College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Permanent URI for this collection

https://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/13

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 577

Socio-economic analysis of wood fuel production and utilization- case study of the Upper Denkyira District
(1998-08-05) Amoh-Anguh, Lawrence
This thesis looks at the socio-economic analysis of wood fuel (charcoal & fire wood) production and utilization in the Upper Denkyira District in the Central Region. The main objective of the study was to determine the contribution of the wood fuel industry to sustainable livelihood in the study area. The study was premised on the central theme that producers of wood fuel do not produce their own wood lot aimed at producing their own wood for fuel. The study mainly draws its materials from the survey undertaken in the study area. In the study, 33 producers and 115 users of wood fuel were sampled from five (5) communities in the district. Distributors/ marketers and woodlot practitioners were also selected for the survey. A combination of structured questionnaire, focal group discussion (FGD), personal observations and wood fuel measurements were employed as data collection methods. Data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively to arrive at the results and findings. The major findings of the study were that the raw materials for the processing and production of wood fuel found in almost all the five (5) communities selected for the study came from the natural forest: people did not plant their own wood (trees) to use them as fuel for both domestic and/or commercial purposes. The study identified that processors and producers of wood fuel faced tenure problems, forest laws (in some cases) and other economic constraints. This situation occasionally resulted in the demand for the product exceeding supply resulting in price increases. Proper measures should be put in place to ensure efficient and sustainable production of the product if any future shortages were to be avoided. This finding has substantiated the hypothesis of the study that producers of wood fuel do not produce their own wood lot. In some instances, alternative means of providing wood for wood fuel (woodlot production) were found to be on going among some individuals in the selected communities but whose main motive was for timber and pole production. Some educational institutions had woodlot that occasionally fell some for wood fuel. The research found that most of the wood fuel actors have indigenous ideas about Agro-forestry, and could be a starting point for the introduction of the scientific wood planting. Most of the preferred tree species were in scarce supply due to their gradual extinction through identified factors such as farming, mining, logging and wood fuel sourcing. The quantity and the cost of production of wood fuel depended on factors such as availability of wood (trees), land and tree tenure system in the area, the effectiveness of forestry laws and the location of the producing area with regard to the area of demand (i.e., transportation cost). Labor cost was not a critical factor in determining the cost of wood fuel production in the study area because of the existence of reliance on family hands by most of the producers. Charcoal was produced by the earth mound method more than the other modern methods like the kiln. The study again identified that women and children were the dominant labor force for the production of wood fuel, with male counterparts performing a smaller proportion of felling of trees. Species of trees preferred for wood fuel included, Khaya spp (mahogany),Miliciaexcelsa (Odoum), Seltis spp (Esa), Cylicodiscus gabonensis (Denya) and Piptadeniastrum africanum (Dahoma). The distribution/ marketing of the product were done with various modes. Most domestic users gathered and conveyed it by head loading. Commercially, truck and other vehicles were used as a popular mode. Commercial production needs permits from district Forestry Department and this attracted a fee per tree in a defined concession. The research found that some supply of wood fuel came from a neighboring district other than the Upper Denkyira District. Majority of the products are sent to the capital town, Dunkwa where the demand and prices are very high. Occasionally, wood fuel is also supplied to a neighboring town like Obuasi. Consumption of wood fuel in the study area is very high as compared with other sources of energy. The demand for firewood for domestic cooking and heating was very high in all the five (5) communities the survey took place. The preference for firewood begins to give way to charcoal and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the geographical size and the income levels of the residents’ increase. Commercial use of wood fuel included, bakery, local gin distillery and food vendors.
Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus on early growth and nodulation of indigenous albizia species
(2001) Twumasi, Stephen
This study was conducted to determine the response of four (4) species of arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus clarum, Glomus iritraradices, Glomus etunicatum, Gigaspora rosea) on early growth and nodulation of Albizia species (A. adianthifolia, A. ferruginea, and A. zygia), and to evaluate the interaction of phosphorus-fertilizer in the form of tripple superphosphate (TSP) with arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus clarum). Albizia seedlings were grown in pots under nursery conditions and treatments applied to both sterilised and unsterilised soil conditions. Arbuscular- mycorrhizal fungi differed in their effectiveness in enhancing early growth, dry matter accumulation, nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) uptake and root colonization in all the three Albizia species. Glomus intraradices was the most preferred fungus in A. adianthifolia, Glomus clarum in A. ferruginea and Glomus etunicatum in A. zygia. In general, Glomus clarum proved to be the most efficient fungus in almost all the parameters considered. Moreover, A. ferruginea gave the most promising initial growth characteristics as well as nutrient uptake and root colonization. However, sterilised uninoculated soil treatment showed superiority in almost all the three Albizia species in terms of the growth measurements taken which was contrary to earlier reports made by some authors but recorded significantly low root colonization. -Phosphorus addition in the form of TSP markedly stimulated nodulation (nodule number and nodule dry weight), increased plant growth, nutrient uptake and mycorrhizal infection in both uninoculated and inoculated seedlings of A. ferruginea but more pronounced in the inoculated seedlings. Phosphorus fertilizer application at 50kg/ha (l00mgTSP) gave significantly higher plant growth and arbuscular- mycorrhizal fungal infection whilst these parameters declined above l00kg/ha(200mgTSP). The outcome of this study indicates that arbuscular- mycorrhizal fungi differ in their effectiveness on indigenous Albizia species. In P-deficient soils it is possible to reduce the phosphorus fertilizer application with AM fungal inoculation and still maintain high productivity. Therefore in most tropical soils AM fungi strains may help plant growth and establishment on degraded soil or plants that cannot adequately meet their nutrient requirements.
