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- ItemAnalyses of perceptions and adaptations to climate change by rice farmers: case study in the Ashanti and Northern Regions of Ghana(NOVEMBER, 2016) Adusei, KwameClimate 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.
- ItemAnalysis of Primary Stakeholders Participation in Forest Resources Management: The Case of the Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve, Ghana(2010-06-19) Adams, Marshall AlhassanGhana’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.
- ItemAssessing the economic performance of cocoa agroforestry in Ghana(October, 2015) Akoto-Adjepong, VeraIn Ghana cocoa occupies a key position in terms of foreign exchange earnings and domestic incomes, as well as being the major source of revenue for the provision of socio-economic infra-structure. Agroforestry is an important category of agriculture that provides potential benefit to farmers, communities and society at large with a wide array of forest-related goods and services. The main objective of the study was to assess the economic performance of cocoa agroforestry in Ghana. The analysis is expected to assess the relative attractiveness of the various shade levels to cocoa farmers as well as to the society. Research data were collected by the means of Focus Group Discussion, household structured interviews and in depth case study. Data were analyzed through quantitative economic methods and models. The results of the present research indicated that the medium and low shade levels were financially viable whiles high shade level and full sun plantation were not profitable. However, to the society cocoa agroforestry production had a positive impact on the overall welfare of the society irrespective of the shade level. There also exist some barriers to the adoption and the motivation of existing cocoa agroforestry system in Ghana, including, inadequate education on; the benefits derived from the inclusion of shade trees in cocoa plantations, which species to plant and how to plant them, tenure ship and logging as well as compensation for destroyed crops are possible threats to the realization of the full benefit of the cocoa agroforestry system.
- ItemAssessing the physical and chemical properties of 15year old normal and coppiced teak (Tectona grandis) woods for their effective utilization(June, 2016) Dwumaa, HarrietThe increasing demand for timber in Ghana has placed much pressure on some of the timber species whose technical information is known. The incumbent trend of deforestation has posed a threat on the sustainability of the country’s timber resources in the near future if adequate measures are not put in place to curb this problem. To this effort many exotic species have been introduced into the country and raised in plantations both on and off reserves to supplement the timber in the natural forest. Among these exotic species is the Tectona grandis. Despite the establishment of these hardwood species in plantations, wood users do not have adequate information which will encourage the maximum utilization of these species. The study was aimed at evaluating the physical which were moisture content, density the shrinkage and swelling while chemical properties were cellulose, lignin, extractives and holocellulose of coppiced teak wood and comparing to normal teak wood at the age of 15 years for its utilization. Three trees each were selected from plantations of the normal teak and the coppiced teak for the study. These trees were cut into three height portion (butt, middle and top) and wood samples selected for the test. For physical properties, 36 samples were taken from each height portion of which 18 samples each were taken along the radial direction of the stem (heartwood and sapwood). Samples for chemical analyses were taken from these samples tests of both heartwood and sapwood. These samples were replicated three times for each of the test samples. The mean values for moisture content were 49.07% and 48.73% for the normal and coppiced teak woods respectively. Density values were 842.95 kg/m 3 and 835.51 kg/m 3 respectively for normal teak wood and coppiced teak wood. Shrinkage values were 7.39% and 7.38% for coppiced and normal teak wood respectively. Coppiced teak wood swells (1.04%) more than that of the normal teak wood (0.98%). The highest density of Tectona grandis was found at the butt portion, followed by middle and top portion. Along the radial direction, it showed that the density was highest at iv sapwood followed by the heartwood. Percentage of moisture content increased from butt to top portion. Tree portion did not affect the lignin content, cellulose content, holocellulose and hemicellulose contents. From the study, the normal teak wood was proven to be better than coppiced teak wood in terms of both physical and chemical properties, but the coppiced teak wood can be utilized, in some respect, as a suitable substitute to the normal teak wood.
- ItemAssessment of genetic diversity in a collection of Ghanaian okra germplasm (abelmoschus spp l.) using morphological markers.(February, 2011.) Oppong-Sekyere, DanielA total of 25 accessions of okra collected in Ghana were evaluated for phenotypic identity, diversity and quality based on morphological characterisation. Nineteen quantitative and seventeen qualitative characters were measured on the genotypes in field experiments using randomized complete block design with four replications, and phenotypic characters scored as specified by the standard international crop descriptor for okra (IBPGR, 1991). A dendrogram (cluster diagram) was generated for morphological data based on the Simple Matching Coefficient and four cluster groups were observed. The distribution of the accessions into the groups, based on the morphological traits had no unique geographical relationship. The results of the matrix of similarity among the 25 accessions performed using the NTsys pc programme placed two accessions in a tie, suggesting they were identical. Eight (8) accessions were placed at over 80% similarity, meaning the accession pairs were closely related, and three accessions were 50% similar, which means they matched at half the characters neasured. Six pairs of accessions measured were somewhat diverse, which can be exploited by plant breeders for further improvement. The genetic affinity between the accessions from different regions and ethnic groups could however be due to the selection and exchange of okra between farmers from different regions and ethnic groups. This shows that similar names might not suggest a means for identifying duplicates in the okra germplasm. Further research at the molecular level will be required to confirm duplicate accessions to enhance this work.
