ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Impact Of National Health Insurance Enrolment On Farm Investments In Sub-Saharan Africa: Empirical Evidence From Ghana.

Purpose – The study aims to explore the impact of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) enrolment on farm investments in a developing country setting. We classify farm investments into (1) soil and land investments and (2) hired adult labour. Design/methodology/approach – This study used data on 5,883 farm households from the sixth round of the Ghana Living Standard Surveys (GLSS), which is nationally represented data at the household level. The data also includes a Labour Force Survey module. The sample frame was divided into a primary and secondary sampling unit, with interviews taking place in 1,200 enumeration areas (EAs). The estimation of impacts was carried out using ordinary least squares (OLS) estimations and addressed endogeneity concerns using propensity score matching (PSM) and instrumental variable (IV) estimators. Findings – The study finds a strong positive association between the NHIS enrolment status of farm households and investments in agricultural land and soil health improvement. Precisely, farm households who are enroled in the health insurance system tend to invest about 32% more in soil and land improvement activities and 30% more in hired farm labour than households who are not enroled in NHIS. Practical implications – The overall evidence from our study suggests that instead of high investments in fertilizer and otherinput subsidy programmes in Africa, sustainable smallholder agricultural investments can be achieved if concerns and issues of farmers’ health coverage are adequately addressed. Originality/value – This is one of the first papers that have explored the impact of NHIS in developing countries on farm investments.

Source: UG
The Impact of Nonfarm Activities on Rural Farm Household Income and Food Security in the Upper East and Upper West Regions of Ghana.

Research shows that participation in rural non-farm activities exerts a pronounced impact on agriculture, household farm decisions, rural development, income and welfare as well as household food security. This paper investigates the impact of participation in non-farm activities on household income and food security among farm households in the Upper East and Upper West Regions of Ghana. Using the Recommended Daily Calorie Required (RDCR) approach, the study finds that 45 percent of households in the two regions are food insecure. Propensity score matching (PSM) results indicate that participation in non-farm work has significant positive effect on household income and food security status. The policy implications of the findings are discussed.

Source: UG
Impact of offshore petroleum extraction and “ocean grabbing” on small-scale fisheries and coastal livelihoods in Ghana

In recent years, there has been increasing scholarly attention to the relationship between offshore oil extraction and the well-being of communities along the coast whose livelihoods directly depend on the ocean. In this paper, we show how offshore petroleum extraction activities, associated ocean space regulations, and fishery conservation discourses lead to “ocean grabbing” in Ghana. Based on interviews with fisherfolk, government officials, environmental NGOs, and officials from the petroleum industry in Ghana, we address the above issues using Harvey’s framework of “accumulation by dispossession.” The offshore petroleum industry and fisheries utilize different resources. Fishers catch fish from the waters, whereas petroleum companies extract petroleum products from the seabed. Hence, the claim of dispossession often made by fishers is largely contested by petroleum corporations and state institutions. However, due to their spatial coexistence, user rights claims, tensions, and conflicts over facts, opposing interests, and values persist. In these contestations, there exists clear power inequity between fisherfolk and oil companies, with isolated cases of violence and punishment of fishers for flouting marine regulations. This paper calls for institutional strengthening to resolve the impending tensions and address the growing imbalance in the power relations among the different marine resource users

Source: UG
The Impact of Oil and Gas Extraction in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Ghana

The topic of how oil and gas extraction impact on economic development of nations is well researched, especially African oil-producing countries. Literature has revealed that countries endowed with natural resources tend not to grow in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) compared to their counterparts with limited or no such natural resources. This phenomenon has been characterized as the paradox of plenty. The study sought to evaluate the economic impact of oil and gas extraction in Ghana. The study utilized the quantitative research approach with secondary data from World Bank Development Indicators, 2019. Johansen Co-integration Approach was also used to evaluate the extent of causality between oil production (revenues) and the various economic variables. The Johansen Co-integration test revealed that oil revenue exerts a significant effect on Ghana’s GDP (4% higher than the average GDP before the production of oil and gas). Meanwhile, the average agriculture value-added and service value-added of Ghana for the period after the production of oil is lower than the average agriculture value-added and service value-added for the period before the production of oil in commercial quantities. The study used Ghana as a case study which somehow limits its findings. Future studies may use a panel model to do a cross-country analysis of the impact of oil and gas production on the various sectors of the respective countries. Government should formulate and expand policies (such as planting for food and jobs, and agricultural mechanization) that will help grow the agricultural and service sectors of the economy using oil revenues. The study also recommends that the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) should closely monitor and collaborate with the petroleum revenue management institutions to ensure that oil revenues allocated to the government priority sectors, especially agriculture and service, are fully implemented. This study differs from prior studies (novel) because it aimed to determine the impact of oil and gas extraction on agricultural, industrial, and service sectors before and after oil and gas production.

