya plantation development has a much more negative impact on the environment and its biodiversity than even the incidence of fire. The forest reserves in the Sunyani Forest District are within the fire-prone forest-savannah transitional zone of Ghana, which exist in equilibrium with occasional fire incidence. The objective of the study was to assess the employment, income opportunities, biodiversity implications and problems of taungya plantations establishments in Sunyani Forest District. Data collected included consultations with staff of Sunyani Forest Service District, field visits, individual interviewing using semi-structured questionnaire and group discussions. The Sunyani Forest Service District taungya system operations offer employment to 180 labourers per year and 47 forestry staff to carry out the various operations in the taungya system. The average wage per manday over the years was GH¢1.20 which is below the current minimum wage of GH¢1.80 and hence insignificant when using taungya plantation development as one of the poverty alleviation strategies most especially in the rural communities. Between the periods 2005–2009 volume of teak wood extracted in the Sunyani Forest Services District was about 31,040 cubic meters with an estimated value of about GH¢4,345,600.00 accrued to the government and not to the taungya farmers. Thus, the socio-economic aspects of the taungya farmers are not considered as far as the tree component of the taungya system is concern. However, some farmers (22 %) benefit from firewood from teak branches and slabs from sawmill companies in the study area. Unfortunately, the farmers do not benefit from the timber/pole output of the taungya system. Within the farming system maize is the most preferred crop (31.88 %) by farmers among the other staple crops. From the perspectives of the respondents (e.g. farmers, herbalists, hunters and forest technical officers) indicate that less number of different flora species grow in taungya plantations and these are the plant species that are mostly left standing in the course of land preparation for taungya plantations establishment. Again from the view points of the respondents inter alia farmers, herbalist, hunters and forest technical officers different fauna species commonly encountered in taungya plantations are abysmal. Transport for taungya operations in the study area was identified as one big constraint to successful taungya operations. Irrespective of the innovative move to improve taungya operations, partly to provide employment and alleviate poverty in the rural communities, if the Ghana Government Plantation Policy framework governing the National Forest Plantation Development Project (NFPDP), launched in September, 2000 is not fully implemented for the taungya farmers to benefit, in the long term, from the output of the tree component, the objectives of the modified taungya system, as a strategy to provide employment, alleviate poverty and produce high quality wood, so as to reduce the mounting pressure on the natural forest resources will still remain elusive.
Analysis of Primary Stakeholders Participation in Forest Resources Management: The Case of the Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve, Ghana
(2010-06-19) Adams, Marshall Alhassan
Ghana’s forest resources are vital for the country’s sustainable development and various forestry reform initiatives have been implemented to improve governance in the forestry sector. Participatory approach such as collaborative forest management in Ghana aims at achieving representation of a broad segment of primary stakeholders, especially most vulnerable groups. The study aimed at analyzing primary stakeholders participation in forest resources management at various levels of participation. The link between primary stakeholders participation in forest resources management of the Krokosua Hill Forest Reserve in Juaboso District of Ghana and a set of socio-demographic factors was analyzed. The communities studied include five forest-dependent communities around the Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve. A sample of 407 primary stakeholders was selected by the use of the proportional random sampling method. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools which included key informant interviews and direct observation were employed in the study. Household questionnaire interview were also conducted. The data were analyzed by the use of participation index and descriptive statistics such as frequency and cross-tabulation using chi-square. The study found the average participation index of primary stakeholders participation in forest resources of Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve to be 0.3. The index for their involvement in planning, implementation and monitoring stages was 0.3 and that for benefit sharing of benefit accrued from the reserve was 0.2. Significant associations were found between the following variables: primary stakeholders participation in planning and gender (p = 0.055), and education (p = 0.001); primary stakeholders participation in implementation and distance (p = 0.001); primary stakeholders participation in monitoring and age (p = 0.001), and distance (p = 0.001); and primary stakeholders participation in benefit-sharing and age (p = 0.018), and education (p = 0.001). The study concludes that participation of primary stakeholders in forest resources management is still low and depends on the socio-demographic profile of an individual and proximity of forest-dependent communities from the forests. These findings have implications on the sustainability of forest resources in Ghana. The main policy implication drawn from the findings are that resource managers should and policy makers need to be sensitive to create more practical right-based participatory strategies to secure meaningful representation and participation from forest-dependent communities. The success of the collaborative system approach relies heavily on a positive relationship between the forest-dependent community and the resource manager. In designing participatory management activities, differences in socio-demographic variables and empowerment interventions should be considered by resource managers and policy makers to ensure broad representation of primary stakeholders.
