ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Participation in contract farming and farm performance: Insights from cashew farmers in Ghana

The global demand for cashew nuts continues to increase steadily. However, many African countries face difficulties in marketing and adding value to the product. Using recent survey data of 391 cashew farmers in Ghana, this paper contributes to the growing evidence on the significance of contract farming (CF) in improving the welfare of rural households in developing countries. Specifically, the paper analyzes the factors that influence cashew farmers’ decisions to participate in CF, and the impact of participation on farmers’ performance. We employ a recently developed switching regression model with endogenous explanatory variables and endogenous switching to control for selection bias caused by observable and unobservable factors. The empirical results show that participation in CF significantly increases labor productivity and price margins, as well as cashew yields, and net revenues. A disaggregated analysis of the sample into farm size categories reveals that small-sized cashew farms tend to benefit more through CF, compared to medium- and large-sized farms

Source: UCC
Participation in professional programmes and curriculum implementation: perspectives of senior high school french teachers in Ghana

Professional development is a sine-qua-non to increasing teachers’ skills and abilities in curriculum implementation. Yet, in recent times, policy makers, school heads and teachers have given it little attention. This study therefore focuses on investigating the impact of teachers’ participation in professional programmes on curriculum implementation at the SHS. The research adopted the concurrent mixed approach in documenting facts about teachers’ professional development and implementation. Evidence was gathered through surveys and interviews on seventy two (72) and eight (8) teachers respectively, drawn using multiple sampling procedures. It was found that teachers of French at the SHS participate in professional programmes such as the ones organised by CREF, GAFT and the GES. However, teachers had negative perceptions about the content of these programmes since they did not in enhance teacher knowledge, skills of teaching and students’ achievement. It was also found that a positive significant relationship [r(72) = .804, p < .05 given α = .05 and p –value =.008] exists between participation in professional programmes and curriculum implementation. Based on these outcomes, the study recommends that for maximum impact, content of professional development programmes be aligned with the curriculum so teachers’ implementation challenges could be addressed for enhanced student learning.

Source: UCC
Participation of civil society organisations in local level governance in Twifo Hemang lower Denkyira district

Ghana’s local government system is premised on citizen’s participation at the local level. Since the enactment of the Local Government Law in 1993, governance structures and systems have been put in place to grant greater autonomy and administrative capacity to local governments, without a commensurate enhancement in the capacity and quality of participation of citizens at the local level. Apart from examining the nature and organisation of civil society organisations, the study focuses on the experience of civil society’s engagement with the current structures and processes of governance, highlighting the levels, forms and the effectiveness of the existing institutional framework for the participation of civil society organisations in local level governance. A qualitative method was employed to gather data through focus group discussions and interviews with members of civil society organisations and key informants at the Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira District Assembly in the Central Region. A focus group discussion guide and an interview schedule were developed to elicit responses from members of civil society organisations and 10 key informants from the District Assembly. The study concluded that the existing institutional, legal and policy framework for civil society participation in decision making at the local level is ineffective in promoting participation and recommends a stronger and mandatory policy guideline that compels the District Assembly to involve local civil society organisations in political, social and economic decision making at the local level. It also emphasises the need for civil society re-organisation and orientation to enhance their capacity to appreciate governance and participate accordingly.

Source: UCC
Participation of persons with special needs in the tourism industry: A case study of Cape Coast Municipality

The disabled constitute 10% of the total population of the Central Region. Since the introduction of tourism in the region, only a few of them have participated fully in the industry. In the Cape Coast municipality, for instance, apart from traditional dances and cultural performances that are put up at the castle and at durbar grounds by the deaf, little is heard of the disabled in the town. Using data from a survey involving 145 respondents some disabled and others without disabilities and 14 hoteliers in the Cape Coast municipality, the study sought to determine the extent to which the disabled participate in the tourism industry in the municipality. The results showed that most hotels and attractions do not make adequate provisions to cater for the needs of the disabled. Facilities available at these places are not 'user friendly' to the disabled especially those with physical handicaps like the crippled. It was also found out that personnel at these attractions do not have special skills that would enable them communicate fi-eely with the disabled. The general implication is that, most people with impairments would decline from embarking on tourism. This also means that the gap existing between the able and disabled would continue to widen. The aim of tourism, which is to bring together all classes of people from different socio-economic backgrounds would thus be defeated. It is suggested that tourism plant owners should try as much as possible to put the needs of the disabled into consideration when designing their facilities.

