Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://197.255.125.131:4000/handle/123456789/4917
Browse
35 results
Search Results
Item Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Employed By Rural Women Farmers In The Upper West Region Of Ghana: Implications On Wellbeing(University of Ghana, 2020-10) Afful, R.There is increased investment and adoption of adaptation strategies by rural women farmers to reduce vulnerabilities. Studies have shown that most of the adaptation options provided by key district adaptation stakeholders do not address the wellbeing needs of rural women farmers. This research is an effort to substantially incorporate considerations of human wellbeing into how adaptation interventions are comprehended. It therefore employed the wellbeing framework (material, relational and life satisfaction) to unpack some key elements that drive the choices and actions of rural women farmers in adapting to climate variability/change and adaptation options likely to improve wellbeing. A mixed method approach was employed (involving, Focus Group Discussions, community profiling, key informant interview and review of secondary information). Ranking by the Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance revealed that majority of the women farmers employ sustainable land management practices (improved seed variety, mix cropping/legume cropping and changing planting dates) in addressing climate variability/change. The probit linear regression model revealed that factors that affect rural women farmers’ choice of adaptation options are age, membership of a farmerbased organisation, farm size and household size. From the ordered logit model, the number of years lived in a community and ownership of a television set by a woman farm is significant to their material wellbeing. Size of household, ownership of a gas/kerosene stove were also considered important to enhancing the relational wellbeing of rural women farmers. Additionally, years of farming/farming experience, anti-erosion measures and improved crop varieties were identified as very important to life satisfaction wellbeing of rural women farmers. The results highlight the need for increased understanding of the critical constituent of individual and household wellbeing needs to ensure the provision of equitable, more effective and sustainable adaptation options for improved resilience.Item An examination of REDD+ readiness and implementation in Ghana(International Forestry Review, 2020) Nukpezah, D.; Alemagi, D.Ghana has participated in REDD+ negotiations since its inception and has been engaged in activities geared at implementing REDD+ in the country. In this paper, we examine initiatives that have been undertaken by relevant stakeholders to advance REDD+ readiness and implementation in Ghana. Results revealed that several aspects of planning and coordination were ranked high and some progress has been made in the arena of Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) and audit; benefit sharing; financing; as well as demonstrations and pilots. That said, some challenges still prevail in the area of policy, laws, and institutions; as well as implementation of an emission reduction program. Therefore, some specific recommendations for advancing REDD+ readiness and implementation in Ghana can be considered going forward including the development of strong institutions for REDD+ implementation; clarification of carbon and tenure rights; capacity building for data collection; and institutional collaboration. Implementing these recommendations is a fundamental prerequisite for an effective and efficient implementation of REDD+ in Ghana.Item Assessing Individuals’ Littering Behaviour In Public Spaces In The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area(University of Ghana, 2021-12) Yandam, R.Littering is a social and environmental behaviour involving indiscriminate waste disposal practice that challenges the government's quest for a clean city environment. This study explores individuals' littering behaviour in four urban public spaces in Metropolitan Accra, using cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, and litter characterisation. The qualitative data analysis employed a thematic approach, while the quantitative data used descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression with IBM-SPSS version 23. Individuals' perceptions revealed that littering is an everyday practice in public spaces resulting from collective action and a strategy to minimise private costs. Norms such as weak law enforcement, lack of litter bin, ineffective informal social controls, and absence of written prompts prohibiting littering were cited as justification for littering. Critical litter abatement approaches recommended included an adequate supply of litter bins, intensifying public education, and strict law enforcement. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed that participant age, group size, gender, activity engagement, litter items, crowdedness, existing litter in the environment, and distance to the litter bin significantly influenced littering behaviour. Also, age and littering behaviour depended on distance and vice versa. The litter characterisation and branded audit recorded 37,280 pieces of items, with two-thirds, i.e., 78% being plastics, while paper recorded 14%, and organic, 2%. Broadly, the water and beverage industry litter, with Kasapreko, Multi Pac Limited, and Special Ice industries were dominant. The study identified factors that drive littering behaviour, including individual and contextual factors such as bad governance and leadership and incompatibility between local cultural norms and policies. The study recommends that the sector Ministry promotes civic responsibilities while urging the manufacturing industry and brand owners to channel corporate social responsibility activities towards post-consumer packaging litter management.Item Ecological Footprint Of Artisanal And Small-Scale Gold Mining On Soil And Provisioning Ecosystem Services In Mpohor Wassa East And Amansie West Districts, Ghana(University of Ghana, 2020-09)Issues of impacts of small-scale gold mining activities on the environment continue to take a center stage in environmental discourse in developing countries more especially sub-Saharan Africa. This study was carried out to assess ecological footprint of artisanal and small-scale gold mining on soil and provisioning ecosystem services in the Mpohor Wassa East and Amansie West Districts, Ghana. Composite samples of soil and water were taken in selected artisanal and small-scale mining areas for analysis. A total of one hundred and sixty-two (162) soil samples including control soil sample were analyzed over a period of three-months. Seventy-five (75) and eighty-seven (87) composite soil samples were taken from Amansie West and Mpohor Wassa East Districts, respectively. In addition, twenty-seven (27) water samples including control were taken and analyzed during the entire study period. From Mpohor Wassa East water samples, the mean pH ranged from 6.5 to7.1; Electrical Conductivity (EC); 58.7 to 152.3μS/cm; Total Dissolved Solids (TDS); 33.3 to 101mg/L, Total Suspended Solids (TSS); 5.3 to 645 mg/L; Dissolved Oxygen (DO); 5.4 to 12.9mg/L, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD); 1.0 to 1.7mg/L. The DO, BOD and EC in most sampling sites exceeded the WHO permissible limit. The EC, TDS, alkalinity, and salinity values, however, were all within WHO recommended limits. The results of analysis of the water samples from Amansie West were also as follows: pH; 4.6 to 7.8; EC; 42.7 to 484.8μS/cm; TDS; 25.3 to 221.2mg/L; TSS; 12.5 to 390.7mg/L, DO; 4.3 to 11.8mg/L; BOD; 1.4 to 2.5mg/L. Mercury, arsenic, cadmium and nickel in water samples at both Mpohor Wassa East District sampling sites and Amansie West sampling sites exceeded the WHO and EPA (Ghana) acceptable limits. The concentrations of the following heavy metals in soils; Fe, Hg, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cr and As were above the FAO acceptable limit for agricultural soils. This suggests (which specifically?) that artisanal and small-scale gold activities have impacted on the soil. The study further revealed the change in land use due to artisanal and small-scale mining activities significantly influenced the following ecosystem services; drinking water, wood fuel, medicinal plants, raw material for construction and food crop production. However, in this study, all heavy metals analyzed with Atomic Absorption Spectrometer had Threshold Exceedance Ratio (TER) less than the total concentration when extracted with nitric acid. This translates that limited soil function might not occur since the TER values are smaller compared to the total concentrations and could not limit the function of the soil for agriculture purposes however, the re-mobility percentage especially, Cu was high and had higher percentage mobility in all sampling sites above 20% which suggest that, Cu has a higher potential to remobilized into the soil structure when environmental conditions are favorable. The geo-accumulation index showed that the soils in both study districts are moderately contaminated. The overall conclusion is that artisanal and small-scale mining activities have impacted on provisioning ecosystem services in the two study areas. Efforts aimed at restoring the provisioning ecosystem services therefore need to be considered by relevant authorities. Recommendations made from the study include mandated agencies such as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Ministry of Minerals and Land Commission should regulate the activities of ASGM to stop the discharge of poisonous heavy metals into soil and water bodies. Also, Phytoextraction ability plants such as Sun flower (Helianthus annuus), Cannabis sativa, Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), Maize (Zea mays) can be cultivated to demobilize Cu and Hg in the soil and this can be championed by EPA and the Ministry of Agriculture in Ghana. Lastly, it was recommended that the Forestry Commission, relevant stakeholders or NGOs should champion Land reclamation activities such as reafforestation and afforestation should be encouraged at the mined sites to revamp provisioning ecosystem services supply.Item Assessing The Ecological Character Of Wetlands And Their Impact On The Distribution And Abundance Of Water birds In Some Coastal Wetlands In Ghana(University of Ghana, 2022-12) Oduro, S.A.This study sought to assess the ecological character of the Sakumo II, Laloi and Kpeshie coastal wetlands in Ghana as these wetlands face massive degradation largely driven by urbanization and the rapidly growing human population in these areas. Specifically, the study investigated the quality of water and sediments, the changes in the physical characteristics (land use/land cover), the distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates, the growth and condition factor of the predominant fish species in lagoons in Ghana (Sarotherodon melanotheron), and how they influence the abundance and distribution of waterbirds on these wetlands. Data for this study were obtained from direct field observation and laboratory analysis. Counting of waterbirds was done by using a Swarovski 20 x 60 telescope while sampling and laboratory analysis of water and sediment were done by using approved standard methods (APHA, 2005). The sampling and sorting of benthic macroinvertebrates into their various taxa were also done by appropriate keys and guides. The standard length and weight of the blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) were measured using the rule and Mettler Toledo Weighing balance while Landsat thematic images were freely downloaded from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for the years 1986, 2002, and 2017. A total of 24,247 individual waterbirds belonging to 13 families were counted monthly on all three wetlands over a period of one year. Fifty (50) different waterbird species were recorded with the most abundant species belonging to the family Scolopacidae (88.71%) which were mostly waders. In terms of abundance of waterbirds on each site, 12,143 individual waterbirds representing 50.1% of total count was recorded on the Laloi wetland with the Common Ring Plover (Charidrius hiatucula) being the dominant species. The Sakumo II had a record of 10,116 waterbirds representing 41.7% with the Collared Pranticole (Glareola prantincola) as the most dominant. The Kpeshie wetland recorded 1,988 representing 8.2% of the total count with the Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) as the most abundant waterbird. In terms of land use land cover changes (LULC) on the wetlands, there was a decrease change of 57.3% of the vegetative cover and 0.6% of waterbodies between 1986 and 2017 with a corresponding increase of built-up areas by 54.4% on the Sakumo II wetland. Vegetative cover and waterbodies also decreased by 58.3% and 6.6% on the Laloi wetland with a resultant increase of 53% in built–up areas over the same period. Furthermore, the vegetative cover and waterbodies III I decreased by 33.7% and 15.2% on the Kpeshie wetland while built-up increased significantly by 50.8%.There were significant positive correlation between conductivity and nitrite (r=0.698, r=0.760, p<0.01 respectively) likewise an inverse relationship between water depth, phosphate and nitrate (r=-0.998, r=-0.920, r=-0.981; p<0.01 respectively) and built-up on the Sakumo II wetland. Land use land cover variables together accounted for 26.8% of the changes in abundance of waterbirds during the study. Built-up and vegetation had a significantly negative relationship with waterbirds abundance [β=-0.651; p<0.05] [β=-1.185; p<0.05] while waterbodies and barelands had a significantly positively relationship with waterbird abundance [β=0.487; p<0.05] [β=1.430; p<0.05]. The mean pH(7.65 ±0.65, 8.05 ±0.65, 7.92±1.30) and temperature (29.23 ±1.35oC, 28.76 ± 0.74oC and 29.71 ±2.11oC) of water samples collected from the Sakumo II, Laloi and Kpeshie wetlands respectively were typical of shallow coastal waters in Ghana with ambient pH and temperatures within a narrow range of 6 - 9 and 25-35 0C. The BOD, turbidity, phosphate and nitrate levels in water samples on both the Sakumo II and Kpeshie wetland were above the WHO permissible limits. Based on the pollution load index (PLI) estimated for all the wetlands using the bottom sediment, there was no overall pollution of heavy metals in sediment although some sites showed extreme enrichment (PLI<1). Heavy metals in PC1, PC2 and PC3 jointly and significantly contributed 25%, 57% and 30% respectively to macroinvertebrates abundance