ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment of postharvest handling of carrots (Daucus Carota L.) a case study in the Asante Mampong Municipality

A study was carried out to assess the postharvest handling practices carried out on carrot roots in the Asante Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A structured questionnaire was used during the survey to collect data on handling practices. Both quantitative and qualitative losses were determined. The study was carried out from November 2011 to April 2012. Fifty each of Producers, Traders (retailers and wholesalers) and Consumers were sampled for the study. Handling practices such as pre-cooling, packaging, transportation and quantitative loss assessment were carried out on producer’s farm. Traders were also assessed on processing and quantity lost. Consumers on the other hand were assessed on methods of storing carrots and shelf life. Ninety-six percent of producers did not pre-cool their produce after harvest. For transportation, 54% of producers used KIA trucks with open buckets to transport their produce to the main market centre in Asante Mampong, while 25% used urvan buses and 18% used taxis. 92% of producers sorted and graded their produce to traders. Quantitative loss of carrots at the farm gate was 4.29±1.48%. Processing of carrots by traders was either by washing and scrapping or washing only. In all, 84% washed carrots using metal sponge, 14% used brush to scrape whiles 2% wash with bare hands. Quantitative loss of carrots at the market was 6.49±3.93%. The most preferred storage method for carrots by consumers was refrigeration. 92% stored carrots in refrigerators with 8% storing in cupboards under ambient temperature. The treatments were randomly replicated three times with 30 roots in each replication. Quality parameters such as Weight loss (g), Decay/rot (%), Appearance/Shrinkage (%), Moisture content (%), Dry matter (%), Firmness (N), and Total Soluble Salts (0Brix), were studied over the period of storage. Analysis of variance showed significant differences (P≤0.05) in Weight loss which ranged between (14.13g and 26.17g), Firmness (6.97 N and 7.37 N), and Decay/rot (3.33% and 56.67%). The results of Appearance/Shrinkage (%), Moisture content (%), Dry matter (%), Total Soluble Salts (TSS) 0Brix, however did not show any significant difference (p≥0.05). The raw carrot roots were found to have a longer storage life (5 days) than the washed (4 days) and the scrapped (3 days) under ambient conditions. Baby carrots not meant for immediate consumption should therefore be stored raw if storage is under ambient conditions.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of postharvest handling practices on quality of organically produced banana (musa spp) and okra (abelmoschus esculentus l) in two districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana

A survey was conducted to assess the current postharvest handling practices of farmers, marketers, consumers, and exporters of organically produced banana and okra in the Kwahu South District and Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. The research sought to assess the status of postharvest handling of organically produced banana and okra for the domestic markets and to identify ways of improving on these practices for appropriate recommendation to farmers, marketers, consumers as well as exporters of these crops. A survey was conducted on the actors and the stakeholders and data from the field study was collected and analyzed using Descriptive Statistics and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme. Majority of the respondents (60%) had basic school education while 13%, who were mainly consumers and exporters of organically produced banana and okra, had tertiary education. Consumers’ preference for organically produced banana and okra was based mainly on healthiness (75.0%), freedom from harmful chemicals (17.6%) and protection of the environment (21.4%). Result of the study showed that small scale farmers and marketers handled their organically produced banana and okra differently from that of the large scale producers (exporters). Small scale farmers practiced little or no improved postharvest methods such as proper harvesting, cooling, sorting, grading, treatment, packaging, labeling, good transportation and storage. It was observed that out that less than 20% of respondents carried out some form of storage and 100% of the small scale banana marketers used both nonchemical and chemical means to enhance ripening of banana while 17% of the okra farmers applied sugar solution to enhance fruit quality and extend shelf life. The study concluded the level of quality of organically produced banana and okra by the small scale farmers was low as compared to that of the large scale producers/ exporters considering extrinsic attributes of fruit quality. The level of awareness of farmers, marketers and consumers on the effect of postharvest handling practices on quality of their produce was low. The study recommend among other things continuous training for the small scale fruit and vegetable farmers to improve upon their knowledge on postharvest handling practices of organic fruits and vegetables.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of postharvest losses in soybeans production in the Builsa District in the Upper East Region and Savelugu District in the Northern Region Of Ghana

