Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies
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Item Assessing Livelihood Outcomes and Implications of the Oil and Gas Industry in the Ellembelle District, Western Region of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2023) Korkor, A.A.This research assessed the impact of the Oil and Gas industry on livelihood outcomes of people in the Ellembelle District in the western end of Ghana. Specifically, it assessed the current livelihood outcome such as food security, job security, health and determined respondent’s perception on the impact of oil and gas industry and its activities on their livelihood outcomes. Data was collected from 400 respondents within 10 communities in the study district using survey questionnaires and interview guides from focussed group discussions and key informants within the Baku, Ngalekpole, Atuabo, Ngalekyi, Krisan, Anokyi, Sanzule, Bakanta, Eikwe, and Asem Nda communities. The data generated was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented by use of descriptive statistics such as tables, charts, graphs, and diagrams. Interviews were transcribed and analysed into thematic areas. The study revealed that 53% of the participants perceived the oil and gas industry to have generally impacted the locals in the communities positively.The study further revealed that the intention to migrate was a significant predictor of livelihood outcome as the respondents migrated in search of greener pastures. The study observed a significant relationship between the impact of the oil and gas industry activities on respondents, their intention to migrate, their level of education, occupation and their livelihood outcomes. For instance,respondents with a negative livelihood outcome are more likely to have reported a negative impact from the oil and gas industry. The study recommends that the 1994 EPA Act (Act 490) be amended in order to effectively monitor and regulate heavy-polluting oil industries.Item Stakeholder Involvement in Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices in Chereponi, in the North-East Region of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2023) Jamal- Deen, A.J.Sustainable farming practices involve methods and techniques that prioritize environmental protection, economic viability, and social equity. To promote and implement sustainable farming practices, it is essential to involve stakeholders who have a vested interest in the farming community. This study examined how stakeholders’ involvement promote sustainable farming practices in Chereponi (10.138012598017568, 0.29017181227194494). The study sought to investigate the level of stakeholder knowledge and perceptions about sustainable farming practices, farmers’ reasons for adopting sustainable farming practices and the barriers that hindered their adoption of sustainable farming practices. The theory of planned behaviour and the conceptualized model of Dessart were employed as the theoretical frameworks underpinning the study. The mixed method research design was used in this study. The main instrument used for quantitative data collection was structured questionnaire. A sample size of 155 using Slovin’s sample size formula was chosen for the quantitative data. Qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions. The results revealed that stakeholders have relatively high level of knowledge and positive perception of sustainable farming practices. Majority of the respondents in the survey agreed that sustainable farming practices increase crop yields, farm incomes, and farmers’ reputation in the community. Other stakeholders such as NGOs and agricultural extension officers also shared similar sentiments. The study also showed that farmers adopted sustainable farming practices based on personal choices, advice from other farmers, and advice from NGOs and extension officers. However, obstacles such as perceived risks of crop failure, costs, and technical difficulties as well as lack of government support, hindered adoption. The study concluded that stakeholder involvement is crucial for promoting sustainable farming practices in Chereponi. Positive perception and collaboration between stakeholders, especially government and NGOs, can ensure successful implementation of sustainable farming practices. The study recommended that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture implements policies that provide support for farmers through subsidized equipment and farm inputs. This can increase the number of farmers adopting sustainable farming practices. Additionally, policies encouraging banks to offer loans with favourable payment structures should be consideredItem Stakeholder Involvement in Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices in Chereponi, in the North-East Region of Ghana.