ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Spatial distribution of nematodes at organic and conventional crop fields in Cape Coast, Ghana

Globally, plant-parasitic nematodes cause large reductions in crop yields and quality. The conditions prevalent in organic crop production fields can favor or inhibit nematode build-up. An overview of the spatial distribution of nematodes can help the design of targeted, site-specific management strategies. This paper assessed and compared the spatial distribution of nematode population in an organic crop field and a conventional crop field using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) and ordinary Kriging spatial interpolation techniques. The results show that nematode population is higher on the organic field compared to the conventional crop field. Spatial distribution of nematode population showed a north-south gradient in the organic field but small patches of large population in the conventional field. The two interpolation methods did not show substantial differences in mapping the spatial distribution of the nematode population. It is concluded that nematode control strategies employed on the organic field might be less effective than expected. Both inverse distance weighted and ordinary kriging can be used to map the spatial distribution of nematodes under similar conditions and in a non-complex terrain

Source: UCC
A Spatial Domain Watermarking Approach for Digital Images based on Image Features built on Formal Concepts Analysis

A proof of ownership based on digital forensics evidence is the way forward in solving ownership disputes in the ever growing cyberspace that confronts us today. A strong proof beyond all reasonable doubts with the good standing of the law provides victory for a case before a competent court of law. The Society we live in is governed by laws and laws need evidence to pass judgments and not any kind of evidence but evidence compelling enough to attract the passing of judgment. Lessons learnt from the past of the failures of the court to provide and use strong verified evidence due to limitations of scientific evidence such as DNA, surveillance videos, authenticable images etc. have cost human life’s freedom and having access to a fair trial. We cannot wait till certain loopholes are exploited in our digital cyber evolution before we get it fixed. Hence stronger and a more compelling techniques are needed for image authentication and identification. In our work, we proposed a spatial domain watermarking approach for digital images based on image features built on formal concepts analysis. We adopt the use of formal concept analysis due to the fact that a change in a pixel value can result in a change in the lattice generated from the image. We presented our results and they showed to be very effective

Source: UCC
Spatial Implications of the Yamoransa-Mankessim Coastal Highway on Pedestrian Safety

The study examined spatial and safety implications of the Yamoransa-Mankessim coastal highway section of the Trans-West Africa coastal highway linking Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Togo. Although this road network was constructed mainly to facilitate faster and safer movement of goods and services between the affected countries, sections of the highway, specifically the Yamoransa-Mankessim stretch, have witnessed increasing cases of vehicle-human collision. This study attributes the rising rate of vehicle-human collisions to the location of the highway as it passes through some coastal settlements and in some cases almost dividing such settlements into two equal halves. Geo-statistical mapping was done to portray the relationships between location of the highway and frequency of vehicle-human collisions reported between 2005 and 2009. Correlation analysis and statistical test were also performed on data on observed collisions over the period. The results showed that pedestrian carelessness other than excessive speeding is the major cause of the vehicle-human collisions on the highway. It is recommended that overhead foot bridges and metal barricades be provided in the affected communities by the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly and the Ghana Highway Authority in order to facilitate easy crossing of the highway and reduce the risk of vehicle-human collisions

Source: UCC
Spatial inequality and household poverty in Ghana

Over time, while some countries have experienced trends of poverty and inequality moving in the same direction, others have witnessed the two developmental issues panning out in opposite directions. The latter is observed in Ghana, where in the last two decades poverty has been reducing and consumption inequality is on the ascendency. Motivated by this observation, we address three objectives in this paper. First, we decompose inequality using administrative districts as the unit of analysis to examine within and between contributions to national inequality. Second, we examine trends of inequality in the only region (Eastern) of Ghana that experienced a reduction in inequality over the period 1991-2006; and, finally, we investigate the relationship between district-level inequality and household poverty. The last three rounds of the Ghana Living Standard Survey are used for our analysis. We observe that the contribution of within district inequality is higher than inequality between districts. This pattern is observed for other geographical classifications, such as rural-urban, ecological zone and regions. In the Eastern region of Ghana, where overall inequality reduced over the period 1998 to 2005, this was not the case for about 50 percent of the districts in the region. Finally, district-level inequality shows a significant effect on household poverty, but with varying signs, depending on the state of economic activity of the unit of analysis (district) and factors that affect both poverty and inequality. We recommend that district level policy implementers should be tasked with the responsibility of minimizing inequality within their district and therefore overall inequality in Ghana. Also, poverty reduction strategies should take into consideration district-level poverty and other factors, such as land size distribution, that jointly affect poverty and inequality

