ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Production of soy sauce from locally cultivated soyabeans using Aspergillus Oryzae as the starter culture for the fermentation process

Soy sauce is a food condiment, which has become popular in Ghana especially in the urban areas. Production of the sauce in the country is unknown, though the main ingredient, soya beans (Glycine max (L.) Menu) is cultivated in Ghana. Due to the need to reduce the cost of importation of the soy sauce and adding value to the soya beans, a locally cultivated soya bean variety, Anidaso was used to produce soy sauce through a well-controlled fermentation process, using Aspergillus oryzae (ATCC 46249) as the starter culture and carried out in duplicate. The fermentation process was further carried out in plastic containers and the microorganisms that completed the fermentation were Lactobecillus spp. And Saccharomyces/Candida spp. Caramel and molasses were then added as additives to different portions of the inoculated samples and the control, after the fermentation process. Analysis of the final products showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between the inoculated samples and the control with respect to protein content, ethanol, pH, colour and total solids, and these are important properties of soya sauce. However no significant difference (P> 0.05) existed between the caramel/molasses treated samples and tie imported soy sauce samples that were used as the standards, with respect to colour, pH and total solids. Similarly the taste (saltiness, pungency, umami), flavour /odour and colour which are essential sensory characteristics of soy sauce as well as the overall acceptability, also showed no significant difference when compared to the standards. Thus a clear indication of the possibility of using locally cultivated soya beans via starter culture fermentation to produce soy sauce for local consumption has been established in this work.

Source: KNUST
Production of wine from synsepalum dulcificum (miracle berry).

Red wine was produced from Synsepalumdulcificum (Miracle Berry) extract. The effects of varying pH and Inoculum levels during fermentation on wine parameters like change in soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, acid taste index, antioxidant activity and polyphenol concentrations were investigated. During fermentation, changes in brix and pH were monitored. There was a decrease in brix, pH, phenolic content and antioxidant activity for all samples fermented at varying pH after fermentation. There was, however, an increase in titratable acidity and acid taste index after fermentation. Wine sample fermented at pH 3.8 using 1% inoculum (Wine A), wine sample fermented at pH 4.6 using 1% inoculum (Wine B) and wine sample fermented at pH 5.8 using 1% inoculum (Wine C) produced 13%, 10% and 10% (v/v) alcohol, respectively. With respect to varying Inoculum, there was a decrease in brix, pH, phenolic content and antioxidant activity for wine sample fermented at pH 4.6 using 1% inoculum (Wine E) and wine sample fermented at pH 4.6 using 2% inoculum (Wine F). Wine E and F also recorded an increase in titratable acidity and acid taste index after fermentation. At the end of the fermentation process, wine sample E and Fhad alcohol content of 10% and 12% (v/v) respectively. The study revealed that it is possible to produce red wine from miracle berry and its qualities can be manipulated by controlling the pH and inoculum levels.

Source: KNUST
Production planning under special constraints

The Iduapriem Gold Mine intends to mine 1.22 million bank cubic meters (3.24 million tonnes) of material from its most resourceful pit, Block 2, using two loading machines and a fleet of Cat 773B rear dump trucks. The waste to ore ratio of the material to be mined is 4: 1. The material should be mined at minimum cost, within time limit of 3 months, and must meet the milling plant capacity. However, operational constraints such as machines breakdowns, poor state of haul roads, effect of weather changes, dump sites restrictions, dewatering problems, power outages of the milling plant and shift time underutilsation, make the achievement of this production target difficult. Any workable plan that will accomplish the set production target must take into consideration these inevitable operational constraints. In this work, the open pit operations at Iduapriem Gold Mine is studied with particular reference to material movement between active mining pit Block 2 and the dumping points for ore and waste. The operational constraints associated with material movement are also studied. The production problem of the mine is analysed to have single objective that is mining 1.22 million bank cubic meters of material at minimum cost under operational constraints. The activities involved in material movement and the inherent restrictions and set-up conditions that must be satisfied in material movement are identified. By time and motion studies on the activities (load, haul, manoeuvre and dump, and return) associated with material movement, and from the planning department relevant data associated with material movement has been assembled and systematically analysed. Proceeding from the data analysis, a complete Linear Programming (LP) model that fully represents the production problem of the Iduapriem Gold Mine is developed. The Linear Programming (LP) model of the production problem has been solved using the Linear Interactive Discrete Optimizer (LINDO), a computer programme which utilises an algonthm of the Simplex method. The solution to the LP problem is a comprehensive short-term production plan that will accomplish the objective of the mine. Sensitivity analysis has been carried out on the optimal solution to check for useful changes within the production plan.