Source: UCC
The participation of school management committee and parents teacher association in the administration of basic Schools in Obuasi municipality

The study was conducted to find out whether the School Management Committee (SMC) or Parent Teacher Association participated in basic school administration to improve education. The study was carried out in the basic schools of the Obuasi Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.The respondents who were community members, SMC members, PTA members teachers, head teachers, and parents were randomly sampled for the research. In all, the researcher visited 100 schools to administer the questionnaire with the help of head teachers and teachers. Distribution of sample for the study included 250 teachers and 50 parents, making a total of 300 respondents. Prepared questionnaire for collection of data from respondents consisted of closed-ended items. The questionnaire was pilot-tested in four basic schools because of proximity and also due to similar characteristics of the schools to those selected for the study. The pilot-test assisted in removing ambiguities from the questionnaire. The responses were analyzed using frequencies and percentages.The findings of the study show that the SMC and the PTA participated in the administration of basic schools in Obuasi Municipality by taking part in decision-making, providing school furniture and repairing broken down ones. Community members were active in school programmes by providing furniture and attending PTA and SMC meetings.Among the recommendations made were that the PTA should regularly visit the school to monitor children’s performance. The parent should help teachers by providing them with accommodation. The SMC should resolve problems of teachers and pupils in order to support the school to progress academically.

Source: UCC
Participation of women in local governance in the Ashanti Mampong municipality

The study examined the factors that prevented women from actively participating in local level governance and politics in the Ashanti Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region. To be able to get the views of a cross section of women on the issue, 230 respondents comprising university lecturers, tutors from Colleges of Education, political party activists, nurses and teachers took part in the study. A self-administered questionnaire, which also served as an interview guide in some instances was the instrument used for data collection. Analysis of data was done manually and electronically. The electronic analysis was done with the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 12.0. Results of the study showed that the factors that militated against women’s low participation in politics and governance were political, social, economic and cultural. Among the militating factors were inadequate party support, such as limited financial support for women candidates and minimum networking among women within their party. Others were lack of independent decision-making in party politics, women’s lack of confidence to run for elections, lack of avenues for orienting young women toward political life and time management constraints. Furthermore, it was found that lack of financial support and cultural barriers were among the factors that prevented women to exercise rights that laws had provided for them. In effect, it was recommended that affirmative action policies should be used by government and political parties to give meaning to women’s participation in politics and governance.

Source: UCC
Participation of women in the root and tuber improvement programme and its perceived influence on household food security in the Western region of Ghana

To examine and assess the perceived level and factors related to women's participation in RTIP since it was launched in 1999, a descriptive-correlational study was designed to examine the perception of women and AEAs on women's participation in RTIP and its perceived influence on household food security. One hundred and twenty (120) women and 30 AEAs involved in RTIP were randomly selected from three (3) RTIP implementing districts namely; Bibiani-AnhwiasoBekwai, Mpohor Wassa East and Shama Ahanta East in the Western Region for the study. The women were interviewed using content validated interview schedules and the AEAs completed a set of questionnaire. Data obtained were analysed using the computer software, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Windows 10.0). Descriptive statistics involving frequencies, percentages, and means were computed to describe the data Correlation statistics (Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficients) were used to determine the relationship between the level of women's participation in RTIP activities and factors related to women's participation (independent variables and the dependent variables for the study). Finally, a stepwise multiple regression analysis was run to determine the best predictors of women's participation. Results from the analysis of the data revealed that, the level of women's participation in RTIP activities was generally very low in the selected districts. The level of women's participation in RTIP activities had significant and positive relationships with awareness of RTIP (r=0.248 ; p<0.05), the level of education (r=0.239; p<0.05), tangibility of benefits (r=0.301; p<0.05) and the extent of participation (r=0.544; p<0.05). The predictors of women's attitudes towards participation in RTIP were found to be the extent of participation and tangibility of benefits. These two factors explained 30% (R2 = .302) of the variance in women's participation in RTIP. Women in RTIP believed that, important factors that facilitated their participation were involvement in training/workshops/seminars, involvement in programme implementation and tangibility of benefits. Factors that limited women's participation were poverty, access to extension/training, access to credits/funds, and access/high cost of labour. Women also believed that increasing their awareness in RTIP, encouraging them to participate in FLP/RTIP activities, and regular extension services/training would go a long way to enhance their level of participation in RTIP. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations among others were made: a. Women should be involved in all aspects of RTIP activities. b. District and Metropolitan Assemblies should support women with soft loans from the Poverty Alleviation Fund to expand their RTIP businesses. c. Women should be encouraged to form groups to enable them access soft loans from banks and other resources such as land from community/family heads and labour through associations and labour pools.

