Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies

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Access to reeds and mat making in the lower Volta basin of Ghana
(Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography. Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd. 35 (2014) 197–212. doi:10.1111/sjtg.12068., 2014) Ayivor, J.S
This paper explores the origins of pressures on reeds and sedges used for mat making in the lower Volta basin of Ghana, and their impact on the socially embedded system which dictates access to reed fields. Data for the study were collected through field work employing participatory rural appraisal methods in 18 communities, involving 152 mat weavers. The findings showed that the mat-weaving industry has contributed immensely in providing poor women a means of livelihood but reed marshes in the basin have reduced in recent years due to hydrological changes in the area caused by the damming of the Volta upstream. The decline in the availability of reed is exerting immense pressure on this once freely available resource, thus inducing landlords to impose a price on the rights of entry into marshlands by reed collectors. The imposition of these charges affected the very people that the mat-weaving industry is targeted to help. The study recommends the local and central government to play a more active role and civil society groups to broaden the livelihood base of women living in this region.
Access to reeds and mat making in the lower Volta basin of Ghana
(Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography, 2014) Ayivor, J.S.
This paper explores the origins of pressures on reeds and sedges used for mat making in the lower Volta basin of Ghana, and their impact on the socially embedded system which dictates access to reed fields. Data for the study were collected through field work employing participatory rural appraisal methods in 18 communities, involving 152 mat weavers. The findings showed that the mat-weaving industry has contributed immensely in providing poor women a means of livelihood but reed marshes in the basin have reduced in recent years due to hydrological changes in the area caused by the damming of the Volta upstream. The decline in the availability of reed is exerting immense pressure on this once freely available resource, thus inducing landlords to impose a price on the rights of entry into marshlands by reed collectors. The imposition of these charges affected the very people that the mat-weaving industry is targeted to help. The study recommends the local and central government to play a more active role and civil society groups to broaden the livelihood base of women living in this region. © 2014 The Author. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography © 2014 Department of Geography, National University of Singapore and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.
Accumulation of heavy metals and human health risk assessment of vegetable consumption from a farm within the Korle lagoon catchment
(Heliyon, 2023) Osae, R.; Nukpezah, D.; Darko, D.A.; Koranteng, S.S.; Mensah, A.
The Korle lagoon is known to have high concentration of heavy metals. The use of land for agriculture and water for irrigation within the Korle Lagoon’s catchment constitutes a potential health risk. Due to this, the study assessed the concentration of heavy metals in some vegetables (Amaranth, Spinach, Eggplant, Lettuce, Cauliflower, and Onion) and their corresponding soil from a farm within the Korle Lagoon’s catchment. The estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and lifetime cancer risk (LCR) was used to assess their health risks. Among the vegetables tested, heavy metals in lettuce exceeded their recommended guideline level. Additionally, the concentrations of Fe (265.94–3599.60 mg/kg) and Zn (76.77–294.70 mg/kg) in all vegetables were above the recommended guideline level. Also, Zn (227.30–534.57 mg/kg) and Pb (101.53–407.58 mg/kg), in soil were above the recommended guideline level for soil. The results also showed not only the severity of heavy metal pollution of soil in the study area, but also risks that were deemed carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic to both adults and children as a result of consumption of vegetables from the study area. The hazard index for adults (0.46–41.156) and children (3.880–384.122), were high for all vegetables tested and are associated with cancer risk due to high Cr and Pb levels. The risk assessment showed that children may suffer more carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic health risk than adults. The study concluded that vegetables grown within the Korle lagoon’s catchment is not suitable for consumption due to the associated adverse health effect.
Adaptation to climate change or non-climatic stressors in semi-arid regions? Evidence of gender differentiation in three agrarian districts of Ghana
(Elsevier, Science Direct - Environmental Development, 2016-08) Ahmed, A.; Lawson, E.T.; Mensah, A.; Gordon, C.; Padgham, J.