Source: KNUST
Production potential and profitability of some rice- based cropping sequences in a lowland ecosystem.

Experiments were undertaken in 1997-98 to study various rice-based cropping systems for three seasons in a valley-bottom (lowland ecosystem) at Besease near Ejisu in the semi-deciduous forest belt. The objective of the study was to find out whether following rice (Oryza sativa L.) with vegetables or fallow or ratoon-rice will be more productive than continuous rice cropping. The effect of each system (pattern) on the soil fertility as well as the economics of production was studied. The systems (patterns) were: (1) Rice-Rice-Rice (2) Rice-Ratoon-Rice (3) Rice-Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L. WaIp.)-Rice (4) Rice-Okra (A belrnoschus esculentus L.)-Rice (5) Rice-Fallow-Rice In the first season, all plots were planted to rice. In the second season the following treatments were assigned to the plots: planted-rice, ratoon-rice, cowpea, okra, and fallow. In the third season all plots were again planted to rice. Soil fertility analyses were carried out before the first and third season plantings. Data were taken on the yield and yield components of the rice and other crops. Also economic analysis for all the crops and seasons was computed. The results indicated that continuous cropping of rice had detrimental effects on soil fertility especially P content which decreased drastically. In terms of rice production, the systems (patterns) ranked as follows: First was rice-ratoon-rice (6497.5t ha-1), followed by rice-fallow-rice (5643.7t ha-1), then rice-cowpea-rice (5 185 5t ha-1), then rice-okra-rice (4776 6t ha-1), and finally race-rice-rice (4l86.6t ha-1). In terms of overall productivity, the systems ranked as follows: First was rice-ratoon-rice (6497. 5 ha-1), followed by rice-fallow-rice (5643 7t ha 1), then rice-cowpea-rice (5584.Ot ha1), then rice-okra-rice (5201.6t ha-1), and finally rice-rice-rice (4186.6t ha-1). In terms of economics of production, the systems ranked as follows 1). Rice gross returns ranked in increasing order: rice-rice-rice ($907.6 or ¢42.16m.), rice-okra-rice ($ 1003.7 or ¢2.39m.), rice-cowpea-rice ($ 1078.0 or ¢42. 57m.), ricefallow-rice ($ 1188.9 or ¢42.83m.), and rice-ratoon-rice ($ 1373.2 or ¢3 .27m.). 2). The gross returns for all the crops together, had the ranking in decreasing order: rice-okra-rice(S 1423.4 or ¢43 .39m.), rice-ratoon-rice ($ 1373.2 or ¢3 .27m.), rice-cowpea-rice ($ 1335.9 or ¢3.18m.), rice-fallow-rice ($1 188.9 or ¢2.83m.), and rice-rice-rice ($907.6 or ¢2.16m.). It was concluded from the study that continuous cropping office in the valley bottoms (lowland ecosystem) should be avoided as much as possible.

Source: KNUST
Productivity improvement of unskilled labour on construction sites: the perspective of skilled labour at Accra Polytechnic Sites.

Unskilled labour productivity on construction sites is highly needed and improving their output is a vital performance measure needed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the construction industry. Thus, the study aimed to determine measures for improving unskilled labour productivity on construction sites from the perspective of skilled labourer. A questionnaire survey was conducted among building contractors who were working on Accra Polytechnic sites were selected to solicit information pertaining improvement of unskilled labour productivity. The data collected was analysed quantitatively, using the Relative Importance Index (RII). The findings revealed that, lack of education, poor health of the workers, ignorance of safety precautions and psychological needs were some of the factors affecting their output. Again, employee motivation, employee training, communication and job satisfaction were the key variables to improve unskilled labour productivity on construction sites. It was recommended that, education and training sessions should be organized frequently and job security to enhance the productivity of unskilled labourers on construction sites making them more effective and efficient in terms of productivity improvement.

Source: KNUST
Productivity of traditionally-managed small ruminants in the Ejura sub-district of the Ashanti Region of Ghana

