ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Socio-economic effects and resettlement challenges associated with the construction of the bui dam in Ghana

This study aimed at investigating the socio-economic effects and resettlement challenges associated with the construction of the Bui Hydro Power Dam on the Black Volta River at the Bui Gorge in Ghana. It used the qualitative research methodology with the use of both a set of structured questionnaire and focus group discussions. It was found that affected communities in the Bui Dam area had been resettled into new areas. However, most of the resettlers had lost some property or some intrinsic benefits associated with the former residences. Resettlers were quite content with new housing accommodations provided them but were dissatisfied with other forms of compensation they received such as that relate to land. Major challenges in the resettlement process that were identified include lack of involvement of local rulers in decision-making and poor information dissemination to indig

Source: UCC
Socio-Economic Effects Of Coastal Plastic Pollution: A Study On The Coastline Of Central Region, Ghana

Coastal areas provide employment, tourism, food, transportation, recreation, trade, etc. However, with increased coastal plastic pollution, these benefits have dwindled, causing harm to the socio-economic lives of fishermen. A review of the literature found limited empirical information on the socio-economic impacts of coastal plastic pollution. This study fills the gap by examining in depth how plastics affect fishermen's social and economic lives along the coastline of the Central Region of Ghana. The study used a mixed method approach, combining quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative methods (interviews and observations) to collect data from 280 fishermen and 12 key informants (6 chief fishermen and 6 fishmonger queens). The results showed that plastics were the most common beach litter. Plastic mixed with fish catch reduces income. The study also identified various social impacts of plastic pollution, including loss of aesthetic value, impact on tourism, reduced social identity and pride, health impacts, educational impacts, problems in meeting basic needs, and psychological and emotional impacts. The economic consequences were lost income, the cost of repairing fishing equipment, and wasted time and human resources. Fishermen's coping strategies include reducing fishing days, saving money in banks, engaging in side jobs, obtaining loans from banks, and purchasing fishing equipment in advance during prosperous times. The study recommends education, Clean-up exercises, recycling and the proper location of coastal landfills in coastal areas to minimize further losses.

Source: UCC
Socio-economic effects of Ghana government’s afforestation project on beneficiary farmers in the Dormaa Ahenkro district of the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana

The Government of Ghana introduced afforestation project with the aim of re-stocking depleted forest resources and to create employment in order to reduce rural poverty. This study was therefore conducted to assess the socio-economic effects of the afforestation project on the beneficiary farmers in Dormaa Ahenkro District of the Brong-Ahafo Region. Questionnaires were randomly administered to 80 farmers in the Diabaa and Kofisua communities in the Dormaa Ahenkro district who had adopted the afforestation project. Majority of the farmers (89.8%) were illiterates and aged between 20 and over 50 years, comprising 45 males and 35 females. Credit in the form of cash only, inputs only or both cash and inputs were distributed to the beneficiary farmers. Over 85.3% of the farmers indicated satisfaction for the support received. The project has improved both the economic and social life of over 80% of the beneficiary farmers. It has provided employment (98.7%), education opportunities (87.0%) healthcare access (79.2%) to the farmers. The project has also provided food (100%) and income (98.7%) to the farmers. As a result, they are able to pay their children’s school fees, pay electricity and water bills, buy tools and equipment and also hire laborer’s for their farming activities. Delay in supplying inputs such as seedlings (87.2%), small plot sizes (76.9%) and inadequate financial assistance (30.8%) were identified as the major constraints to the progress of the project. It is recommended that the Forestry Services Division should supply inputs on time to the farmers and to expand the project to cover other depleted forest reserves

Source: UCC
Socio-economic effects of presidential special initiative on forest plantation on the farmers in the Birim north district

Forest Plantation Development has been given special attention by the Government of Ghana to restore the degraded forest cover of the nation and to create employment with the aim of reducing poverty. This study set out to examine the socio- economic effects of the Presidential Special Initiative (PSI) on Forest Plantation on the lives of the participating farmers of the Birim North District in the Eastern Region. In the study, 106 respondents comprising farmers and non-farmers were interviewed from the 1st to 30th July 2007. Multi-stage sampling technique made up of cluster, accidental, and purposive sampling, was used to select the respondents to ensure representativeness of the study population. The main findings of the study were that constitutional arrangements existed to ensure smooth implementation of the project, and the level of forest restoration since the inception of the project in the district was above 80 percent. Food production levels have increased among the forest fringe communities, and employment status and the associated incomes of the farmers have increased since the inception of the PSI on forest plantation. However, there were various challenges facing the implementation of the project in the district. The recommendations included provision of adequate funding and logistics by the government to the project, sustained education to the communities and their involvement in the decision-making process, prompt allocation of plots of land to farmers, and ensuring improved condition of roads linking communities and project sites.