The effects of wildfires on soil and vegetation in selected forest reserves in the transitional zone of Ghana
(2007-08-08) Osei-Akoto, Evelyn
The effects of wildfire on soil and vegetation were evaluated in three forest reserves in the transitional zones of Ghana namely Afram Headwaters, Bosomkese and Worobong South Forest Reserves. These reserves are part of pilots reserves selected for the Wildfire Management Project being implemented by the Forestry Commission of Ghana. This research examined the response of the soil and vegetation following continuous wildfires for about 15 years. Data from soils in burnt sites within each reserve were compared to that in an adjacent unburnt sites as well as comparing burnt and unburnt sites among the reserves. Using standard laboratory procedures, both physical and chemical properties (soil texture, bulk density, pH, % organic carbon, total nitrogen, % organic matter, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, base saturation and cation exchange capacity) were determined. Again surface organic layers and vegetation (pioneer and successional species) were also examined. .Results indicated a 100% loss of surface organic layers in the burnt site of Afram Headwaters and also a 74% and 4% loss in Worobong and Bosomkese Forest Reserves respectively. Soil texture increased (P ≤ 0.05) significantly on burnt site compared to unburnt site with regards to sand, and silt with the exception of clay which declined on the burnt site at Afram Headwaters. However, there was no significant difference on burnt and unburnt sites with regards to texture and bulk density at both Bosomkese and Worobong South forest reserves. Results presented suggest that wildfires can significantly increase chemical properties like soil pH, potassium, and cation exchange capacity. However, soil levels of organic matter and total nitrogen are reduced after wildfires. Common pioneer species found within burnt and unburnt sites in reserves include; Griffonia simplicifolia, Celtis malbraedii and Khaya anthotica. Common successional species recorded include; Chromolaena odorata and Broussonatia papyverifera. A better understanding of the role fire plays as a natural disturbance in our forests should allow for intelligent management of these important, yet rapidly vanishing ecosystems.
Collage and Contemporary Ghanaian Iconography: an Exhibition Project
(2008) Komla, Attah Prosper
This project is an artistic engagement with the complex co-ordinates of Ghanaian modernity. I use collage, a hybrid format of early Modernist painting, as the medium and visual metaphor for the liminal Ghanaian modernity. The canonical proverbs, incantations, maxims, folktales, myths and songs of the Avatime area in the Volta Region are the sources of Ghanaian iconography interpreted in collage. Notably, Avatime identity is an appropriate social analogue of the collage medium; it is overdetermined, especially in its complex overlaps with Ewe identity. It is these overlaps and interstices of Ghanaian modernity that interest me. I developed a catalogue of iconographic symbols and textual transcriptions from the Avatime-Ewe oral canon. Based on the catalogue of symbols I developed a corpus of twenty four collages crafted from waste products of the Ghanaian textile and clothing industries. In my collages, the heavy industry meets the artisanal, the aboriginal meets the modern, the ethnographic order complicates fine art autonomy and vice versa. I showcased the framed collages in an exhibition which drew critical responses from the audience. Through print and electronic mediums, I hope to expand the format for the project's dissemination and its conversation with existing collage practice.
