ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Community participation in ecotourism: the case of Bobiri forest reserve and butterfly sanctuary in Ashanti Region of Ghana

Community participation which is a bottom-up approach by which communities are actively involved in projects to solve their own problems, has been touted by various stakeholders as a potent approach to ecotourism development since it ensures greater conservation of natural and cultural resources, empowers host communities and improves their socio-economic well-being. While many ecotourism projects have been developed in or near protected areas such as forest reserves, such projects sometimes exclude the local communities who depend on the natural resources in those areas. The major objective of this study was to investigate the nature and extent of participation of local communities in ecotourism development and management in the Bobiri Forest Reserve and Butterfly Sanctuary (BFRBS). Data for the study was collected from residents, members of traditional councils and members of forest management committees of the three communities adjoining the forest reserve namely Krofofrom, Kubease and Nobewam. Results of the study indicate that community involvement is elusive to a greater majority of the people and this is attributed to the low level of the forest-fringe communities’ involvement in the project though some community members had derived modest benefits. The communities can therefore be placed at the level of induced participation on Tosun’s (1999) typology which tallies with degrees of tokenism on Arnstein’s (1969) typology. The study has both policy and research implications relating to the achievement of sustainable tourism development at the host community level

Source: UCC
Community participation in forest resources management of the Kakum Conservation Area of Central Region

The Kakum National Park (KNP), located within the tropical forest, protects the watershed of the Kakum river system. The study was carried out to find out the extent of community participation in the forest management of the Kakum Conservation Area. Two communities along the park were purposively selected. Abrafo-Odumase and Jukwa Mfuom are the southern and the northern gateways to the Kakum National Park. The case study approach was used for the work focusing on collaboration in forest conservation. In all, 120 participants were selected for the study which included tour guides and officers from the park, opinion leaders, community leaders and community members. Data were collected using semi-structured interview and interview guide. Responses were coded and analysed. Findings indicated that there was limited community involvement in the management of the Kakum forest, unfulfilled expectations of the local people, ineffective communication and interactive processes, and limited empowerment opportunities for the communities. The study recommends a strong collaboration based on understanding between the management of the park and the local communities in order to achieve a successful forest conservation project. Park managers are urged to make community participation more attractive, create structures within the management to enhance communication that will promote collaboration with shared norms and values.

Source: UCC
Community participation in malaria control strategy of intersect oral collaboration in Ghana: Myth or reality?

Background: For many years, malaria has been one of the main health concerns of the government of Ghana. The government has recently implemented a control strategy which will ensure the inclusion of the community members who were previously excluded from the process. Until now, however, scientific study on this strategy has been scanty. Objectives: The objectives were to investigate the level at which communities have been allowed to participate and to understand whether the idea of community participation in malaria control strategy is a myth or a reality. Methods: Data were collected in the rural district of Ahafo-Ano South in the Ashanti region of Ghana. An exploratory qualitative approach was employed in order to ascertain the opinions of the local health officials and community members. The level of participation was measured using the framework of Arnstein’s ‘ladder’ of participation, as developed in 1969. Results: Evidence showed that the level of community participation was only tokenistic. Communities were only informed and/or consulted after decisions had been made, but the real engagement and negotiations were absent. Communities thus had limited opportunities to air their views in the planning process. Conclusion: This article has revealed that the government’s vision of ensuring community participation in the malaria control policy-making process can be said to be a myth rather than a reality.

Source: UCC
Community participation in managing petroleum revenues in Akyinkyin in the Western Region of Ghana

The oil sector contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), provides jobs and community development in Ghana. In June, 2007 when oil was discovered on the Jubilee fields in Ghana, it brought jubilation to the populace, especially the oil producing western region as the nation was to generate an extra source of revenue for the country’s growth agenda. Despite the immense contribution of oil revenues, community members have been relegated towards contributing to petroleum revenue management in Ghana. The study therefore examined community participation in managing petroleum revenues in Akyinkyin in the western region. The research employed both quantitative and qualitative designs. The simple random and purposive sampling method was used in selecting respondents. Questionnaire and focus group discussion guide was the main data collection instrument and a sample size of 120 respondents was used. Frequencies, tables, percentages and themes were also used to present the data. The research found that respondents have adequate knowledge on community participation. It was also identified that community members are not involved in managing petroleum revenues and that the local people do not even have any representation on the board of governance in charge of petroleum revenue management. It is therefore recommended that government should implement appropriate engagement techniques at different stages in the management of petroleum activities in order to avoid conflict.

