ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Farmers' perception of the contribution of maize farming technologies to livelihoods in the Buea sub-division of Cameroon

The main objective of the study was to examine farmers’ perceptions of the contribution of maize farming technologies to livelihoods in the Buea Sub- Division of Cameroon. The specific objectives dealt with farmers’ demographic characteristics and their use of maize technologies, farmers’ views of other factors that influence their use of maize technologies, a comparison of the yields, incomes and livelihood perceptions of farmers who use traditional technologies and those who use improved technologies, and the roles played by extension officers in enabling farmers to adopt and diffuse maize technologies. The study covered 215 farmers who were selected using the simple random sampling technique, while all four extension officers in the subdivision were interviewed. Structured interview schedule and questionnaire for the farmers and extension officers respectively, were employed as the instruments for data collection. The chi square test of independence, mannwhitney u test, cross tabs, pie charts and bar graphs were the methods of data analysis used to analyse and present the results. Results from the study revealed that farmers who used improved maize technologies had higher yields, incomes and better perceptions of their livelihoods than their counterparts who used traditional maize technologies. Among the recommendations made were that farmers should press for the subsidisation of improved maize technologies and training sessions organised by extension officers. This would enable more farmers to have access to the services of the officers and adopt improved technologies to obtain higher yields, incomes and have better perceptions of their livelihoods

Source: UCC
Farmers' perceptions of NGO interventions on agriculture in Mfantsiman and Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem municipalities of the central region of Ghana

Agricultural production by farmers continues to face many challenges. NGOs play an important role by assisting farmers to improve on their production levels and livelihoods. The study was carried out using a descriptive-correlational survey design to examine farmers' perceptions of the effects ofNGO interventions on agriculture in Mfantsiman and KEEA municipalities in the Central Region of Ghana. Four NGOs provided services to the farmers. The results showed that most of the farmers were at least 40 years old, literate, engaged in crop production and cultivated 2 - 5ha of land and had at least 10 years of fanning experience. The study showed that the interventions of NGOs improved the level of agriculture. NGO activities also produced significant improvement in the yield, income, quality of produce, food security, weed control, use of fertilizer/manure, land preparation, housing of animals, disease and pest control, storage and preservation, processing and marketing. Generally, farmers' livelihoods comprising their ability to afford school fees, health, good clothing, decent house and more food were enhanced. The farmers in Mfantsiman Municipality perceived the effects of the interventions to be 'good' while tllose in KEEA Municipality perceived it to be 'very good'. Both male and female farmers perceived the effects of the interventions to be 'good'. The working relationship between fanners and NGOs were perceived to be 'very good'. The study recommends that: 1) NGOs should give farmers adequate credit support. 2) Inputs should be made available and affordable by the government, relevant agencies and NGOs.

Source: UCC
Farmers’ attitudes and problems associated with the adoption of cape saint Paul resistant coconut hybrid in the western region of Ghana

The Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a very important economic crop in Ghana. But its production is currently running down due to the Lethal Yellowing-type disease commonly known as Cape St. Paul Wilt Disease (CSPWD). To avert this situation the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Ghana introduced a hybrid coconut (SGD x VTT) believed to show tolerance to the CSPWD to farmers. The study assessed the problems and attitudes of farmers in the West Ghana towards the adoption of the hybrid. This descriptive study used interviewed responses from selected farmers in the western region of Ghana where the CSPWD is an issue. The results showed that the farmers were aware of CSPWD, its symptoms and the resistant hybrid. The farmers showed favourable attitudes to rejuvenate their farms with the hybrid, but are sceptical about their success in the long-run. Thus, only few had planted the hybrid. Farmers interested in the hybrid expressed common problems of getting true-to-type seedlings at the right time and at a reasonable cost. Salvaging the coconut industry in Ghana will need concerted efforts from MoFA, Crop Research Institute and agro-based coconut industries to support and promote proven CSPWD-resistant coconut varieties among farmers

Source: UCC
Farmers’ perceived effect of urban vegetable production on their livelihoods in the Kumasi metropolis of Ashanti region of Ghana

The study examined farmers’ perceived effect of urban vegetable production on their livelihoods in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ashanti Region of Ghana. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. Based on a simple random sampling technique, 300 urban vegetable farmers were selected and interviewed for the primary data from mid June to July 2010. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15. From the study, lettuce was the most cultivated vegetable crop with a production area of 39.7ha and French beans the least (0.4ha). The study also revealed that the vegetable industry was male dominated. The effect of vegetable production on farmers’ livelihoods was perceived generally to be ‘low’. However, it impacted ‘moderately high’ on their natural and physical capitals. Farmers’ vegetable production and marketing challenges such as high input cost, inadequate credit facilities, fluctuating demand and low price offer affected the level of impact on their livelihoods. From the ANOVA results, there were statistically significant differences among the mean livelihood assets at 0.05 alpha level. The formation of formal or informal farmer associations would provide the platform to address common challenges of high input cost, inadequate credit facilities and improve marketing avenues to improve farmers’ incomes and livelihoods. The associations’ functions should be diversified to include training on new innovations to increase productivity of members. Research-Extension-Farmer Linkage should be strengthened to enhance contacts with farmers and also update their knowledge and skill levels for improved productivity.