- ItemAssessment of growth and management of the clam galatea paradoxa fishery at the lower Volta, Ghana(MAY, 2015.) Amedzro, Jerry JohnThis study was undertaken to develop scenarios for the sustainable management and exploitation of the Volta clam Galatea paradoxa fishery by determining the effect of stocking density on the growth of seeded clams at the Volta estuary. The study was conducted at Agorta Zewukope and Agave Afedome, in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region over a 1-year period from June 2013 to June 2014. Five stocking densities of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 clams of mean length of 39.3±2.6 mm and mean weight of 18.5±3.1g were seeded in 1 m -2 area in duplicates. Length and weight measurements were taken every three months over the study period. Growth was negatively correlated with increasing stocking densities. At the end of the one-year trial period, the total weight (flesh weight+ shell weight) of clams stocked at 50 m -2 was 60.8±14.2g compared to 39.4 ±13.4 g for clams stocked at 250 m -2 . Negative allometric growth patterns were exhibited by all the clams grown under the different stocking densities. Focus group discussions with the fishing communities alluded to decreasing sizes of clams over the years. Majority of the respondents were in support of the introduction of minimum landing sizes to protect the fishery from collapse. Seeding of clams in privately-owned plots was seen as a proactive means of relieving the intense fishing pressure on the natural clam stock
- ItemAn Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of Sediments and Tissues of the Clam Galatea Paradoxa (Born 1778) In the Volta Estuary, Ghana(May, 2010.) Adu, Obirikorang KwasiThe concentrations of four heavy metals, Mn, Zn, Fe (essential heavy metals) and Hg (non-essential heavy metal) were determined in sediments and in whole soft tissue of the clam Galatea paradoxa (Born 1778) from two clam fishing locations, Ada and Aveglo at the Volta Estuary in Ghana over an 18-month period. Thirty (30) clams were obtained from each sampling location monthly and grouped into three size classes of 10 individuals each based on shell lengths as follows: small (25 -40mm), medium (41-55mm), and large (above 55mm). The groupings were chosen based on the three dominant size groups in the natural population to give a broad and representative range of metal concentrations in the clams. All the results were expressed as total concentrations (µg/g dry weight (dw). Mean concentrations of analyzed metals in the tissue of the clams from the Ada sampling station were: Mn: 152.9 µg/g; Fe: 174.9 µg/g, Zn: 34.6 µg/g and Hg: 0.043 µg/g. The mean metal concentrations in the Aveglo clams were: Mn: 130.0 µg/g, Fe: 187.0 µg/g, Zn: 37.1 µg/g and Hg: 0.046 µg/g. Mean metal concentrations in the sediments were Mn: 186.0 µg/g, Fe: 1770.4 µg/g, Zn: 3.2 µg/g and Hg: 0.0086 µg/g for the Ada sampling station. The Aveglo sediments had mean metal concentrations as follows: Mn: 171.9 µg/g, Fe: 1758.5 µg/g, Zn: 3.7 µg/g and Hg: 0.0115 µg/g. Metal concentrations in the tissues of the different clam size-classes (small vs. small, medium vs. medium and large vs. large) from the two sampling stations were almost identical and did not vary significantly (p>0.05). A comparative evaluation of the metal concentrations in the clams and sediments from the two stations, however revealed significant variations in concentrations for Zn Fe and, Hg. Concentration of Fe in the Ada sediment samples for June was as much as 18 times higher than the concentration in the clams and Hg concentrations were approximately five (5) times higher in the clam tissues than in the sediments during the study period. On the basis of calculated BSAFs the metal enrichment in the tissues of the clams rank in the following order Zn>Hg>Mn>Fe. The BSAFs indicated a significant accumulation of Zn and Hg in the clam tissues relative to the concentrations of these metals in the sediments although no clear relationships were established between the concentrations of the studied heavy metals in the clam tissues and sediments. There were no significant differences (p >0.05) in Mn, Fe and Zn concentrations among the different size classes except for Hg concentration in clams from Ada, indicating a similar bioavailability of Mn, Fe, Zn at both locations and, possibly, an efficient metabolism to keep the concentrations of Mn, Fe and Zn relatively similar in the tissues of the different clam sizes. Spatial variations in metal concentrations in the clams (i.e., Ada small vs. Aveglo small, Ada medium vs. Aveglo medium, and Ada large vs. Aveglo large) were not significant for all four studied metals in the compared size classes. Results of the statistical test for spatial variations in the sediment samples from the two stations also revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) in the concentrations of Mn, Zn, Fe and THg during the study period. To understand the relationships between metal concentration in the sediments and accumulation in the tissues of the three clam size classes as far as Mn, Zn, Fe and Hg were concerned, the monthly concentrations of the studied metals were graphed to observe distinct metal accumulation patterns The graphs revealed no simple linear relationships between the concentrations of heavy metals in the clam tissues and the sediments at the two sampling stations although some distinct accumulation trends were observed as far as Mn was concerned. Analysis of risks levels associated with the consumption of clams by humans revealed that the concentration of the Mn, Zn, Fe and Hg found in the clam tissues were within permissible limits using reference guides such as the WHO Safety Reference Standards for Bivalves and various indicators as the Tolerable daily Intake (TDI), rate of shellfish consumption (RSC), Risk Quotients (RQs) and levels of concerns (LOCs) Based on geoaccumulation calculations, the sediments from the two sampling stations are unpolluted as far as the heavy metals, Manganese, Zinc, Iron and Mercury are concerned and the samples are similar to those observed in areas under low pollution impact.