(University of Ghana, 2022) Jamal- Deen, A.J.Sustainable farming practices involve methods and techniques that prioritize environmental protection, economic viability, and social equity. To promote and implement sustainable farming practices, it is essential to involve stakeholders who have a vested interest in the farming community. This study examined how stakeholders’ involvement promote sustainable farming practices in Chereponi (10.138012598017568, 0.29017181227194494). The study sought to investigate the level of stakeholder knowledge and perceptions about sustainable farming practices, farmers’ reasons for adopting sustainable farming practices and the barriers that hindered their adoption of sustainable farming practices. The theory of planned behaviour and the conceptualized model of Dessart were employed as the theoretical frameworks underpinning the study. The mixed method research design was used in this study. The main instrument used for quantitative data collection was structured questionnaire. A sample size of 155 using Slovin’s sample size formula was chosen for the quantitative data. Qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions. The results revealed that stakeholders have relatively high level of knowledge and positive perception of sustainable farming practices. Majority of the respondents in the survey agreed that sustainable farming practices increase crop yields, farm incomes, and farmers’ reputation in the community. Other stakeholders such as NGOs and agricultural extension officers also shared similar sentiments. The study also showed that farmers adopted sustainable farming practices based on personal choices, advice from other farmers, and advice from NGOs and extension officers. However, obstacles such as perceived risks of crop failure, costs, and technical difficulties as well as lack of government support, hindered adoption. The study concluded that stakeholder involvement is crucial for promoting sustainable farming practices in Chereponi. Positive perception and collaboration between stakeholders, especially government and NGOs, can ensure successful implementation of sustainable farming practices. The study recommended that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture implements policies that provide support for farmers through subsidized equipment and farm inputs. This can increase the number of farmers adopting sustainable farming practices. Additionally, policies encouraging banks to offer loans with favourable payment structures should be considered.Item Morphometric and Physico-Chemical Characterization of the Weija Reservoir: Implications for Water Resource Management at the Catchment Scale(University of Ghana, 2023) Eli, A-H.C.The Weija Reservoir, one of Ghana's water resources has been increasingly threatened by pollution in recent years as a result of fast population changes that have coincided with the formation of human settlements. In recent years, activities like as irrigation, nutrient pollution, sand mining, and encroachment on the Reservoir and along its boundary have had major impacts on the Reservoir, causing shortage in water supply. The aim of the study was to combine GIS and measurements of physico-chemical variables along a depth profile to map out the bathymetry and to model nutrient level in the Reservoir. Per that, a 3D (DEM) model of the Reservoir was constructed. Measurements were taken at a total of twenty-five thousand, two hundred and eleven data points with their corresponding coordinates and depths were recorded and processed using ArcGIS to obtain the current surface area and water holding capacity of the Reservoir of 19,330,988.38m2 (19.33km2 ) and 96,900,899.14m3 respectively. In order to assess the temperature variation and dissolved oxygen (DO) distribution along a depth profile, water and sediment samples for physicochemical analysis were obtained from the six sampling points. An echo sounder was then used to determine the depths at which the samples were taken and with a water depth sampler, the samples were taken along the depth profile at 1m intervals till the bottom of the Reservoir was reached. Measurements were taken along the depth profile in order to have a proper representation of the Reservoir. The physico-chemical parameters and nutrient in the samples were determined. A steady decrease in temperature was observed with increasing depth but analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that there was no significance in temperature with respect to depth. There was decrease in DO level along the depth profile and ANOVA showed that there was significant difference in DO distribution along the depth profile. This indicated that, the least change in temperature along the depth profile can cause a drastic change in DO which will lead to the thermocline effect. Total phosphorus, chlorophyll a content and Secchi depth were measured from the Reservoir and with the use of Carlson’s Trophic State Index, the TSI for total phosphorus, chlorophyll a and Secchi depth was calculated. Average TSI (TP) was 79.33 making the Reservoir eutrophic. It was also observed that TSI (TP) = TSI (SD) > TSI (CHL) with TSI (SD) having an average value of 68.61 over the study period and TSI (CHL) having an average value of 38.29. This relationship indicates that, the Reservoir is eutrophic as result of heavy siltation rather than phytoplankton abundance. The Utermöhl method for analysis was adopted in this study for analyzing the phytoplankton samples collected. Five (5) Classes were identified and the order of dominance was; Chlorophyceae (green algae) > Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) > Cyanophyceae (blue-green algae) > Euglenophyceae (euglenoids) > Dinophyceae (dinoflagellates). The Chlorophyceae were the most prevalent class (40.38%). Bacillariophyceae (30.77%), Cyanophyceae (23.08%), Euglenophyceae (3.85%), and Dinophyceae (1.92%) followed in declining order of abundance. These findings provide insight on the extent of anthropogenic contamination in the Reservoir and how it affects the distribution and treatment of water as the Reservoir provides water to the populaceItem Towards Industrial Ecology: An Assessment Of Environmental Practices