With the increasing impacts of climate change in Africa, a relationship between rainfall and yields in semi-arid Ghana has been observed. Drawing insights from three agrarian societies in the semi-arid region of Ghana using qualitative research methods, the study reports how people currently deal with climate variability as insight on how they will deal with climate change in the future. The findings indicate wide gender inequality in decision making processes and land access resulting from patriarchal local customs and institutions that shape adaptation responses of different vulnerable social groups to climatic or non-climatic stressors. Different adaptation practices of groups indicate that both climatic and non-climatic stressors shape the kind of responses that groups adopt. From the current adaptation practices, efforts to improve adaptation to future climate change at local levels must give attention to the nexus of both climatic and non-climatic stressors, gender, differential vulnerabilities and other subjectivities that produce a particular adaptation practice in a given place.
Africa and the Green Climate Fund: current challenges and future opportunities
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2018) Fonta, W.M.; Ayuk, E.T.; van Huysen, T.
Although the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is widely commendable in several ways, access to the Fund has been very challenging for many African countries. Using GCF published statistics, we identify possible challenges likely to be responsible for this. First, we present an assessment of the GCF’s Readiness Support Programme with respect to how the programme’s performance may have affected achievement of African countries’ readiness outcomes. Second, a critical evaluation of the status of African GCF portfolio (pipeline and approved projects) provides a means by which to assess how well Africa’s current portfolio aligns with GCF strategic impact areas, results areas and investment priorities. We then discuss GCF access modalities and the implications of relying on International Accredited Entities (IAEs) to indirectly access the Fund. The readiness support assessment indicates that the distribution of support requests and funding approvals is nearly equal across the regions of Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean. However, when the regions are considered individually, Africa demonstrates lower approvals with respect to requests and securing funding. Results from the GCF portfolio evaluation reveal that little or no attention has been devoted to GCF critical result areas such as forests and land use or transport, where great potentials for low-carbon development transitions exist. With respect to access modalities, the IAE financing mechanism currently provides access to the Fund for the majority of projects in both the global and African GCF portfolios. The implications of these findings are extensively discussed.Key policy insightsFor Africa, limited readiness support and a reliance on International Accredited Entities constrains capacity building, thereby reinforcing a lack of both readiness and direct access to the GCF.There are opportunities for Africa to diversify its GCF portfolios, adhere to international commitments, and address its adaptation and development needs by identifying and capitalizing on linkages between GCF funding priorities, mitigation, and adaptation.There are leverage points within existing climate finance and governance systems that could catalyse a shift in Africa’s engagement with the GCF and generate positive, cascading effects on institutional strengthening, direct access accreditation and securing funding. © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
Agro-Diversity in the Forest-Savannah Transition Zone of Ghana: A Strategy for Food Security against Climatic and Socio-Economic Stressors
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2015-12) Ayivor, J.S.; Pabi, O.; Ofori, B.D.; Yirenya-Taiwiah, D.R.; Gordon, C.
Food security is a major issue affecting about 239 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, local ecosystems-based adaptive strategies for reducing the impact of climate change and other stressors on food production systems are very relevant in the national food security agenda. This study assessed how farmers in communities of the environs of the Kogyae Strict Nature Reserves in the forest-savanna transition zone of Ghana exploit a range of options for food production that spread and reduce risks and ensure sustainability of the local environment. Through a cross-sectional survey involving focus group discussions, institutional data search and on-site observations, the study investigated different ways to which the natural diversity of the environment has been used by farmers to enhance farm productivity and farmer income. The study observed that climate variability, land expropriation for protected area establishment, inappropriate use of farm technology and low pricing for farm produce pose as major threats to sustainable agriculture in the area. These constraints have compelled farmers to adopt a range of agro-diversity practices for increased farm productivity and income. They include introduction of new crop varieties, adoption of innovative farm management practices, diversified farm fields and sequential cropping systems. The study noted that the diversified systems have boosted farmer productivity and incomes and contributed to their socio-cultural needs. The study recommends greater crop intensification through the use of appropriate technologies and improved access to markets to consolidate farmer gains and livelihoods as well as ensuring food and nutritional security.
An analysis of climate change and health hazards: results from an international study
(International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, 2022) Filho, W.L.; Anuga, S.W.; Ternova, L.; et al.