The study was conducted to assess the postharvest losses of soybeans in the Builsa and Savelugu districts of the Upper East and Northern Regions of Ghana, respectively. Data was collected from forty (40) Soybeans farmers in each district using a structured questionnaire. The survey revealed that 76.3% of the respondents were males while female soybeans farmers represented 23.8%. The age range of respondents from 18 to 45 years (37.5%) formed the largest group in soybeans farming. Out of the 80 respondents 53 farmers representing 66.3% had no formal education, and 16.3% who had only basic education. Only 6.3% and 11.3% had secondary and vocational education respectively. The study revealed that wrong harvesting time and methods accounted for the greatest of losses in soybeans production with 63.8% cumulative percentage. Crop variety and poor agronomic practices accounted for cumulative percentage loss of 5 and 13% respectively. The losses were reported to be greatest within the last two months of the year (November and December) with losses of between two (2) and three (3) mini bags per acre are reported. Losses were also reported during handling/processing; 21 respondents representing 26.3% and 2 of 2.5% of total respondents said they lost produce during threshing and winnowing respectively. The study showed that most farmers did not have access to training in postharvest handling of soybeans. Twenty-six percent of the respondents have had training while 73% have never been talked to regarding crop handling. NGOs were found to be the main providers of training to farmers in the study area according to 52% of the respondents. Marketing and market channels are limited in the study area; 73 farmers representing 91% of respondents sell in the open market without any formal market system, this group of farmers are always left at the mercy of middlemen who make up 51% of buyers of the crop. Harvesting at the right time was thought to be the best way to reduce postharvest losses of the crop by 48.8% of the respondents, while use of equipment was considered by 22.5% of the respondents as necessary to reducing losses. 28.8% said training is key to reducing postharvest losses in soybeans.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of postharvest losses in citrus (Citrus sinensis (L) Osbeck) in the Birim North District: A Case Study Of Adventist Development And Relief Agency (Adra) Supported Citrus Farmers.

The main objective of this study was to assess the level of postharvest losses of citrus fruits on ADRA supported farmers field in the Birim North District and at the major markets where the wholesalers operate. A survey was conducted using questionnaire on 100 ADRA supported farmers and 11 wholesalers. An in-depth study was also carried out on 6 selected farms and fruits from these selected farms were tracked to the wholesale markets to determine the extent of losses through field counts on the farm and at the wholesale market. The study revealed that 20.2% of the fruits were lost after harvest at the farm gate. Similarly at the wholesale market, losses of 5.6% were recorded. Regression analysis on the factors contributing to postharvest losses at the farm gate indicated that the total loss is influenced by method of harvesting, handling practices, length of storage period and precooling practices adopted on the field. The study showed that 48% of the farmers harvest is sold to wholesalers, 26% to processors and 15% went to retailers. Out of the fruits purchased from farmers, 82.1% of the fruits were sold to retailers by the wholesalers. The rest were lost through postharvest losses, pilfering and gifts. Weeding constituted the major management cost of farmers which contributed 57% of the tree management cost. Harvested fruits were exposed to the sun for an average period of 5 days at the farm gate, a day during transportation and an average of 3 days at the market. Generally, fruits were transported for an average distance of 197 km from the hinterland to the major markets. It was also revealed through the study that 10 major criteria are used by wholesaler for selecting marketable fruits at the farm gate. Farmers estimated their production cost per acre as GH¢ 405 with an estimated income of GH¢ 2148 whiles the value of fruits lost at the farmer level amounted to GH¢ 445. Wholesalers earned GH¢ 4602 per trip compared with their operational cost of GH¢ 520. Postharvest loss at the wholesale market was valued as GH¢605.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of postharvest losses of yam production in the Krachi-East District of the Volta Region of Ghana

The study was carried out in the Krachi East – Distract of the Volta Region of Ghana to assess postharvest losses of yam. The research was carried out in two stages; the first stage was a survey to assess postharvest loss of yam in the Krachi East- District. The second stage was an in-depth study on losses of yam at both the farmer level and the marketer level by counting the losses of yam. A random sampling method was used to select both farmers and marketers of yam in the operational area. Data obtained from the study was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Linear regression using stepwise method was used in estimating the major factors of postharvest losses in yam production at the farmer and the marketers’ levels. The study showed that majority of farmers in the district grew puna (55%), lalbako (57%), and water yam (58%). The study revealed that there was up to 30% loss of tubers at harvest, 32% loss of tubers at storage and more than 35.5% of tubers sprouting during storage. The study showed that: less than 5% of marketers experienced less than 52% loss at buying and less than 5 % of marketer’s experienced 53% loss during off-loading. The regression analysis revealed that the major causes of postharvest losses at the farmer level included; pest attack, variety of yam cultivated and tools used in harvesting yams. The regression analysis also indicated that the major causes of postharvest losses at the marketer level included; type of vehicles used in transporting tubers, varieties of yam sold, cuts or bruises and exposure of yam to harsh environmental conditions. A follow-up (in-depth study), however, showed that there was an average loss of 17.72% at farm gate, 5.4% loss at the market level and 8.9% loss at retailer level. Mean temperatures at storage areas at the farm was 32.2 oC, at the market and 32.1 oC at the retail points. Pathological study showed that Fusarium solani Fusarium oxysoporium, Botryodiplodia theobromae and Rhizopus orazea were the main rot- causing organism during storage.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of poverty and its effects on child development: a case study of Tamale Metropolis and Savelugu-Nanton District