- ItemThe assessment of market potential and marketing prospects of of organic fruits and vegetables in Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana(2009) Owusu, Michael AniforiOrganic products are considered to be superior in quality compared to conventionally produced products, since it has been proved that organic products help prevent several health and environmental hazards. Therefore, the demands for organic products are increasing all over the world, as well as in Ghana. Given this increasing demand for organic products, this study was conducted with the aim of estimating the market potentials and consumer willingness to pay for organic fruits and vegetables in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. Further, the study identifies the factors that influence the consumers‘ willingness to pay premium for organic fruits and vegetables. A face-to-face household-level survey of 450 respondents was conducted in Kumasi, Ghana in 2008 with a structured questionnaire. The double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method (CVM) was employed to elicit consumers‘ WTP information. The study found that, most consumers had positive perception on organic fruits and vegetables with benefit perception index (BPI) of 0.76, quality perception index (QPI) of 0.60 and environmental risk perception index (EPI) of 0.55. The empirical results revealed that consumers‘ willingness to pay (WTP) premium for organic fruits and vegetables were more than 20% of the prices of the conventional products. Also consumers were willing to pay 6% to 39% premium for organic fruits and vegetables in Kumasi. The estimated market potential for organic fruits and vegetables were GH¢839,407,549 (US$ 599,576,821) and GH¢ 3,714,112,152 (US$ 2,652,937,251) respectively. The empirical results also show that age, education, income, gender, and household size significantly influence consumers‘ WTP for organic fruits and vegetables. Also product characteristics such as colour, size, hardness, freshness and cleanliness statistically influence consumers‘ WTP for organic fruits and vegetables.
- ItemAssessment of risks and constraints faced by actors along the sweet potato value chain in Ghana(May, 2016) Wie, ProsperThis study was aimed at examining risks and constraints of actors along the sweet potato value chain in Ghana by focusing on Fanteakwa (Southern sector) and West Mamprusi (Northern sector) districts. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources with primary data forming the core of the study. Selection of 200 producer respondents was done using the simple random sampling technique whilst a combination of accidental sampling and snowballing techniques were used to select 100 traders and 80 processors of sweet potato. Value chain mapping was done to establish the linkages and relationships among actors along the value chain and the produce pathways. Descriptive statistics were used to identify and analyze risks and management strategies employed by value chain actors to mitigate them. The multinomial logit model and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were used to analyze the choice of risk management strategies and constraints respectively. The study results revealed that, the main actors along the sweet potato value chain are input suppliers, producers, collectors, wholesalers, retailers, processors and consumers. The sweet potato value chain was found to be buyer-driven and governed by collectors. The chain was also found to be weak. in terms of integration and access to market information. Risks along the sweet potato value chain were seen to be identical for particular group of actors. However, there was wide variation in terms of predictability and management strategies employed by actors. It was also realized from the study that, producers are constrained with high cost of chemical inputs, poor road network to farms and high cost of labour which hamper sweet potato production. Low commodity price, poor road network to market centers and long market distance are the most pressing marketing constraints for farmers. Traders also identified high transport cost, inadequate storage facilities and high post-harvest losses as the most critical constraints which are inimical to their sweet potato business. Limited working capital, limited access to credit and high perishability of produce were identified as the most constraining factors at the processor level. The multinomial logit model results revealed that farm size, amount of money saved, income from sweet potato, credit, sweet potato farming experience, output from previous season, education, extension contact and off-farm income significantly influenced the choice of production risk management strategy whilst the choice of price risk management strategy by farmers was significantly influenced by output from previous season, farm size, access to extension services, sweet potato farming experience and amount of money saved. Therefore, policies and strategies aimed at improving savings habit of farmers, education and sensitization through access to extension services, and enhanced access to credit are recommended by the study.