Purpose: The interconnections between climate change and health are well studied. However, there is a perceived need for studies that examine how responses to health hazards (e.g. cardiovascular diseases, ozone) layer effects, allergens, mental health and vector-borne diseases) may assist in reducing their impacts. The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence on health responses to climate hazards and list some measures to address them. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed literature review, bibliometric analysis and an original online survey were undertaken on 140 participants from 55 countries spread across all geographical regions. Findings – The bibliometric analysis identified that most climate-related health hazards are associated with extreme weather events. However, only one-third of the investigated papers specifically analysed the connections between climate change and health hazards, revealing a thematic gap. Also, although Africa is highly affected by climate change, only 5% of the assessed studies focused on this continent. Many respondents to the survey indicated “heat distress” as a significant vulnerability. The survey also identified social determinants relevant to climate-induced health vulnerabilities, such as socioeconomic and environmental factors, infrastructure and pre-existing health conditions. Most respondents agree that policies and regulations are the most effective adaptation tools to address the public health hazards triggered by climate change. This paper presents some suggestions for optimising public health responses to health hazards associated with climate change, such as the inclusion of climate-related components in public health policies, setting up monitoring systems to assess the extent to which specific climate events may pose a health threat, establishing plans to cope with the health implications of heatwaves, increased measures to protect vulnerable groups and education and awareness-raising initiatives to reduce the overall vulnerability of the population to climate-related health hazards. These measures may assist the ongoing global efforts to understand and cope with the impacts of climate change. change on health. Originality/value: the combination of a literature review, bibliometric analysis and an original world survey identified and presented a wide range of responses.
Application of the QuEChERS procedure and LC–MS/MS for the assessment of neonicotinoid insecticide residues in cocoa beans and shells Journal of Food Composition and Analysis
(Elsevier - Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2015-09) Dankyi, E.; Carboo, D.; Gordon, C.; Fomsgaard, I.S.
The Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) procedure was applied and validated for the analysis of neonicotinoid insecticide residues in cocoa bean matrix with high fat and high pigments. Samples employed in the study were fermented and dried beans obtained from major cocoa producing regions in Ghana where neonicotinoids are extensively used. Shells covering the beans were removed and analyzed separately to examine insecticide distribution. Analytes in both matrices were extracted in acetonitrile with sodium acetate and magnesium sulfate salts, cleaned up using a sorbent mixture of primary secondary amine (PSA), C18 and graphitized carbon black (GCB), and quantified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Average recoveries at four levels of fortification ranged from 92 to 111% with relative standard deviation of 16% for all analytes. Limits of quantification ranged from 3 to 10 mg/kg for all neonicotinoids. Imidacloprid was the most frequently encountered neonicotinoid and was quantified in more than 10% of deshelled bean and 30% of cocoa shell samples, with concentrations ranging from 11.5 to 35.6 mg/kg and 11.8 to 214 mg/kg in cocoa beans and shells, respectively. The findings from this study suggest a need for greater efficiency in neonicotinoid application, to avoid the build-up of these insecticides to unsafe levels in cocoa beans.
Aquatic Insect Fauna of Three River Systems in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional area of The Eastern Region of Ghana
(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2012) Kyerematen, R.; Gordon, C.
Three river systems in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area: Ayensu, Birim and Densu were sampled over a period of one year during the wet, dry and intermediate seasons for aquatic insect fauna. Fifteen sampling sites were chosen based on certain parameters such as accessibility as well as the inclusion of high and low impact sites (i.e. close to or far from a town or village) or near areas with high human activity. Four sampling methods were employed: sweeping, core sampling, sieving and washing of stones, wood fragments and submerged objects as well as aquatic plants and leaves. Fifty seven (57) species of aquatic insects belonging to 26 families of 7 orders were recorded. Hemiptera, Ephemeroptera and Odonata were the most diverse and abundant orders with Hemiptera being the most diverse order with 17 species from 8 families. The most abundant species was Rhagovelia obesa (Hemiptera: Veliidae). The highest number of insects was collected in December whiles July recorded the lowest numbers. River Densu recorded the highest number of insects whiles River Birim recorded the highest diversity of insects with 36 species. River Ayensu had both the lowest numbers and diversity of insects.