Poverty and development are two extreme ends of human welfare continuum with the former presenting the negative state of human welfare whereas the latter illustrates the positive state of human welfare. Yet both present situations of complexity and multi-dimensionality. In assessing poverty and its effects, there must be the realization and understanding of these complexities and multiplicity which go far beyond inadequate income of individuals, households and communities to the incorporation of issues such as health, water and sanitation, education and skills, livelihoods, housing conditions, social exclusion, vulnerability, energy and security. Evidently, those who are mostly affected by poverty are children and women. With this awareness, the study focused on the effects of poverty on child development. Using the Tamale Metropolis and Savelugu-Nanton District in the Northern Region of Ghana as a case study, the causes of poverty, how poverty impedes child development, and the available interventions to mitigate the negative effects of poverty on child development in these areas were examined. A total of 100 households were contacted and 200 respondents from these households were interviewed. The household respondents comprised 100 parents and 100 children from the two study areas. Fifty street children who represent 50 percent of the sampled children at the household level were contacted. Revealed, were poverty levels of parents manifesting in low income levels, low educational attainment and high illiteracy and had dire effects on the living standards of children particularly transcending the effects on child education to streetism. This situation makes it difficult for households to overcome the vicious cycle of poverty providing motivation for increasing awareness and attention on child development issues in the study areas and Ghana as a whole. The study thus recommends the promotion of the issues of child development at local, sectoral and national levels and comprehensive articulation and mainstreaming of child development issue in national development agenda as it holds the greatest potential for poverty reduction in the long run. The study advocates for integrated programmes and projects on child development, participatory design and planning of child development interventions and the institutionalisation of programme and project performance monitoring systems to track progress and challenges of child development issues in the two study areas.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of practices of prevention of perinatal transmission of hepatitis b at health facilities in the Ashanti region of Ghana

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains the leading contributor to global prevalence of liver diseases. Ghana is highly endemic for HBV. There is also a high prevalence of the condition among blood donors and pregnant women. HBV is the most common cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer among children and adults in Ghana. Humans are the only source of infection of the HBV. The hepatitis B virus infection is caused by a 42-nm DNA virus in the family Hepadnaviridae. There are two main modes of transmission of HBV, vertical transmission (mother to child, MTCT) and horizontal transmission. Infected individuals may be asymptomatic or symptomatic and may present as an acute or chronic infection. The strategies for the national control of HBV are limited to surveillance of acute viral hepatitis, education and three completed HBV vaccine doses in the infant. Little is done to reduce MTCT of HBV. There is therefore the need to assess the current practices of PMTCT of HBV to identify the gaps in current practices and propose recommendations that may help improve the current situation. METHODS: A cross sectional design was be used for this study. Data on the practices of HBV was collected with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire among mothers and their newborns at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. One hundred and ninety-one (191) mothers and their newborns were assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of HBV among mothers was 4.52%. There was no coinfection of HIV amongst mothers. Mothers had average knowledge of HBV. PMTCT of HBV wasxi limited to screening of mothers for HBsAg at ANC. No exposed newborn received the monovalent vaccine or the HBIG. Maternal factors associated with uptake of PMTCT of HBV included age, religion, level of ANC facility, number of contacts with care providers, screening for HIV and Syphilis and previous vaccination practices. CONCLUSION: Increase education of mothers on HBV. The prevalence of HBV among mothers is at the intermediate level, need to study the barriers and facilitators of PMTCT of HBV and adopt a strong national policy and implementation program that will make accessible diagnostic tests, antiviral therapy and universal birth dose in addition to current strategies to curb the vertical transmission of HBV, its chronic squeal and the maintenance of HBV in the population. Key words: Hepatitis B virus infection, knowledge, mothers, newborns, prevention,

Source: KNUST
Assessment of postharvest losses of maize in the Sissala East and West Districts of the Upper West Region of Ghana

