ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Growing Customer Base with Inward Remittances: An analysis of UNIBANK (Ghana) Limited

Over the past decade, remittances have had a significant impact on the economy of Ghana. According to the Bank of Ghana (BoG), remittances to Ghana have increased from about US$4.6 billion in 2005 to about US$12.5 billion in 2010 equating 11% of GDP. The BoG 2009 report also revealed that, US$ 9.1 billion or 19.2% of the total remittance went to individual Ghanaians who walked to various banks or non-bank financial institutions to access these funds. The World Bank (WB) has estimated that, global remittance flow to developing countries in 2009 alone ran into $ 338 billion with the potential to increase more than 10% per annum. The concept of remittances in Ghana is still a complex unexplored issue and its impact has not yet been fully captured or explained empirically. The lack of systematic means to record transactions, lack of details about the sender among others are some of the issues that lead to the complexity. Nevertheless, it also significant to understand different helps remittances offer to the families who receive them. This research sought to add to the body of knowledge of the remittances and how Banks can explore this system to grow customers’ base. A case study approach was used using unibank and data collection methods was semi-structured interviews, observations and documentation of important legal papers from the bank. The research revealed that, remittances form the total foreign exchange inflows into the country majority of the remittance is to individual families who are either using for upkeep, pay for education or to run business or projects that will in future prepare the sender for coming back to Ghana. The results of the research showed that, about 66% of recipient beneficiaries are just custodians of these monies and that the decision as to how these monies are used is the prerogative of the sender. The research recommends that for banks to grow their customer base, cross-selling of products to remittance customers will be key and more attention should be paid to migrants by developing more products that will be beneficial and attractive to them.

Source: KNUST
Growth and Productivity of Khaya Grandifoliola in the Dry Semi-Deciduous Forest Of Ghana: A Comparison in Pure Stands and in Mixed Stands

This study was aimed at assessing the performance of one of the very important indigenous species, Khaya grandifoliola in pure or mixed stands as well as its performance to exotic tree species, Tectona grandis. The study was carried out in a four year old plantation in the Tain Tributaries Block II Forest Reserve which lies in dry semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. The results from the study indicated that there was significant difference in diameter growth for Khaya grandifoliola in pure and in mixed stands with the pure stands presenting higher diameter growth of 9.15 cm and mixed stands of 7.81 cm. Khaya grandifoliola also recorded total height of 5.50 m and merchantable height 3.63 m in pure stands and in mixed stands Khaya grandifoliola produced total height of 5.04 m and merchantable height of 3.52 m. However, these values were not significantly different in both stands. Khaya grandifoliola performed better in pure than in mixed stands for basal area per hectare and total volume per hectare estimations. Consequently, Khaya grandifoliola accumulated more carbon in pure stands than in mixed stands. Overall, Khaya grandifoliola performed better in pure stands than in mixed stands. Khaya grandifoliola was more tolerant to pests’ attacks in mixed stands than in pure stands. Meanwhile there was no statistical difference in diameter growth between Khaya grandifoliola (9.15 cm) and Tectona grandis (9.61 cm) in pure stands. The values of total height, merchantable height and total volume were significantly higher for Tectona grandis. However, there was no significant difference between the two species with respect to basal area per hectare. Tectona grandis generally performed better than Khaya grandifoliola in pure stands.

Source: KNUST
Growth and reproductive performance and maternal and piglet blood profiles of pigs fed diets containing differing direct-fed microbial products

A study was carried out to ascertain the effects of three DFM products (RE3TM, RE3 PLUS and a combination of RE3TM and P3) on the growth performance, gut microflora, blood profile and reproductive performance of gilts and on growth performance and blood profile of their piglets. Sixteen Large White gilts of an average initial weight of 41.66kg were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments (T1- Control, basal diet without DFM, T2- 1ml RE3TM per kg feed, T3- 1ml RE3 PLUS per kg feed and T4- 1ml RE3TM + 0.5ml P3 per kg feed) in a completely randomized design. The experiment consisted of 2 phases, i.e. a grower-finisher and a gestation and lactation phases for the gilts. Diets containing 23, 18 and 16% CP were prepared and offered to piglets, growing and lactating gilts and pregnant gilts, respectively during the entire experiment. Growing-finishing gilts were allowed 4% of body weight of feed until they attained a body weight of 80±0.5kg before the feed allowance was reduced to 3% of body weight. Pregnant gilts were offered a daily feed allowance of 2kg while lactating gilts were provided 5kg of feed. Piglets were offered ad libitum access to creep feed at 2 weeks of age. Water was provided ad libitum. Weighing was done weekly for gilts until they became pregnant whilst piglets were weighed within 24 hour after they were farrowed and subsequently weekly until weaning at 4 weeks of age. Blood samples were taken from gilts at the start of the experiment and after the first phase of the experiment (Week 12) for haematology, serum biochemistry and immunological studies. Blood samples were taken from piglets within 24 hours after birth and after every week until they were weaned. Faecal samples were also taken from gilts for microbial analysis after the 1st phase of the experiment. The study spanned a period of 32 weeks. It was concluded that with the exception of blood serum protein, the 3 different probiotic products did not seem to significantly influence growth performance, reproductive performance, blood profile iii and gut microflora of the gilts, and the growth performance of piglets. However, DFM supplementation resulted in decreased concentrations of RBC and MCHC but increased concentrations of monocytes, PLT and IgM in piglets.