Source: UCC
Farmers’ perceived impact of the agricultural sector rehabilitation project on their livelihoods in careysburg and Todee districts, Liberia

The Agricultural Sector Rehabilitation Project (ASRP) is one of key rural development projects whose impact is yet to be understood. The purpose of the study was to determine farmers’ perceived impact of the ASRP on their livelihoods in Careysburg and Todee districts, Liberia. The study sought to describe the socio-economic characteristics of farmers who participated in the project, ascertain the perceptions of beneficiaries on the relevance of the ASRP and examine the perceived levels of impact of the ASRP on the livelihoods of farmers. The study also sought to determine the socio-economic characteristics of farmers influencing their perception of the relevance and livelihood impact of the ASRP. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. One hundred and ninety farmers who were beneficiaries of the ASRP took part in the study. Both closed and open-ended questionnaire items were used to elicit responses from the farmers. The data collected from the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The study revealed that most of the ASRP beneficiaries had been small-scale(less than 0.5ha for rice and cassava) farmers for at least ten years. The majority (83%) felt the key components (inputs provision and training) were not relevant to their needs. However, the project was perceived to have had a moderate impact on the livelihoods of the farmers. The socio-economic characteristics of farmers accounted for 10.5% of the variations of farmers’ perception of the relevance of the ASRP with alternative sources of income as the best predictors. Similarly, socio-economic characteristics accounted for 19.2% of the variations in beneficiary farmers’ livelihoods impact of the project with production type as the best predictor.

Source: UCC
Farmers’ perceived sustainability of cotton production under the Gezira scheme in Sudan

Cotton production plays an important role in farmers livelihood in the Gezira State in the Sudan. Cotton is the main cash crop produced in the scheme. However, sustainability of cotton production in the Gezira Scheme has been an interesting issue, especially, after the noticeable deterioration of the cotton industry in the last few years. This study determined the environmental and economic sustainability of cotton production in the Gezira Scheme as perceived by farmers who are the direct beneficiaries of the scheme. Data was collected from farmers using interview schedule. The data was analysed with descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation and the inferential statistic Spearman fs rank correlation. The results showed that majority of the respondents were above the productive age set by the United Nations. The majority of the farmers had access to formal education and had an average farm size of 8.4 hectares with about 22.33% of it under cotton cultivation. The level of sustainability of cotton production was found to be moderate or fairly sustainable. There were positive relationships between farmers education level, farm size and sustainability, the relationship between farmers f age, family size and sustainability was negative. The study found adequacy of irrigation water, availability of farm inputs and mechanization of agricultural practices as the main contributing factors to the sustainability of cotton production in the Gezira Scheme. The study recommends that the Ministry of Agriculture and the Gezira Scheme Management should promote the use of organic fertilizers, educate the farmers on soil conservation practices and negotiate with the actors along the cotton value chain to reduce the price of production inputs to affordable levels and increase the price of the outputs.

Source: UCC
Farmers’ Perception of the Effectiveness of Millennium Challenge Account Training and Credit on Maize Farmers’ Performances in the Kwahu North District of Eastern Region, Ghana

Ghana’s agriculture continues to suffer rudimentary practices by majority of smallholder farmers who also lack credit. It was for this reason that part of the US Millennium Challenge Account was committed to smallholders’ training as well as credit for agriculture modernization and poverty reduction; hence this study to explore farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of the MCA training and credit on maize farmers’ performances in the Kwahu North district of Eastern region of Ghana. This study employed a descriptive –correlation survey research design and structured interview schedule to work with a sample size of 120 comprising of maize farmers from the study area. Data analysis was done using statistical procedures to generate frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test, to describe the outputs of data. Farmers’ identified constraints to better performance included poor access to credit, marketing and mechanized services, erratic rainfall, and labour unavailability. Farmers generally perceived the training sub-component of the MCA compact to be more effective in helping increase their maize output more than the credit by its users. Farmers also well adopted improved farming practices after MCA compact implementation but farmers without credit tend to outperform those with credit. Results also revealed that more middle aged men than women with low educational levels but well experienced enjoyed the MCA credit whiles the female farmers had higher perception of the overall effectiveness of the MCA components than the male farmers.