The effect of starter-grower pigs fed diets containing varying levels of dried cashew (Anarcadium Occidentale L.) pulp (DCP)
(2008-07-12) Armah, Ishmael Nii Adu
Dried Cashew Pulp (DCP) was investigated for its nutritional quality. The DCP was obtained from Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), Bole and was prepared from fresh ripe cashew apples by slicing the pulp into flakes after the juice has been extracted followed by sun drying to a moisture content of about 10 %. The crude protein, fat, ash, crude fibre in g kg-1 DM and digestible energy contents were 86.0, 99.6, 38.0, 116.0 and 14.38 MJ, respectively. In a subsequent feeding trial, twelve Large White starter pigs with an average initial weight of 13.3 kg were randomly allotted into four groups in a completely randomized design and fed diets containing 0, 50, 100 and 150 g DCP kg-1 to determine growth performance and carcass characteristics. Water and feed were provided ad-libitum. The level of DCP had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on feed intake but had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on weight gain. Final live weights were 58.67, 53.0, 59.67 and 48.67 kg for pigs diets containing 0, 50, 100 and 150 DCP g kg-1 respectively. Furthermore the dietary treatments did not have significant (P > 0.05) impact on the various carcass traits, except ham weight. In this study, there were no health-related problems nor deaths that could be attributed to the inclusion of DCP in the diet. Feed cost per diet decreased with increasing DCP levels. The cost of feed to produce a kg weight gain was lowest for the diet containing the 100 g DCP kg-1. It was concluded that up to 100 g DCP kg-1 diet had a positive effect on pig growth performance and that partial replacement of energy sources such as maize and wheat bran with DCP is possible.
Measuring Consumers Willingness to pay for “Safer” Vegetables in Urban and Peri-Urban Ghana.
(2008-07-12) Yahaya, Iddrisu
This study attempts to measure vegetable consumers willingness to pay for “safer” vegetables from some non-treatment options of waste water use in urban/peri-urban agriculture in Accra and Kumasi. The non-treatment options of wastewater use in vegetable production were found to have significant effects in pathogen and faecal content reduction on vegetables and reduction in soil and ground water contamination levels. However, urban farmers who would adopt and implement these non-treatment options will marginally increase their cost of production. Are vegetable consumers in Accra and Kumasi willing to pay for the marginal cost increment to enjoy the benefits that come with these non-treatment options and to keep the farmers in business? The study used a total of 650 households from Accra and Kumasi by using the random sampling method. In assessing consumers’ health concerns on vegetables and their opinion on the level along the vegetable food chain where they get contaminated, descriptive statistics was used. Choice experiment method was used to elicit consumers’ choice of the non-treatment options and their willingness to pay for each option. In measuring the direct impact of the socio-economic characteristics and the choice options on consumers individual willingness to pay, the ordinary least squares regression method was used. The results revealed that, on the average, consumers spend GH¢4.80 representing about 1.8% of household income per month on vegetables. The results showed that, vegetable consumers are aware of the unsafe nature of vegetables in the markets and are willing to move from the status quo by paying in general, an average of GH¢4.70 ($4.61) representing about 97.9% of the average household expenditure on vegetables per month. It was found that vegetable consumers have a choice when it comes to the non-treatment options of wastewater use in vegetable production. It revealed that: 10.1% of consumers sampled opted for the improved use of watering cans (Option B) and their average willingness to pay for that option was found to be GH¢4.40 ($4.50) per month, 9.2% of consumers sampled opted for the cessation of irrigation to allow pathogen die-off (Option C) and their average willingness to pay was found to be GH¢ 4.70 ($4.61) per month, 74.6% of the sampled consumers opted for the use of drip kits (Option D) and their average willingness to pay was found to be GH¢4.90 ($4.80) per month and 4% of the sampled consumers opted for market washing of vegetables with clean water (Option E) and their average willingness to pay was found to be GH¢ 4.40 ($4.50) per month. Gender, income and experience of suffering from vegetable borne diseases were statistically significant at 5%, 1% and 1% respectively implying that, male consumers are likely to be willing to pay for safer vegetable than their female counterparts, also, high income and consumers with the experience with vegetable borne diseases are likely to be willing to pay for safer vegetables. On the choice of non-treatment options, the current water application methods using open buckets (Option A) was found to be inversely related to consumers’ individual willingness to pay whiles the use of drip kits (Option D) was positively related to consumers’ individual willingness to pay.