- ItemAssessment of some traditional leafy vegetables of Upper East Region and influence of stage of harvest and drying method on nutrients content of spider flower (Cleome gynandra L.)(2011) Abugre, ClementTraditional leafy vegetables eaten in the Upper East region of Ghana were assessed. A survey was carried out to determine consumer perception of indigenous vegetables in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The survey was aimed at cataloguing a list of commonly eaten leafy vegetables in the Region and also obtaining information on level of production, harvest and postharvest practices such as: harvesting methods, transportation to market centres, level of losses to diseases and pests, processing and packaging methods used as well as its implication on quality. The research also studied the effect of stage of harvesting and drying method on nutritional composition of Cleome gynandra (Spider flower) grown in two (2) ecological zones. The study recorded 11 cultivated and 10 wild leafy vegetables commonly consumed in the region. The results of the survey indicated that majority of the leafy vegetable farmers (50.3 %) in the region had no formal education and were predominantly female (83.3%).The results also showed that traditional leafy vegetables are produced by 72.3 % and consumed by 98.3% of respondents in the region as against the exotic leafy vegetables. Harvesting of vegetables is done using varying methods (as indicated by 42 % of the respondents), and was mainly transported to and from the marketing centres using donkey carts (60 %). It was noted that vegetable farmers in the region lose up to 20 % of their vegetables to pests and diseases. Sun-drying (98.6 %) is the main method used in the region to process leafy vegetables to keep for future use. Processed leafy vegetables were mainly stored in polypropylene sacks (60 %). A common practice at the marketing centres was sprinkling of water (70.6 %) on the vegetables to maintain their freshness. In the second phase of the study, Spider flower (Cleome gynandra L.) was chosen due to its widespread use in the region at the beginning of the rainy season when grain stocks are depleted and grown in two different locations (Kumasi and Bolgatanga), harvested at two different harvest times (6 weeks and 7 weeks of age), processed with two different processing methods (sun and oven drying) and analyzed for proximate and mineral nutrients The study recorded varying results for proximate nutrient content in samples from the two locations. Harvesting at 6 weeks of age from both locations gave significantly (P< 0.05) higher levels of moisture (15.90 % and 16.47 %) on fresh weight basis for both locations (Kumasi and Bolgatanga) respectively than the 7th week harvest (14.57 %). Significantly higher levels were also recorded for crude fibre (15.67g/100g) in samples harvested in the 6th week from Kumasi and dried in the oven as well as carbohydrate (33.90 g/100 g) in samples harvested from Kumasi at week 6 and dried in the sun. Crude protein (29.80 g/100 g) in samples harvested from Kumasi at week 7 and dried in the oven, crude fat (3.50 g/100 g) in samples harvested from Kumasi at week 7 and dried in the sun and ash content (10.75 g/100 g) in samples harvested from Kumasi at week 7 all showed significant interaction. Analysis of spider flower harvested from Bolgatanga indicated significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of crude protein (32.10 g/100 g) and crude fat (3.50 g/100 g) in harvests at 6th week dried in the oven as well as ash content (13.50 g/100 g) in samples harvested at week 7 and dried in the oven, fibre (19.29 g/100 g) and carbohydrates (28.84 g/100 g) in that harvested at week 7 and dried in the sun as compared to the other treatments. Differences in time of harvest as well as drying method were not significant (P<0.05) with respect to mineral composition except for phosphorus content in the samples produced at Bolgatanga. Ranges recorded for the other test minerals in the study were; potassium (2.83 – 3.08 g/100 g), calcium (2.37 – 3.17 g/100 g), magnesium (1.72 - 2.17 g/100 g) and iron (3.3 - 13.8 mg/100 g). Generally oven drying resulted in better preservation of nutritional components (protein and crude fibre). The results of this study suggest that oven-drying should be the method of choice when it comes to protein and fibre preservation. However, as far as mineral content was concerned the drying method did not matter and that sun-drying was as good as oven-drying. Producers of C. gynandra could therefore use either drying methods for drying the vegetable without significant variation in mineral composition.
- ItemAssessment of three different drying technologies (sun, solar and bin) used for the production of cassava (manihot esculenta crants) chips in Ghana(2011) Bentil, BenjaminAn experiment was conducted to assess three different drying technologies (sun, solar and bin) used for the production of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crants) chips in Ghana. The study was conducted at Caltech Ventures Limited, Hodzo – Ho, and the CSIR - Food Research Institute (FRI) in Accra in January, 2011. Parameter studied included moisture content, pH, total titratable acidity, starch yield, bulk density and pasting characteristics. From the results, bin drying at 4kg loading density had the lowest moisture content of 6.77%. pH value of 6.38 were recorded for bin drying at loading density of 2kg and 4kg respectively. The lowest total titratable acidity of 0.24 was recorded for 2kg loading density under bin and sun drying while solar drying was at 3kg loading density. The starch yield of the cassava flour was higher in the sun drying (67.74%) than bin drying. Loading density of 2kg under sun drying had the highest starch yield of 69.46%. Bulk density of the flour was high in bin drying (0.74g/cm3). Pasting characteristics of the flour showed that cooking temperature of the flour was lowest in bin drying (67.93oC). The cassava flour from sun drying technology had the highest final viscosity of 289.78BU. Loading density of 2kg recorded the highest final viscosity of 278.44BU. Solar drying at 4kg loading density also resulted in the highest final viscosity of 293.44BU. Bin drying at 4kg loading density recorded the highest breakdown of value 413.00BU. Among the technologies, the highest setback value of 108.22BU was recorded by the cassava flour produced by bin drying technology. Bin drying at 2kg loading density also recorded the highest setback value of 121.33BU. Generally, drying using sun and solar technologies produced flours of acceptable pasting qualities suitable for industrial use.