Assessing nuanced social networks and its implication for climate change adaptation in northwestern Ghana
(World Development Perspectives, 2022) Alare, R.S.; Lawson, E.T.; Mensah, A.; et al.
The current uncertainty, frequency and intensity of climate change impacts limit opportunities for climate adaptation among smallholder farmers in developing countries. This paper seeks to critically examine how gendered relations at the household level influence access to social networks for climate change adaptation in northwestern Ghana. By doing so, the study contributes to an improved understanding of how inter-gender dynamics shape adaptive capacities among vulnerable groups. Using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions and key informant interviews, a total sample size of 156 respondents were studied. The study also employed an intersectional framework and a network analysis to examine the nuanced networks of smallholder farmer households. Findings revealed that the interplay of age, marital status and educational levels influenced access to social networks for support in minimising climate risk. As such, promoting adaptation actions without addressing structural and relational inequalities within vulnerable communities may deepen existing inequalities.
Assessment of farmers’ indigenous knowledge of soil quality management practices in Ghana: A case study of crop farmers in Ada West District
(ANSF, 2021) Fosu-Mensah, B.Y.; Adjovu, S.M.; Annang, T.Y.; Mensah, M.
The efforts to increase soil productivity has been field-based experiments with little information on farmers’ indigenous knowledge of soil quality acquired through experience. This study assessed farmers’ indigenous knowledge on soil quality and fertility management practices in the Ada West District of Ghana. Two hundred-and-twelve farmers from five communities (Yomlekope, Aditsirekope, Zuenor, Fantevikope and Asigbeykope) were interviewed using pre-tested questionnaire. Fifteen farmers were selected from each community identified and made to classify their soils into high, medium and low soil quality. Thirty-six soil samples were collected based on farmers’ categorization and analysed to determine some physicochemical prop erties to determine the differences in soil quality categories. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to select effec tive indicators as the Minimum Data Set (MDS). Results showed that 89% of farmers’ used soil amendments, out of which 71.1% combined organic and inorganic fertilizer, 19.6% applied only organic and 9.3% applied only inorganic fertilizers. The soil quality indicators used by farmers were based on visually observable indicators such as soil colour, presence of living organ isms, soil moisture, vigour plant growth, crop yield, soil texture, presence of plants and weeds, erosion and thickness of topsoil. Farmers’ soil quality categorization was contrary to the laboratory reports, although soils from perceived high quality soil were relatively higher than medium and low soils. In Principal Component 1 (PC1), electrical conductivity, available phosphorus, or ganic carbon, organic matter, calcium, and magnesium had a higher positive loading. In PC2, sand and silt had the highest fac tor loading, while clay and sodium had the highest factor loading for PC3 and PC4, respectively. Farmers have good knowledge of soil quality but did not know the rate of soil amendments to apply. It is suggested that farmers’ indigenous knowledge should be supplemented with scientific soil information. There is a need for more training and education on the application rates of soil amendments.
Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Distribution in Surface Soils and Plants along the West Coast of Ghana
(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2018) Fosu-Mensah, B.Y.; Ofori, A.; Ofosuhene, M.; Ofori-Attah, E.; Nunoo, F.K.E.; Darko, G.; Tuffour, I.; Gordon, C.; Arhinful, D.K.; Nyarko, A.K.; Appiah-Opong, R.
Onshore oil drilling activity is ongoing at Jubilee oil fields, Ghana. This activity could lead to heavy metal exposure with consequential adverse effects on public health in nearby coastal communities. Therefore, we assessed heavy metal levels and spatial distribution in soils and plants from the west coast of Ghana to obtain baseline values for monitoring heavy metal exposure. Surface soils were collected from six coastal communities, and analyzed for arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury, lead, selenium and zinc using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Mean heavy metal concentrations in soil samples were 2.06, 6.55, 0.016, 21.59, 0.18 and 39.49mg/kg for arsenic, copper, mercury, lead, selenium and zinc, respectively. Mean heavy metal concentrations in plants were 2.70, 17.47, 3.17, 91.74, 1.51 and 9.88mg/kg for arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, selenium and zinc, respectively. Concentrations of arsenic, cadmium and lead in plants exceeded WHO/FAO permissible limits. Enrichment factor for arsenic was significant and extremely high for selenium, while geoaccumulation index showed moderate pollution for selenium. Soil contamination factors for arsenic, lead, and selenium indicated considerable contamination. In view of these findings remediation methods must be adopted to safeguard the communities. The data will be useful for future monitoring of heavy metal exposure in the communities and to assess the impact of the ongoing crude oil drilling activity on the environment.
Assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in soils and drinking water sources from cocoa farms in Ghana
(SpringerPlus, 2016) Fosu‑Mensah, B.Y.; Okoffo, E.D.; Darko, G.; Gordon, C.
Residues of organochlorine pesticides were determined in soils and drinking water sources in cocoa growing areas in Ghana. Soil samples analysed showed the presence of four organochlorine pesticide residues namely lindane (0.005–0.05 mg/kg), beta-HCH (<0.01–0.05 mg/kg), dieldrin (0.005–0.02 mg/kg), and p,p′-DDT (0.005–0.04 mg/kg), with dieldrin occurring most frequently. Similarly, organochlorine pesticide residues detected in the water samples were lindane (0.01–0.03 μg/l), alpha-endosulfan (0.01–0.03 μg/l), endosulfan-sulphate (0.01–0.04 μg/l), dieldrin (0.01–0.03 μg/l) and p,p′-DDT (0.01–0.04 μg/l), with heptachlor occurring most frequently. The concentrations of the detected organochlorine residues in the soil samples were below their respective US maximum residues limits (MRLs) for agricultural soils, except for lindane recorded at Kwakuanya (S4) and beta-HCH recorded at Krakrom (S3) and Kwakuanya (S4). Similarly, the organochlorine pesticide residues recorded in the water samples were below and within their respective WHO MRLs for drinking water except for alpha-endosulfan at Diabaa (S2) and Kwakuanya (S4) at distance 0–15 m and Kwakuanya (S4) at distance 16–30 m, endosulfan-sulfate at Nkrankwanta (S1) and Diabaa (S2) at distance 0–15 m and heptachlor at Krakrom (S3) at distance 16–30 m which were above their WHO MRLs. The presence of the banned organochlorine pesticide residues in soil and water samples from the study area indicates that these chemicals are still being used, illegally, on some cocoa farms. Routine monitoring of pesticide residues in the study area is necessary for the prevention, control and reduction of environmental pollution to minimize health risks
Assessment of social factors that promote the vulnerability of communities to coastal hazards in the Volta estuary in Ghana
(International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 2023) Mattah, M.M.; Mattah, P.A.D.; Mensah, A.; et al.
Although vulnerability assessments have been widely conducted along the coast of Ghana, they have not focused on the factors contributing to social vulnerability of households and communi ties to disaster risks. Using an indicator-based approach, this study examines the social factors that affect the exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity of households and communities in the Volta estuary, Ghana. Results indicate that all the communities within the study area were ex posed to climate change related hazards. However, two communities, Azizanya in Ada East Dis trict and Fuveme in Anloga District, were highly exposed with unweighted indexes of 0.50 and 0.76, respectively. Sensitivity among communities was generally high ranging from 0.00 to 0.87 due to several social factors including low household income, high number of children and aged at home, and lack of social amenities such as roads, health facilities, markets, and schools. The communities recorded high adaptive capacity and were able to withstand the ravages of the ocean and the river system. Households and communities developed various adaptation measures such as relocation to nearby communities or higher grounds, open spaces and packing of their be longings on higher objects such as tables, whiles government actions included occasional dredg ing and constructions of sea defense structures. An integrated, multi-stakeholder approach in volving government, non-governmental community-based organisations, communities, house holds, and other stakeholders is proposed to design and implement a comprehensive disaster management plan to combat climate change related coastal disasters.