Propagation of voacanga Africana cuttings for the protection of water bodies in the transitional zone of Ghana
(2008-08-10) Hakeem Kontoh, Ibrahim
In Ghana, riverine forests (riparian buffers) have been seriously degraded resulting in the drying up of several rivers, which supply water to certain communities, especially in the rural areas. The restoration of these degraded lands is mostly done using exotic tree species which have the tendency to colonise and dominate indigenous tree species and eventually lead to loss of biodiversity. This research therefore examines the propagation of Voacanga africana tree species which could be used to protect water bodies, restore biodiversity loss and also provide economic benefits to the local people by harvesting its fruits for sale. Two experiments were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources lath house in K.N.U.S.T on 6th July, 2006 and completed on 9th December, 2006. The first experiment consisted of three wood types of Voacanga africana (hardwood, semi-hardwood and softwood), raised in three soil types (topsoil, sand and mixture of topsoil and sand) and treated with three growth hormone (IBA, IBA+NAA and Control) which gave a 3x3x3 factorial in a Completely Randomised Design. The main plot factor was the growing media (soil types), the sub-plot factor was the growth hormone whiles the sub-sub plot factor was the wood types. These gave twenty –seven treatment combinations with ten cuttings each which were replicated three times. Cuttings were evaluated for shoot sprouts, rooting, number of roots, root length and disease infection. The results showed that, hardwood and semi-hardwood cuttings of Voacanga africana performed better in terms of sprouting and rooting. Dip’N’grow (an IBA/NAA premix) was the best among the growth hormone, Seradix ‘3’ powder (NAA) was also consistent. Among the growing media, materials raised in a mixture of topsoil and sand performed better than any of the soil types alone. The general performance of Voacanga africana cuttings which had no cover and those that were covered with polythene were not remarkably different. The conclusion drawn from the research findings were that, a micro-climate should be created to aid in the successful sprouting of Voacanga africana stem cuttings; semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings without hormone treatment (control) or treated with dip ‘n’grow in a mixture of topsoil and sand should be considered for future propagation of Voacanga africana stem cuttings. GIS and Remote Sensing technology was also identified as a very effective tool in gathering reliable and accurate information about natural resources degradation.
Propagation studies of voacanga africana stem cuttings for the protection of water bodies in the transitional zone of Ghana.
(2008-08-18) Kontoh, Ibrahim Hakeem
In Ghana, riverine forests (riparian buffers) have been seriously degraded resulting in the drying up of several rivers, which supply water to certain communities, especially in the rural areas. The restoration of these degraded lands is mostly done using exotic tree species which have the tendency to colonise and dominate indigenous tree species and eventually lead to loss of biodiversity. This research therefore examines the propagation of Voacanga africana tree species which could be used to protect water bodies, restore biodiversity loss and also provide economic benefits to the local people by harvesting its fruits for sale. Two experiments were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources lath house in K.N.U.S.T on 6th July, 2006 and completed on 9th December, 2006. The first experiment consisted of three wood types of Voacanga africana (hardwood, semi-hardwood and softwood), raised in three soil types (topsoil, sand and mixture of topsoil and sand) and treated with three growth hormone (IBA, IBA+NAA and Control) which gave a 3x3x3 factorial in a Completely Randomised Design. The main plot factor was the growing media (soil types), the sub-plot factor was the growth hormone whiles the sub-sub plot factor was the wood types. These gave twenty -seven treatment combinations with ten cuttings each which were replicated three times. Cuttings were evaluated for shoot sprouts, rooting, number of roots, root length and disease infection. The results showed that, hardwood and semi-hardwood cuttings of Voacanga africana performed better in terms of sprouting and rooting. Dip'N'grow (an IBA/NAA premix) was the best among the growth hormone, Seradix '3' powder (NAA) was also consistent. Among the growing media, materials raised in a mixture of topsoil and sand performed better than any of the soil types alone. The general performance of Voacanga africana cuttings which had no cover and those that were covered with polythene were not remarkably different. The conclusion drawn from the research findings were that, a micro-climate should be created to aid in the successful sprouting of Voacanga africana stem cuttings; semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings without hormone treatment (control) or treated with dip 'n'grow in a mixture of topsoil and sand should be considered for future propagation of Voacanga africana stem cuttings. GIS and Remote Sensing technology was also identified as a very effective tool in gathering reliable and accurate information about natural resources degradation.
