School of Agriculture
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://197.255.125.131:4000/handle/123456789/4742
Browse
482 results
Search Results
Item Exploring Perspectives of the Validity, Legitimacy and Acceptability of Environmental Valuation using Q Methodology(Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics, 2021) Ankamah-Yeboah, I.; Armstrong, C.; Tinch, R.There is increasing interest from research providers, policymakers, and private sector decision-makers in using the economic valuation of ecosystem goods and services to improve decision-making (Austen et al., 2019). Market systems and economic appraisal methods offer powerful tools for supporting decisions about allocating scarce resources (Tinch et al., 2019). However, there are many Important aspects of human activity that are not fully reflected in market prices. These include our impacts on the natural world and our dependence on the many valuable goods and services ecosystems provide. Assessing the values of these impacts, goods, and services in monetary terms, combined with various economic analysis and appraisal tools, could help environmental management.Item An Evaluation Of Alkaline Hydrolyzable Organic Nitrogen As An Index Of Nitrogen Mineralization And Availability In Biochar-Manure Compost Amended Soils(University of Ghana, 2021-09) Zoglie, E.M.The ability to predict the amount of plant-available nitrogen (N) organic amendments can supply through mineralization are required to improve their efficient use as sources of N fertilizers. This study compared a rapid alkaline hydrolysis of organic nitrogen (ON) method for evaluating the chemical index of N mineralization in soils to the standard long-term biologically based aerobic incubation method in three contrasting soils amended with 12 different biochar-manure composts (BMCs) of varied C/N ratios. The cumulative N mineralized/hydrolyzed from the biological and chemical hydrolysis methods were fitted to the first-order exponential equation to determine the potentially mineralizable N (No) and an analogous “potentially hydrolyzable N (Nmax)” for the BMCs. Furthermore, the study also assessed the suitability of the alkaline hydrolysis method as a soil fertility index by comparing the results with actual N uptake by maize in a pot experiment. The results showed that the biological and chemical estimated No and Nmax values differed significantly among the BMCs, suggesting that the chemical composition of the BMCs affected their reactivity and decomposability. It was also observed that the No and Nmax values were positively and significantly correlated (p ≤ 0.01). The correlation between Nmax and actual N uptake by maize was also significant (p ≤ 0.05). These results indicated that the rapid chemical hydrolysis method can be interpreted broadly for both mineralization process and soil fertility assessment. It was concluded that the rapid chemical hydrolysis method offers a time-effective surrogate approach for N mineralization and N supplying capacity of soil organic amendments.Item Effect Of Different Local Edible Coatings On The Physical, Chemical And Organoleptic Properties Of Canary Yellow Melon(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Wuni, J.M.A.Melon has high export potential but is highly perishable. To meet the consumer's desire to eat melons free of chemicals and also extend the shelf life of the fruit, handlers along the value chain generally employ various postharvest practices to achieve positive results. This study sought to assess the influence of different local edible coatings on the physical, chemical, and organoleptic properties of canary yellow melon (Cucumis melo var. inodorus). The study was carried out in two phases -a survey involving farmers and traders and a laboratory analysis. In the first phase, postharvest handling practices along the yellow melon value chain in Afienya - Prampram District of Ghana was assessed. One hundred open-ended and close-ended questionnaires were administered to farmers and traders of yellow melon. For the second phase, the influence of different local edible coatings on the physical, chemical, and organoleptic properties of canary yellow melon were assessed. Eight (8) treatments were laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications of 18 fruits per treatment. Seven waxing materials (Shea Butter, Neem Oil, Beeswax, Shea Butter + Beeswax, Shea Butter + Neem Oil, Neem Oil + Beeswax, Shea Butter + Beeswax + Neem Oil) were used for coating the yellow melon fruits. Treated fruits plus control fruits were kept at ambient condition (29.3–31.3 °C, 69.0–72.0% RH) till 21 days and assessed for various quality indices including weight loss, firmness, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acids (TTA), vitamin C and shelf-life. Results obtained from phase I of the study showed that farmers ensured that there were available markets before the fruits were planted and even harvested. The majority of the farmers had access to extension services but the services rendered did not include postharvest technology. Postharvest losses were recorded throughout the value chain of the fruit. Some of the losses recorded were mechanical, physiological, and biological (rot and pest attack). Notably, 66% mechanical loss at harvest was reported by the respondents. At