Source: UCC
Socio-Economic impact of fruit flies control in mango production in Ghana, evidence from “Manya Krobo

Mango in Ghana is targeted as the next non-traditional export crop that is expected to fetch the highest foreign exchange for the country than cocoa. However, production and export constraints caused by fruit fly Bactrocera invadens has placed serious limitation on its marketing to the extent of imposing bans on imports from Ghana. Notwithstanding efforts rolled out to control the flies, they are still prevalent in the system. This paper presents the cost benefit assessments of using “Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) protein bait” to control fruit fly Bactrocera invadens relative to other control measures in the Eastern region of South Ghana. Scientists from the BNARI of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission developed a research programme against this foe. Cost benefit assessment revealed that chemical control reduce losses from 60% to 40% at the beginning of the growing season and can reach up to 60% for late maturing varieties at a cost of US$915.2 per acre per year. However, with the BNARI trap, losses are reduced from 60% to 5% at the beginning of the growing season and can reach up to 10% for later maturing varieties at a cost of US$688 per acre per year. Using BNARI protein baits to control fruit fly also provide growers with benefits such as improved quality and shelf life for fruit because it is not subject to chemical treatments. The casual loop diagram (CLD) revealed that fly control with BNARI trap is friendly to beneficial insects during pollination and has no harmful impact on health compared to the traditional approaches

Source: UCC
The socio-economic implications of freshwater scarcity in the Builsa district

The research is a descriptive study that examined freshwater scarcity in the Builsa District and its socio-economic implications. The main objective of the study was to examine the phenomenon of freshwater scarcity in the Bulisa District and how it impacted socially and economically on the people. The specific objectives include, identifying the factors that were responsible for the scarcity of freshwater, the effects of freshwater on the socio-economic lives of the people and to ascertain how the existing water bodies in the district were being managed to ensure their continued existence for socio-economic development. The methods used in collecting the data were interviews. The study shows that the scarcity of freshwater in the Builsa District emanates from factors that were interconnected. They were both natural and manmade which include poor rainfall, poor agricultural methods, bush burning and deforestation which exposed the area to periodic drought. Though the main economic activity of the people in the district was farming, the study revealed that there were not enough water conservation systems in the district for the people to be engaged all year round and especially in the dry season. It was also revealed that organisations such asDistrict Water and Sanitation Team (DWST) and Water and Sanitation committees (WATSAN) were not functional and this compounded the problem. Recommendations offered in the study were that community members should see water as a valuable asset and stayaway from all practices that threaten the existence of water bodies

Source: UCC
Socio-Economic Status of International Return Migrants to the Berekum Municipality, Ghana

The phenomenon of return migration has been neglected in many studies in Africa. But there has been a growing recognition that migration, both internal and international can offer an important route out of poverty for many people from developing countries. To unravel some of these claims, data from a survey involving 120 returnees in the Berekum Municipality, Ghana, were used to assess the socio-economic status of international return migrants to Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative approach to research involving both snowballing and simple random sampling techniques. The instrument for the data collection was an interview schedule, made up of both open and closed-ended questions. The results have shown that 84% of the returnees had acquired critical skills, particularly technical skills (44%) while more than half (68.3%) at return owned houses and a large proportion acquired consumer durable goods. But respondents who lived and worked in European destinations had the highest asset-holding status compared to their counterparts who stayed and worked in American and African destinations. The study, there, recommends that government through a multi-sectorial approach should design and implement comprehensive programmes such as post-arrival counseling and start-up support for returnees toensure a maximum utilization of their skills and resources for the socio-economic development of the country

Source: UCC
Socio-Economic Status of International Return Migrants to the Berekum Municipality, Ghana.

The phenomenon of return migration has been neglected in many studies in Africa. But there has been a growing recognition that migration, both internal and international can offer an important route out of poverty for many people from developing countries. To unravel some of these claims, data from a survey involving 120 returnees in the Berekum Municipality, Ghana, were used to assess the socio-economic status of international return migrants to Ghana.The study adopted a quantitative approach to research involving both snowballing and simple random sampling techniques. The instrument for the data collection was an interview schedule, made up of both open and closed-ended questions.The results have shown that 84% of the returnees had acquired critical skills, particularly technical skills (44%) while more than half (68.3%) at return owned houses and a large proportion acquired consumer durable goods. But respondents who lived and worked in European destinations had the highest asset-holding status compared to their counterparts who stayed and worked in American and African destinations. The study, therefore, recommends that government through a multi-sectorial approach should design and implement comprehensive programmes such as post-arrival counseling and start-up support for returnees to ensure a maximum utilization of their skills and resources for the socio-economic development of the country.