Development of Sustainable Nutrient Management Strategy for Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq.) Nursery: - Green-Gro and Polyfeed Evaluation
(2008-08-18) Adu, Charles
The Performance of oil palm seedlings grown in a compost-soil mixture (green-gro) medium and top soil with the application of three different formulations of fertilizer was evaluated. The study was conducted for a period of eight months at the Sapcoe President's Special Initiative (PSI) oil palm nursery located at Okyinso near Kade. Green-gro, a propagation medium was introduced for application by nursery operators participating in the production of oil palm seedlings under the PSI on oil palm programme. The trial consisted of eight treatments replicated three times in a mised complete block design. Both media were characterized before the experiment and is conducted during and after the experiment for physical and chemical properties and microbial biomass (N, P and C). Growth parameters measured over the experimental period were butt circumference, plant height, number of leaves, frond dry weight, leaf area and leaf area index. Destructive measurement was conducted at the end of the experiment. Plants were analysed for total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium at bimonthly intervals. Nutrient use efficiencies were computed and agro-economic appraisal calculated for all the treatments. Plant nutrients and organic matter accumulated more in green-gro medium than the topsoil during after the experiment. pH increased rapidly in the topsoil treatments than in the green-gro medium treatments. Vegetative growth in seedlings planted in bags filled with ordinary topsoil was rally better than their counterparts planted in the green-gro medium. Higher accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium were observed in seedlings planted in bags with top soil than those planted in green-gro medium. Seedlings planted in topsoil produced dry shoot to root ratio than their counterparts planted in green-gro medium, However, lings planted in green-gro medium produced more dry root to shoot ratio than their counterparts planted in the topsoil. Seedling mortality rate was low among seedlings planted in bagsfilled with green-gro medium. Generally, nutrient recovery rate was low for phosphorus and potassium. The recovery rate was high for nitrogen in treatments with N P K Mg and Polyfeed + fertilization and high for magnesium in treatments with Polyfeed fertilization irrespective of the media. The cost of using green-gro medium was extremely higher than the use of topsoil for establishment and was aggravated when Polyfeed was used for fertilization. The quality of topsoil is an important determinant for seedling growth and survival and should be properly to reduce cost of production.
Determinants of rural household 'pluriactivity' and its effect on food security: a case study of Savelugu-Nanton District of Northern Region of Ghana
(2008-08-18) Abdul-Rahman, Seini Yussif
Over the years, emphasis has been placed on agriculture through the development and diffusion of appropriate technologies. However, general increase in national food production does not necessarily ensure household and individual food security. In the economics literature, participation in pluriactivity has been found to improve household welfare. Participation in non-agricultural activities allows farmers living near subsistence levels to acquire cash to meet their basic needs in addition to that supplied by own production. In most rural Ghana particularly in the Northern Regions, food insecurity and poverty is high. The study examines factors that influence household members' participation in pluriactivity as well as the effect of pluriactivity on household food security. The household is food secured if it can satisfy its food needs without mortgaging standing field crops for current consumption. This study employs a cross-sectional data collectcd from a sample of 150 households from ten villages in Savelugu-Nanton district of Northern Region of Ghana. About 91 percent o f the sampled households participated in pluriactivity which contributed on the average, 60 percent of the total household income. The empirical analysis revealed that educational level, age, dependency ratio, animal wealth significantly had positive effect on the probability of husbands participation in pluriactiviy. Access to micro credit package, level of education, age, and household size had positive effect on wife's probability of being pluriactive while duration of harvested food crop, Number of out migrants, Dependency ratio had negative effect. The impact of household pluriactivity on food security was analyzed by employing probit analysis. The results indicate that husband's pluriactivity had significant positive effect on household food security while wife's pluriactivity showed an insignificant negative relationship with household food security. This implies that income from pluriactivity of some wives is not sufficient enough to supplement the husband's income in solving their food security problem hence they had to mortgage their standing field crop for current consumption needs. Duration of harvested food crop and animal wealth included in food security had significant positive effect on the household food security. It is therefore recommended that in as much as efforts are made in promoting alternative income sources, attention must be given to improve their primary activity being agriculture (both crop and animal production).
The assessment of market potential and marketing prospects of of organic fruits and vegetables in Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana
(2009) Owusu, Michael Anifori
Organic 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.
The socioeconomic outcomes of the Participatory Learning and Action Research (PLAR) approach to the transfer of Agricultural Technology (IRM) in rice cultivation
(2009) Antwi, Kwaku Dei
For many years now, the linear model of technology transfer has been used by Extension Agents in Ghana to transfer improved agricultural technologies to famers. This model of transferring agricultural technologies has led to the low adoption of many improved agricultural technologies and where adoption has been attempted, these technologies are often abandoned by famers. This work looks at the effectiveness of the participatory model (Participatory Learning and Action Research – PLAR) as an alternative to the transfer of agricultural technologies. This was necessitated by the fact that many authors have criticized the conventional approach as ineffective in transferring agricultural technologies to farmers. First the study was to examine the impact of the approach on farmers’ knowledge concerning improved practices in rice cultivation. Secondly the study was to find out how the knowledge acquired could influence farmers’ outputs and farmers’ profits per an area of land. To examine these questions an investigative survey was conducted in three rice cultivating communities in Ghana where PLAR has been used to transfer Integrated Rice Management as a technology. Results from the study, using KASA analysis, indicated that in all the three communities the PLAR farmers showed higher levels of improved knowledge and practices in rice cultivation than their non PLAR counterparts. Results from independent sample t-test at a significance level of 5% also showed that the PLAR farmers in all the three communities had significantly higher outputs per acre and also higher cost of production than their non PLAR counterparts, whiles the non PLAR farmers had higher gross profit margins than their PLAR counterparts in all three communities. The study recommends that PLAR should be re-designed to make it less expensive for farmers to practice to ensure higher gross margins among farmers. Provision of subsidies to farmers to reduce the cost of using recommended agricultural technologies is also recommended by this study.