One hundred and nineteen small ruminant farms were used in a 22-month study to assess the productivity of sheep and goats in the Ejura sub—district of the Ashanti Region of Ghana through field measurements and interviews. In addition, more detailed studies were conducted on three herds of goats, six flocks of sheep, and five mixed-species flocks, selected from six villages in the study area. Goats and sheep were of the West African Dwarf type. There was some evidence from their physical appearance, however, that there had been some outcrossing to long-legged West African Sahelian types from farther north. The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was employed for the analysis of data from the field measurements. The numerical aspects of the information gathered from the interviews were analysed using means and percentages. Management still lay with each individual farmer who was free to dispose of animals at any time he pleased. Sheep lambed for the first time at 572 ± 25 days, whereas goats kidded for the first time at 453 ± 47 days. Kidding interval was 250 ± 14 days, and lambing interval, 273 ± 11 clays. Litter size was 1.31 ± 0.1 for sheep and 1.65 ± 0.1 for goats. Birth weight was 2.3 ± 0.5 kg for lambs and 1.3 ± 0.3 kg for kids. Average daily weight gain from birth to natural weaning (4 months) was 69 grams for sheep and 54 grams for goats. Mortality was 22% for Sheep and 23% for goats over the study period, and deaths were higher in lambs and kids than in adults. Diseases accounted for 79% of deaths in both species. All the 11 9 flocks were owned by adults with the majority (91.6%) belonging to men. Cash to meet urgent needs of the family was the main reason for keeping stock (73.1%). The commonest of management systems included night housing and day tethering in the cropping season, with tethering or free-grazing during the day in the non-cropping season. Breeding was generally uncontrolled. Treatment of sick animals was seldom practiced. About 91% of the farmers had an irregular marketing schedule. If adequate attention is paid to the control of disease and mortality among lambs and kids, the productivity of traditionally managed sheep and goats could be greatly improved.

Source: KNUST
Productivity of Stored Water in Small Reservoirs for Dry Season Agriculture in the Upper East Region of Ghana

The Upper East Region (UER) of Ghana is a water stressed area with the main occupation of the people being agriculture. The importance of small reservoirs for the sustenance of the livelihood of the people in this part of the country during the dry season cannot be over emphasized. Most of these small reservoirs were constructed, in the 1960s, mainly with the aim of providing water for domestic use and livestock watering during the dry periods of the year. Over the years, however, these small reservoirs have been put to a variety of uses such as irrigation and livestock watering, some of which accelerate the depletion of the stored water during the dry season, resulting in the reservoirs not being able to serve the purposes for which they were constructed. To address this situation, this study was conducted to determine the productivity of stored water in small reservoirs and to use this productivity values together with observations and interviews as a means of suggesting strategies for the improvement of water use so as to ensure water availability for the entire dry season period. Water productivity can be thought of as the output (product) that can be obtained per unit volume of water used or applied for either crop or livestock production. Data on crops and livestock were obtained through questionnaires administration, interviews, focus group discussions, physical measurements, official records as well as field observations from nine reservoirs in the UER. Results of the study showed that donkeys have the highest water productivity value of (GH¢ 290 /m3) followed by cattle (GH¢ 133 /m3). Sheep and goat both have productivity values of (GH¢ 18 /m3). Cattle and donkey have high water productivity values chiefly due to the variety of products and services they render. For crops, tomatoes have the highest productivity value of GH¢6.70 /m3 as opposed to leafy vegetables and pepper with productivity values of GH¢ 2.90 /m3 and GH¢ 1.40 /m3 respectively. Also productivity improvement strategies such as training of water user association (WUA) members, water conservation mechanisms, provision of standards for furrow formation and prevention of stored water from pollution were suggested based on the water productivities as well as physical measurements, interactions and observations made. Key words: Small Reservoir, Productivity, Stored water, Ghana

Source: KNUST
Professionalism in teaching at selected departments of KNUST: enhancement of quality education

Every society wants to develop its human resources and potentials to enhance total growth. Teachers in the Universities are of the idea that their main method of teaching is to lecture but not to undergo strict compliance with the selection of appropriate method of teaching. Generally, lecturing is one of the methods of teaching and the need to undergo professional teachers' training to know the pedagogical training of teaching is inevitable. There is no need to bring University Teacher to the classroom to be trained how to teach. This research was intended to identify professional teachers in the KNUST to know whether to make any recommendations for more professional teachers; assessment of lecturers' performance and to make curriculum framework for the introduction of professional teacher's course in the KNUST. The Researcher adopted the Qualitative and Quantitative research methods to collect, compile and analyze information for the possible solution by training more professional teachers in KNUST. The researcher quotes Vol. 2, of the 2005 QAPU report (quality Assurance and Strategic Planning Unit of KNUST) in Students' evaluation of courses and Lecturers in the first and second semesters of 2003 - 2004 Academic Year. « Views from selected lecturers indicated that professional training of lecturers in KNUST is inevitable and that aspiring lecturers should first undergo professional teachers' course before they are appointed. Even though most of the lecturers did not respond to the questionnaire, it was found out that relatively few of the lecturers in KNUST were professional teachers who were trained as teachers in Teachers Training Colleges or had undergone professional teachers' courses organized by KNUST as short courses. It is recommended that the KNUST, in consultation with the Department of Art Education should make provision for the proper teaching procedure to be planted for better results which will enhance acceptable growth in KNUST which is quite of age.