Source: UCC
Socio-eeconomic aanalysis of mmodern rice pproduction ttechnologies in Ghana

Many development economists have perceived introduction of new agricultural technologies as vital for improving agricultural productivity growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, adoption and use of these technologies have not been a complete success due to slow adoption rates. In this paper, a socio-economic analysis of a recent technology introduced in Ghana is conducted to provide vital information for policy makers. Specifically, an average treatment effects framework is employed to simultaneously model adoption intensity and determinants, whiles correcting for exposure (awareness) bias. Also, the technology impacts on farm productivity and income are explored using an endogenous switching regression model. Using survey data on SDRP (sustainable development of rain-fed lowland rice production) adoption, the adoption intensity was estimated at 59%. Also, the empirical estimates show that land quality related factors and perception of technology characteristics drive farmers’ adoption decisions. SDRP adoption was also found to impact positively on farm productivity and income

Source: UCC
A socio-phonetic study of four received pronunciation (rp) vowels among fante speakers of English in Ghana

The need for the codification of Ghanaian English has become increasingly more important than ever. In attesting to this need, this study sought to provide a sociophonetic description of vowels as articulated by Fante speakers of English in Ghana. More specifically, the study examines the pronunciation patterns of four vowels of English - the KIT /ɪ/, the FLEECE /iː/, the DRESS /e/ and the NURSE /ɜː/ among Fante speakers of English in Ghana, along the lines of gender and age. A total of 48 respondents (24 males and 24 females) were sampled for the study, using the quota sampling technique. A sociophonetic analysis conducted on the tape-recordings from the data showed that speakers fronted the vowels in KIT, DRESS, and NURSE, raised the vowel in KIT and NURSE, and demonstrated a consistent overlap of the vowels in DRESS and NURSE. Second, the analysis showed statistically-significant differences in the duration of the vowels among the old and young speakers. The older Fante speakers of English had shorter vowel lengths while the younger speakers had longer vowel lengths, a phenomenon that this study ascribes to history and age grading. Thirdly, the analysis found gender differences regarding the duration and articulation of the four vowels. This study makes significant contributions to Schneider’s Dynamic Model of the Evolution of World Englishes, pedagogy, and scholarships on the codification of the English spoken in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Socioeconomic factors influencing adoption of codapec and cocoa high-tech technologies among small holder farmers in Central Region of Ghana

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao Linn.) is single most important agricultural export crop and major source of foreign exchange to Ghana. This study examines the socioeconomic factors affecting adoption of CODAPEC and Cocoa High-Tech Technology packages introduced by Ghana government into cocoa production system to address the dwindling levels of productivity. The study employed a multi-stage random sampling technique to select 250 households from 25 communities in five of the eight cocoa districts in Central Region of Ghana. Tobit multivariate regression model was used to understand socioeconomic factors influencing farmers’ decision to adopt these technologies. Results generally indicate experience, training, age of household head, household size and social capital as the key variables that positively influence decision of farmers to adopt Cocoa Pest and Disease Control (CODAPEC) and Cocoa High-Tech Technology packages. Very old cocoa farms contribute to the non-adoption of these technology packages by the farmers

Source: UCC
Socioeconomic Implications of Closed Fishing Season In the Marine Artisanal Sector: a Case Study of Elmina And Apam in the Central Region of Ghana

ABSTRACT The study determined the socioeconomic implications of the closed season policy on artisanal fisherfolk in Ghana using Elmina and Apam fishing communities as a case study. The mixed-method design was used in the data collection. Stratified random sampling of households was used to select 268 respondents made up of canoe fishers, fish processors and traders from the two most vibrant fishing communities in Central Region of Ghana. A Semi- structured interview schedule, focused group discussion and key informant interviews were used to solicit information from the respondents. The results showed that all fisherfolk (100%) knew about the closed season policy, however, 47% of them did not know the purpose of the closure. Despite the differences in their perception, most fisherfolk were unsure of the policy's success in their fishing activities. No statistically significant differences were found between fisherfolks’ perception and socio-demographic characteristics like age, level of education, main livelihood and years in livelihood; except among studied communities. The policy had an overall negative effect on fisherfolks’ income and livelihood. As majority of fisherfolk lost a reasonable amount of money of about $199, the policy also led to high unemployment, increased hunger and malnutrition, increased school drop-out, theft and prostitution among fishing households and communities during the closure. 14% of these fisherfolk had other income-generating livelihoods, while, 21% of fisherfolk rely on their savings as a coping strategy during closure. For effective compliance, MOFAD should ensure that the purpose of the closure is disseminated to all individuals along the fisheries value chain mainly via radio announcement.