Source: UCC
Spatial market integration and price transmission of selected plantain markets in Ghana

Spatial price analysis is important in explaining market performance and the degree of integration. This study therefore provides an econometric analysis of plantain markets integration. Using co integration analyses and vector error correction modelling, wholesale prices from three markets were used to test the degree of spatial market integration. The Johansen’s co integration test indicated at least three co integrating vectors implying that the plantain markets during the study period were linked together. The result of the VECM reveals that if a shock is applied to Techiman market, 47% of it will be eliminated in the next period, this result suggest a moderate speed of price adjustment between the Techiman market and the other markets analysed given the perfect adjustment threshold of 100%

Source: UCC
Spatial price transmission in the regional maize markets in Ghana

Policy makers have been striving through market reforms to ensure proper functioning of agricultural markets and marketing channels to ensure food security, realize welfare impacts from policies, bridge the gap between the affluent and deprived regions. The core of which is due to regional ecological differences among other factors. In addition, the purported ability of marketing participants to influence the conduct of the market and respond to certain price shocks faster/slowly than others warrant examining the regional maize market linkages within the past decade. Using regional monthly wholesale price data from 2002 – 2010, the consistent threshold autoregressive model is employed for the study considering the robustness and the limitations of other approaches. Results indicate that regional maize markets are integrated. Bidirectional market interdependence was found between market pairs both in the short and long run. The long run causality was however heterogeneous with respect to positive and negative shocks. The nature of price adjustment is asymmetric and traders respond quickly when market margins are squeezed than when stretched for all market pairs except between Brong Ahafo and Greater Accra market pairings. The time path needed for adjustment ranged from 7 to 26 months. The minimum adjustment time was 7 months occurring between Brong Ahafo - Greater Accra markets linkage for positive deviations and Brong Ahafo - Ashanti market for negative deviations. The recent expansion in communication infrastructure motivates the regional market integration. This implies that resources should be allocated to transportation development; the main hindrance to trade. The suboptimal condition of asymmetry is also motivated by inventory behaviour of traders but this remains a testable hypothesis. Traders in Greater Accra are slow in passing on price increases for the fear of loss of goodwill and/or loss of customer share given the multiple sources of supply

Source: UCC
Spatial structure and process of arctic warming and land cover change in the feedback systems framework

This paper examines the relationships between and among the various drivers of climate change that have both climatic and ecological consequences for vegetation and land cover change in arctic areas, particularly in arctic Alaska. It discusses the various facilitated observable vegetation and land cover changes in the Arctic. Also, it indicates that the drivers of both climatic and ecological changes in the Arctic are multi-faceted and operate in a system with both positive and negative feedbacks that largely results in further increases or decreases of the initial drivers of climatic and vegetation change mainly at the local and regional scales. It demonstrates that the impact of arctic warming on land cover change and the Arctic ecosystems is not unidirectional and one dimensional in nature but it represents a multi-directional and multi-dimensional forces operating in a feedback system

Source: UCC
Spatial variability of selected soil properties at the University of Cape Coast teaching and research farm

Knowledge of soil spatial variability and the relationships among soil properties are important for the evaluation of agricultural land management practices and soil research. The study was conducted to assess the spatial variability of selected soil properties on a 2.17 ha field at the School of Agriculture Teaching and Research farm from March to October, 2010. A stratified random sampling design was employed in the study. Samples were collected from two depths 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm at each sampling point. A total of 1,510 samples was obtained over the 2.17 ha research site. Twenty-one soil physical and chemical properties were determined on the samples. Classical and geostatistical analyses were performed on the data, using the GENSTAT statistical package. The study revealed general deficiencies in the amounts of soil macro and micronutrients. These were attributed to random and systematic variation in consolidation, mineralization, compaction, leaching and eluviation-illuviation of silicate clays and erosion. Non-spatial dependence of soil properties was ascribed to random variation whilst spatial dependence in other properties was attributed to systematic variations. Spatial dependence in soil properties varied within 25 m. Sampling intervals of less than 6 m and 11 m were suggested for top and subsoils respectively in order to reveal extra spatial patterns of soil properties

Source: UCC
Spatial variability of trace metals in surface and groundwater within a contaminated mining environment in Ghana