- ItemAn assessment of water re-use and feed on the growth performance of tilapia and pond water quality(2012-10-29) Obeng, PhilomenaThis study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the quality of water (re-use and fresh) and feed (formulated and farm-made) on the growth performance of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). It was conducted between March and October, 2011, at Oseibros farms, Kubease in Ashanti Region and Sefwi Asawinso in the Western Region. Complete randomized block design was used with four treatments (New water and farm-made feed; (NWL), new water and formulated feed: (NWR), re-use water and farm-made feed: (OWL), and re-use water and formulated feed: (OWR) in two blocks, each block containing four plots. Two of these plots (OWR and OWL) contained re- use water and the other two plots (NWR and NWL) contained fresh water. All-male tilapia fingerlings (5g) were stocked at 3 fish m-2 and sampled every two weeks using seine net. pH, DO, temperature and TDS were monitored with a Hanna 9828 multi-parameter probe. Water samples were collected at 30cm above the surface and 30cm from the bottom of the pond and was analysed for phosphorus and total dissolved nitrogen. Data was analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Graph-pad prism 5 package. Results indicated that, ponds that received farm-made feed and filled with re-used water (OWL: 150.7g) although not significant, had higher growth than fresh water (NWL: 143.7g). With regard to formulated feed, fish cultured in fresh water (197.5g) were larger than those grown in re-use water (164.2g). At Asawinso, the specific growth rate (1.25% day−1) and daily weight gain (1.11g/day) were better than those at Kubease, specific growth rate (0.81% day−1) and daily weight gain ( 0.84g/day). There were no differences in pH and temperature among treatments, however, differences in DO, phosphorus, total dissolved nitrogen and TDS were observed (p<0.05). At the end of the study, it was realized that fish in ponds that contained re-use water appear to exhibit better growth if fed with farm-made feed than with formulated feed while the growth of fish in ponds that contained fresh or renewed water appear to be promoted if fed with formulated feed.
- ItemCombining ability, heterosis and heritability of agronomic traits and resistance to maize streak virus in maize inbred lines(NOVEMBER, 2016) Ige, Adenike DamilolaMaize is an important cereal crop in Sub-Saharan Africa which contributes substantial portion to the diet of millions of people. The production of maize is being affected by maize streak virus disease (MSVD); an economically important foliar disease, thereby causing significant grain yield losses in farmers’ fields. In Ghana, re-occurrence of the disease has been reported in several regions, therefore, necessitating the development of resistant hybrids which is the most sustainable and economical management option. The objectives of the study were to identify parents and hybrids that combine MSVD resistance with high yield, and also to determine the influence of maternal effect on the inheritance of MSVD resistance. Five parental inbred lines namely; TZEI-4, TZEI-7, TZEI-22, TZEI-31 and TZEI-157 were crossed in a full diallel mating design during the major season of 2015. The resulting F1 hybrids were evaluated under natural and artificial infestations during the minor and major seasons of 2015/2016 using 9 x 3 alpha-lattice design with three replications. Diagnosis of the viral disease using Polymerase Chain Reaction confirmed the presence of maize streak virus in the 27 genotypes evaluated. ANOVA for diallel crosses across environments revealed that general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) mean squares were significant for MSVD severity mean score and most of the agronomic traits. Maternal effect had no significant contribution to the inheritance of MSVD resistance. GCA by environment (P<0.01) and SCA by environment (P<0.001) interactions mean squares were significant for MSVD severity mean score indicating that the disease pressure was higher under artificial infestation. Additive gene effect was preponderant for MSVD severity mean score, total leaf count, plant aspect and ear aspect whereas, the expression of other traits was influenced by non-additive gene effect. GCA effects revealed that inbred lines TZEI-7 and TZEI-22 were resistant to MSVD and could be good combiners for grain yield in addition to TZEI-31 and TZEI-157. Hybrids TZEI-4*TZEI-22 and TZEI-4*TZEI-31 showed resistance to MSVD as revealed by their SCA effects and heterotic values. TZEI-7*TZEI-157, TZEI-31*TZEI-157, TZEI-22*TZEI-157 and TZEI-4*TZEI-22 had positive and significant SCA effect, mid-parent heterosis and high parent heterosis for grain yield. The narrow sense heritability estimated for MSVD severity mean score, total leaf count and plant aspect were 55.3, 40.44 and 36.37 % respectively, while broad sense heritability ranged from approximately 54 to 84 % for all the measured traits. MSVD severity mean score correlated negatively and significantly (P<0.01) with total leaf count, plant height and 100-grain weight. Response to selection can be achieved for MSVD resistance combined with high grain yield if selection is based on MSVD severity mean score, total leaf count and plant aspect. Total leaf count, ear leaf area, plant height and 100-grain weight correlated significantly (P<0.001) and positively with grain yield. Promising hybrids TZEI-4*TZEI-22, TZEI-22*TZEI-157, TZEI-7*TZEI-157 and TZEI-31*TZEI-157 identified in this study should be further tested in multi-locations across Ghana to determine their stability and adaptability.
- ItemDevelopment and quality assessment of nutrient-rich cereal-based porridge flour in the Northern Region of Ghana(APRIL, 2016 ) Agyiri, MarthaThe research was in three phases, field survey, product development and sensory trial and laboratory analysis of treatment. All the phases took place between September 2014 and May, 2015. The main objective of the study was to enhance the protein profile of cereal-based porridge by using a legume as a fortifier .The field survey and sensory trial were done in purposely selected communities in the Northern region of Ghana (Duko and Tingoli) of the Suvelugu and Torlong districts. The laboratory analysis was conducted at the Horticulture Department of KNUST and Crop and Soil Research Institute-Kwadaso, Kumasi. In all, 120 care givers and farmers were purposely selected to respond to structured questionnaires to evaluate the bio-data, feeding patterns and to evaluate the sensory acceptability of the treatments. Ten treatments in the form of composite flour from two cereals (maize and millet) and a legume (soybean) at different levels of substitution of the conventional flour for legume flour were used. The treatments were A1 (90% maize:10% soybean), A2 (80% maize:20% soybean), A3 (70% maize:30% soybean), A4 (60% maize:40% soybean), A5 (50% maize:50% soybean), B1 (90% millet:10% soybean), B2 (80% millet:20% soybean), B3 (70% millet:30% soybean), B4 (60% millet:40% soybean) and B5 (50% millet:50% soybean). Sensory evaluation was done on the treatments in both communities. A1 and B1 were selected as the most preferred in terms of aroma, taste and colour with overall score of 1.71 and 1.39 respectively. The scoring was done on a scale of 1-7 with the least magnitude being the preferred treatment. A1 (90% maize: 10% soybean) and B1 (90% millet:10% soybean)were subjected to laboratory analysis and proximate composition, minerals composition and Total Soluble Solids levels were evaluated. The results indicated that A1 (90% maize: 10% soybean) was nutritionally better with statistically higher levels of Protein (15%), Iron (0.11%) and Manganese (0.05%).