Source: UCC
Farmers’ perception of their level of participation in extension in Ethiopia: policy implications

This study examined farmers’ perception of their level of participation in Public Agricultural Extension Service (PAES) in Soddo-zuria Woreda in Southern Ethiopia vis-à-vis seven selected farmers’ characteristics; namely, sex, age, educational status, wealth status, farming experience, experience with extension and frequency of contact with extension agents. For this study, 225 farmers were randomly selected and interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire. The study showed that farmers in Soddozuria Woreda perceived their level of participation to be low, and had significant correlation with sex, educational status, wealth status and frequency of contact with extension agents. Female, illiterate and poor farmers’ perception of participation in the PAES was found to be lower than their male, literate and resource-rich counterparts. In a regression analysis, sex, educational status and wealth status explained 42.2% of the variance in farmers’ perceived level of participation in the PAES, with educational status alone contributing about 35%. To enhance farmers’ participation in the PAES, the Soddo-zuria Woreda Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development need to properly mainstream gender, combine pro-poor development strategies and integrate literacy programmes into the routine extension activities

Source: UCC
Farmers’ Support Systems and Food Security in Abura Asebu Kwamankese District, Ghana

Ensuring food security through the provision of support systems remains essential for rural agriculture development. There is evidence that farmers support systems have important functions for directing and facilitating technology adaptation, promoting transfer of knowledge and hence promoting food security in developing nations. However, in spite of Ghana’s efforts in promoting food security, there are contentions that available support systems have hardly incorporated rural farmers. This study focused specifically on farmers support systems available for promoting food security in the Abura Asebu Kwamanksese (AAK) District in the Central region of Ghana. The study relied on the entitlement and sustainable livelihood theory. Using a qualitative approach, the study adopted an explanatory design. The purposive sampling technique was employed to select respondents for focus group discussions, indepth and key person interviews. The secondary data was obtained from policy documents on agricultural strategic plan. Primary data were analyzed through a thematic analysis, whilst secondary data were analyzed through documentary analysis. The study found that there was ineffective coordination and inter-agency linkages resulting in ineffective implementation processes. Critically, the support systems provided in the AAK district were insufficient, selective and discriminatory. The study recommends the need for the intensification of support systems for farmers through the effective utilization of extension officers and other key stakeholders to promote food security.

Source: UCC
Farmers’ vulnerability and adaptation to drought in three Agro-Ecological Locations in Ghana

The study adopted a pragmatist approach to assess farmers‟ vulnerability and adaptation to drought in three agro-ecological-locations in Ghana. It analysed the variations in precipitation deficits by using precipitation values for 1983 2014 period. It also assessed the variation in drought vulnerability, farmers‟ adaptation and barriers to drought adaptation. The cross-sectional survey design was utilised. A random sample of 326 farmers and six purposively selected lead farmers participated in the study. Questionnaire and interview schedules were used to collect data. The data were analysed by using SPI, descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that Wa West District has the highest drought vulnerability index followed by Nkoranza North and Wassa East Districts. The study also found a significant variation between locations and drought vulnerability and adaptation. The most common drought adaptation measures comprise application of agro-chemicals, changing planting date, cultivating different crop, integrating crop and livestock production, changing the location of crops, diversifying from farm to non-farm income generating activities, cultivation of early maturing crops and drought monitoring. Shortage of water for irrigation, unavailability of financial resources, high cost of agricultural inputs, inadequate knowledge and insufficient access to extension services served as barriers that constrained farmers‟ drought adaptation. Therefore, it was recommended, among other things, that philanthropic organisations should assist the government to construct small-scale irrigation facilities and provide drought-resistant crops to farming communities in Ghana

Source: UCC
Farmers‟ Vulnerability and Adaptation to Drought in Three Agro-ecological Locations in Ghana

The study adopted a pragmatist approach to assess farmers‟ vulnerability and adaptation to drought in three agro-ecological-locations in Ghana. It analysed the variations in precipitation deficits by using precipitation values for 1983- 2014 period. It also assessed the variation in drought vulnerability, farmers‟ adaptation and barriers to drought adaptation. The cross-sectional survey design was utilised. A random sample of 326 farmers and six purposively selected lead farmers participated in the study. Questionnaire and interview schedules were used to collect data. The data were analysed by using SPI, descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that Wa West District has the highest drought vulnerability index followed by Nkoranza North and Wassa East Districts. The study also found a significant variation between locations and drought vulnerability and adaptation. The most common drought adaptation measures comprise application of agro-chemicals, changing planting date, cultivating different crop, integrating crop and livestock production, changing the location of crops, diversifying from farm to non-farm income generating activities, cultivation of early maturing crops and drought monitoring. Shortage of water for irrigation, unavailability of financial resources, high cost of agricultural inputs, inadequate knowledge and insufficient access to extension services served as barriers that constrained farmers‟ drought adaptation. Therefore, it was recommended, among other things, that philanthropic organisations should assist the government to construct small-scale irrigation facilities and provide drought-resistant crops to farming communities in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Farmer’s observation on climate change impacts on maize (Zea mays) production in a selected agro ecological zone in Ghana