Source: UG
The impact of organisational capabilities on the performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which organisational capabilities do impact the performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. Data was collected from 306 SMEs from different sectors of the economy. The partial least squares structural equation Modeling was used to analyse the relationships between organisational capabilities and SMEs’ performance measured by their financial viability. Findings: The findings reveal, as predicted, that four out of the five organisational capabilities tested were indeed important predictors of SMEs’ financial viability. Specifically, managerial capability, supply chain capability, operations capability and marketing capability were found to positively and significantly impact SMEs’ financial viability. The findings further reveal that firm size does not moderate the relationship between these capabilities and financial viability. Research limitations and implications: This study was undertaken in a developing economy with peculiar business operating conditions and, thus, may limit the generalisability of the findings. Practical implications: The findings suggest that key organisational capability development is critical for enhancing the financial viability of firms, confirming four of the critical capabilities that are needed by SMEs. The findings further suggest the need for firms, irrespective of size, to develop organisational capabilities. Originality/value: This study has empirically established that developing managerial capability, supply chain capability, operations capability and marketing capability are important success factors if SMEs. irrespective of size, intend to enhance their financial viability.

Source: UG
The impact of perceived stigma and mediating social factors on infertility-related stress among women seeking infertility treatment in southern Ghana.

This research aimed to investigate the extent to which women in Southern Ghana seeking infertility treatment perceived themselves as stigmatised in order to investigate the relationship between perceived stigma and infertility-related stress. A survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews in three languages with 615 women receiving infertility treatment on three health sites in Southern Ghana. The majority (64%) of women in this sample felt stigmatised. Sequential multiple regression analyses indicated that higher levels of perceived stigma were associated with increased infertility-related stress. Also women with higher levels of education felt less infertility-related stress. The presence of an existing child/children, the number of years spent in infertility treatment and the type of marriage (monogamous/polygamous union) were less important in predicting stress. The findings suggest that the social status of infertile women derived from other factors can be of importance in minimising the impact of stigmatisation and stress related to infertility. These findings highlight the wider beneficial effects of improved educational opportunities for girls and women.

Source: UG
Impact of Physical Activity on Cognitive Decline, Dementia, and Its Subtypes: Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies

The association of physical activity with dementia and its subtypes has remained controversial in the literature and has continued to be a subject of debate among researchers. A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies on the relationship between physical activity and the risk of cognitive decline, all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and vascular dementia among nondemented subjects are considered. A comprehensive literature search in all available databases was conducted up until April 2016. Well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed with focus on prospective studies ≥ 12 months. The overall sample from all studies is 117410 with the highest follow-up of 28 years.The analyses are performed with both Bayesian parametric and nonparametric models. Our analysis reveals a protective effect for high physical activity on all-cause dementia, odds ratio of 0.79, 95% CI (0.69, 0.88), a higher and better protective effect for Alzheimer’s disease, odds ratio of 0.62, 95% CI (0.49, 0.75), cognitive decline odds ratio of 0.67, 95% CI (0.55, 0.78), and a nonprotective effect for vascular dementia of 0.92, 95% CI (0.62, 1.30). Our findings suggest that physical activity is more protective against Alzheimer’s disease than it is for all-cause dementia, vascular dementia, and cognitive decline.