Source: KNUST
Growth and yield of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) varieties as affected by cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) growth types intercropping systems in Northern Ghana.

Self-sustaining, low-input, and energy-efficient agricultural systems in the context of sustainable agriculture have always been in the centre of attention of many farmers, researchers, and policy makers in the Northern Region and Ghana as a whole. However, most practices of modern agriculture, e.g. mechanization, monocultures, improved crop varieties, and heavy use of agrochemicals for fertilization and pest management, led to a simplification of the components of agricultural systems and to a loss of biodiversity. While modern agriculture especially hybrid seed production has brought vast increases in productivity to the world’s farming systems, it is widely recognized that much of this may have come at the price of sustainability. Restoring on-farm biodiversity through diversified farming systems such as mix cropping that mimic nature is considered to be a key strategy for sustainable agriculture by small scale farmers. To address these concerns, studies were conducted at Nyankpala in the Savanna agro ecological zone in the Northern region of Ghana involving two cowpea growth types, erect and spreading intercropped with hybrid maize to assess the influence of these intercrops on the physiological behaviour of the hybrid maize and their impact on the productivity of the system. The experiment was laid in a split plot arranged in RCBD with four replications. The main plot factor was cowpea growth type, erect cowpea (Songotra), spreading cowpea (Sanzi) and no cowpea (sole maize). The sub plot factor was maize type, which were hybrid maize varieties Pan53, Etubi, Mamaba and Obatampa (OPV). The result of soil analysis after harvesting showed that the higher the density of the cowpea biomass the better it can sustain the fertility of the soil. Generally, grain yield of sole maize (No cowpea) among the main plot factors recorded significant higher result as compared to grain yield of the two intercropping systems. The results of Benefit Cost Ratio of the cowpea/maize intercrops showed a higher ratio as compared to the result of their respective soles. The Benefit Cost Ratio of Pan 53 recorded no significant differences among the sole and its intercrops. Obatanpa, on the other hand, recorded significantly higher yield as a good material for intercropping.

Source: KNUST
Growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) following nitrogen fertilizer application and inoculation

A field study was conducted to assess the growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) following N fertilizer application and inoculation at the Plantation Section, Faculty of Agriculture, KNUST. Two inoculants (Eco-Rhiz-Soya and BR 3262) and nitrogen fertilizer at four levels which (0 kg N/ha, 15 kg N/ha, 30 kg N/ha and 45 kg N/ha) were the two main factors. The initial soil analysis was conducted at the Soil Science Laboratory at KNUST to determine microbial population, pH, phosphorus content, exchangeable cations, organic carbon and organic matter. Planting was done manually at three seeds per hill and later thinned to two seedlings per hill at a spacing of 60 x 20 cm. The N fertilizer was applied two weeks after planting the seeds. Growth parameters measured were number of days to emergence, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, number of days to 50 % flowering, number of branches, percent effective nodules, number of nodules and nodule dry weight. The yield parameters measured were number of pods, number of seeds per pod, weight of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, grain yield, residue N and seed N content. The results showed that at 25 and 35 DAP, plants that received 45 kg N/ha were the tallest, and this was significantly higher than all other treatment means and both inoculants produced similar effects, and either effect was significantly higher than the control treatment. The 45 kg N/ha produced the greatest number of branches, and this was significantly higher than the other treatments where as 30 kg N /ha treatment recorded the greatest nodule number plant per plant (2.98) which was significantly higher than all other treatment effects. The 30 kg N /ha treatment produced the greatest number of effective nodules on both sampling periods but the Eco Rhiz soya inoculation produced significantly higher effective nodules than all other treatments at 25 DAP only. The grain yield did differ significantly among the nitrogen fertilizer levels. The 45 kg N/ha treatment recorded the greatest grain yield which was significantly higher than all other treatment effects. Grain yield following inoculation was greatest in the BR 3262 inoculant, which was significantly higher than those of the control and Eco Rhiz soya. The N fixed and N derived from the atmosphere, from the 45 kg N/ha treatment were significantly higher than all other treatments. Inoculation significantly affects mean of N fixed, as the treatment effect of the BR 3262 inoculant was greater than those of the control and the Eco Rhiz soya but N derived from the atmosphere was not significantly different among the inoculation treatments. The results indicated that for greater growth, N fixation and grain yield of cowpea, inoculation or starter N application cannot be overlooked.