Source: UCC
Community participation in rural secondary schools in the Atwima Mponua district of Asanti region

The study sought to look at community participation in rural secondary schools in the Atwima Mponua District of Ashanti. It examined contributions and views of parents, the local community and the various functionaries in the areas of community participation. The study used descriptive survey method and data were collected from respondents through questionnaire. The population was made up of the headmasters of the two Senior Secondary Schools, teachers, parents, members ofthe Boards of Govemors and some opinion leaders. Frequencies and percentages were used to present the results. The study revealed that the community had positive attitude towards community participation in education in the district. They contributed mostly through the provision of building materials and communal labour. It was found out from the study that the community was generally involved in decision making in the schools. This was mostly done through the Board and PTA. Despite the level of involvement of the community in the community in the management of the schools, there is the need for continuous public education on community participation. This could be done at functions like Speech-Days and school durbars. Churches and past student associations are to be encouraged to get involved in the management of schools.

Source: UCC
Community Participation in Solid Waste Management Policy-making Process at the Local Government Level In Cape Coast Metropolis

ABSTRACT “The study aims at examining community participation issues with regards to Ghana’s solid waste management policy making process at the local governance level in Cape Coast Metropolis. The mixed method and embedded design were used for this study. Convenience sampling and purposive sampling were used for the study to obtain a total of 217 respondents. Questionnaires were used for data collection from assembly members and unit-committee members and the other respondents were interviewed. Statistical tools such as means, standard deviations, percentages and frequencies were used to analyse the data. The results indicate that community members do not take part in decision making regarding solid waste management in Ghana. Members of the communities are only presented with policies on sanitation and laws to comply with without being engaged on how the policies are drawn. The results also indicate that socio-political, trust, community awareness and inclusiveness are factors that drive or facilitate the participation in the solid waste management policy making process at the local governance level. The study found that politicization, lack of awareness of programme and lack of inclusiveness in the policy-making process are the major obstacles that hinder community participation. It was thus recommended that the management of the assembly should maintain credibility in the implementation of the various measures to enhance community participation in the solid waste management policy-making process. The study also recommends that the Metropolitan assembly should take the sensitization and education of the general public seriously.”

Source: UCC
Community Participation in Solid Waste Management Policy-making Process at the Local Government Level in Cape Coast Metropolis

The study aims at examining community participation issues with regards to Ghana’s solid waste management policy making process at the local governance level in Cape Coast Metropolis. The mixed method and embedded design were used for this study. Convenience sampling and purposive sampling were used for the study to obtain a total of 217 respondents. Questionnaires were used for data collection from assembly members and unit-committee members and the other respondents were interviewed. Statistical tools such as means, standard deviations, percentages and frequencies were used to analyse the data. The results indicate that community members do not take part in decision making regarding solid waste management in Ghana. Members of the communities are only presented with policies on sanitation and laws to comply with without being engaged on how the policies are drawn. The results also indicate that socio-political, trust, community awareness and inclusiveness are factors that drive or facilitate the participation in the solid waste management policy making process at the local governance level. The study found that politicization, lack of awareness of programme and lack of inclusiveness in the policy-making process are the major obstacles that hinder community participation. It was thus recommended that the management of the assembly should maintain credibility in the implementation of the various measures to enhance community participation in the solid waste management policy-making process. The study also recommends that the Metropolitan assembly should take the sensitization and education of the general public seriously.