Source: UG
The impact of physical and psychosocial risks on employee well-being and quality of life: The case of the mining industry in Ghana

While in recent years there has been a growing awareness among mining companies of the need to address physical injuries and environmental issues, there remains a lack of knowledge about how psychosocial risks independently and in conjunction with physical risks affect the health, general well-being and quality of life of mine workers. A cross sectional survey was administered to 330 employees of five large scale mining companies producing three different mineral products (gold, manganese and bauxite) to examine physical and psychosocial hazards in the Ghanaian mining industry and their potential impact on the quality of life and general well-being of employees. Responses from 307 participants showed mining equipment, ambient conditions, and work demands and control as being significant predictors of quality of life and general well-being after controlling for demographics. Age as a demographic variable also had important implications, with older workers experiencing better well-being and quality of life. Implications of findings for the mining sector in Ghana and other developing countries are discussed as a starting point towards developing further initiatives in this area.

Source: UG
The Impact of Plasmodium Infection on Placental Histomorphology: A Stereological Preliminary Study

Background: Malaria during pregnancy may threaten the mother's health and cause serious structural damage to the internal architecture of the placenta, which subsequently affects the pregnancy outcome. A better understanding of the impact of malaria parasites on the placenta morphology is crucial for better management of pregnant women and their babies. Aim: To assess by stereology the histomorphology of selected placental structures in placenta malaria compared with normal placentae at term. Method: A total of 10 placentae comprising 5 controls and 5 cases were selected from 50 placentae that were collected at term (38 weeks ± 2 weeks) from the maternal delivery suit of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. Blood from the placentae was collected for both rapid diagnostic test and microscopic examinations. Samples collected were examined for Plasmodium parasites, after which they were classified as study group (Plasmodium positive) or control (Plasmodium negative). Stereological quantification using systematic uniform random sampling technique with test point and intersection counting of photomicrographs were employed to estimate the mean volume densities of syncytial knots, syncytial necrosis, foetal capillaries, and intervillous spaces of the placentae on a total of 1,600 photomicrographs. Results: Out of the fifty placental samples from the maternal side tested for Plasmodium, six representing 12% were found to be infected with the parasite by both rapid diagnostic test and microscopy. On stereological assessment, the mean volume density of syncytial knots was significantly higher in the placental malaria group compared with the control placentae at term (P = 0.0080), but foetal capillaries (P = 0.7813), intervillous spaces (P = 0.8078), and syncytial necrosis (P = 0.8249) were not significantly different. Conclusion: This preliminary result indicates that placental malaria may cause significant increase in the syncytial knots but not foetal capillaries, intervillous spaces, or syncytial necrosis. This finding signifies early maturation of the placenta and may be crucial in understanding perinatal outcomes.

Source: UG
Impact Of Ports Construction Activities On Structure, Composition And Diversity Of Fish Population: Case Study Of Tema, Ghana.

Ports offer economic progress to many coastal developing countries. In view of the economic importance, the rising demand for maritime benefits requires the expansion of existing ports. However, marine ecosystems may become vulnerable to negative impact from the construction of these maritime structures. Therefore, the aim of the study was to establish the impact of Tema port expansion on the diversity and population structure of fish species. Data were collected quarterly from June 2018 to November 2021 through trawling fishing activities off the coast of Greater Accra, Ghana, and subsequently analysed using Primer 6 software. Sampling locations along the coast of Greater Accra included Vernon Bank (VNB), Disposal area (DSA) and Offshore Sakumono (OSK). The increased and reduced number of species at VNB and DSA, respectively, could be alluded to dredging and disposal of dredged spoils. Diversity indices at OSK site was higher than those observed in disturbed areas due to the absence of impact in this control area. Thus, it is recommended to conduct further studies on the assemblage of invasive species that migrated to the VNB during dredging activities, since these species can have severe economic impact on fishing activities of artisanal fishermen, especially at the local level.

Source: UG
Impact of prepackaging antimalarial drugs on cost to patients and compliance with treatment

Objective: To examine the extent to which district health teams could reduce the burden of malaria, a continuing major cause of mortality and morbidity, in a situation where severe resource constraints existed and integrated care was provided. Methods: Antimalarial drugs were prepackaged into unit doses in an attempt to improve compliance with full courses of chemotherapy. Findings: Compliance improved by approximately 20% in both adults and children. There were 50% reductions in cost to patients, waiting time at dispensaries and drug wastage at facilities. The intervention, which tended to improve both case and drug management at facilities, was well accepted by health staff and did not involve them in additional working time. Conclusion: The prepackaging of antimalarials at the district level offers the prospect of improved compliance and a reduction in the spread of resistance.