Source: UCC
Participatory Teaching and Learning Approach: A Framework for Teaching Redox Reactions at High School Level

This study aimed at designing a framework to help students develop a conceptual understanding of redox reactions, which draws on constructivist learning theory. This framework was in the form of participatory teaching and learning approach comprising Insight, Interaction, Task, and Forum. The framework was designed and developed based on the literature and used in a teaching trial. At the prototype phase of the design-based approach, a mixed methods design was employed in data collection. Fifteen students from a second-year senior high school class responded to the achievement test and interacted with the researchers. A stratified sampling procedure was used to select the students. In lessons on redox reactions, the framework helped the teacher to identify students‟ alternative conceptions and confronted them through cognitive engagements leading to conceptual understanding in redox reactions. Percentages, related samples t-test, and themes were used to analyse data. The results showed that there was an improvement in students‟ conceptual understanding of redox reactions. It is, therefore, recommended that chemistry educators and researchers should use the framework in large scale research to assure the scientific community the efficacy of it in developing conceptual change in students.

Source: UCC
Particle size and free iron oxide distribution in some tropical soils derived from amphibolite

The patterns of distribution of particle size and free Fe20 3 (Na-dithionite-extractable (Fe(d) and NH.-oxalate-extractable (Fe( 0) were studied in five representative soil profiles in south-western Nigeria. The soils were found to vary from slightly acid to strongly acid. Organic carbon decreased with increasing depth. The pattern of distribution of free fc,o, was related to that of clay in two of the soil profiles (!bule and Adio series). However, in the other three soil profiles (\jare, Owena and ltagunmodi series), free Fe,03 distribution was not related to clay. Silt content did not show any definite pattern of distribution. The content of free Fe2O had reached advanced stage of crystallinity or aging in the soils because of the low Fe(o)/Fe(d) ratios in the soil profiles

Source: UCC
Patients' Perceptions and Satisfaction with Outpatient Healthcare Services in a Public Healthcare Facility: Results from a Patient Exit Survey in Ghana

Patient satisfaction is commonly used as an indicator to measure the quality of healthcare. It embodies the patient's perceived needs, expectations, and experience of healthcare. The aim of this study was to assess patients’ perceptions and satisfaction with outpatient healthcare services at the Tamale Central Hospital in Northern Ghana. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the outpatient department (OPD) of Tamale Central Hospital in the Northern Region of Ghana. Purposive and convenient sampling methods were used to sample 385 outpatients. Exit interviews were conducted with a three-point Likert scale questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to assess the association between the overall satisfaction level and socio-demographic characteristics of the patients. Results: Most, 169(44.9%), of the patients were in the age range of 18-30 years. The majority of the patients were satisfied with the physical environment at the OPD (n=293, 77.9%). The second highest satisfaction level was with provider interpersonal skills (n=216, 57.5%). However, only 42.3% of the patents were satisfied with the waiting and consultation times measured in this study. The overall patient satisfaction level based on the three domains measured in this study was 61.2%. The results demonstrated a statistically significant association between the overall satisfaction level and patient’s age (x2=17.2038, p=.001), marital status (x2=3.9209, p=.048), and educational level (x2=7.5089, p=.023). Conclusion: Patients' satisfaction with outpatient healthcare services in the hospital could improve if the management of the hospital implemented interventions to minimise patient waiting time and improve the patient-provider relationship. Improved provider-patient ratio and proper filing of patients’ medical records could decrease patient waiting time at the hospital. Furthermore, we recommend in-service training and seminars on patient-provider relationship to enrich provider interpersonal skills as this have the potential to upsurge treatment compliance and improve health outcomes of patients.