at the Sakumo II, Laloi and Kpeshie wetlands [R2=0.25 p<0.05; R2=0.57, p<0.05; R2=0.30, p<0.05]. A total of 4,474 macroinvertebrates individuals belonging to three major phyla (Annelida, Mollusca and Crustacean) were recorded during the study. Hydrobia spp, Cerithedia spp and the Nereis spp were the most abundant on the Sakumo II, Laloi and Kpeshie wetlands respectively. Macroinvertebrates abundance contributed 12%, 22% and 4% to waterbirds abundance at Sakumo II, Laloi and Kpeshie wetlands respectively [R2=0.12, p>0.05; R2=0.22, p<0.05; R2=0.04, p>0.05]. Sarotherodon melanotheron fishes in the Sakumo II lagoon exhibited isometric growth (‗b‘ is nearer to 3) while a negative allometric growth pattern was observed in fishes from the Laloi and Kpeshie lagoons. Mean condition factors estimated for Sarotherodon melanotheron on all wetlands were greater than one (1) indicating a good environment for fish survival and abundance. Fish condition factor also significantly contributed to 25%, 34% and 35% of waterbirds abundance on the Sakumo II, Laloi and Kpeshie wetlands respectively [R2=0.25 p<0.05; R2=0.34, p<0.05; R2=0.39, p<0.05]. IV I There have been major changes in the quality of water and sediment on all three wetlands, likewise, significant changes in the vegetative cover, waterbodies and built-up areas between 1986 and 2017 due to human interferences on the wetlands. The unprotected Laloi wetland, however, supported the highest number of waterbirds compared to the protected Sakumo II wetland during the study. Major stakeholders like the EPA, the Water Resources Commission, the Forestry Commission, the Ghana Wildlife Division as well as the District and Municipal Assemblies should enforce all existing laws that will help conserve and protect these wetlands from further deterioration. Education and awareness creation on the level of usage, importance and benefits derived from these urban coastal wetlands should be intensified within the catchment areas as human population continues to increase inorder to achieve Goal 6, 14 and 15 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in and around these urban wetlandsItem Cemeteries As Sustainable Green Spaces In The Urban Landscape Of The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (Gama)(University of Ghana, 2021-12) Kwami, S.ABSTRACT Cemeteries are primarily constructed as the final place of rest for the dead. The presence of plant cover in cemeteries and their sacred nature make them unique components of the urban landscape that need some protection. With mounting pressures on the urban space due to population growth, most urban cemeteries find themselves at the centre of cities and as a result face various abuses, although, they provide shade, perform other ecological functions, enhance the natural aesthetic beauty and promote healthier city life. The objective of the study was therefore to explore the potential of cemeteries as functional green spaces within the urban landscape by examining their physical features, the ecological status and socio-cultural attributes in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana. The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving on-the-spot observation, floral and social surveys, and key informant interviews. A total of 500 questionnaires were administered and 12 key informant interviews were conducted. Orthophotograph images of the cemeteries were analysed using Geographic Information Systems to obtain the land cover classification of the cemeteries. The quantitative data of the research was analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), software version 20 (IBM). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the perception on multi-use of cemeteries, acceptable uses of cemeteries, actual uses of cemeteries and chi-square statistics was used to test the relationship between perception about multi-use of cemeteries and other uses apart from burial. The qualitative data was analysed under the broad themes of tree management, other uses of cemeteries, and policy challenges regarding cemetery operations and management. Cemeteries were located in the majority of the Assemblies in GAMA. From the study, 48 cemeteries were identified in GAMA. Private families owned 69%, the public owned 17%, 4% were commercial and 10 % owned by religious organizations. Ownership type can be traced to strong cultural and traditional beliefs. More than 50% of the cemeteries were walled, with the rest not walled. Activities observed in the cemeteries included construction, farming, commercial, residential and relaxation. Evidence of open defecation and cemeteries as waste dump sites were also observed. The findings of the research showed that, a total of 176 species from 62 families were identified. Out of which 71% naturally growing species, and 29% were introduced species. The land cover analysis showed that the area covered by each