the sale point, 82% of traders recorded losses and the rate of spoilage was up to 98%. The total economic loss incurred by the farmers was estimated at GHȻ 17, 500 out of an expected income of GHȻ 80,000. While that of the traders was GHȻ 4,300 out of an expected income of GHȻ 15,000. Lack of appropriate vehicles for the transportation of fruits, lack of storage facilities and postharvest technology were among the challenges the handlers of the fruit faced. Respondents did not have any knowledge about waxing and did not know of any modern storage technology but were willing to adopt storage technologies. Results from the laboratory analysis indicated that all coated treatments were able to preserve fruits’uits quality indices during the storage period. Longer shelf-life was observed in fruits coated with BW (18 days) while the shortest shelf-life of nine days was recorded for the control (uncoated fruits). Fruits coated with BW, SB and BW and its combination maintain fruit firmness and also reduce percentage weight loss. Fruits coated with BW and SB + NO recorded lower Vitamin C loss. Sensory evaluation revealed the overall acceptability of waxed fruits and consumers’ willingness to purchase waxed fruits. BW can therefore be used to prolong the shelf-life, improve glossiness and attractiveness, ensure firmness and also reduce weight loss of yellow melon fruits. Regarding the pathogenicity of organisms associated with postharvest rot of melon fruits, the results showed that the pathogen that causes yellow melon rot is Lasiodiplodia theobromae. The pathogenic ability of the organism proved positive as it was able to cause decay and reduced the shelf-life when inoculated onto healthy fresh samples of the fruits causing postharvest losses. The symptoms that appeared on the diseased fruit made it both unmarketable and unwholesome for household use, therefore, causing financial and economic losses to both farmers and traders. The study made a number of recommendations to help reduced or curbed postharvest losses. First, an agreement between farmers and buyers before planting or harvesting should be documented to avoid future disappointment that will lead to losses. Along the value chain (harvesting, sorting, packaging, transportation, and storage) general care should be considered during fruit handling. Best results can be achieved when baskets are cushioned with soft material to reduce impact during handling and transportation, throwing fruits into baskets and overloaded should be avoided to reduce bruises, which result in losses. The presence of specialized temperature control vehicles and storage facilities can significantly reduce post-harvest losses. The use of black polythene sheets, nylon sacks, and tarpaulin for covering fruits during transportation and storage should be avoided to prevent the build-up of heat that will accelerate postharvest losses. Extension workers should include postharvest services to farmers and other food handlers to preserve the quality of the fruits and also reduce losses. Researchers should disseminate new postharvest findings to extension workers to enable them to carry out their services efficiently. Therefore, it is recommended that BW and its combination should be used to treat yellow melon fruits to prolong their shelf life and also preserve their physical, chemical, and organoleptic properties.Item Assessing The Visuospatial Working Memory Of School Children Undergoing Abacus Training(University Of Ghana, 2022-01) Ansah, E.E.The main aim of abacus training is to enable children perform fast, accurate arithmetic using an imaginary abacus. The ability to do that accurately, comes from the development of an aspect of working memory called, the visuospatial working memory. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence abacus training has on the visuospatial working memory of school children. A quasi-experiment research with a quantitative approach was used to conduct the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 4 schools at New Achimota in the Greater Accra region for the study and all the children in classes 4, 5 & 6 participated in the study. Out of the 4 schools, 2 were exposed to abacus training (experimental group), while the other 2 were not exposed to abacus training (control group). The sample size used for the study was 90 for the experimental group and 100 for the control group with 10 dropping out of the study. At the beginning of the study, 3 different cognitive test; Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices test (RCPM), Digit Memory test (DMT) and Letter Cancellation test (LCT) as well as a questionnaire on the demographic of the children was administered. After that, the experimental group were trained in abacus 2hours per week in addition to the normal school curriculum for a period of 4months, while the control group was taught the normal school curriculum only. The 3 cognitive tests; RCPM, DMT and LCT, were administered again to the children at the end of the four-month period. With the aid of SPSS version 23, the data was analyzed using bivariate correlation, independent t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of the study showed that, gender, age and parents’ socioeconomic status had no effect on the visuospatial working memory (VSWM) of school children. Also, in