Source: UCC
Patients’ Information Leaflets: Its’ Influence on Ophthalmic Patient Education and Medication Compliance

Aims: To investigate the influence of patient information leaflets on Ophthalmic patients’ education and medication compliance. Study Design: Hospital-based cross- sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, UCC, Cape Coast, Ghana, between September 2012 and May 2013. Methodology: A semi - structured questionnaire with sections on patient demographics, patient information leaflets impact on therapeutic education, and medication compliance, was administered to 400 ophthalmic review patients in three eye care facilities in Central Region of Ghana. Patient information leaflets (PILs) of common ophthalmic medications prescribed in these eye centers were also reviewed and assessed on their readability using the Rudolph Flesch’s readability ease calculator. Obtained data was analyzed using SPSS version 19. Pearson’s Chi-square statistical analysis was used to test for significant association between variables. Results: Of the 400 ophthalmic patients, 140 (35%) were males and 260 (65%) females The mean age was 50.2 ± 19.5. Patients had varying opinion on the purpose for the PIL: 228 (57 %) thought the PIL only gives instructions on the use of the medication; 108 (27%) did not know why the PIL have been provided. The remaining 64 (16%) provided no response. There was significant association between higher educational level and reading of the leaflet (P < 0.001). The kind of ophthalmic condition one suffered had a 2 positive influence on reading the PIL ( χ =28.594, P < 0.001). A greater proportion of the patients (88.04%) said various components of information on the leaflet were beneficial in ensuring compliance to therapy. All the PILs from the five different companies (where medication were obtained for retail) had very low readability score (0-29) except some PILs of topical analgesic drug. The low readability score indicated that the text was difficult to comprehend; the reason for which most patients did not read the leaflets. Most patients 91(99%) who read the PILs indicated that they were beneficial but were difficult to understand. Conclusion: Ophthalmic patients’ opinion on patient information leaflets was reasonably good and had a positive influence on patients’ medication compliance. It however, did not have much influence on patient education due to low readability and comprehensible.

Source: UCC
Peculiarities of Locked Intramedullary Nailing in A Deprived Setting

Introduction: Diaphyseal fractures of the femur and tibia are common worldwide with an increased incidence in lowand middle-income countries and are an immense economic burden on the populace. Locked intramedullary nailing is not readily available. We explore the challenges of starting this kind of procedure in a developing country setting. Methods: We study the first 45 consecutive cases of locked intramedullary nailing of the femur and tibia in the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital of the Central Region of Ghana from the period of 2016 to 2019. Results: There were 29 Males and 16 Females with a mean age of 39.8 years and with 76% being in the informal sector of the economy. Road traffic accidents were the commonest cause of injury accounting for 68.9% of fractures. There were 24 femur and 21 Tibia fractures with 51%, 16% and 33% being type A, B and C fractures respectively. Most patients presented within 24 hours of injury and the average waiting time before surgery was 6.1 days. All cases were done via ante grade nailing with an average operating time of 199 minutes for the femur and 147 minutes for the tibia. Average time on admission before discharge was 12.5 days. Conclusion: It is possible to consistently perform locked IM nailing for femur and Tibia diaphyseal fractures even in deprived environments but the surgical teams will require adequate training in the use of specialized equipment and health systems must provide for funding for orthopaedic instrumentation and implants so that these procedures can be undertaken in a timely fashion avoiding complications

Source: UCC
Pedagogic language policy in Ghana and its implementation in primary schools: The case of Ketu Education District

The purpose of the study was to find out whether primary school teachers in both public and private primary schools in the Ketu Education District of the Volta Region of Ghana comply with government policy on language use and language teaching in their schools. The policy itself was examined to see if it is fraught with any problems that make its implementation difficult. A sample of 352 respondents was drawn from teachers and pupils in 44 selected primary schools (35 public and 9 private schools) in the district. The data were collected through the use of questionnaires for teachers and an interview schedule for pupils. Tabular representations, percentages, frequencies, t-test and the chi-square test were the main statistical techniques u.;ed to analyse the data. Most of the teachers in the district could read and write the local language of the area. Moreover, quite a good number of them studied a Ghanaian language at the teacher training college. This notwithstanding, majority of the teachers, even including those in the lower primary schools, either used the English language or mixed medium in teaching their pupils. In fact, for vicious reason they preferred to use the English medium throughout the primary school even though their first language was not different from that of the pupils they taught Teachers in the private schools were more consistent in this.

Source: UCC