Source: UCC
Socioeconomic inequalities in cigarette smoking among men: Evidence from the 2003 and 2008 .Ghana demographic and health surveys

Tobacco use is a public health burden in both developed and developing countries. However, there is still a dearth of nationally representative studies from Sub-Saharan Africa to inform interventions in the region. Socioeconomic trends and disparities in cigarette smoking were explored among Ghanaian men.

Source: UCC
Socioeconomic Inequalities in the Utilisation of Healthcare Services in Ghana

Ensuring that people from different socioeconomic statuses have access to reliable healthcare services is a basic human right. However, healthcare disparities are a worldwide population health issue, mostly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This research examined the socioeconomic inequalities in healthcare services use in Ghana based on GLSS 6 & 7 data sets. The study used concentration curves, concentration indices and Recentered Influence Function OLS decomposition technique to analyse the degree and causes of socioeconomic inequalities in the utilisation of healthcare services. Also, the Wagstaff decomposition technique was employed to examine the effect of physical, human and social capital on socioeconomic disparities in healthcare use. Finally, the linear and non-linear Oaxaca decomposition methods were used to describe how technology diffusion accounts for gender and rural-urban differential in healthcare use. The study revealed pervasive pro-rich and pro-educated inequalities in the use of healthcare. Besides, it was found that there were gender and locational gaps in the use of healthcare and that mobile phone accounts for a greater portion of these inequalities. The study recommends policy priority to focus on targeted and progressive development of appropriate physical and human capital and other allied services to ease access to healthcare services. Finally, policy strategies should be pursued to support the rural poor and vulnerable to help offset the cost of air time and data, especially for seeking health information.

Source: UCC
A sociolinguistic analysis of verbal threat among the people of Apewosika

Verbal threat is a speech act which forms an integral part of human behaviour. It is one of the face threatening acts that confront people in their day-to-day activities. It is a language phenomenon that can generate quarrel, fight and chaos among people. Despite the controversies which verbal threat causes people, it still remains one of the most language phenomenon or speech acts which have not been given much attention in our part of the world, Africa and Ghana to be specific. Pertaining to the use of language among individuals, the way people use language differ as a result of certain social factors which characterize the use of language in every society. This study finds out how sociolinguistic factors such as gender, age and occupational status have any influence on how an individual issues a verbal threat among the Fantes in Ghana using the people of Apewosika in the Cape Coast Metropolis as case study. The research employed a qualitative and a case study approach in collecting of data. In all, 30 participants comprising 12 male adults, 12 female adults, 3 male children and 3 female children were randomly selected using the purposive sampling technique of which their responses from the interview and the observation to the research topic problem were presented to content analysis. The result of the study reveals that among the three sociolinguistic factors which were analyzed, age has much influence on how an individual issues a threat than gender and occupational status and that with respect to gender and occupational status, it is the attitude of the offender in the community and the type of offence committed against the threatner that will show how an individual would be threatened

Source: UCC
Sociolinguistic Study Of Address Terms Among Students Of Nusrat Jahan Ahmadiyya College Of Education

Address terms provide important sociolinguistic information about interlocutors, their relationships, and their situations. Address terms in various fields and languages have been studied from various perspectives and with varying emphasis over the last few decades. This current study focused on the use of address terms among students of Nusrat Jahan Ahmadiyya College of Education. Data for this study were gathered using observation, semi-structured interviews, questionnaire, and focus-group discussions. Personal names, descriptive phrases, portfolio-related terms, titles, ethnic-related terms, kinship terms, and endearment terms were found in the study. The research also discovered how address terms reflect identities, mark politeness/respect, indicate relationships, indicate roles and positions, and show familiarity or unfamiliarity. The use of inappropriate address terms is a barrier to effective and successful communication. Inappropriate address terms brings humiliation to the addressee and diminishes his/her confidence. It also brings embarrassment to the addresser and he/she loses public respect and recognition. These findings have significant implications for sociolinguists on the use address terms.

Source: UCC