In order to minimize postharvest losses in maize and provide postharvest loss information to policy makers and postharvest manager, it was important to quantify the losses along the postharvest value chain. During the study, postharvest loss of maize along the value chain in the Sissala East and West Districts of the Upper West Region of Ghana was assessed. Ten communities in each district were selected for the study. In each community postharvest losses incurred by ten farmers were assessed. Loss was assessed at harvest, transportation, shelling and winnowing, storage, and processing stages of the value chain. The results showed that varied losses (p<0.05) between the communities with respect to the harvesting, shelling and winnowing losses, weevil infestation and number of holes in grains per 50gram of grains. The study revealed that there were no significant differences (p>0.05) between the two districts for harvesting, shelling and winnowing, and transportation. Harvesting losses ranged between 154.65 and 281kg/ha, whereas shelling, transportation and processing losses ranged between 154.00 - 281kg/ha, 3.35kg/ha, and 8.46kg/100kg, respectively. By the end of the fourth (4th) month storage losses in the Sissala West district was 39.6% and was not statistically different (p>0.05) from the Sissala East (40.3%). There was a 10 per cent reduction in weight of the stored grains with every one month of storage, which was attributed to weevil infestation. The study revealed that more than 50% of maize produced and stored in both the Sissala East and West District are lost due to poor postharvest handling. This has serious economic and food security implication in the districts. Measures aimed at reducing the losses need to be implemented to reduce the losses.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of practices of prevention of perinatal transmission of hepatitis B at health facilities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains the leading contributor to global prevalence of liver diseases. Ghana is highly endemic for HBV. There is also a high prevalence of the condition among blood donors and pregnant women. HBV is the most common cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer among children and adults in Ghana. Humans are the only source of infection of the HBV. The hepatitis B virus infection is caused by a 42-nm DNA virus in the family Hepadnaviridae. There are two main modes of transmission of HBV, vertical transmission (mother to child, MTCT) and horizontal transmission. Infected individuals may be asymptomatic or symptomatic and may present as an acute or chronic infection. The strategies for the national control of HBV are limited to surveillance of acute viral hepatitis, education and three completed HBV vaccine doses in the infant. Little is done to reduce MTCT of HBV. There is therefore the need to assess the current practices of PMTCT of HBV to identify the gaps in current practices and propose recommendations that may help improve the current situation. METHODS: A cross sectional design was be used for this study. Data on the practices of HBV was collected with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire among mothers and their newborns at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. One hundred and ninety-one (191) mothers and their newborns were assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of HBV among mothers was 4.52%. There was no coinfection of HIV amongst mothers. Mothers had average knowledge of HBV. PMTCT of HBV was xi limited to screening of mothers for HBsAg at ANC. No exposed newborn received the monovalent vaccine or the HBIG. Maternal factors associated with uptake of PMTCT of HBV included age, religion, level of ANC facility, number of contacts with care providers, screening for HIV and Syphilis and previous vaccination practices. CONCLUSION: Increase education of mothers on HBV. The prevalence of HBV among mothers is at the intermediate level, need to study the barriers and facilitators of PMTCT of HBV and adopt a strong national policy and implementation program that will make accessible diagnostic tests, antiviral therapy and universal birth dose in addition to current strategies to curb the vertical transmission of HBV, its chronic squeal and the maintenance of HBV in the population.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of prepaid metering system in Ghana: consumer perception analysis.

The energy sector over the years has witnessed initiated policies to increase customer satisfaction while at the same time solving the problems of administrative inefficiencies in the operation of the sector. This therefore erupted the need to come out with an alternative means of billing the electricity consumption of the consumers, hence the emergence of the prepayment meter system. The study assesses Consumer perception about Prepaid Metering System in Ghana: A case study of the Ejisu District within the Ejisu-Juaben Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative approach. The research population focused on prepaid meter users of Ejisu district out of which a sample size of 51 was sampled for the analysis. The sources of data were mainly primary source. The researcher adopted purposive and convenient sampling techniques in soliciting information for the study. Statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) and Microsoft excel was used in analyzing the data. The study established that, with the introduction of prepaid meter, consumers are now careful with the consumption of electricity, payment has reduced drastically; customers again buy credit at their own convenience and do not fear any disconnection, they don‟t pay any money when they don‟t use the meter, no more disappointment when one is uncertain how much to pay when post meters are disconnected and no need to pay for re-connection. Again findings revealed that, efficiency, no accumulated debt, ease of purchase, paying upfront, quick response, and post payment meter ease the use of prepaid metering. Furthermore, not convenient use, blackout, spending more money, fight over sharing of bill, difficulty in pre financing, disadvantageous to the poor and less education were the challenges encountered by customers in using prepaid metering. The study recommended that, more education on the use of prepaid metering should be intensified so as to inform customers about the need for them to switch to the prepaid metering system and this should be done diligently in order to avoid any misinformation and its subsequent effect on consumer‟s perception.

Source: KNUST