Source: KNUST
PRODUCTIVITY, PROFITABILITY AND COST EFFECTIVENESS OF SEED YAM PRODUCTION UNDER POSITIVE SELECTION TECHNOLOGY IN GHANA AND NIGERIA

The main challenge that necessitated this study was the limited empirical evidence on Total Factor Productivity (TFP), Cost Effectiveness (CE) and Profitability of seed yam production from Positive Selection (PS) technology as a viral control measure. This study was therefore aimed at estimating TFP, profitability and CE of seed yam production using PS technology. Quasi-experimental design was used for both data collection and analysis through the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Through multi-stage sampling, 368 seed yam farmers comprising of PS and Non-PS technology beneficiaries under the Community Action in improving Farmer saved seed yam (CAY-Seed) project were sampled. Qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions with the aid of a checklist. A formal survey using a standardised questionnaire was conducted across project communities in Ghana and Nigeria to generate quantitative data. TFP, Profitability and CE from PS technology were estimated using the metafrontier framework, Net Return on Investment (NRI) and Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER), respectively. Farmer perceptions and constraints from the qualitative analysis are presented in the form of tag clouds based on focus group discussions. TFP (0.758) from seed yam production using PS technology is significantly higher than the non-use (0.700) such that the use of PS technology leads to 5.8% productivity improvement. Metatechnology Ratio (MTR) from using PS technology (0.934) is significantly higher than Non-PS technology (0.911) with a technology gap of 7% and 9%, respectively. Land, seed yam, agrochemicals, neem powder application and labour are significant determinants of productivity with neem application having the greatest effect. Technical inefficiency in seed yam production is determined by sex, experience in yam production, educational level of farmer and extension contact. Producing seed yam under PS technology was cost effective with ICER of US$ 54.0/t as compared to US$ 1,348.72/t for not using PS technology. With a NRI of 56.80 %, seed yam production under PS technology is profitable compared to Non-PS (30.11%). It is therefore recommended that the extension system in Ghana and Nigeria should promote PS technology as a viral control measure for seed yam production due to its profitability, CE and high productivity.

Source: KNUST
Profitability and constraints to urban exotic vegetable production systems in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana: a recipe for job creation

Some vegetable producers perceive their venture to be unprofitable owing to cheating at the farm gate. This study sought to determine profitability of production of exotic vegetables which are not native of Ghana. The study used data collected from 80 urban exotic vegetable farmers. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, multiple linear regression, and the Garrett ranking scale were the methods of analysis. The most profitable system from the results of the net margin ratio was the production of lettuce as a sole crop with net margin ratio of 71% which explains the popularity of lettuce among exotic vegetable producers in the metropolis. Household size, experience, and access to credit positively affected profitability while farm size as well as costs of labor and fertilizer had negative effects. Farmers ranked high input cost, land tenure insecurity, and high cost of irrigation as challenges to urban exotic vegetable production. We recommend that urban exotic vegetable production should be considered as a source of employment. Government and financial institutions should improve farmer access to credit to enable them to hire adequate labor and acquire technologies and production inputs.

Source: KNUST
Profitability Determinants of Ghanaian Banks - A Case Study of Cal Bank Limited

The objective of this project was to identify the factors which affect the profitability of Ghanaian banks in the Ghanaian banking industry and to identify the relationship between these factors and how they impact on each other using the Structure-Conduct-Performance model. It also set out to identify the factors which can be controlled by the banks and how their profitability can be improved. In achieving these objectives, a case study of Cal Bank Limited was chosen. The choice of Cal Bank Limited was made to represent indigenous Ghanaian banks as it was the only Ghanaian bank listed on the Ghana stock exchange. Secondly its performance upon enlistment had generated interest in the investor community. In setting out to identify the significant factors which determine the profitability of the bank, the researcher studied the bank’s internal environment, the competition within the industry and inflation as possible factors. Variables were calculated from the bank’s financial statements to serve as proxies for these determinants. These individual variables were compared with the profitability of the bank. The study revealed that industry concentration was a major determinant of the bank’s profitability. Over the study period, competition for deposits which was measured by the Herfindhal-Hirschmann index was increasingly inversely related to the profitability of the bank i.e. as concentration increased, the profitability of the bank decreased. It is therefore important that management of the bank place emphasis on improving their market share in the industry deposits in order to transform more of these deposits into interest-bearing assets which in turn will increase its profitability.

Source: KNUST