Source: UCC
Community participation in the development of basic education in the New Juaben municipality

The main aim of the study was to investigate the extent to which the communities of the New Juabeng Municipality participated in improving access and quality of Basic Education in the country. The sample size for the study was 196 respondents consisting of 20 Basic heads and 20 teachers, 40 School Management Committees members, 40 Parent-Teacher Association Executives, 40 Parents, 13 Education Officers, 13 Municipal Assembly members, and 10 members of Unit Committees. These groups of people were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Research data was collected by means of questionnaire. The study showed that the community members were aware of the need to participate in the provision of basic education. However, they did not know their specific roles they needed to play in the schools. It was also revealed that lack of communication, resources and time on the part of parents and the community in general were major setbacks. As at the time of the study there was no community participation coordinator at the municipal education office. On the basis of the findings, the following recommendations were made: They assembly, teachers, education officers should encourage parents to have time and take responsibilities and support the school during P.T.A/SMC meetings and workshops, sensitize the communities on the importance of their involvement and their specific roles in monitoring, supervising and managing basic schools. Effective communication link should be established with all stakeholders and community participation coordinator should be restored at the education office.

Source: UCC
Community participation in the development of ecotourism: A case study of the mole National park

Government acquired the Mole Park and its surrounding region from the rural dwellers for protection, over three decades ago. The present generation of local residents (i.e. the descendants of those who released the land to government) are disgruntled and strongly feel that they have become victims of an inappropriate and unpopular acquisition of their land. The main objective of the study was to assess the extent and nature of community involvement In the rural development initiatives of the Mole National Park. To generate data for the study, different sets of structured and non-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 280 local residents (including 27 community Elders), 39 tourists and 30 park employees. The local residents and the Park employees were randomly sampled, whiles the tourists (both foreign and domestic) were purposively chosen to answer the questionnaires. Participatory techniques such as Focused Group Discussions (FGDsj, Community Interviews (CIS), and direct observations were also used to generale data from relevant organisations, including the Park Management. West Gonja District Assembly, Ghana Tourist Board, and from a number of distinguished individuals.

Source: UCC
Community participation in the educational reform - the SMC factor in the Shama-Ahanta East metropolitan area

At a time in the nation's history when government policy was in the direction of community participation in the educational delivery process, this research was undertaken to establish the effect the attitudes of School Management Committee members have on the academic performance of their respective basic schools. The study centred on school communities in the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan area of the Western Region of Ghana. The metropolitan area has quite a good number of basic schools. The 18 school committees sampled for the study were spread equally over the three submetros of Takoradi, Sekondi and Shama. The descriptive approach formed the design for the research. Structured questionnaires, the return rate of which stood at 88.2 percent were used to collect data for the project. These questionnaires were distributed among SMC members, Headteachers/teachers (secretaries), GES personnel at the Education office. In the analysis of the data collected, simple percentages were used. The findings were that the attitudes shown by members of School Management Committees had an effect on the academic work of basic schools. It was further revealed that SMC members in the urban parts of the metropolis had a better attitude to their work than their counterparts in the rural setting, while male SMC members showed a more positive attitude than the female members. Though achieving a fifty-fifty parity of male-female members on School Management Committees could be an uphill task difficult to accomplish, well planned workshops to educate SMC members were recommended to improve their attitudes. Also it was recommended that some stipend paid to SMC members would go a long way to improve upon their performance.

Source: UCC
Community participation in the Ghana poverty reduction strategy in the Twifu-Heman-Lower Denkyira District

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in 1999 approved the Poverty Reduction Strategies Paper (PRSP) approachto reducing poverty for the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC). One of the underlying principles of the PRSP is participation of key actors. Using the ladder of citizen participation framework, the paper investigates the levels of participation of key community partners in the implementation of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (GPRSP) which was produced in 2003. A total of 406 questionnaires were administered to sampled heads of households in six communities chosen from the Twifu-Heman Lower Denkyira District in the Central Region of Ghana. The chi-square and the K-Means cluster statistical techniques were used to analyze the data. In general, citizens described their participation in the implementation of the GPRSP as non-participation. The cluster analysis showed a significant relationship between cluster membership and the geographical location of respondents. The perception on participation of other key community partners in the GPRSP varied. For instance, participation of the District Assembly members was perceived as citizen power, while participation of traditional authority and unit committee members were considered as non-participation and tokenism respectively

Source: UCC
Community participation in the planning and the management of the community school alliance (CSA) project in Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam district