The effect of type of mother yam and botanical extracts on the performance of the yam minisett
(2009) Osei-Sarpong, Kwadwo
The objective of the study was to investigate various modifications of the minisett techniques including the type of mother yam used, age of mother yam and the effect of leaf extracts of Croton aromaticus and Averrhoea bilimbii on the sprouting of minisetts from the two rotundata yam varieties. In experiment 1, 5% leaf extracts from Croton aromaticus and Averrhoea bilimbii was used to treat minisetts from the anterior, middle and posterior portions of Pona and Laribako. The minisetts were nursed in baskets and on seed bed and were observed for sprouting and rot for six weeks. In a second experiment, different ages of Pona and laribako white yams (ware, milked and regenerated mother yams) were compared with water yam in terms of sprouting capabilities. All the different varieties with the different ages were cut into setts between 80gm - 100gm, treated with insecticide,fungicide and woodash. Air dried overnight, nursed in the seed boxes and watered as and when needed. Data on sprouts or rots were recorded every two weeks. Results from the experiment1 showed that Croton aromaticus and Averrhoa bilimbii leaf extracts influenced sprouting in a varied pattern for the different parts of the varieties used. Sprouting had significant increase, insignificant difference or no response due to rot. In experiment 2, Milked and regenerated mother yams gave higher sprouts than ware mother yams. The regenerated yam compared favourably with the control, D. alata in terms of their sprouting ability. Younger regenerated and milked yams had more buds concentrated on the head, middle and tail regions in that descending order as against the ware yam. In terms of variety there were differences in terms of bud count and sprouting. Laribako and D. alata had the highest number of buds and sprouts more and early than pona. Finally, a partial budget analysis of the improved minisett technology compared to the farmers’ practice showed that, improved minisett technique was more profitable.
Computer Assembly Plant — Tema
(2009-06-05) Appiah-Boadu, Nana
The world is now global village virtually sustained by Information And Communication Technology which has computers as the backbone.ICT has boosted the economies of many countries in the world and developing countries like Ghana even though with a low computer literacy rate is gradually embracing ICT which is evident in many government policies and the influx of many private IT institutions in the country. This ICT revolution is however becoming gradually unsustainable due to the lack of access to good computers by many Ghanaians. This is due to the cost and also the overdependence on used foreign computers which break up easily. The overdependence of foreign importation is also leaving the Ghanaian economy struggling. The documentation and design of a computer assembly plant to assemble computers locally and also train people and create jobs is the main objective of this thesis. This assembly plant would assemble computers locally for the Ghanaian market and also for exports and help reduce the cost of computer to the average Ghanaian. A serial assembly process is envisaged for this computer assembly plant. The Serial process is a medium by which the entire process is broken into individual steps, and completed by different assemblers in a specific sequence. The plant would not only consist of a factory but also a training school to help train people for the ICT industry.
The Effect of Different Land Preparation Methods on Erosion and Growth and Yield of Cassava
(2009-07-11) Akyea, Aaron Obese
A study was undertaken to assess the effects of different land preparation methods on erosion and growth, and yield of cassava. The experiment was carried out on runoff plots at the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. The experimental site was 4 km North East of the Faculty of Agriculture on a slope of 6 % within the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. The soil was Akroso, sandy loam to sandy clay loam (Haplic Acrisol). The treatments studied were: T1 (Ridging across slope), T2 (Zero-tillage), T3 (Planting on the flat) and T4 (Bare plot). These treatments were studied in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results were analysed by ANOVA using SAS. Regression analysis was used to establish relationships among the parameters tested. The test crop was a cassava (Manihot esculenta), variety named Tekbankye. Mean bulk density at the 0-15 cm depth before the experiment ranged from 1.37 to 1.41 g cm-3 in the order of Planting on the flat > Ridging across slope >Bare plot >Zero tillage. The values for 15 -30 cm depth followed the trend of Bare plot > Planting on the flat > Ridging across slope > Zero tillage with a range of 1.36 to 1.52 g cm -3. Three months after imposing the tillage treatments bulk density ranged from 1.18 to 1.36 for the 0 – 15 cm depth in the order of Bare plot > Zero tillage > Planting on the flat >Ridging across slope. At the 15 – 30 cm depth, the values varied between 1.19 and 1.32 in the order of Planting on the flat > Zero tillage > Bare plot > Ridging across slope. Runoff from the Bare plot (248.69 cm) was 3.32, 1.82, and 1.45 times greater than that from Ridging across slope (74.80 cm), Zero tillage (136.48 cm) and Planting on the flat (171.95 cm) respectively. Soil loss ranged from 10.67 to 68.68 t/ha in the order of Ridging across slope < Zero tillage < Planting on the flat < Bare plot. Soil depth loss due to tillage practices was 5 mm for Bare plot, 2.2 mm for Planting on the flat, 1.92 mm for Zero tillage and 0.76 mm for Ridging across slope. Runoff and soil loss correlated positively with total nutrient losses implying an increase in nutrient loss as runoff and soil loss increased. The Enrichment Ratios showed the eroded sediments to be richer in organic matter and all the nutrients studied than those in the parent soil. Financial loss due to nutrient loss, in Ghana Cedis, was GH¢1,304.90, GH¢875.90, GH¢831.70 and GH¢210.15 for Bare plot, Zero tillage, Planting on the flat and Ridging across slope respectively. Cassava fresh tuber yield varied from 25.01 to 28.65 t/ha under Zero tillage and Ridging across slope respectively but did not differ significantly among the treatments. The crop management factor showed Ridging across slope as the most effective tillage method in conserving soil, water, nutrients and enhancing plant growth and yield.