land cover type varied across cemeteries, with the highest tree cover found in the private family cemeteries. The belief that the dead must be protected from harsh weather conditions mainly accounts for vegetation in cemeteries. A total of 92% of the respondents perceived cemeteries as monofunctional places (burial purposes only), although 42% reported having used the cemeteries in other ways aside from burial. The study also showed that 7.4% of the respondents use the cemetery as toilet and waste dump sites. The location and distribution of cemeteries in GAMA make them green areas. The floral composition and vegetation cover of cemeteries make them good green areas in cities. For the cities to realise and benefit from the full potential of cemeteries as functional green spaces, traditional and cultural beliefs associated with cemeteries, particularly the ones linked to vegetation, should be blended with the formal management of cemeteries and city authorities must strive to direct multi-use of cemeteries in ways that complement the presence of vegetation in cemeteries.Item Policies And Legal Challenges In Small-Scale Gold Mining In Ghana That Hinders Its Formalisation; Stakeholders’ Perspective.(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Kokofu, H.K.The mining industry in Ghana is divided into two primary forms: large-scale and small-scale mining. About 20 per cent of the country's mining industry is formalised, while over 80 per cent remain informal and unregulated. The rampant illegal activities associated with the small-scale mining industry has resulted in the degradation of the biophysical environment, posing severe developmental challenges. The country, through successive governments, has initiated moves to stop illegal mining activities all to no avail. This thesis sought to examine policies and legal challenges that hinder the formalisation of the small-scale gold mining sub-sector. The study employed a cross-sectional mixed approach and a systematic documentary review to attain its aims. Data gathering and analysis included both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, with 485 respondents. Focus Group Discussions were conducted at the District/Community levels and Key Informant Interviews with mining-related Institutions. The study collected quantitative data from the seven mining study districts. The study brought out many policies and laws that purport to govern small-scale mining in Ghana. It is important to note that the 1992 Constitution of Ghana is the primary source of law. However, several Acts of Parliaments and Policy statements are meant to regulate the mining sector. The results demonstrated a lack of institutional cooperation and collaboration, for instance, the mode of operation within the Minerals Commission (MC) and that of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The results also suggested that budget allocations and staff strength are insufficient to enable effective monitoring. Moreover, some officers tasked with regulating small-scale miners' operations are found to be corrupt or compromised. A significant level of favouritism and nepotism were also detected. The lack of employment opportunities in mining communities influenced many people, mostly the youth, to engage in illegal activities. Furthermore, education and knowledge gaps contribute immensely to the indiscipline in the sub-sector. It was detected that the licensing regime is cumbersome and tedious; hence prospective miners are demotivated from acquiring permits before mining. The appreciation of illegal mining activities is also an issue. Whiles regulators (officialdom) are concerned with environmental degradation and its effects, the operator perceives the activities as a source of income and livelihood. Thus, socioeconomic considerations are powerful among the operators and members of the host communities. That leads to the question of ‘political will’ to genuinely fight the menace. The study recommends that regulatory agencies are resourced with adequate finances and logistics. Their human resource capacities must also be beefed up in numbers and efficiency. Critical regulators like the EPA should implement the provision in Section 23 of L.I. 1652 (1999) (Environmental Assessment Regulations), which requires the posting of reclamation bonds before the commencement of any mining activities. Furthermore, the coordination mechanisms among state and parastatals agencies such as the Minerals Commission, Land Commission, Forestry Commission, EPA, and the Water Resource Commission should be strengthened with enhanced transparency and efficiency. Policy and legislative formations and implementations are recommended to involve all industry stakeholders. Of particular interest are the traditional local authorities and community members. It is also necessary to upgrade the knowledge base of the direct operators through skills