Within The Plastic Industry In Accra, Ghana(University of Ghana, 2021-07) Gyabo, S.O.The purpose of this study is to assess corporate environmental practices being implemented by plastic producing enterprises in Accra, Ghana. The study explores existing environmental practices at the enterprise level, examines the level of compliance with environmental regulations by plastic producing enterprises, examines perception of plastic producing enterprises on the influence of growing activism against plastic pollution from the public on their strategies and the opportunities and challenges of using industrial ecology to achieve sustainable plastic production and consumption in relation to sustainable development goal 12 (responsible production and consumption). The study employed methodological triangulation on data obtained from 18 plastic-producing enterprises within the Accra and Tema Metropolis in Ghana through questionnaire survey and informal interviews. Data was analysed quantitatively and supported with qualitative data. It was revealed that enterprises engage in environmental practices such as recycling, adoption of sustainable technology and environmental management systems (EMS), use of recycled materials, and energy efficiency. Compliance with environmental regulation was found to be high amongst enterprises with 17 of 18 enterprises having met regulatory requirements and therefore certified by the regulatory body (EPA). Further, enterprises did not perceive reduced sales and profits over the last 10 years though raw materials were perceived to have become more expensive due to scarcity of resources from the natural environment. Firms also professed to putting in measures to improve their reputation in the face of the public as a result of public activisms on plastic pollution. Additionally, existing national plastic management policy (NPMP), recycling, sustainability reporting and education and awareness provides opportunity for industrial ecology to be used to achieve sustainable plastic waste management, though some challenges in these areas persist. Ecosystem principles of roundput, was being implemented by majority of enterprises through engagement in recycling and locality principle was being implemented by a few enterprises. Situating the study within the institutional theory, enterprises had normative, regulatory and cognitive reasons for engaging in environmental practices. Whereas based on the natural resource-based view (NRBV), enterprises derived competitive advantage in the form of improved efficiency and reduced cost of production, differentiation benefit and access to international markets, which were achieved through the product stewardship, pollution prevention and sustainable development practices being accomplished by enterprises.Item Management Practices Of Major Agricultural Wastes And Their Impact On Decomposition And Mineralization: A Case Study Of Kwaebibirem District Ghana(University of Ghana, 2022-08) Mukandayambaje, P.Significant quantities of agricultural and agro-industrial wastes are produced annually. Improper management of these wastes poses environmental problems such as surface and ground water pollution and air pollution among others. Managing agricultural wastes aim at maximizing economic benefits from the waste resources with affordable, suitable and environmental friendly systems. The aim of this study was to assess the current management practices of major agricultural wastes generated and evaluate the impact of some of these wastes on decomposition, mineralization as well as carbon dioxide and ammonia emissions. Questionnaires were administered to 175 farmers from five communities in the Kwaebibirem District. Five laboratory experiments were also conducted; effect of organic residue type and particle size on CO2 emission was investigated during 120 days; effect of organic residue type and particle size on decomposition and nutrient release patterns were evaluated during 22 weeks; CO2 and NH3 emissions from poultry droppings as affected by biochar application at different pH and rates were separately assessed during 30 days and the effect of biochar application to poultry droppings on nutrients release was assessed during 30 days. The findings of the study indicated that the major agricultural wastes of concern generated in the Kwaebibirem District were crop residues and animal wastes. The most crop residues generated were cocoa pod husks (CPH); various wastes from palm fruits, mainly empty fruit bunches (EFB); rice husks (RH) and straws and corn stalks. Animal wastes generated were predominantly poultry droppings (PD). The results indicated that the farmers have inadequate knowledge on the sustainable management of agricultural wastes and their uses in terms of soil fertility improvement. It is also revealed that farmers perceive weakly in animal manure use in soil fertility improvement. The results indicated that the cumulative CO2 emissions of EFB and CPH were not statistically different except for the smallest particle sizes, CPHS3 significantly emitted higher CO2 than EFBS3. The particle size of EFB and CPH significantly affected the cumulative CO2 emission. The cumulative CO2 emissions from EFB increased in the order of EFBS1 Ca > P = N at different rates. There was no significant difference in N and P release in EFB and CPH. CPH released K and Ca faster than EFB of the same particle size. Particle size of each of EFB and CPH did not show significance difference in release nutrients at the end of incubation period