Avoiding bites and scratches? Understanding the public health implication of human-bat interactions in Ghana
(Zoonoses and Public Health, 2019-02) Lawson, E.T.; Ayivor, J.S.; Ohemeng, F.; Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y.
Zoonotic pathogens cause an estimated 70% of emerging and re‐emerging infectious diseases in humans, affecting various aspects of human development on a global scale. The significance of bats as a source of emerging infectious diseases is being progressively appreciated. This study was undertaken post‐Ebola virus disease in West Africa and assessed the public health implications of human–bat interactions by exploring the reasons for contact between humans and bats, as well as reported actions taken upon experiencing bat bites or scratches. The paper highlights the nuances of human–bat interactions, stressing zoonotic disease risk awareness as well as the sources of information. The study used questionnaires to solicit information from 788 respondents in five communities with significant bat populations. We show that bat consumption was one of the main reasons for human–bat interactions. More men across the various communities ate bat meat. Only a small number of respondents (4.4%) reported being bitten by a bat, and 6.1% had been scratched by a bat. More than 21% had come into direct contact with bat blood. An even lower number went to the hospital after been bitten or scratched by bats. There was little knowledge on post‐exposure management. The most common places human–bat interactions occurred were at home and on farms. Seventy‐three per cent of the respondents believed that bats carried diseases, with Ebola virus disease being the most mentioned. Respondents indicated that the way they interacted with bats had not changed, even though they believed bats carried diseases and 46% stated that they had not changed the way they interacted with bats over the last two years. Apart from providing information on avoiding bites and scratches, a more holistic framework is needed to reduce human–bat interactions. The paper recommends a comprehensive and coordinated approach to optimizing an effective response to a potential bat‐borne zoonotic disease spillover.
Awareness of Environmental Change, Climate Variability, and Their Role in Prevalence of Mosquitoes among Urban Dwellers in Southern Ghana
(Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2018-05) Mattah, P.A.D.; Futagbi, G.; Mattah, M.M.
This study evaluates the extent to which urban residents of Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi (all of southern Ghana) were aware of environment and climate-related variability. A total of 150 questionnaires were given to adults of 40 years and above who lived in the cities for at least 35 years. SPSS version 16 was used to process the data. Results show that all respondents in Accra Metropolitan Area (AMA) and 96% of them in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Area (STMA) noted the deteriorating vegetation cover over the cities. Similarly, 93% and 83% of them in AMA and STMA, respectively, observed that land use pattern of the two cities has changed considerably. There was positive and statistically significant correlation between respondents’ educational attainment and their awareness of changes in land use/land cover ( r=0.18 , n=140 , p=0.03 ). Also, 71% in AMA and 89% in STMA stated that temperature of the cities had been increasing over the years. In all, 82.9% of the respondents mentioned that they had problem with the increasing population of mosquitoes. Respondents demonstrated ample knowledge of environment and climate variability and should be engaged in preventing further environmental degradation. The top-down approach to environmental issues has failed; the bottom-up approach to environmental maintenance is needed.
Awareness on waste segregation at source and willingness to pay for collection service in selected markets in Ga West Municipality, Accra, Ghana
(Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 2019-03) Agbefe, L.E.; Lawson, E.T.; Yirenya-Tawiah, D.
Proper solid waste management has become a critical environmental issue for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in Ghana. Despite the efforts of authorities to remediate the issue, it remains a great hurdle to overcome. This study assesses the readiness of the Ga West municipality to integrate waste segregation into solid waste management in its markets. Interviews conducted with key stakeholders and questionnaires administered to traders were analysed using a binomial logistic model. Findings from the interviews reveal that the municipality, in the period of this study, not only had no bylaws for waste segregation, but was also inadequately resourced. In addition, we found that 60% of the traders were willing to segregate waste, though only 23.4% were willing to pay for its collection. Income, work experience, and marital status were found to influence willingness to separate waste at source (P < 0.05). Age (20–30 years) and awareness were found to also have a significant influence on a trader’s willingness to pay for the collection of waste (P < 0.05). It is recommended that, for waste segregation to be implemented in markets, municipal authorities ought to formulate bylaws that promote waste segregation from source. Additionally, they must provide the required infrastructure, such as different waste skips for different types of waste; embark on massive education; and introduce innovative strategies such as paying less for the disposal of segregated waste. These measures can help to increase the willingness of market traders to pay for waste disposal.