Use of thermotherapy and tissue culture to free diseased cassava cultivars from cassava mosaic disease.
(2009-07-13) Acheremu, Kwabena
Four (4) field-infected local cassava (Manihot esculent Crantz) cultivars “Afisiafi”, “Amakuma”, “UCC-Bankye” and “Esi-Abaya”, showing differential symptoms of African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) disease on leaves were assessed for index of severity of symptoms (ISS) for the presence of the disease on shoots to determine their infection status. Different sizes of meristem explants ( 0.2-1.0mm, 1.0-2.0mm and 2.0-3.0mm) were excised from developing shoots of each of the four accessions grown at 37°C for four weeks and cultured on modified Murashige and Skoog ( 1962) basal medium supplemented with 100mgl-1 Inositol, 30g of sucrose and 3.5g of phytagel. DNA extracts of leaves of emergent shoots from heat-treated plants were also tested for presence of ACMV by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers designed previously to detect ACMV. Mosaic disease incidence and severity of symptoms were highest (100%) on leaves of plants from “Esi-Abaya” and “Amakuma”, while “Afisiafi” and “UCC-Bankye” showed comparatively less disease incidence of 85 and 80% respectively. Similarly, the index of severity of symptoms on all plants (ISSAP) and diseased plants only (ISSDP) were significantly higher (3.30) on leaves of “Esi-Abaya” and least (2.0) on the leaves of “UCC-Bankye”. The leaves of “Amakuma” obtained from cuttings without heat treatment showed mild symptoms of the disease when assessed by index for severity of symptom (ISS). In contrast, leaves from thermotherapy treated shoots were all free of the symptoms of the disease on all the four cultivars. The medium and large explant sizes (1.0-2.0mm and 2.0-3.0mm) showed the highest survival rate, developing into virus-free plantlets in all the cultivars studied. Also, PCR analysis did not reveal any ACMV symptom in leaves of thermotherapy treated shoots regenerated in vitro from the different explant sizes used, while in vivo shoots without thermotherapy showed presence of the virus by amplification of the 3 primer pairs used for the evaluation.
Evaluation of technical, allocative and economic efficiency of rice producers: a case study in Central River Region North & South of the Gambia
(2009-07-13) Sanyang, Bakary Kaddy. Sulayman.
There is a well-established growing demand for rice in the Gambia as a major staple. Prevailing prices in the global and local markets influence the ability of households to purchase rice. Demands for rice outweigh local production as only a fraction is met by domestic production. This study investigates the, technical, allocative and economic efficiency of rice farmers in the Central River Region North and Central River Region South of the Gambia. Primary data was collected for the 2013 cropping season from a sample of 200 rice farmers; 80 were selected from the North and 120 from south, but ended up using 192 completed questionnaires for analysis. A Parametric Stochastic Frontier Production Function was used to assess technical, allocative and economic efficiency of rice producers in the study area. A Cobb-Douglas frontier production function which has self-dual characteristics was used to derive technical efficiency scores for the rice producers. Constraints reported by farmers were analyzed using Kendall‟s coefficient of concordance to test for the degree of agreement in ranking. The results of the study revealed that farm size, labour and fertilizer have a significant effect on increasing farmer‟s efficiency. Results have revealed that there is a significant level of inefficiency among rice producers as illustrated by the coefficients. Technical efficiency estimates range from 0.90 percent to 93.30 percent with a mean efficiency of 65.03 percent, while Allocative efficiency estimates range from 1.10 percent to 93.50 percent with a mean of 67.47 percent. The mean economic efficiency VII was found to be 47.76 percent. This suggests that there is considerable room for improvement in increasing rice productivity through better use of available resources and existing technology. The study also showed that increase in farmer‟s subscription to cooperative membership, improved rice variety adoption and the improvement of irrigation facilities may reduce overall inefficiency among rice farmers in the study area. Constraints faced by rice farmers were ranked based on abiotic, biotic and socioeconomic factors. The study revealed that a soil related factor (salinity) was ranked as the most important abiotic factor, diseases were ranked as the most important biotic factor and limited land size and its related tenure issues were considered to be the most important socioeconomic constraint. This study therefore recommends that policies that would improve access to fertilizer, irrigation schemes, improved rice varieties and formation of farmer‟s cooperatives should be pursued.