except for P release in CPH, where CPHS3 released significantly higher amount of P than CPHS1 and CPHS2. Results showed that irrespective of biochar rates and pH, mixing of biochar and poultry droppings resulted in a highly significant reduction (p<0.001) of CO2 and NH3 emissions. Biochar was effective in reducing over 30% of CO2 and 20% of NH3 emitted by poultry droppings alone. Biochar at pH6 was most effective in reducing CO2 and NH3 emissions. It was indicated that application of biochar to poultry droppings reduced nutrients release rate. The study highly recommends education and the trainings for the farmers on the impact of agro industrial wastes to the environment, affordable and environmental friendly management practices. Both EFB and CPH are suited for soil organic matter build-up and chopping the residues in small particle sizes is advised for short term fertility purpose. Biochar should be added to poultry droppings to retain nutrients, reduce carbon dioxide and ammonia gases emissions as a waste management strategy to reduce as well.Item Sustainable Waste Management By Source Separation Of Household Waste In The Ga Central Municipality(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Appiah, N.Y.The importance of practicing source waste segregation cannot be over emphasized in the bid to attain sustainable development. Household waste collected in its mixed form decompose and release run-off into the soil and generate harmful gases into the atmosphere. The aim of this study is to identify how sustainable source waste separation at households in the Ga Central Municipality (GCMA) can be achieved. Specifically, the factors that will enable households to practice source waste segregation was assessed in this study. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect data and analyze household solid waste generation, segregation and disposal options. Questionnaires were administered to 100 randomly selected households. In-depth interviews were conducted with personnel of GCMA environmental and health department, EPA, MESTI, and Ministry of Sanitation. Ethical Quantitative Data was analyzed for important determinants of segregation using logistic regression. The logit regression carried out assessed the effect of gender, age, educational level, occupation, awareness of waste segregation, willingness to segregate waste, and requiring of support to segregate on the likelihood of segregation of waste at source before disposal. Qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis. The overall regression model was significant, (p < .0005). Interview with key informants indicated that waste segregation implementation in the municipality is being looked at in the long term due to current non-availability of infrastructures/facilities to process segregated waste. Relevant Ministries and regulatory institutions (MESTI, EPA, MoSWR) also confirmed that the absence of a policy enforcing waste segregation implementation in the country is undermining efforts being put into this practice of waste management. Factors to that significantly predicted waste segregation within the GCMA, i.e. such as the provision of bins, awareness creation and the revision of policies and bylaws should be prioritized in the implementation process.Item Assessment Of Effluent Quality At The University Of Ghana Hospital, Legon(University Of Ghana, 2018-12) Dolo, M.J.Hospitals effluent often contain chemical compounds which may have negative impact on the environment and human health if not properly treated. Investigations were conducted to determine the bacteriological and physico-chemical qualities of effluent discharged from University of Ghana hospital into the environment and its effects on agricultural soils and vegetables. Water and soil quality analyses of some physico-chemical and bacteriological variables were carried out on effluent samples using standard methods over a three month period (WHO, 2010). Human health risk assessment was conducted to determine the potential risk on the consumption of vegetables irrigated with the effluent water. The results showed the following variations in physico-chemical parameters; EC (1522-2220 µS/cm), pH (8.2-8.8), TDS (947-1410.7mg/l) BOD (34.8-66.8mg/l) DO (0.8-1.4mg/l) COD (548-775.2mg/l), NO2-_N (0.24-0.45mg/l), NO3-_N (34.5-101.1mg/l), NH3-N,-(15.9-28.8mg/l) PO43-(6.3-9.8mg/l). The TC and E. coli also ranged from 3.120×103 - 4.582×103 cfu/100ml and 1.5×101- 2.9×101 cfu/100ml respectively. Lead and arsenic in water were below the recommended FAO guideline of 0.1 and 0.01mg/l respectively for water used for irrigation of vegetables. Cadmium, Cr, Ni and mercury however, exceeded the guideline. Mercury, nickel and chromium were above the FAO recommended guideline for Agricultural soils whilst Cd, Pb and As fell below the recommended limit. All the heavy metals in cabbage, lettuce and cauliflower in this study were all below recommended limit set by the FAO for vegetables wholesome for human consumption. The human health risk assessment of the vegetables revealed that the hazard index and Hazard quotient for cabbage, lettuce and cauliflower were all less than 1 which indicates that consumers are not at risk to the consumption of these vegetables in the short term. To prevent or reduce environmental effects and health risk associated with hospital effluent, adoption and utilization of decentralized wastewater technologies that are economically viable and efficient such as waste stabilization ponds are recommended to safeguard public health