College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

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    Influence of different modes of transportation systems on the postharvest quality characteristics of watermelon (citrullus lanatus) in the Tamale Metropolitan area in the Northern region of Ghana
    (KNUST, 2016-04) Yakubu, Victor Atmoning
    The high perishability of fruits and vegetables in the agricultural sector is a major concern to scientists and the various stakeholders along the value chain. Postharvest handling practices and transportation systems among others are some of the factors leading to an appreciable amount of postharvest losses. This study therefore sought to determine the influence of different modes of transportation systems on the postharvest quality characteristics of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in the Tamale metropolitan, in the Northern region of Ghana. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 assessed the handling and management of watermelon and Phase 2 assessed the chemical and physical qualities of the watermelon varieties (Crimson Sweet, Charleston and Sweet Baby) after using different modes of transportation. Combination of purposive and convenient sampling strategies was used to select 50 respondents for questionnaire administration. From the field survey, it was observed that majority (60%) of the water melon traders sourced their watermelon at the farm gate while twenty-four (24%) and sixteen percent (16%) respectively obtained their watermelon from wholesalers and retailers. The two major problems faced by the watermelon traders were storage facility (25.70%) and mechanical damages (74.30%). Cracks (26.90%) and bruises (73.10%) were the major contributing factors to the mechanical damage. After different modes of transportation, the moisture ranged between 91.00% - 96%, TSS ranged between 6.96% - 8.56% and pH from 5.07% - 5.30%. The bruises on the fruits increased from between 2.00% - 4.33% to 15.66% - 25.66% while the cracks increased from between 1.00% -2.33% to 3.66% -8.00%. Water melon fruits were affected by mode of transportation, especially, the Crimson Sweet variety transported in the tricycle (motor king). The tricycle can, however, be roofed to prevent the dropping off of the fruits and also lined to prevent mechanical injuries inflicted on the fruits during transportation.
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    Inclusiveness and livelihood empowerment in community Forestry projects: the case of SADA afforestation project in Northern Ghana
    (KNUST, 2016-05) Osman, Sulley
    In order to ensure wood supply and reduce pressure on the natural woodlands in Northern Ghana, the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) undertook an afforestation project in a number of communities in 2012. This study was conducted to assess inclusiveness and livelihood empowerment of the SADA afforestation project inNanumba North and South districts of Northern Ghana. The mixed method research design was used. Data was collected through structured questionnaire from 127 field workers and triangulated with interview schedules from key informants and focus group discussion from the six selected communities. The study found that local people from the selected communities and NGOs/CSOs were not involved in decision-making. A simple chi-square test (0.062) showed that, the level of involvement did not affect field workers choice of species since (ρ˃ 0.05). Regarding information flow to communities, a chisqure test conducted produced the output (p=0.003). It can therefore be deduced from the table above that, field workers perception of information flow to local people varies from community to community. Though the project lasted for only a year, the livelihood capitals of the beneficiary communities and more particularly the field workers were to some extent enhanced. Field workers constituting 38.6% perceived the human capital to be the most highly enhanced capital since knowledge and skills were acquired. The physical capital (7.9%) was the least enhanced. The communities and field workers were perceived as winners of livelihood outcomes due to the resources created and an increased in their income. In conclusions local people were only recruited to work on the fields, the human capital was the most highly enhanced capital but therewere potentials for other capitals and there were more positive livelihood opportunities or more winners than losers.
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    Comparative analysis of viability of smallholder oil palm and rubber production in the Mpohor district of Ghana
    (KNUST, 2019-11) Assan, Gordon Yeboah
    Rubber and Oil palm are perennial tree crops that provide income for farmers for more than twenty years. In the Mpohor district, the conducive weather conditions needed for optimum growth and development of the trees are provided, placing the burden of choice on the farmer. A decision to develop a hectare of land for rubber implies foregoing earnings from oil palm and vice versa. Farmers are therefore in an economic dilemma in choosing between which of these crops to cultivate to get the maximum returns or benefits. This study therefore evaluates the financial viability of both crops, determines the factors that affect a farmer’s decision to choose either crop and assesses the constraints that prevail in the industry. Fifty-seven (57) rubber and fifty-nine (59) oil palm farmers were sampled from five communities in the Mpohor district and primary data taken from them for analysis. Secondary data from smallholder schemes of oil palm and rubber companies (BOPP and GREL) were also used in estimating the various viability indicators. The results indicate that, it was economically prudent to invest in either rubber or oil palm production with funds at the prevailing cost of capital. Net Present Values of GHc 2,331.75 and GHc 3,919.57 were recorded for rubber and oil palm respectively. Benefits Cost Ratio of 1.08 and 1.12 and Internal Rate of Return of 25.63% and 25.69% were estimated for Rubber and Oil palm cultivation respectively. The significant factors that affected farmers’ decision to choose either crop were farm size cultivated, age of farmer, household size and proximity to mill. The major constraints to rubber production were identified to be difficulty in getting machines operators/technicians and managing pests and diseases. In oil palm cultivation, the top two constraints were negative effects of price fluctuations and theft of produce. Active intervention by industry players in addressing these challenges and creation of enabling environment by government would be necessary for continuous cultivation of these crops
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    Effect of ore type on the leaching and biosorption characteristics of lead from waste cupels using spent tea leaves (camellia sinensis)
    (KNUST, 2019-06) Pearl Anne Narkie Korli
    Waste cupel samples from two commercial gold fire assay laboratories in Ghana were sampled and characterized. The selection of the fire assay laboratories was based on the type of ore being processed. Comparative study of the effect of ore type (oxide and sulphide) on the leaching and biosorption characteristics of lead from waste cupels using spent tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) was investigated. Both laboratories use magnesia (MgO) cupels. Waste cupel samples were collected, pulverised and characterized prior to acid digestion. The mineralogical and chemical compositions were determined using X-ray Diffraction and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy / Mass Spectroscopy, respectively. Leachates from the waste cupels were contacted with spent tea leaves and the biosorption efficiency and specific metal uptake determined. Results show that lead concentrations in waste cupels from oxide ore (CWO) increased as particle sizes increased whilst lead concentration from sulphide ore (CWS) decreased with increased particle sizes. The biosorption efficiency of lead was higher in CWO leachate ( > 99 %) than in CWS leachate ( < 98 %). For a given biomass concentration, CWO recorded a higher specific metal uptake as compared to CWS. The specific metal uptake in both samples were affected by the volume of leachate and lead concentration in leachate. In both samples, the adsorption isotherms fitted well in Langmuir model. The results from this study indicate that spent tea leaves can be used as an adsorbent to render waste cupels non-toxic before disposal.