Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies
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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 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 An Assessment Of Environmental Impact Of Mine Blasting In New Abirem And Its Environs In The Eastern Region Of Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Avornyotse, C.K.Blasting can lead to morbidity and mortality of human as well as damage of properties when not monitored and managed properly. Mine Blasting activities generate seismic effects including vibrations, air overpressure, flyrock, fumes and dusts. The environment can be polluted by blasting residues of rocks like hexogen, trinitrotoluene and octogen which have caused a lot of biodegradation and hazardous effects on ecosystem survival in a mine vicinity. The seismic effects also result in leaching of chemicals to pollute both surface and underground waters in New Abirem and its environs which lead to reduction of terrestrial plant biomass and fertility of earthworm. In view of this, the study was conducted to assess the ecological impact of mine blasting residues, ground vibration, air blast and heavy metals on the ecosystems around Newmont by collecting and analyzing water samples in three communities (New Abirem, Afosu and Adausena) as well as measured seismic effects. The noise and vibrations were determined by using the Seismograph from twenty (20) blast shot at the mine pit from October, 2020 to March, 2021. Focus group discussions and household interviews techniques were utilized to assess community perceptions of mine blasting effects on the mine environment. Physicochemical parameters including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity, ammonia and nitrate, were determined. Heavy metal concentrations in 108 water samples collected from five different locations, made up of two sites along one of the tributaries of Birim River, one site each from two streams, and the Newmont pit were determined using the technique of Milestone Acid Digestion Microwave ETHOS 900 followed by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The data was examined with a one-way analysis of variance and significant differences of p < 0.05 were adopted as well as Tukey’s HSD to separate means. The average blast vibration measured at the compliance locations AF-BMP (Afosu), NABBMP (New Abirem) and AD-BMP (Adausena) were compared with 2mm/s [Explosives Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2177), Section 199]. The average blast air overpressure measured at AF-BMP (Afosu), NAB-BMP (New Abirem) and AD-BMP (Adausena) were also compared with 117 dBL [Explosives Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2177), Section 199]. The mean, minimum and maximum blast on air overpressure and ground vibration for each monitoring point respectively were measured and the results were found to be within mining explosives limits. The physicochemical parameters mean level were ranged 24.93 – 27.53 0C (water temperature), 4.66 - 5.36 mg/L (Dissolved Oxygen), 109.79 – 125.98 μS/cm (EC), 7.51 – 7.88 (pH), 0.01 – 0.53 mg/L (NH3) and 0.22 – 0.42 mg/L (NO3). The results revealed significant difference in all the physicochemical parameters (p < 0.05). The Dissolved Oxygen concentrations at all the five sampling sites were below 5 mg/L which indicated that the water was polluted and adversely affected aquatic life. The pH measurements in the site of Holy Child and Afosu have slightly acidic pH. The minimum and maximum concentration levels of Cu, Fe, Zn, Cr and Mn in the water were (0.01- 0.02) mgL-1, (0.02 – 0.33) mgL-1, (0.08 – 0.93) mgL-1, (0.01) mgL-1 and (0.02 – 0.10) mgL-1 respectively and there were significant differences between the various sites (p < 0.05) compared with the control. The mean levels of Cu, Fe, Zn, Cr and Mn were recorded to be within the permissible limits. The degree of contamination levels identified in a location are categorized as follows: unpolluted (Cd < 1), moderately polluted (Cd =1 - 3) and strongly polluted (Cd > 3). The calculated degree of contamination index, Cd values for Holy Child, Aboabo and Adenkyensu locations were greater than 3 mgL-1, the criteria limit for drinking, therefore sites were strongly contaminated. In addition, the pollution index of heavy metals in the water samples from all locations used were greater than the critical value for drinking water, 100 mgL-1 except Newmont site which recorded 93.91 mgL-1. Generally, the blasting operation at Newmont, Akyem mine is within the Explosives Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2177), Section 199 as well as the international Standard quoted AS 2187.2 – 1993. It is recommended that water used for drinking, domestic chores, agricultural (irrigation) or industrial use by communities along the tributaries of the Birim River must be treated before use. There is also a need for research and academic institutions to support nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in their efforts to protect and manage water resources through research for long-term sustainable management.Item Compliance With Mining Reclamation Policies In The Atiwa District(2020-11) Obeng-Koranteng, E.Environmental governance in the extractive industry has seen many reforms especially due to the activities of both illegal and legal small-scale miners. There is no doubt that mining contributes significantly to the