comparing the VSWM of the experimental and control group, there was a significant change favoring the experimental group. The findings prove that, when children learn to use their imaginary abacus for mental calculations, it trains and develops their VSWM as well.Item The Synergies And Tradeoffs That Exist Between Cashew Production And Food Security In The Bono And Bono East Regions Of Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2022-12) Bonsu, Y.D.Over the last decade, the Bono, Bono East regions, affectionately referred to as Ghana’s breadbaskets due to their contribution to food crop production, are gradually shifting into cashew nut production by the majority of farmers. This is concerning because it poses a threat to farmers' food security by reducing the output of food crops. Some school of thought argue that, the income generated from the sale of cashew nuts can be used by farmers to purchase food in the local market and undertake crop diversification. However, there isn’t much research to prove this assertion. Hence, the need to analyse the tradeoffs and synergies that exists between cashew production and food security. A mixed methods approach was employed to assess synergies and tradeoffs that exist between cashew production and food security. This was achieved through the following specific objectives i) analysis of how food crops produced by cashew farmers contribute to food security based on availability, accessibility, utilization and stability ii) analysis of the determinants of food security as well as strategies developed by the farmers to reduce their vulnerability and lastly, examining the tradeoffs and synergies between cashew production and food security. The study was conducted in the Bono and Bono east regions using 240 cashew farmers identified through multistage sampling. Months of adequate household food provisioning (MAHFP) was used in analyzing availability, Household Food Insecurity Scale (HFIAS) was used to analyse accessibility, Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), Women Dietary Diversity Score and Child Dietary Diversity Score were also used to assess utilization. Stability was measured using the perception of the seasonality of food items in the household and market with respect to market price, crop failure, drought etc. Analysis for the study was conducted using STATA 14. The Tobit regression model was used to assess the determinants of food security while the Structural Equation Model was used to analyze the tradeoffs and synergies that exists between cashew production and food security. According to the findings of the study, farmers had food available for 10 months out of the entire year. This means that cashew farmers do not have enough food at certain times of the year. This situation mostly occurs during May – July which is considered as the lean season. Results of food accessibility also showed a mean of 2.96 out of 27. Results of food utilization showed that farmers consumed about 9 food groups out of the 12 food groups assessed. Results of cashew farmer’s food stability shows that farmers are strongly affected by changes in food prices, drought and crop failure. Prominent factors that affect food security include age, household size, household expenditure, education, income and access to markets. In analyzing the tradeoffs and the synergies that exists between cashew production and food security, the study identified the tradeoffs involve the negative relationship between income and food security as well as the negative relationship that exists between food accessibility and food security. Some synergies identified include the positive relationship between cashew production and income and food availability and food security. The study therefore, recommends that the crops division of the ministry of food and agriculture should engage in sensitization and awareness programs to encourage cashew farmers to increase crop production to make more food available for the household. Also, MoFA should support the diversification of crops on the farm to improve the nutritional diet of farmers as well as engage in the development of alternative sources of income. Furthermore, the ministry of food and agriculture should educate cashew farmers on the effect of some determinants of food security such as the importance of family planning as well as the need for farmers to have a higher form of education to improve their living conditions.Item Effects Of Redd+ Political Economy On Agrarian Land Access In The Offinso Forest District Of Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2022-12) Atanga, G.W.M.Climate change mitigation, security of agricultural livelihoods, and possible carbon financial benefits to forest fringe communities are among the list of benchmarks (known as “safeguards”) based on which the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) action would be assessed after implementation in REDD+ countries. However, evidence after decades of the REDD+ implementation in the global south reveal that forest dependent people are being displaced from the forest commons by powerful timber plantation developers who although are beneficiaries of a REDD+ funding window, have competing policy interests, thereby reinforcing the idea of political economy in climate change processes. Meanwhile, some