The aim of the study was to spatially assess the distribution of heavy metals within the catchment of the Tarkwa mining area using interpolation techniques in a geographical information systems environment. Water quality trends for 84 sites in Tarkwa, a mining district in Ghana, were examined for fourteen (14)parameters-pH, conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), turbidity, nitrates, sulphates, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), total cyanides, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb). Kriging was utilized to illustrate the spatial patterns of variables. The results showed that surface and Ground water are contaminated by As, Cd, Fe, Mn and Pb with the average concentrations exceeding World Health Organisation guideline values. The spatial dependence of the heavy metals was assessed using variogram parameters which varied from 320.30 to 4842.25 m. Significant correlations were found among heavy metals, which suggest a common origin. This is confirmed by the cluster analysis which indicated that Fe, As and Pb belonged to one group. The use of geostatistical tools in water quality assessment in this study enhances our understanding of spatial trends

Source: UCC
Spatio-Temporal Analysis Of The Impact Of Oil And Gas Production On Land Use Land Cover In Ellembelle District

Ghana's oil discovery is surrounded by very poor local communities whose primary sources of income are farming and fishing. Evidence from other countries shows that massive land alterations and degradation occurs after the discovery and exploration of oil and gas, which undermine traditional means of livelihood. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of oil and gas production on land use land cover in the Ellembelle district. Landsat images for the years 2000, 2010 and 2021 were acquired to model the land use land cover changes before and after the production of oil and gas using spatial analystic tools in GIS software. For effective data collection, different but complementary instruments, which included household questionnaires, in-dept interview guide and observation check list were adopted for the study. The findings of the study revealed that the rate of LULC change was intense in the second time interval (2010-2021), indicating that land transformations in Ellembelle district were becoming increasingly intensive since the production of oil and gas in the district. Oil and gas activities, population growth, urbanisation, and farming activities were identified as the major drivers of LULCC in the district. The locals see the oil and gas industry as having affected their livelihood both positively and negatively. The assessment of some basic infrastructures shows that road networks, communication sector, Education and banking institutions as well as electricity and water supply have seen a facelift in the district. However same cannot be said about the health and cultural institutions. The study recommended that there is the need to undertake an integrated urban planning framework for Ellembelle district.

Source: UCC
Spatio-temporal analysis of two coastal wetland systems in Ghana: Addressing ecosystem vulnerability and implications for fisheries development in the context of climate and land use changes

Lagoons and estuaries are among Ghana’s most critical habitats providing fish and other wildlife resources in support of the country’s economy. In the context of climate change, it is feared that these ecosystems are faced with enormous threat. Possible impacts relate to sea level rise (SLR) that may result in widespread loss of these habitats. Land use changes around wetlands could magnify the impacts of climate change on these ecosystems and may be disastrous for the welfare of coastal communities due to its potential impacts on property, water and food security. This paper addressed the question of ecosystem vulnerability in the context of climatic and land use stressors on fisheries biodiversity in two coastal ecosystems. Fish biodiversity and aquatic environmental parameters were used as surrogates of their ecological condition. Ecosystem vulnerability to possible climate and land use changes during a period of nearly three decades (1973-2010) was analyzed by the application of GIS. The Whin estuary in comparison to the Butuah lagoon generally reflects a highly productive system for fisheries development, meriting adaptation and management planning. However, the possible effects of climate change attributable to SLR could potentially frustrate these efforts due to potential increases in water surface geometry into wetland corridors with negative impacts for fisheries development. Land use changes around the water bodies if not properly managed, could exacerbate the climatic impacts. This study deployed baseline screening scenarios to provide first-hand scientific information that could inform broader vulnerability studies in support of ecosystem management for sustainable development

Source: UCC
Spatio-temporal assessment of customer care practices among public university hospitals in Ghana

This study sought to assess the existing customer care practices in two selected public university hospitals in Ghana. Specifically, it explored the customer care experiences of patients, assessed the satisfaction of patients with the care/services, assessed the spatial variations in the customer care practices, assessed how customer care practices in the two hospitals have evolved over the last decade and explored views of key staff and patients on innovative ways to improve on customer care. Employing an embedded concurrent mixed methods strategy, both questionnaires and interview guides were used for data collection. A sample of 1,010 from the 2 hospitals and 30 in-depth interviews were conducted to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The study found that service providers were friendly and welcoming. They communicated adequately with respondents and talked politely with them. Service providers respected the difference in values, culture and belief of the clients. It was also found that there was good customer care among the two hospitals under study. Majority of the respondents were satisfied with the overall experience and the health facility. It was concluded that major changes in both hospitals included: introduction of ―the enquiry desk‖, ―a client satisfaction survey‖ and ―respect and dignity‖ measures. The innovative ways to improve customer care are ICT applications ―good communication‖ with patients, transparency with patients and timely service delivery. It was recommended that service providers need to improve upon communication and at all times display their name, title and their role in the department. Service providers are to deliver their services on time, be transparent and see patients as part of the health care system.