Although maize farmers may not have a clear understanding of climate change, they live close to natural resources and are among the first in perceiving and reacting to environmental changes. They have observed and felt the effects of decreasing rainfall, emphasizing changes in the regularity, length, intensity and timing of rainfall; increasing air temperature, increasing sunshine intensity and seasonal changes in rainfall pattern which is affecting their farming practices. Moreover, farmers are also aware of the interacting effect between bad management practices and changes in climate. For instance, deforestation and clearing of riparian vegetation is considered a major factor increasing soil erosion; the use of agricultural chemicals close to the rivers and streams create hazards for the environment. The study indicates that changes in the onset and cessation of rain have negative impact on maize production and this pose a serious threat to household food security since maize is the staple food of most Ghanaians. Consequently, effective and efficient adaptation and mitigation measures should be promoted to prepare stakeholders in maize production systems to enhance their resilience and flexibility

Source: UCC
Fasting Plasma Sugar: A Predictor of Accommodative Function in Diabetes

Background: Diabetes has been associated with decline in accommodative function in some ethnic groups. This outcome, however, could differ since ethnic variations in accommodation have been noted. This study investigated the relationship between plasma sugar level on subjective accommodative amplitude and accommodative lag in black Africans with type-1 diabetes. Methods: An examiner-blind study of subjective accommodative amplitude and accommodative lag between 45 diabetic subjects (15 males, 30 females) aged 12–39 years and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy non-diabetic controls was conducted. Accommodative amplitude was measured by the push-up to blur/push-down to clear methods using a RAF rule, the accommodative lag by the MEM retinoscopy, and the fasting plasma sugar (FPS) by a glucose meter. Results: Comparatively, the diabetic subjects had significantly lower accommodative amplitude (10.1 ± 2.7 D versus 11.5 ± 2.4 D, respectively; p = 0.010) and greater accommodative lag (1.1 ± 0.4 D versus 0.7 ± 0.2 D; p50.001, respectively) than the controls. Multiple regression analyses showed that after adjusting for age, FPS concentration significantly predicted accommodative amplitude (R2= 0.05, p = 0.022) and accommodative lag (R2= 0.30, p50.001) in diabetes. Duration of diabetes was not significantly related to accommodative amplitude and accommodative lag. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus in black Africans was associated with lower accommodative amplitude and greater accommodative lag. An adequate control of the plasma sugar concentration may be vital to maintain proper accommodative function.

Source: UCC
Fasting salivary glucose levels is not a better measure for identifying diabetes mellitus than serum or capillary blood glucose levels: comparison in a Ghanaian population

Aims/introduction: We compared the diagnostic performance and correlation between salivary, serum and capillary blood glucose of diabetes and non-diabetes patients. Early detection of diabetes mellitus (DM) contributes to the prevention of complications and management. Materials and methods: This case-control study was conducted among a total of 138 participants comprising 79 newly diagnosed diabetes patients (cases) and 59 non-diabetes patients (controls). Fasting salivary glucose (FSLG), fasting serum glucose (FSEG) levels and fasting capillary whole blood glucose (FCWBG) level were assayed for each participant. Results: The mean FSLG, FSEG and FCWBG levels were signiﬁcantly higher among the cases compared to controls (p < 0.0001). There was a signiﬁcant mean diﬀerence between the levels of FSLG vs. FSEG (p < 0.0001) and FSLG vs. FCWBG (p < 0.0001) but not levels of FSEG vs. FCWBG (p > 0.05) in both cases and controls. A positive correlation was observed between FSLG and FSEG (r ¼ 0.89; p < 0.0001) and FCWBG (r ¼ 0.87; p < 0.0001). At the cut- oﬀ value >6.8 mmol/l for FSEG, a sensitivity of 99%, speciﬁcity of 100.0% and area under the curve (AUC) of 98.8% was observed for predicting DM while a sensitivity of 80%, speciﬁcity of 95% and AUC of 91.0% was observed for FSLG at a cut-oﬀ value >0.5 mmol/l. At the cut-oﬀ value >6.9 mmol/l for FCWBG, a sensitivity of 100.0%, speciﬁcity of 100.0% and AUC of 100.0% was observed for predicting DM. Conclusion: Fasting salivary glucose (FSLG) levels increased with increasing blood glucose levels. However, it does not generate enough diagnostic and predictive accuracy compared to capillary whole blood glucose which less invasive.

Source: UCC