- ItemEconomic analysis of cocoyam production in Ghana(May, 2016) Boakye-Achampong, StanleyCocoyam is an important food security crop in Ghana because it stores better than the other root and tuber crops; however its production remains low. This study examines the economics of cocoyam production in Ghana. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 150 cocoyam producers were drawn from Asante-Akyem South, Asunafo North and Fanteakwa districts in Ghana. Primary data, collected through questionnaire administration, was used to fit a Cobb-Douglas production function by employing the Stochastic Frontier Approach (SFA). Krippendorff’s Alpha Reliability Test was employed to examine constraints faced in cocoyam production. Results from the study showed that cocoyam was predominantly cultivated as an intercrop (84%) with plantain, cocoa, and cassava. However, about 20% of producers in Fanteakwa and Asunafo North districts planted cocoyam as pure stand (sole cropping). Cocoyam was cultivated equally for sale and household consumption with corms being the main economic part even though producers also harvested cocoyam leaves for sale. The average land area under cocoyam cultivation was 0.55 hectares, corm yield was estimated at 6.5mt/ha and cocoyam leaves yield was about 0.59mt/ha. Cocoyam yield under mono-cropping system was found to be significantly higher than yield under intercropping system. Empirical results showed that labour, land area cultivated, quantity of planting materials (corm setts) planted and amount invested in other farm inputs positively influenced cocoyam production. Furthermore, the type of cropping system practised, extension contact, education, farming experience and household size had significant positive effect on corm production. However, the quantity of cocoyam leaves harvested from the crop, herbicide application and continuous cultivation on the same piece of land had significant negative effect on corm production. Labour constituted the biggest cost component for cocoyam production. Cocoyam production returned an average gross margin of GH¢ 5164 and net farm profit of GH¢ 4824 per hectare representing 24% return on investment. This suggests that the enterprise may be relatively profitable than similar farm investments, however not so profitable compared to the present cost of capital (25%) in Ghana. Producers in Fanteakwa had comparative advantage over those in Asunafo North and Asante Akyem South with relatively higher returns to land as well as labour and management. Cultivating cocoyam as a sole crop was found to be more profitable than as an intercrop. With a Krippendorff Alpha statistic of 0.54, the study showed a moderate level of concordance among cocoyam producers with respect to production, marketing and socio-economic constraints facing them. Producers ranked socio-economic constraints as the most significant set of constraints hampering cocoyam production followed by marketing constraints and production constraints respectively. Among other things, the study recommended the adoption of mono-cropping system to improve cocoyam production in Ghana; which is possible only if producers have improved access to farmlands. In this regard, re-introduction of the regulated rotational strategy for using secondary forest lands for food crop production under the Modified Taungya System (MTS) is recommended to boost cocoyam production in the country. The study further recommended the formation of policies directed at improving producers’ access to capital and other productive inputs, more participation from male farmers and an enhanced extension delivery system so as to increase cocoyam production in Ghana. Finally, the study recommended that cocoyam producers especially in Asante Akyem South and Asunafo North intensify usage of market inputs so as to maximize yield, enhance their competitiveness and increase farm profit.
- ItemEffect of chlorpyrifos application at different growth stages on Insect Pests’ incidence, Damage and yield of tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L) and Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L)(2014) Kollie Momo, HarrisField studies were conducted at the Plantation Crops Section of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences (KNUST), Kumasi in the major and minor planting seasons of 2013 to evaluate the effect ofChlorpyrifos applications at different growth stages of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L) and tomato (Solanumlycopersicum L) for the management of insect pests of the two crops. The treatments were: Chlorpyrifos at 1.5 ml / 0.5 l of water applied (i) at the vegetative stage of the crops (sprayed vegetative), (ii) at the reproductive growth stage of the crops (starting at 50 % flowering of the crops – sprayed reproductive) and (iii) throughout the crops’ growth period (sprayed throughout). A control plot that received only water was also maintained. In both seasons, significantly (P < 0.05) less number of Bemisia tabaci Gennadius and Thrips tabaci(Linderman)were collected from the insecticide treated tomato plots than the untreated control plots, but no significant difference was observed among the treatments in the aggregations of Aphis gossypii(Glover) and Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner).With respect to okra, significantly (P < 0.05) fewerT. tabaci, B. tabaci, A. gossypii and Podagrica spp. were collected from the sprayed throughout plots than the other treatment plots, in the major season. Similar results were obtained in the minor season. Over 99 % of the Podagrica species collected on okra were P. uniformis(Jacoby). Chlorpyrifos application in the sprayed throughout plots significantly (P < 0.05) reduced damage to tomato fruits in the major season but not in the minor season. Tomato fruits from the sprayed vegetative and sprayed reproductive plots had comparable damage as the fruits from untreated control plots. Chlorpyrifos application also significantly (P < 0.05) increased yield of tomato from the sprayed throughout plots in both seasons. Significantly (P < 0.05) less percent defoliation was recorded on the insecticide-treated plots than the untreated control plots in both seasons. However, significant increase in yield of okra was obtained from only the sprayed throughout plots, but no significant differences were obtained in the number of damaged okra fruits. The best protection to the crops against the insect pests was obtained from weekly applications of chlorpyrifos throughout the entire growth period of the crops(sprayed throughout plots).