Source: UCC
Spatio-temporal information and analysis of land use/land cover changes in the Muni-Pomadze wetland

Land use/land cover dynamics in wetland catchments is poorly understood; even though it is an important indicator of wetland ecological health. The study was aimed at detecting and quantifying Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) changes at the Muni-Pomadze Ramsar site in Ghana. The objective was to produce LULC maps for the area, assess the LULC dynamics during a ten year period, and establish statistical relationship between the major LULC changes and biophysical factors that influence human decisions. Using image processing techniques, an aerial photograph of January 2005, Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Ehanced Thematic Mapper (ETM) data of December 1990 and February 2000 respectively were analysed to produce land use/land cover maps for the Muni-Pomadze wetland catchments. The image analysis produced an overall accuracy of 85% and a kappa coefficient of 81%. The post classification technique involving overlay operation was applied to produce land use/land cover change map and matrix which aided the analysis of LULC dynamics in the area. During the 10 year period, various land use/land cover units such as farm fields, rangeland, built-up, and barren-land areas increased by 20%, 20.6%, 40.5% and 13% respectively. However, closed forest, open forest, and water reduced by 23%, 8.9%, and 5.9% respectively. The logistic regression in SYSTAT established that altitude, distance to roads, rivers, and settlement were significant in explaining deforestation and afforestation.

Source: UCC
Spatio-temporal variations in the incidence and severity of maize streak disease in the Volta Region of Ghana

The study was conducted to assess the influence of different agro-ecological zones and cropping seasons on the incidence and severity of maize streak disease (MSD) in Ghana. Field surveys were conducted in two districts each of the coastal savannah, forest, and transitional agro-ecological zones of the Volta region to assess the incidence and severity of MSD in farmers’ fields, during the 2014 minor and 2015 major cropping seasons. The disease assessment was carried out in 12 fields from each district, and for each field on both maize plants growing under tree shade and in open parts of the field. The plants were scored for disease severity based on a 1-5 visual scale (1=no infection and 5=very severe infection). Percentage total N, available P, exchangeable K, organic matter levels and pH were determined from soil samples collected from each of the fields surveyed. Incidence and severity of MSD on maize plants growing under tree shade and in open parts of the fields were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the transition zone than in the forest and coastal savannah eco-zones during the 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons. Mean incidence and severity of MSD on maize plants growing under tree shade were significantly higher than those in the open part of the fields in both cropping seasons. The levels of MSD incidence and severity recorded in 2014 were significantly higher (P<0.05) than 2015. Low levels of soil total N, available P, exchangeable K and organic carbon were detected across the three agro-ecological zones. Incidence and severity scores of MSD were significantly and negatively correlated with soil total N, available P, exchangeable K and organic matter (P<0.01). In conclusion, MSD incidence and severity vary with the cropping seasons and agro-ecological zones and are partly affected by low soil fertility levels and tree shades

Source: UCC
The speargrass (imperata cylindrica (l) beauv.) menace in Ghana: incidence, farmer perceptions and control practices in the forest and forest-savanna transition agro-ecological zones of Ghana

Surveys to determine farmers’ practices, perceptions and the incidence of speargrass were conducted in the forest and forest-savanna transition zones of Ghana in 1996 and 2000. Mean farm size was 1.2 ha, fallow and cropping length was 4.7 and 4.5 years, respectively, with a mean cropping intensity factor (CIF) of 49%. Speargrass had been present in the area for over 40 years and was perceived as the most noxious weed. Eighty- six percent of fields that relied on slash-burn method of land preparation had severe speargrass infestation. Infestations > 50% cover, mean density of 33 plants m-2 and shoot height range of 15–300 cm were observed on 60% of the fields. Fifty-one percent of farmers reported of inadequate level of control with current control practices. Glyphosate was applied on fields with > 50% speargrass cover. Speargrass becomes a problem after 3 years continuous cropping from fallow and, under severe infestation, most farmers abandon fields to natural fallow. A dense regrowth of Chromolaena odorata is indicative of a speargrass-suppressed field. Follow-up weed control could be 3-6 times/season depending on initial land preparation, type of crop and/or level of infestation. Cost of weed control was 20–60% higher on speargrass-infested field ($71/weeding/ha) than on other fields, and weeding may take 20–25 mandays/ha. Farmers perceived average yield losses of 30–80% ha–1 due to speargrass interference, implying a national average crop loss ha-1 of $31–$84, $155–$414 and $272–$727 for maize, cassava and yam systems, respectively. Reductions in food quality due to the piercing nature of the rhizomes was also paramount

Source: UCC