Analysis of project management practices in the public sector-the case of Weija-Gbawe municipal assembly
(JANUARY, 2021) Pinkrah, Justice;
The study was set out to assess the project management practices among MMDAs in Ghana using a case study of Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The specific objectives were as follow; to identify the current project management practices carried out by the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly and to identify the challenges associated with project management practices by the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly. The study made use of descriptive survey designed to assess the project management practices and the challenges associated with it. A total number of 35respondents were selected from the assembly for the survey. The study used both primary and secondary data. The data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study found that 80 percent of the respondents sees procurement activities at the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly as a core activity whiles 20 percent sees it as a non-core activity. Also, majority of the respondents indicated that there was no specific unit designated by the assembly to carry out project management related activities and also there were no specific personnel assigned to carry out project management related activities. The study also revealed that the personnel/ units that undertake project management activities at the assembly were identified to be field technician, specific project manager to a project, procurement personnel, contractors, audit unit, M & E personnel and others such as contractors. With respect to the current project management practices by the Weija- Gbawe Municipal Assembly, the study revealed that the topmost project management practices carried out by the assembly were; setting up overall project mission, purpose and goals, effective team building, effective procurement plan, ensuring top management support, instituting a well-laid out project specifications, effective consultations with project stakeholders and setting up project scope. The study also found that the assembly does not effectively practice the following project management practices; project integration, deliberate quality management practices, effective communication among project team members, monitoring and evaluation activities with time management plan being the least practiced. The study found that the top seven most challenges constraints associated with project management practices by the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly identified were; corruption, payment difficulties and delays, poor coordination and communication structures, political interference, delays by contractors, fiscal constraints and extensive controls and as well, poor understanding of procurement practices. The study therefore recommends that the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly should set up a unit to be responsible for project management related activities. It is also recommended that the assembly put more attention and emphasis on the project management practices that they currently fail in terms of implementation. They are; project integration, deliberate quality management practices, effective communication among project team members, monitoring and evaluation activities with time management plan being the least practiced. The assembly should also work to ensure that corruption or its perception is minimized through transparent award of contracts and effective supervision of project delivery devoid from political influences and interference to ensure that projects are delivered in accordance with the right standards. It is finally recommended that personnel in the assembly in charge of project management should be given regular training on project management and its related activities to ensure that they are well equipped to implement projects of the assembly efficiently and effectiveness.
Analysis of pumping tests data of crystalline rock aquifers (a case study of wells at Ashanti Goldfields, Bibiani)
(2001) Osei-Twumasi, Anthony
The Ashanti Goldfields (Bibiani) Limited is a gold mining company in the BibianiAnhwiaso District of the Western Region of Ghana. Crystalline metamorphic and igneous rocks crop out in the area. As part of its environmental management plan, the company has drilled over twenty boreholes in this terrain. The purpose is to be used to monitor groundwater contamination and as domestic and plant water supply sources. To address the issue of sustainable yields (since it depends on only groundwater), nine of the wells were pump-tested to determine aquifer characteristics and hence the productivity of these wells. Step-drawdown test was conducted on two of the wells, (B1 and B3). Constant discharge and recovery tests were conducted on all the nine wells. Step-drawdown test was analysed by Jacob (1947) and Rorabaugh (1953) methods to determine well losses and aquifer losses, and hence the efficiency of the wells. Well losses were significant. Well loss determined with the use of the Jacob’s method was 8.70 in B1 and 5.78 in BI but aquifer loss was 7.71 in B] and 9.71 in B3. The efficiencies were 49.3% and 63% for B1 and B3 respectively. Constant discharge was analysed by Cooper-Jacob (1946) straight-line method. The transmissivity (pumping) for the three wells that were pump-tested for 24 hours ranges between 2.985 and 11 .69m2/day with a mean of 7 .649 m2/day. The transmissivity (recovery) ranges between 5.51 and 10.35 m2/day whereas specific capacity (Q/s) ranges between 7.06 and 16.90 m2/day with a mean value of 12 .12 m2/day. Similarly, the other six wells were pump-tested for duration of 4 hours (240mins). The transmissivity (pumping) ranges between 2.06 and 16.90m2/day with a mean value of 6.80 m2/day. The transrnissivity (recovery) ranges between 2.18 and 12.03 m2/day with a mean value of 6.80 m2/day, whereas specific capacity (Q/s) ranges between 4.22 and 26.35 m2/day with a mean value of 11.11 m2/day. Logarithmic transformations of specific capacities and transmissivities were correlated positively. Hence productivity which is related to specific capacity is also related to transmissivity. On the basis of the mean values of Q/s and T, well B3 is the most productive and B2 is the least productive, considering the three wells that were pumped for 24 hours. In the same vein, well B6 is the most productive and B7 is the least productive for the six wells that were pump-tested for 4 hours. Optimal yields were determined by using Jacob’s step-drawdown solution. The values for B1 and B3 were 350 m3/d and 372 m3fd respectively. Sustainable yields for 7-day specific capacities were determined for B 1, B2 and B3. Well BI, B2 and B3 had values of 333.4, 116.8 and 356 m3/day respectively.
