Browsing by Author "Abukari, S."
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Item Influence of Spacing and Plant Age at First Harvest on the Growth, Development, and Yield of Three Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Cultivars(University of Ghana, 2013-07) Abukari, S.; Norman, J.C.; Blay, E.T.; Amoatey, C.A.A field experiment was conducted to examine optimum plant population and compare yields of three local roselle cultivars; namely Bihi, Mogla 1 and Mogla 2 planted at four different spacings and harvesting at 31 days after planting by pruning the plant at 13.0 cm high. Subsequent harvesting of shoots was done at fortnightly intervals. The spacings were; 30cm x 30cm, 30cmx 35cm, 30cm x 40cm, and 30cm x 45cm. A pot experiment was also carried out to determine the appropriate plant age at first harvest (PAFH) of two of the roselle cultivars; Bihi and Mogla 1. Three PAFH used were 31, 38 and 45 days after planting. The field and pot experiments were conducted at the University of Ghana Farm, Legon from June 2012 to January 2013. A randomized complete block design was used and replicated four times for the field experiment and three times for the pot experiment. In the field experiment, plant growth parameters studied were harvested leaves, stems and petioles numbers, fresh and dry weights were recorded at 31 days after planting and depending on the type of treatment of PAFH in the pot experiment. Other data collected were; plant height at first harvest, number of leaves per plant, number of new shoots per plant, new stem diameter, leaf area, leaf area index, yield and yield components. Results revealed that subsequent harvesting did not significantly enhance the production of more harvested leaves and stems in the field experiment; and reduced new shoots length in both field and pot experiments. The Bihi cultivar was taller at first harvest than Mogla 1 and Mogla 2 at closer spacing than wider spacing. PAFH of 45 days produced taller plants, more harvested leaves and stems than 31 and 38 days with insignificant differences between 38 days PAFH . The studies showed that optimum spacing was 30cm x 30cm (222,222 plants/ha). Mogla 1 produced higher fresh leaves,stems, shoot yields (t/ha), leaf/stem ratio than Bihi and Mogla 2. Appropriate plant age at first harvest of 38 days after sowing is recommended for continuous harvesting by pruning as a leafy vegetable to maximize production.Item Reading the Mind of the Spirits: Divination and Health Seeking Behaviour among the Dagomba in the Northern Region of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2017-11) Abukari, S.Finding explanation for the causes of ill-health and other misfortunes has been and continues to agitate the human mind. Among the Dagomba of the Northern Region of Ghana, consulting diviners for virtually every situation, good or bad, makes diviners ’critical actors in the health-seeking behaviour of the people. This study explored the significance of divination in the health-seeking behaviour among the Dagomba. Specifically, the study was guided by the following objectives: (i) To describe the practice of divination and how it affects health decision-making; (ii) To examine reasons why a sick Dagomba will shop for the services of both a diviner and an orthodox medical practitioner; (iii)To examine gender relations and its consequences in the practices of divination; and (iv) To describe the circumstances under which divination is employed. The study design was descriptive and qualitative methods of data collection were employed. In-depth interviews were held with thirteen diviners, nine health professionals, three patients of diviners, and the chief diviner and chief custodian of Dagbon culture. Thirteen focus group discussions were held with men and women groups. Observations were also used to complement the data collected. Both the IDIs and FGDs were recorded and transcribed into English language. Themes were developed based on key issues resulting from the data. The data was analysed using NVIVO 10 software. The findings of the study are that: Divination was used to distinguish between illnesses of supernatural origin and illnesses described as normal or natural so that appropriate therapy could be sought for patients • Patients and their relatives sometimes combined diviner and modern services at the same time. This is premised on the belief that some illnesses have both spiritual and physical aspects and as such they need both therapeutic regimen. • Women were not permitted to consult diviners because of patriarchy and the alleged nature of woman. However, generally, women were also not permitted to practice divination for fear of being branded witches. • Various types of divination practices were identified among the Dagomba. These included soothsaying; sand-reading; occultism; and clairvoyance In addition the study revealed that agents such as witchcraft, old customs, ancestral spirits and nature spirits were responsible for the causes of most illnesses.. In conclusion, this study has documented the role divination plays in the daily life of the Dagomba. The study also articulates the importance of diviners in the health-seeking behaviour of the Dagomba and calls for consideration of the role of divination and diviners in the entire health architecture of the Dagomba.