nation’s economy though the process has adverse impacts that need to be addressed. Reclaiming abandoned mine pits is one way of mitigating the impact of with mining reclamation policies in the Atiwa District, specifically, to review mining regulations; evaluate the role of stakeholders and the level of compliance; examine the extent of landscape degradation and ascertain community perception of reclamation in the District. A total number of 387 questionnaires were administered to generate the requisite primary data. Remotely sensed data were also used to determine the extent of environmental damage. Context analysis was used to analyze data for the review of regulations and the role of stakeholders and chi-square tests for community perception. A major observation was the wanton environmental destruction by mining activities resulting in abandoned open pits, pollution of the Birim River and the destruction of mining. In spite of this, the level of compliance implementation has not been evaluated. The study sought to assess compliance the vegetation. This was the result of unspecific reclamation regulations and technical language used in social licenses. The study further revealed a generally low level of compliance of stakeholders to mining regulations. Some weaknesses that emerged include challenges in enforcement and allegations of bribery and corruption. The study concluded that with pragmatic policy formulation and the engagement of all stakeholders, there would be a win-win situation to ensure sustainable development. Suggested recommendations include formulating specific mining reclamation policies that are transparent; collaborating to research on reclamation; legally recognizing the Tributer system and sensitization of affected undertake extensive communities on their rights regarding the granting of social licenses.Item Compliance with Mining Reclamation Policies in the Atiwa District(University of Ghana, 2020-11) Obeng-Koranteng, E.Environmental governance in the extractive industry has seen many reforms especially due to the activities of both illegal and legal small-scale miners. There is no doubt that mining contributes significantly to the nation’s economy though the process has adverse impacts that need to be addressed. Reclaiming abandoned mine pits is one way of mitigating the impact of mining. In spite of this, the level of compliance implementation has not been evaluated. The study sought to assess compliance with mining reclamation policies in the Atiwa District, specifically, to review mining regulations; evaluate the role of stakeholders and the level of compliance; examine the extent of landscape degradation and ascertain community perception of reclamation in the District. A total number of 387 questionnaires were administered to generate the requisite primary data. Remotely sensed data were also used to determine the extent of environmental damage. Context analysis was used to analyze data for the review of regulations and the role of stakeholders and chi-square tests for community perception. A major observation was the wanton environmental destruction by mining activities resulting in abandoned open pits, pollution of the Birim River and the destruction of the vegetation. This was the result of unspecific reclamation regulations and technical language used in policy formulation. The study further revealed a generally low level of compliance of stakeholders to mining regulations. Some weaknesses that emerged include challenges in enforcement and allegations of bribery and corruption. The study concluded that with pragmatic policy formulation and the engagement of all stakeholders, there would be a win-win situation to ensure sustainable development. Suggested recommendations include formulating specific mining reclamation policies that are transparent; collaborating to undertake extensive research on reclamation; legally recognizing the Tributer system and sensitization of affected communities on their rights regarding the granting of social licenses.Item Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Limestone Production in the Lower Manya and Yilo Krobo Municipalities, Ghana.(University of Ghana, 2021) Angmor, G.N.Many limestone deposits occur naturally in Ghana and a preliminary investigation by the Geological Survey Department revealed that there are about 3 million tonnes of limestone in the Oterkpolu limestone deposits. This has led to several limestone quarry activities along the Odumase to Asesewa road in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The environmental impacts associated with limestone quarrying have been an issue of local and global concern, in the search for sustainable mining. Therefore, this work assessed the energy consumption and environmental impacts of limestone production in the Lower Manya and Yilo Krobo Municipalities using a life cycle assessment approach. From the study, Yongwa quarry had the highest limestone production of 723,600 tonnes, followed by Klo- Begoro quarry and ABL quarry with a production of 117,735 tonnes and 113,670 tonnes respectively. Also, it was found that Yongwa and ABL quarry use only diesel fuel as energy for limestone production while Klo-Begoro quarry used electricity and diesel as their energy source which influenced the extent of their environmental impacts. The resource category resulted in the greatest environmental impact of 68% followed by climate change (24%), human health (6.8%) and 1.4% for ecosystem quality. Also, from the normalized results, natural land transformation resulted in the biggest environmental impacts for all three quarries. Explosives were the main source of impacts for ABL and Klo-Begoro quarries while diesel usage served as the primary source of impact for the Yongwa quarry. Malaria, cold and catarrh are the most well-known ailments among the quarry workers, with members of the community around the quarry companies complaining of the vibrations from blasting affecting their buildingsItem The Availability and Quality of Water Supply Sources in Peri-Urban Adentan, Ghana.