- ItemEffect of different fermentation duration and drying methods on the quality of cocoa bean oil(APRIL, 2016) Toku-Appiah, BernardA study was carried out to assess the quality of oil from cocoa seeds (Theobroma cacoa). Fully riped cocoa pods were harvested and the seeds (beans) were fermented for 5-days and 7-days fermentation durations, using 10kg of cocoa beans for each treatment. The fermented beans were afterwards dried by the sun and solar drying methods, under a 2 by 2 factorial in a completely randomized design. Six hundred grams of the dried cocoa beans were milled using a hammer mill and sieved with a 1.18mm standard sieve to obtain fine particle size. Using the Soxhlet’s extraction procedure, the oil was extracted. Afterwards, the yield and other quality parameters including acid value, relative density, saponification value, peroxide value, iodine value, refractive index and free fatty acid content, were assessed. The oil yield range (24.10-29.00%) for the interactive effect was low, compared to oil rich seeds used as commercial sources of oil. The study revealed that, though the cocoa bean oil produced from both 5-day and 7-day fermentation durations all had acid values and free fatty acid percentages with significant differences between them but they were all within the range for consumption (0-10). On the other hand, oil produced from 7-day fermentation duration of cocoa beans had the least peroxide value. Though the acid values and free fatty acid contents of the oils produced from the different drying methods were numerically different between the two drying methods, they were not significantly different. Furthermore, the acid values and free fatty acid contents were all within the acceptable range for consumption From the interactive effects, it was also determined that 7-day fermentation duration and solar drying produced the best quality oil among all the interactive effects.
- ItemEffect of fertilizer type and nodal pinching on growth, flowering pattern and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus)(2011) Frimpong, JoanaTwo field trials were conducted during the wet and dry seasons to study the effect of fertilizer type and pinching on the growth, flowering pattern and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) at the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) from May to August 2009 (Wet season) and from October to February 2010 (Dry season). The experiment was a 3 x 3 factorial in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Fertilizer type, as the first factor, comprised poultry manure, NPK (15-15-15) and no fertilizer. Pinching out of terminal bud which represented the second factor was made up of no pinching, pinching on 6th node and pinching on 10th node. Poultry manured treatments were fertilized with 1000kg ha-1 of the manure while NPK (15-15-15) treatments received 100kg ha-1 of the fertilizer. At the vegetative stage, with respect to the fertilizer types, plants fertilized with NPK (15-15-15) and poultry manure produced significantly more (P < 0.05) leaves, branches and taller plants than the control 21 days after germination for the two seasons. However, NPK (15-15-15) and poultry manured plants indicated comparable values for the number of leaves, branches and plants’ height during that period. Poultry manured plants produced significantly greater number of branches (P < 0.05) compared to plants fertilized with NPK (15-15-15) and the unfertilized plants 28 days after germination in the wet season. Plants pinched at the 6th node without fertilizer also produced significantly more (P < 0.05) branches than 10th node pinched plants and un-pinched plants (control) 28 days after germination for the two seasons. However, the interactions of the two factors could not produce significant differences with respect to the parameters taken at the vegetative stage. At the reproductive stage, NPK (15-15-15) plants produced significantly greater number of female flowers (P < 0.05) than the poultry manured plants and the control plants. The number of female flowers produced by the 6th node pinched plants also showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in comparison to those produced by the 10th node pinched plants and the control in wet season. Increase in number of branches by either fertilizer type or pinching treatments resulted in increase in flower production, fruits set and consequently increase in harvested fruits. However, adverse weather in both seasons resulted in fruit abortion which reduced the fruit yields in the NPK (15-15-15) treatments. Nutrient deficiency was also a contributing factor. With regard to marketable yields in the wet season, plants that received poultry manure produced the greater number of marketable fruits than the control (P < 0.05). In the dry season, significantly (P < 0.05) greater number of marketable fruits were produced by the two fertilizer treatments over the control. The highest number of marketable fruits for the wet and dry seasons (53,300 and 29,200 fruits ha-1 respectively) were produced by plants that received poultry manure and were pinched at the 6th node. In economic terms, application of 1000kg ha-1 of poultry manure and pinching at the 6th node resulted in the highest net profit for both wet (GH¢4,292.56) and dry (GH¢4,755.21) seasons. In conclusion, application of 1000kg ha-1 poultry manure and pinching at 6th node is recommended for adoption by farmers for high profit.