This is a case study of how community members were involved in the planning and management of the Community School Alliance (CSA) project in the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District (AEED). The main objective was to evaluate the nature and importance of community participation in the planning and management of the CSA project in AEED. The design of the study was evaluative, descriptive and cross sectional in nature. In all, four partnership school communities, namely Aworodo, Bisiase, Essiam and Fawomanye, were studied to find out how the communities were involved in the CSA project. The main stakeholders of the project were the CSA, the District Education Office (DEO), and the communities. The lottery method of simple random sampling technique was used to select 100 community members. Purposive sampling was also adopted to select three staff from the CSA, DEO and the AEEDA. In total, a sample of 185 was used for the study. Structured questionnaire, interview schedules and focus group discussion guides were used to collect data from the respondents of the study. Findings from the study indicated that the utilization of local resources, training and supervision as well as the use of existing community based group and institutions helped in the successful implementation and maintenance of the community based projects, in all four communities. It is, therefore, recommended that communities should be encouraged to identify their own project so as to take advantage of the strong relationship between project identification and implementation.

Source: UCC
Community participation in the provision of basic education in the Mfanstiman municipality of the central region of Ghana

The study was conducted to explore the state of community involvement in the provision of basic education in the Mfantsiman Municipality of the Central Region. The research design used for the study was a descriptive survey. A total sample of 260 respondents made up of officers of municipal education directorate, teachers and PTAs/SMCs and Municipal Assembly members were selected for the study. These respondents were drawn from 50 Basic Schools which were randomly selected from the total number of 98 schools in the municipality. The simple random sampling using the lottery method was used to select the respondents. The survey employed the use of questionnaire which was pilot tested with a Cronbach Alpha Reliability Coefficient of .832. The descriptive statistics was used to analyse data where frequency counts, percentages and tables were employed. The analysis revealed that community participation was greatly felt in terms of the provision of land for school projects and communal labour to help put up school projects. However, it was realised that community involvement in terms of financial assistance was relatively low. Again, members of the community did not show keen interest in the teachers’ use of instructional hours as well as in the welfare of teachers. The research thus recommends that collaboration between the school and the community be strengthened to ensure that the community’s participation in education delivery becomes stronger. Again, there should be effective strategies such as frequent visits by circuit supervisors to monitor the use of contact hours.

Source: UCC
Community participation in the provision of basic education in the new Juaben municipality

Community participation in the provision of basic education was given government backing as a means of bringing the school and the community closer. By this the community was expected to compliment government’s effort in the provision of basic education in the communities. A descriptive survey was used to investigate community participation in the provision of basic education in the New Juaben municipality. Questionnaire was the main instrument used to collect data for the study. A total of 170 respondents comprises head teachers, teachers, circuit supervisors and community members, chiefs, SMCs and PTAs answered the questionnaires. The study revealed that there was awareness in the municipality about the need for communities to participate in the provision of basic education. There were kinds of relationship between the schools and communities. Communities provided the schools with some financial and material support and also take part in school governance. The SMCs and PTAs served as the main channel of communication between the school and the communities. It is recommended from the study that communities should do well to perform their roles towards the development of education. Again, the schools and teachers should share in the social life of the communities.

Source: UCC
Community participation in the provision of quality basic education in the Lawra district of the upper west region

The study was on the participation of communities in the provision of quality basic education in the Lawra District of the Upper West Region. The study assessed the contribution communities make towards basic education delivery. Sensitization of community members towards development of the school was an area of concern. The perception on the impact of community participation in bringing quality basic education to the district was also looked at. The population covered GES personnel and traditional leaders whereas the sample was made among parents, chiefs, teachers and other stakeholders. A questionnaire that comprises both open-ended and close-ended instruments was used for data collection. The statistical method adopted for the study was the descriptive survey design. The data were tallied using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Percentages were calculated for the summary of the various responses. The main findings of the study were that communities in the Lawra district offer their support to improve basic education. It was also discovered that a form of sensitization forum aimed at educating communities on the need to support basic education, took place in the district. The study made clear recommendations: Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and School Management Committee (SMC) should be revived and their contributions acknowledged. Community participation should also be strengthened. The key roles that communities are to play as stakeholders of education should be clearly outlined.

Source: UCC