training and awareness creation.Item Influence Of Biochar And Compost Amendment On The Sorption Of Atrazine On Soil(University Of Ghana, 2021-09) Amppiah, G.A.Biochar, the carbonaceous residue from biomass pyrolysis, and compost have been proposed as agricultural soil amendments to improve soil fertility and retain a broad range of environmental contaminants. However, it is not clear how effective and how long this sorption capacity will be maintained after the biochar is applied to the soil. The study, therefore, focused on assessing the potential of differently aged biochars and compost to effectively attenuate the transport of atrazine by using laboratory batch sorption studies. Batch sorption experiments were conducted to study the adsorption of atrazine on unamended soil, soils amended with one-year-old biochar, soils amended with two-year-old biochar, and soils amended with compost. These experiments were conducted to determine the influence of soil amendments, atrazine concentration and pH on the adsorption of atrazine in soils. The study showed that when soil is amended with biochar of different ages and compost, its physicochemical properties are modified. Results from the adsorption studies also revealed that soils when amended with biochar and compost show a high capacity to adsorb atrazine as compared to the unamended soil. Amending the soil with biochar proved to be a much more efficient adsorbent than compost due to different physicochemical properties and adsorption sites. The soil amended with the two-year-old biochar showed the highest sorption capacity owing to a change in properties after going through biogeochemical changes with ageing leading to an increase in sorption sites. Isotherm studies also revealed that the Langmuir model which assumes monolayer adsorption to homogenous surface best describes the interactions between the atrazine and the various adsorbents.Item Assessment Of Emerging Contaminants In Compost And The Factors Influencing Compost Adoption In Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2021-09) Kogbe, M.Waste and soil management remain a critical environmental concern in many African cities, including Accra (Ghana), even though most of these wastes are biodegradable and compostable. With these challenges and prospects, compost adoption will help close the organic matter and nutrient cycle gap. However, compost comes with challenges, including adoption and contaminants issues. With progressive industrialisation and technology, emerging contaminants (ECs) could be present in compost, potentially affecting the environment and human health. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the risk of ECs in compost, the potential uptake of ECs in compost by plants (lettuce and carrot) and studying the factors influencing compost adoption. Here, this study involved three ECs (pesticides, PAHs and antimicrobial drugs) from three waste sources [mixed waste municipal solid waste (MWMW), source-separated municipal solid waste (SSMW) and municipal and agricultural solid waste (MAW)]. This study used the compost’s maximum concentration of ECs to assess risk by comparing it with known ecological and human health criteria and identifying contaminants of potential concern (CPC). Also, the study predicted the optimum concentration of ECs in soils and the maximum risk quotient (RQ max) with two compost application rates [10 t/ha and 5 t/ha]. As there was no criterion for some quantified ECs, this research involved planting lettuce and carrot to identify the potential uptake and translocation of ECs with compost of known EC quantities. The study also examined the views of 350 farm-owners from Accra’s key farming locations on compost adoption using structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informants’ interviews. The methodology involved descriptive statistics and probit analysis using an eleven-variable (biophysical and socio-economic) regression model to explain the key factors (including socio-cultural) influencing compost adoption. Further, there was an interaction within the predictor variables to evaluate their effect on adoption. Of the targeted 49 pesticides, the study quantified glyphosate, atrazine, triclopyr, chlorpyrifos and lambda-cyhalothrin. The rests were methoxychlor, cyfluthrin, and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers. These isomers were beta-HCH, gamma-HCH and delta-HCH. Thirteen (13) out of the 16 US EPA priority PAHs from the waste sources. They included acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, fluorene, anthracene, fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo(a)anthracene, and pyrene. The rest were phenanthrene, benzo (b) fluoranthene, benzo (a) pyrene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene and Indeno(1,2,3,c,d)pyrene. The antimicrobial residues identified included; amoxicillin trihydrate, danofloxacin