researchers propose that in order to properly diagnose the claim of community forestland struggles due to the REDD+, there is the need to situate the phenomenon within the proper context of political economy, due to the large variety of formal and informal interest groups and actors involved. However, little empirical studies have been conducted in that regard. This study is therefore carried out mainly to ascertain the presence and effect of the REDD+ political economy on agrarian land access within the off-reserve forests. Principal Component Analysis is employed together with multivariate Linear Regression to assess the linkage between REDD+ Political Economy and Agrarian Land Access by farmers. The finding reveals that REDD+ political economy is not responsible for displacing farmers from the off-reserve forestlands in the Offinso forest district of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. On the contrary, three socio-economic factors (namely, cost of land, total annual household income and squatting on forestlands) statistically determine a farmer’s chances of access to land within the off-reserve. Access to credit was also found to be the most pressing constraint facing farmers within the district. Finally, even though many of the respondents (81%) have never heard of Ghana’s REDD+ action, about 100% of the farmers have a very good understanding and appreciation of the need for reducing deforestation and forest degradation, and conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks which overlaps entirely with the UNFCCC REDD+ mission and vision. It is therefore the recommendation of this study that apart from Government of Ghana incentivizing Rural and Micro Finance Institutions (RMFIs) to patronize rural financing especially in cocoa growing landscapes, the key outcome of COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, UK in 2021 to honor the 2009 pledge to invest US$100billion in Climate Change mitigation in less wealthy nations such as Ghana be effectuated to help provide financial impetus for securing agricultural livelihoods.Item Covid-19 And Its Impact On The Profit Of Mango Value Chain Actors In Southern Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2022-12) Bright, K.This study assessed COVID-19 and its impact on the profitability of mango value chain actors in southern Ghana. Specifically, the study sought to analyze the governance structure and linkages that exist in disseminating market information along the mango value chain, examined the determinants of marketing outlets used by the value chain actors (producers, distributors and processors), analysed the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the profit of value chain actors and also analyzed the various factors constraining the mango value chain in Ghana. Data was collected with a well-structured questionnaire from 240 respondents consisting of 150 farmers, 60 distributors and 30 processors in Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta regions of Ghana. Panel data for 2019 and 2020 production season was obtained from these actors. Social Network Analysis (SNA), multinomial logistic regression, difference in difference and Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance models were used to analyze the various specific objectives whilst using STATA 14 software. Retailers and FBOs were identified to be the most influential and prominent nodes respectively in disseminating market information within the value chain. FBOs were found to be the main bridging nodes in the network. Farm size, FBO membership, quantity produced, reliable customers and gender were found to be the key determinants of mango producers marketing outlet decisions. Ownership of transport, reliable customers, number of buyers and higher price were the key factors influencing the choice of marketing outlet by distributors. Mango processors are heavily influenced by higher prices and gender in choosing their marketing outlet. The outbreak of COVID-19 disease had a negative impact on the profit of mango producers and distributors while processors had positive impact of COVID-19 on their profit. The most pressing constraints confronting the mango producers, distributors and processors include incidence of pests and diseases, post-harvest losses and poor quality of mango fruit respectively. The study concluded that within the value chain retailers and FBOs are the major sources and receivers of market information respectively. Mango producers and distributors experienced a decline in their profit as a result of COVID-19 pandemic while processors profit increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study recommends that FBOs and retailers should be central and key stakeholders in policy development for the distribution of market information in the mango sector. Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) at the district level should encourage mango farmers to increase their farm size and join cooperatives, and distributors should be encouraged to own transport facility to aid in transportation of the fruits to maximize their profits during an exogenous situation like COVID-19 pandemic. MoFA together with Tree Crop AuthorityItem Inducing Genetic Variability In Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata, L. Walp Var. Asontem) Using Ethyl Methane Sulfonate(University Of Ghana, 2021-09) Gyamfi, M.O.Unique variants are desired in the development of genetically improved crops to meet farmer and market needs hence ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) was used to induce genetic variability in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata cv. Asontem). The main objective of this research was to characterize induced variations in EMS chemically mutagenized population of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp Var. Asontem) in the M1 and M2 generations. The optimum concentration (LD50) of EMS for generating the mutagenized population was determined by treating seeds with different concentrations of EMS (0.0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6% and 0.8% v/v) and observing the germination count after 5 days. Three thousand cowpea seeds were treated with the LD50 concentration to generate the M1 population. Mutagenized seeds were sown with 500 untreated seeds serving as control (wild type). Data on qualitative and quantitative traits were collected during the evaluation of the M1 generation using Cowpea Descriptor of the IBPGR (1983). M2 seeds obtained after the M1 generation were sown and evaluated for morphological mutations in quantitative and qualitative traits. Data analysis was done using statistical software R, STATA and excel. The optimum dose (LD50) determined was 0.4%. The percentage germinations in the mutagenized population and wild type were 17.8% and 61.6% respectively. Percentage survival was higher in wild type (98.38%) as compared with the M1 population (78.46%). Frequency distribution analysis revealed variations in both the qualitative and quantitative traits observed in the M1 and M2 generations. Different phenotypic classes were observed in plant pigmentation, pod curvature, leaf shape, leaf colour, seed shape and seed coat colour. Individuals in the M1 population were widely distributed for measurements of chlorophyll content, plant height, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of locules per pod and number of seeds per pods as compared with the wild type. Principal component analysis revealed that he quantitative traits in the M1 population had first four principal components contributing to 77.22% of the total variability observed whiles the first four principal components in the wild type accounted for 75.26% variability. In the wild type, the first three principal components of qualitative traits accounted for total variability whereas, the first four principal components of qualitative traits in the M1 population accounted for 89.96% variability. During the M2 generation, percentage germination in the M2 population (74.03%) was lower than the wild type (80%). A wide spectrum of morphological abnormalities was observed in the M2 population. There were 1.59% that had abnormal leaflet number, 0.4% had variegated leaves, 0.14% xantha and albino mutants, 0.55% with irregular leaves. M2 individuals were widely distributed for days to flowering, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, number of locules per pods, percentage seed set, pod length and number of seeds per plant. Chi-square test of associations of qualitative traits had only one insignificant association in the wild type while a total of 27 associations were observed in the M2 with 13 significant associations. A total of 28 pairwise correlations were estimated among the 7 quantitative traits in the M2 population and all correlations were significant. Principal component analysis showed that the quantitative traits in the M2 population had first four principal components contributing to 95.58% of the total variability observed whiles the first four principal components in the wild type accounted for 92.20% variability. In the wild type, the first two principal components of qualitative traits accounted for total variability whereas, the first four principal components of qualitative traits in the M2 population accounted for 76.77% variability. Assessment of diversity using both quantitative and qualitative traits grouped the M2 generation into 7 major clusters. About 2.88% of the total M2 population performed significantly higher than the wild type for number of seeds per plant, 2.59% performed significantly higher than the wild type for number of pods per plant. Top 20 individuals selected for number of seeds per plant had significantly higher performance in other yield attributing characters. In conclusion, the EMS mutagenesis was effective in inducing the unique variations that will be useful for breeding and development of new farmer preferred varieties.Item The Influence Of Capacity Building Projects On Farmer Innovative Performance And Poverty Reduction: The Case Of USAID Feed The Future Projects In Northern Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Odonkor, E.N.Capacity building constitutes an integral part of development assistance that seeks to build the understanding, skills, and knowledge base of individuals and institutions in developing countries in a bid to improve the productivity of agriculture. Out of about 41.2% of the economically active people who are engaged in agriculture in Ghana, 72% are in northern Ghana. The study set out to investigate how farmer participation in the USAID Feed the Future Initiative