Source: UG
Impact of primary health care on child morbidity and mortality in rural Ghana: The Gomoa experience

The impact of a combination of PHC intervention activities on child survival, growth, morbidity and mortality was assessed in three selected rural communities (Gomoa Fetteh, Gomoa Onyadze/Otsew Jukwa and Gomoa Mprumem) in the Central Region of Ghana from 1987 to 1990. EPI, provision of basic essential drugs and supplies for the treatment of common childhood diseases, treatment of the sick child, growth monitoring, health education, provision of antenatal services, family planning, training and supervision of Community Health Workers, disease surveillance and special studies were the major PHC strategies used to improve the health of the child and the pregnant woman in the three communities. These activities in their totality have had significant impact on morbidity and mortality in children under five and on maternal mortality in children under five and on maternal mortality over the study period 1987 to 1990. Although malaria, acute respiratory infections and diarrhoea diseases continue to be major causes of childhood morbidity, deaths due to these diseases have dramatically declined. Measles and other vaccine preventable diseases no longer contribute significantly to childhood morbidity and mortality. Infant and under five mortality have been reduced from 114.6/1000 and 155.6/1000 live births to 40.8/1000 and 61.2/1000 live births respectively. The crude birth rates however, remain almost the same over the five year period (43 to 48/1000 pop.) but crude death rates have declined (11 to 12.4/1000 pop.).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Source: UG
Impact of primary health care on child morbidity and mortality in rural Ghana: The Gomoa experience [corrected].

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG
Impact of remittances on male and female labor force participation patterns in Africa: Quasi-experimental evidence from Ghana

In this paper, we examine how remittances, an outcome of labor mobility, affect labor market activities in Ghana using detailed household and individual‐level data. This is important, considering the extensive literature that has documented the remittance–poverty reduction nexus. First, we find a strong negative association between household remittance‐receiving status and individual labor supply decisions using instrumental variable estimation techniques. Second, we find the depressing effect of remittances on labor supply decisions to be much stronger in rural areas. Rural women who reside in remittance‐receiving households are less likely to be in the labor force compared with those who do not reside in such households. Remittances have very little impact on labor supply decisions in urban areas. Our findings support that remittances can exacerbate long‐term poverty reduction in rural areas through lower labor force participation, and as such rural‐based and gender‐based interventions may be needed to help redirect remittance income

Source: UG
The impact of residual infections on Anopheles-transmitted Wuchereria bancrofti after multiple rounds of mass drug administration

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Impact of rice straw biochar and irrigation on maize yield, intercepted radiation and water productivity in a tropical sandy clay loam

Continuous cultivation of staple crops to feed a growing population in the semi-deciduous agro-ecological zone of eastern Ghana (SDAG) has led to degraded soils and decreased crop yields. Biochar constitutes a potential remedy as it is often reported to improve soil health and increase crop yield of infertile soils. We thus conducted an experiment over two seasons to evaluate the impact of rice straw biochar on yield, radiation interception and water productivity of maize grown in the SDAG. The biochar was incorporated into the soil at rates of 0, 15 and 30 t ha−1 under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. Maize grain yield (GY), accumulated intercepted photosynthetic active radiation (IPAR) and water productivity (WP) were compared among treatments. Regardless of season, the highest GY, IPAR and WP were achieved in plots amended with 30 t ha−1 biochar. A biochar rate of 30 t ha−1 increased grain yield by 17% and 36% and IPAR by 19% and 25% in 2017 and 2018 seasons, respectively, compared to a no biochar control. For both seasons, maize GY for the 15 t ha−1 treatment was statistically similar to that of 0 t ha−1 treatment whether irrigated or not. Irrigation increased grain yield by 9% and IPAR by 3% in 2017 and with 30% and 17%, respectively, in the dryer 2018 season. The effects of biochar and irrigation were additive. Water productivity from the 30 t ha−1 treatment was significantly higher in the non-irrigated than in the irrigated plots. Overall, in the SDAG, a biochar soil amendment rate of 30 t ha−1 might be a viable solution for farmers to increase yield and enhance water productivity of maize. Future studies should focus on the effect of biochar on the soil and crops over a longer time span in order to recommend viable management options to the farmers in SDAG.

Source: UG