- ItemThe effect of forest plantation projects on the livelihood of forest-fringe communities in Northern Region of Ghana (A case study in Kenikeni and Yirada Forest Reserves)(2011-12-18) Vifa, Isaac KofiAgroforestry projects have been practiced in the Northern Region of Ghana since the introduction of agroforestry initiatives in the 1980s. The study was a case study with the main aim of providing information on the effects of plantation projects on the livelihood of the Forest-Fringe communities in Northern Region. The effect of these plantation projects on the livelihoods of rural households’ in the area is limited making it difficult for one to ascertain or recommend their importance for further improvement for the peoples’ livelihoods. It was in the light of this that the research was conducted. The study area wasconducted in two districts of the Northern Region of Ghana. Results of the study indicated that the agroforestry plantation project have great potentials of contributing to households’ income (25 percent), food (3 percent) as well as access to education (1 percent). It was found out that the plantation was the only source of accessible land for the landless inhabitants including landless female-headed households in the area. Statistically gender of household heads with main livelihood before the introduction of the plantation project showed that there were significant differences between the variables (Pr = 0.001). Lack of access to education was also found to be the major cause of illness and other livelihood problems which affect agroforestry of rural households in the area (Pr = 0.001). Agriculture is the main source of livelihood of rural residents of the area; therefore it is recommended that the government of Ghana through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) can collaborate to promote modern agroforestry methods to improve on agricultural production in the area. To achieve this, existing agroforestry technologies have to be improved, followed by the introduction of modern and more beneficial agroforestry technologies like entomoforestry to improve household’s income levels. Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)and other developmental NGOsshould be encouraged to channel their resources towards improving the livelihood conditions of the people in the forest-fringe communities in this part of Ghana.
- ItemEffect of GA3 and polyethylene film lining on the postharvest characteristics of two varieties of plantain under ambient storage conditions(APRIL, 2016 ) Nyame, KingsfordPlantain is an important crop in the tropics. The crop, however, faces persistent perishability problems leading to high postharvest losses and eventual shortage and high prices of the crop and its products. The study attempted to solve this problem by providing a means of extending the shelf life of the crop particularly during the short lean period. In this regard, the post-harvest effect of GA3 and polyethylene lining on two varieties of plantain, Apem and Apentu, under ambient temperature, was investigated in a factorial experiment. Four rates of GA3 (0 mg/lit, 375 mg/lit, 750mg/lit and 1000mg/lit) were applied and three lining methods were used on card boxes as packaging materials. The three lining methods were the control/ no lining, perforated lining and unperforated lining. It was observed through the analysis that the effect of plantain variety on all the eight quality characteristics (days to ripening, weight loss, pulp to peel ratio, firmness, total soluble solids, pH, total titratable acidity, sugar to acid ratio) that were investigated were significantly different (P<0.01) except for sugar to acid ratio. Whereas Apem took a mean of 49 days to ripen (level 7 on the Dole Banana Guide), it took Apentu a mean of 23 days to ripen on the same scale. The four GA3 concentrations recorded significant differences (P<0.01) on all the eight characteristics of the plantain fruits. Plantain fruits stored longer as the concentration of GA3 was increased. The control (0mg/lit) recorded the lowest mean number of 28 days to ripening while the highest concentration of 1000mg/lit recorded the highest mean number of 42 days. Increasing the concentration of GA3 from 375mg/lit to 1000 mg/lit decreased mean weight loss from 12.37 % to 11.23 % respectively, however, the untreated fruits had the lowest mean weight loss of 9.30 %. Furthermore, pulp firmness increased as fruits were treated with GA3. The highest concentration of 1000mg/lit recorded the highest mean firmness of 5.78N as the control recorded the lowest mean of 4.72N. Total titratable acidity for fruits treated with GA3 was lower than those that were not treated. The highest mean total titratable acidity (3.94mEq) was obtained from applying 0mg/lit GA3 with 1000mg/lit recording the lowest of 2.46mEq. GA3 concentration of 375mg/lit also recorded total titratable acidity (2.56 mEq) similar to the lowest that was recorded. Polyethylene lining recorded significant differences (P<0.01) on all parameters except pH. Lined fruits stored longer than unlined ones. Fruits in unperforated lining stored longest (45 days) with fruits in unlined boxes having the lowest mean number of 22 days. Fruits in unlined packaging materials lost more weight than those in lined boxes. The highest weight loss (20.10 %) was obtained from the unlined fruits while the unperforated lining produced the lowest mean weight loss of 4.3 %. The unlined fruits became pulpier than the lined ones. The control unlined fruits recorded the highest mean pulp to peel ratio of 1.78 while the perforated lining recorded the lowest mean pulp to peel ratio of 1.13. Unlined fruits accumulated more sugar than the lined ones. The control recorded the highest mean of 3.72 (ºBrix) with the lowest 1.08 (ºBrix)) coming from fruits in perforated lining. Acidity in fruits that were lined was lower than the unlined fruits. The highest total titratable acidity (3.51 mEq) was observed from the control while the perforated lining recorded the lowest mean of 2.67 mEq. Combinations of all factors also produced significant differences (P<0.01) except for pH. GA3 was effective in delaying ripening of both types of plantain outside or within lined packaging materials at ambient temperature with higher concentrations recording longer delay in ripening. Furthermore, lined packages delayed ripening longer than unlined ones with the unperforated ones having highest influence. The combination of lining and the application of GA3 further delayed ripening of both types of plantain. Polyethylene lining and GA3 could increase shelf life of plantain fruits.