and prevent negative environmental effects.Item Assessment Of Water, Sanitation And Hygiene (WaSH) In Basic Schools: Case Study Ledzokuku Municipality, Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Christian, M.A.Water, sanitation, and hygiene are necessary for the wellbeing of man. The importance of WaSH is demonstrated by the daily need of humans for good water sanitation and hygiene or the levels of morbidity and mortality caused by the inadequacy of water sanitation and hygiene in meeting the daily needs of humans, especially children. Children are known to spend the majority of their day in school and are known to be vulnerable to poverty, so it is prudent to assess and evaluate the WaSH situations in school, especially due to the significant amount of intervention in WaSH in school. This study assessed the WaSH in basic schools in the Ledzokuku Municipality using a descriptive cross-sectional survey approach. A simple random sampling technique was used to sample 14 basic schools out of 19, after which semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the heads of schools or their representatives. An observational checklist was also used to collect data, which was analysed using Excel 2017. The results showed that 86% of schools had received WaSH interventions, 92% had toilets, but only 86% had improved toilets. Urinals were found to be present in all schools, although the types and states varied. Hygiene promotion was visible in all schools. The main hindering factors for adhering to WinS standards were funds and poor-quality handwashing vessels, while the enabling factors were COVID-19 and WaSH assessment. Over all, the adherence to the WinS module for Ghana is low in the municipality; more efforts are needed to ensure 100% adherence to the WaSH guildlines.Item The Plastic Waste Value Chain In Greater Accra Metropolitan Area: Assessing Flows And Spatial Patterns Of Recycling.(University of Ghana, 2021-06) Fiati, K.E.Pollution from plastic wastes has become one of the global challenges and the threat to hundreds of marine species being the most visible and disturbing impact. As many regulations move countries towards circular economy models, there are real opportunities for future investments to combat the pollution from plastics. This study reports on assessing flows and spatial patterns of recycling in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area using a variety of methods including review of literature, key informant interviews and administration of questionnaires to waste pickers, aggregators, recycling companies and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies. Thirteen (13) key informant interviews were done comprising of eight (8) Heads of waste management Departments at the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, three (3) Non-governmental Organisations (NGO) concerned with waste management, the manager of the Kpone Landfill as well as an officer at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two hundred and ten (210) questionnaires were also administered, One hundred and sixty (160) to waste pickers, fifty (50) to aggregators (waste agents, small and large scale plastic waste recovery enterprises) and eight (8) plastic recycling companies. This was done to illicit responses on the plastic waste collection, the trading activities, the types and amount of waste collected daily, the interrelationship that exist between the stakeholders and the core competencies and operational capacities of the recycling companies. The demographic data from responses to questionnaires administered indicate that majority of the waste pickers (75%) are women with average age of 46 years. Majority (85%) of them have no formal education. Further, the results show that, the entire life cycle in plastic waste recycling in GAMA engages a very broad set of commercial stakeholders which includes waste management crew, street waste pickers, landfill/waste dump scavengers, plastic waste agents/ wholesalers, small scale enterprises and large scale enterprises playing diverse roles in the waste trade. Altogether the plastic recycling companies recycle/ process about 47 tons of HDPE, 41 tons of LDPE, 20 tons of PET, 15 tons of Polypropylene and 5 tons of Polyvinyl-Chloride per day, the study also revealed that all the plastic recycling facilities interviewed were located either in a highly populated area, close to a landfill or dumpsite, or in an industrial area. Other less populated areas mainly are served by the aggregators collecting and buying waste from the communities to the recycling facilities. Two hundred and two thousand, eight hundred and twenty-four (202,824) tons of plastic waste is traded among the waste pickers and the waste agents or wholesalers during the study for a year, which is valued at GH₵ 91,999,464. A full-time waste picker makes between GH₵25.00 to GHC30.00 per day. The Current Ghanaian cedi to US Dollar exchange rate was GH₵5.76 to $1 at the time of the study. Even though the plastic waste trade activity provides employment and income to the local communities, not much attention has been given to it. It is recommended that, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) should consider amending the National Plastic Management Policy to include plastic waste trade sector specific legislations, this will bring good recognition to the trade. Also, since the trade is dominated by women, there should be the creation of women-focused support from local and central government for plastic waste collection.