(University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Ankomah, F.O.Globally, urban growth has been increasing tremendously. This rapid growth has escalated the difficulties in water provision. The rate of urbanisation is also rampant in Sub-Saharan Africa and has led to peri-urban settlements. Access to water sources in such areas in developing countries has being a challenge. In Ghana, Adentan Municipality is one of the peri-urban communities where access to water supply has been a challenge over the years. This study therefore focused on determining the sources available, uses, access to these sources, physico-chemical and bacteriological quality and the source suitable for drinking. Household survey was done in 6 communities where 402 households were interviewed to access the necessary data such as sources mainly used for other purposes, drinking water source, access to water and cost. The results revealed a variety of water sources which included pipe borne, hand-dug well, rain harvesting, tanker service provision were used for cooking, washing, and other purposes. Pipe borne water was the most widely used source for other purposes while sachet water was used mainly (77.9% of all household) for drinking purposes. The financial analysis revealed that, household water expenditure was high due to expenditure on drinking water and water for other purposes. There were considerable variation in physico-chemical quality. With the exception of most boreholes and hand-dug wells across the communities, all other sources fluctuated within the expected limits. The sources were also identified to contain nutrients and bacteria not of faecal origin.Item Assessment of Suitability of Sludge and Wastewater Quality in Waste Stabilisation Pond System in Accra-Ghana for Agriculture Purposes(University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Adu-Ofori, E.The objective of this study is to analyse the physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters, evaluate the performance of domestic sewage ponds at Accra sewage treatment plant at Legon. The aim is to assess the suitability of the final effluent for irrigation and the quality of sludge for agriculture use. A total of 36 wastewater samples and forty-eighty (48) sludge samples were therefore taken for six (6) consecutive months from the sedimentation tank (inlet) and maturation pond (outlet) of the Legon sewage treatment plant at the University of Ghana Legon campus. The samples were preserved on ice and transported to the CSIR Water Research Institute for laboratory analysis. All the methods of analyses carried out were done according to procedures in the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (APHA, 2012, 22nd Edition). The wastewater quality parameters used to assess the treatment performance of the WSP were total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, phosphate and E. coli. The results of the laboratory analysis showed that theWSP achieved about 82.2, % 86.8, % 82.8%, 85.2%, 58.7% and 99.9% removal of TSS, BOD, COD, ammonia-nitrogen, phosphate-phosphorus and E.coli respectively. Even though removal efficiency of E.coli was high, it recorded a value of 153x103 cfu /100ml which could not meet the Ghana EPA acceptable standard of 10 cfu/100ml.At p≤ 0.05, there was a significant difference in the levels of Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Ammonia-Nitrogen, Nitrate-Nitrogen, Phosphate, and E.coli between influent and effluent samples. The sludge as an organic matter can exert significant influence on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. The heavy metals levels were generally acceptable when compared with the Limits for metals brought to agriculture land by sewage sludge in South Africa (SFS, 1998:944; Water Research Commission, 1997. Zinc in stream-1 anaerobic pond ranged from 12.3 to 80.0mg/kg with a mean of 64.7mg/kg. Similarly Zinc in stream-2 anaerobic pond ranged from 62.8 to 82.3 mg/kg with a mean of 69.9 mg/kg. The results show that total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total potassium levels in the sludge are also generally satisfactory to produce organic compost (manure). Total nitrogen in stream-1 anaerobic pond ranged from 16800 to 19000 mg/kg with a mean of 17800 mg/kg. Total phosphorus ranged from 350 to 410 mg/kg with a mean of 380 mg/kg and total potassium 206 to 210 mg/kg with a mean of 210 mg/kg. There was no significant difference in the levels of heavy metals and the nutrients levels between the stream-1 and stream-2 ponds of the sludge quality at p≥ 0.05. The sludge which accumulates in the Legon sewage treatment plant can be used as a soil improver without posing any environmental hazards. It can be used in agricultural practice in order to maintain and improve soil fertility and crop yield.