capacity- building activities influenced their innovative performance and how that affected their yields in northern Ghana. The study also examined the relationship between the yields of the selected crops and the incomes, food security, and well-being of the farmers in that part of the country. The study was conducted in eight districts in all the five northern regions in Ghana. The study adopted a mixed-method approach and therefore used both qualitative and quantitative data. Using a survey and focus group discussions, data was collected from 314 farmers who participated in the selected capacity-building projects of the USAID FTF initiative in Ghana. The data was analysed with descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon sign ranked test, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis test. The study revealed that farmer participation in the USAID FTF capacity-building projects influenced their innovative performance in terms of the utilization and sharing of the knowledge and skills acquired from the project activities. The majority of the farmers acquired high knowledge, and a majority are also practicing what they have learnt. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that utilization of knowledge and information sharing impacted innovative performance as compared to knowledge acquisition alone. However not many of the farmers are sharing information about the things they have learned. This affected their innovative performance. As a result, farmer innovative performance did not influence the yield of the selected crops as was expected. However, the yields of the crops improved after farmers participated in the project activities. It was also revealed that there is a significant relationship between farmers’ crop productivity and their incomes which was expected to impact their food security and well-being. Although there was a significant relationship between maize productivity and food security, there was no significant relationship between rice and soybean productivity and food security. There was statistically significant relationship between rice and soybean productivity and farmers’ well-being but no statistically significant relationship between maize productivity and well-being. Generally, there is perceived improvement in income, food security and well-being of the farmers after participating in the project activities. This implies that the capacity building projects have impacted poverty positively and have enhanced poverty mitigation in northern Ghana. The study recommends that government policies and programmes meant to improve farmer innovativeness should target building the capacity of farmers through field demonstrations. Government policies should also support innovative farmers to lead farmer to farmer extension. It is also recommended that effort must be put into the continuous improvement of maize productivity to boost farmers’ incomes and enhance their well-being in northern Ghana.Item Pre And Post-Harvest Calcium And Ethephon Treatment On The Physiology, Quality And Shelf-Life Of Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Allotey, A.N.A.The storage stability and shelf-life of agricultural produce is of great concern to both producers and consumers. Due to the harsh climatic conditions of the tropics, sweetpotato roots deteriorate at an increasing rate posing a challenge to its post-harvest storage life. The pre-harvest and post-harvest application of calcium salts has been successful in slowing down the ripening process of agricultural produce and reducing produce loss of firmness. The firmness of crops can be maintained through the application of calcium salts (calcium chloride) by stabilizing cell membranes and enhancing cell turgor. Ethylene, a naturally occurring plant growth hormone is also used in improving the growth of plants and has diverse effects on the development, growth and storage life of agricultural produce. In this research, calcium chloride was applied at two different concentrations at the sixth and twelfth week after Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato cultivation and ethephon, seven days before harvest as foliar spray. Untreated roots were also dipped in the same calcium chloride and ethephon treatment concentrations a day after harvest. The changes in the physiological, biochemical and overall quality and shelf-life (weight loss, sprouting, decay, shrinkage) was studied. The efficacy of calcium chloride in inhibiting the growth of certain pathogens was also assessed and the anti-fungal activity of the calcium chloride was determined by measuring the mycelia growth of the pathogens. The pathogens isolated from the orange-fleshed sweetpotato included Botryodiplodia theobromae and Colletotricum spp. The results showed that calcium chloride at 2% and 4% concentration was not able to inhibit the growth of the pathogens. Both pre- and post-harvest treatment applications inhibited sprouting of the sweetpotato roots. However, the pre- and post-harvest calcium and ethephon treatments were not able to reduce the physiological weight loss, shrinkage and decay of the orange-fleshed sweetpotato roots. The pre- and post-harvest calcium chloride and ethephon treatments had no significant effect on the biochemical properties of the roots as compared to the control.