mesylate, sulfadiazine, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and amprolium hydrochloride. Two drugs (danofloxacin and ciprofloxacin) were in the compost samples. There was a drastic reduction in the compost, confirming the effectiveness of composting in treating antimicrobial residues. The maximum concentration of identified ECs (pesticides, PAHs and antimicrobial drugs) was within the ecological criteria (0.004mg/kg) except for the three isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane. The maximum residue of gamma-HCH, beta- HCH, and delta-HCH recorded in the composts were 0.024, 0.028 and 0.049 mg/kg, respectively. The maximum predicted soil residues of ECs after composts applications at 5 t/ha ranged from 0.0001 mg/kg for beta-HCH and gamma-HCH to 0.0002 mg/kg for delta-HCH. At 10t/ha of the composts, the maximum predicted soil concentrations were 0.0002 mg/kg for gamma-HCH and beta-HCH and 0.0004 mg/kg for delta-HCH. All the compounds had an RQ max of less than 1; therefore, these ECs were low priority. Regardless of the compost’s content of ECs, the vegetable analysis showed pesticides, PAHs and antimicrobial drugs uptake from the compost treatments during the study period. There were ECs in the compost, and no ecological or health risk was associated with compost. No uptake and translocation of contaminants by plants (lettuce and carrot). The study recommended continuous monitoring of these contaminants in compost and food. The social survey findings showed that, although compost was available, the adoption rate was low (16%), mainly due to cost. Household size, per-capita income, and compost-specific training for farmers had a significant positive effect on adoption, while the farmers’ age had a significant negative impact. A multivariate interaction between age and compost-specific training positively impacted adoption. Also, age and education showed a high possibility of the farmer adopting compost. As farm and household size increased, the farmer was more likely to adopt compost with a higher adoption rate. However, as age and farm size increase, the farmer is less likely to use compost. Male farmers who had received training were less likely to adopt compost than their female counterparts, and males with enormous households were not likely to adopt compost. It appears the male farmers were complacent regarding their attitude toward compost adoption irrespective of receiving training, increased household size or increased per capita income. Biophysical and socioeconomic factors affected compost adoption. Policymakers should involve female farmers by giving them compost-specific training without neglecting the males.Item Assessing Individuals’ Littering Behaviour In Public Spaces In The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Yandam, R.Littering is a social and environmental behaviour involving indiscriminate waste disposal practice that challenges the government's quest for a clean city environment. This study explores individuals' littering behaviour in four urban public spaces in Metropolitan Accra, using cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, and litter characterisation. The qualitative data analysis employed a thematic approach, while the quantitative data used descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression with IBM-SPSS version 23. Individuals' perceptions revealed that littering is an everyday practice in public spaces resulting from collective action and a strategy to minimise private costs. Norms such as weak law enforcement, lack of litter bin, ineffective informal social controls, and absence of written prompts prohibiting littering were cited as justification for littering. Critical litter abatement approaches recommended included an adequate supply of litter bins, intensifying public education, and strict law enforcement. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed that participant age, group size, gender, activity engagement, litter items, crowdedness, existing litter in the environment, and distance to the litter bin significantly influenced littering behaviour. Also, age and littering behaviour depended on distance and vice versa. The litter characterisation and branded audit recorded 37,280 pieces of items, with two-thirds, i.e., 78% being plastics, while paper recorded 14%, and organic, 2%. Broadly, the water and beverage industry litter, with Kasapreko, Multi Pac Limited, and Special Ice industries were dominant. The study identified factors that drive littering behaviour, including individual and contextual factors such as bad governance and leadership and incompatibility between local cultural norms and policies. The study recommends that the sector Ministry promotes civic responsibilities while urging the manufacturing industry and brand owners to channel corporate social responsibility activities towards post-consumer packaging litter management.