Bacteriological Quality and Possible Health Effects of Gravity-Piped Water in Hohoe District of Ghana
(Institute for Scientific and Technological Information Press, CSIR-Accra, Ghana, 2009) Koranteng, S.S.; Amoah, C.M.
A simple technology termed Gravity-Piped Water System (GPWS) has been used in the Hohoe District in the Volta Region of Ghana to provide drinking water without any disinfection treatment. Ten years after the establishment of the GPWS, there were complains about the incidence of diarrhoea diseases, colouration of water and sediment in some of the systems put in place to provide potable water. The paper reports on bacteriological quality and health implications of water at various points (source, reservoir, standpipe and individual homes) of four GPWS in four communities in the Hohoe District over two seasonal regimes for three consecutive years, 2005–2007. Conventional cultural methods, as specified by APHA (1995), were used to detect the resident faecal and total coliform bacteria. Biochemical methods, employing API 20E identification kit and serological tests, were used to confirm the presence of bacteria species and diarrhoeagenic agents, respectively. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain medical information. With the exception of the source at one of the communities, Nyagbo Israel, all points of the GPWS were heavily contaminated with Enterobacteria. Ten gram-negative non-sporing bacteria of possible health consequences belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from water samples at all points. The presence of diarrhoeagenic agents, enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), Salmonella and Shigella species were confirmed. All the systems showed a trend of reduction in parameters from source to tap, with no significant elevations in the homes. Enteric diseases peaked in rainy seasons (August-October). Medical reports support a strong link between diarrhoeal incidence and water used. The practical implications of the findings are discussed
Biodiversity and ecosystem services on the African continent – What is changing, and what are our options?
(Environmental Development, 2021) Archer, E.; Dziba, L.E.; Gordon, C.; et al.
Throughout the world, biodiversity and nature’s contributions to people are under threat, with clear changes evident. Biodiversity and ecosystem services have particular value in Africa– yet they are negatively impacted by a range of drivers, including land use and climate change. In this communication, we show evidence of changing biodiversity and ecosystem services in Africa, as well as the current most significant drivers of change. We then consider five plausible futures for the African continent, each underlain by differing assumptions. In three out of the five futures under consideration, negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services are likely to persist. Those two plausible futures prioritizing environment and sustainability, however, are shown as the most likely paths to achieving long term development objectives without compromising the continent’s biodiversity and ecosystem services. Such a finding shows clearly that achievement of such objectives cannot be separated from full recognition of the value of such services.
Biosand filter as a household water treatment technology in ghana and its ecobusiness potential: An assessment using a lifecycle approach
(Journal of Environmental Accounting and Management, 2015-11) Hogarh, J.N.; Sowunmi, F.A.; Oluwafemi, A.P.; Antwi-Agyei, P.; Nukpezah, D.; Atewamba, C.T.
Biosand filter basically applies a system of sand, gravels and biologically active microorganisms to remove unwanted substances from drinking water. Field trials of the biosand filter for domestic water treatment in rural communities have shown remarkable health gains from its application. As such, there are calls to scale up its application in developing countries. This study investigated factors that may influence the acceptability of the biosand filter at the household level in rural communities in Ghana. The study further applied lifecycle environmental and cost assessments to analyse the eco-efficiency potential of the biosand filter and examined prospects of leveraging this potential for green business development. The key demographic and socio-economic indicators of biosand filter acceptability related to gender, age, education and wealth. Females showed greater interest in the biosand filter, while discrete increase in age, relative advancement in education and economic status of respondents may each increase the prospects of purchasing biosand filter. Compared to local sachet water production, which was considered as a quasialternative to the biosand filter, it was established that the latter has superior eco-efficiency, provided quite comparable profitability and potentially viable for eco-business development. The information yielded by this study is useful for scaling up considerations of the biosand filter technology in Ghana and other West African countries. © 2015 L&H Scientific Publishing, LLC.

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