Features And Profitability of Domestic Grass cutter Production in the Brong Ahafo Region
(2009-07-14) Cecilia, Adomah Yeboah Jnr
The study determined the features and profitability of domestic grasscutter production in the Brong Ahafo Region. To achieve the study objectives, 100 domesticated grasscutter farmers were purposively selected from 7 out of the 15 districts in the Region. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), and regression analysis. Results of the study revealed that domestic grasscutter production was dominated by small scale farmers who constituted 72 % of the total respondents, with an average stock size of 42 animals. Majority of the farmers (62.5%) were into grasscutter farming with income generation as the primary motive of production. The grasscutters were housed mainly in three-tier wood and mesh cages (80%) and concrete block cages (18%). With an NPV of GH¢982.075, a BCR of 1.350, and an IRR of 88% the project was found to be profitable. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the NPV of domestic grasscutter production is most sensitive to the combined effect of a 25% increase in cost of production and a 25% decrease in revenue, a condition that results in net losses. Results of the regression analysis also showed that discounted housing cost was the most important factor in determining profitability of domestic grasscutter production. High cost of housing, lack of access to credit, and dry season feeding were among the most critical problems listed by respondents. In addition to employment and food, promoting natural resource conservation by reducing bush burning for game, were identified as some externalities of domestic grasscutter production. It is recommended that credit facility be made available to existing and prospective domestic grasscutter farmers at reasonable repayment terms in order to facilitate farm expansion and start-ups.
Exploration and Host Specificity Tests for Potential Natural Enemies of Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreaceae) in Ghana.
(2009-07-14) Adama, Ibrahim
Dioscorea bulbifera L. (aerial yam) belongs to the yam family (Dioscoreaceae) and produces numerous aerial tubers in the leaf axils. Dioscorea bulbifera is considered the most serious environmental threat. Currently, it is the widespread weed throughout many parts of the southern United States of America where it threatens the stability and biodiversity of native communities. Control interventions such as chemical and manual methods have been ineffective, expensive and laborious, hence the decision to explore for natural enemies to control the weed. A survey to establish the presence of D. bulbifera and its associated phytophagous insects was conducted in Ghana in 2004 and 2005. Field exclusion and laboratory experiments were also carried out to assess the abundance, diversity and herbivory of insects in 2006 and 2007. Rearing and host range studies were undertaken on potential candidates in 2007 and 2008. A total of 40 phytophagous species in 9 orders were encountered on the plant with 24 species attacking D. bulbifera in two feeding guilds in Ghana; foliage and bulbil feeders. The impact of foliage feeding varied from species to species. The mean percent defoliation of aerial yam over all plots was 30%. Coleopterous species fed on only foliage and nearly all the leaves showed damage from these species. Anomala sp. and Adoretus sp. were the most important Coleoptera (Scarabaeidae) found feeding on the plant. Anomala species exhibited a very narrow host range, attacking only D. alata together with D. bulbifera. Even though the damage it caused to aerial yam was relatively small, it appears a potential biological control agent. Lepidopterous species, mainly the Arctiid moths Diacrisia and Estigmene species attack aerial yam leaves and bulbils. They caused considerable damage to the bulbils the principal planting material. They however exhibited a wide host range attacking other Diocorea species. In view of the poor representation of Diocorea species of economic importance in the United States of America, the results of the study will have favorable implications for research programs aimed at searching for long-term intervention of the ecological risks posed by D. bulbifera in the US.
Farmers indigenous practices for conserving important tree species in the Afigya Sekyere District of Ashanti.
(2009-07-15) Ibel, Mark
No Abstract Presented.

Browse

Browsing College of Agriculture & Natural Resources by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options