Analysis of socio-economic factors influencing household food security among small holder vegetable farmers. a case study of Tano-South district, Brong-Ahafo region of Ghana
(August, 2015) Seidu, Mahama Boateng
This study set out to investigate the socio-economic factors influencing smallholder vegetable farmers’ household food security and food insecurity coping mechanisms in the Tano South district of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The data was obtained through personal interviews by the use of structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics was used to identify the spread of the observations and the outlying values and distinctive patterns whiles the logistic regression model was used to determine the factors influencing household food security with twenty independent variables. Households applied short-term consumption and income coping strategies to cope with food shortages and income shocks. Using the Item Response Indicator (Bickel et al., 2000), the vegetable farmers could generally be considered food insecure without hunger. From the logistic regression, eight variables were found to be significant at the 1, 5, and 10 percent significance levels. And all the variables had their expected signs. Vegetable production represent a viable instrument for coping with food security because of the relatively short cycle of the crops in question, and thus help improve household resilience in the event of food shortage. Hence, direct measures for improving food security, such as access to credit to boost production and cultivating more than one type of vegetable crop, are likely to become priorities.
Analysis of the informal fresh tomato markets and the factors affecting tomato production in the Upper East Region of Ghana
( 2012) Darteh, Boakye
The study analyze informal markets for dry season tomatoes produced in the Upper East Region (UER) of Ghana and identified those factors that affect tomato production in the region....
The anatomy and selected physical properties of five rattan species of Ghana
(2002) Ebanyenle, Emmanuel
“Rattan” is a collective term commonly used for spiny climbing palms belonging to the subfamily Calanioideae of the family Palmae. In contrast to the situation in South-east Asia, knowledge of African rattans is still not sufficiently known in spite of the very important role rattans play in the local economy. Information on the anatomical structure, physical properties as well as variations between and within species is necessary for the development and efficient utilisation of rattans in Ghana. Therefore, anatomical and physical properties of naturally grown Calanius deeratus; Eremospatha hookeri; Ermospatha macrocarpa; Laccosperma acutiflorwn and Laccosperma secundiflorum sampled from Bobiri Reserve in the moist semi deciduous; Draw River Reserve in the wet evergreen; and Nueng reserve in the moist evergreen forest types of Ghana were investigated. The investigation revealed that all five rattan species showed stem anatomy and physical properties similar to that described for South-east Asia and West-central Africa species. Analysis of variance performed on some quantitative anatomical and physical characteristics of the five species suggested that the elect of site (Bobiri, Draw and Nueng) on anatomical and physical properties were minor in comparison to effect of stem position (base, middle and top) and species. Regression of moisture content and relative density on fiber length, fiber lumen diameter, double fiber wall thickness and percentage of fiber in all the species revealed that within and between stem variations in moisture content and relative density may be attributed to variations in fiber lumen diameter, double fiber wall thickness and percentage of fibers. Stem quality assessment on the live species based on anatomical and physical properties suggested that Eremospatha macrocarpa ranked highest and C. deeratus the lowest. The most promising anatomical properties for identification of the live rattan species included: number of metaxylem vessels and phloern per vascular bundle; type of ground parenchyma; shape and radial length of epidermal cells. Consequently a combination of these diagnostic anatomical properties, stem colour and diameter were used to develop a tentative identification key to the five rattan species of Ghana. The identification key will have a practical value in identification of processed and semi-processed rattans and can also be helpful in trade disputes. Among others it is recommended that other technological properties (mechanical, chemical etc.) of C. deeralus, E. hookeri, E. macrocarpa, L. acutiflorum and L. secundiflorum should be investigated with the aim of improving the stem quality and developing appropriate processing techniques to aid in diversification of their end uses. In addition the technological properties of Laccosperma laeve (Timanuhunu), which is currently not being utilized in Ghana, should be undertaken to assess its utilization potential.

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