Source: KNUST
Growth and yield response of early and medium maturity soybean (glycine max (l) merrill) varieties to row spacing

An experiment to investigate the effect of different row spacings on the growth and yield of three soybean varieties Ahoto, Anidaso and Nangbaar was conducted at the Plantation Crop Section of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in 2008 and 2009. The experimental design was a split plot, arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The varieties were the main plots and row spacing, the subplots. Data collected were plant height, number of primary branches, shoot dry matter, leaf area index, crop growth rate, nodule count, nodule dry weight and effectiveness, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, grain yield per hectare and percentage pod shattering. The data were analysed using ANOVA and means separated by LSD (P<0.05) using MSTAT-C. The results showed significant (P<0.05) differences due to varieties for number of primary branches, leaf area index, number of pods per plant and grain yield (ton ha-1). Row spacing effects were significant (P<0.05) on plant height (cm), leaf area index, number of leaves, dry matter yield kg ha-1 and grain yield (ton ha-1). Correlation analysis showed significant positive correlation between number of pods per plant and grain yield (r = 0.597). Under the conditions of this study, the Ahoto variety was the best in terms of grain yield, 3.15 ton ha-1, and the row spacing of 40×5 cm resulted in the highest grain yield, 2.46 ton ha-1. Among the three varieties, therefore, Ahoto would give the highest grain yield to producers, and the spacing recommended to soybean farmers is 40×5 cm.

Source: KNUST
Growth and yield response of soybean varieties to inoculation and nitrogen levels

Soybean, like any other legume can fix atmospheric N through symbiotic association with native rhizobia but, the amount of N 2 fixed is usually not enough due to existence of ineffective population of native rhizobia. A field experiment was conducted in 2015 at CSIR-CRI demonstration field to study the interactive effect of inoculation and nitrogen fertilization effect on the growth, nodulation and nitrogen fixation, grain yield and protein content, as well as remobilization of N using three soybean varieties. The experiment was a 3x6 factorial experiment laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The factors were: soybean varieties (Anidaso, Quarshie and Salentuya 1) and the nitrogen sources: (control, 30 and 60 kg N/ha, inoculation alone, inoculation+30 kg N/ha and inoculation + 60 kg N/ha. The seeds were inoculated before sowing. All cultural practices were carried out when needed. The results showed that, inoculated plants of all three varieties established better than their corresponding uninoculated plants. Again, inoculation resulted in significantly greater nodule numbers, nodule dry weight and nitrogen fixation. Also growth, grain yield and protein content were all enhanced following seed inoculation. Application of fertilizer N at grain filling period increased seed yield, especially at the rate of 30 kg N/ha. Lastly, remobilization of N occurred in all treatments, but was greater in treatments with greater availability of N.

Source: KNUST
The growth of the winged bean (psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L) DC)

TWO experiments were conducted at the Arable Crops Section of the University of Science and Technology farms, Kumasi, (6° 43’N, 10 36’W) in 1981 and 1982, to study the influence of date of sowing, plant population density and 50% flower/pod removal on the growth and yield of two winged bean cultivars. Shoot and seed yields and components in the two cultivars (Tpt-8 and Tpt-1) were affected by the date of sowing, being positively influenced by rainfall and solar radiation income, so that major season planting (May sowing) gave higher shoot and seed yields than the minor season planting done in September. Both cultivars produced the highest seed yield at a population density of 2.7 plants/m2, irrespective of the date of sowing. Thus, a density of 2.7 plants/m2 appeared to approach the optimum for the crop under the conditions of the experiment. Seed yield was found to be mainly influenced by the total number of pods produced, although as plant density increased, the other components, that is, the number of seeds per pod and the mean weight per seed, also declined. 50% deflowering did not influence seed yield in the cultivars used, although normal plants appeared they have produced a higher seed yield and components. Deflowered plants generally gave greater roots and tuber weights than normal plants.

Source: KNUST
Growth performance of a young teak (Tectona Grandis Linn. F) Stand Under Different Site Preparation Methods and Planting Stocks

Site preparation and the propagative material of plants go a long way to determine the growth performance and biomass production. This study was carried out to determine the effect of propagation material on stem growth and form, the best allometric model to estimate aboveground phytomass of individual Teak trees as well as the impact of site preparation methods on growth of Teak trees. Two planting stocks (bare rooted stump and potted seedling), and four sites preparation methods (burnt, un-burnt, fertilized and un-fertilized) were evaluated using the nested block design in the assessment of the growth performance of a ten year old Teak plantation.The results obtained indicated that the Teak trees propagated from potted seedling had 41% higher survival compared to those of bare rooted stump. In the site preparation method the burnt sites had 11% higher survival relative to those in the un-burnt sites. Fertilization did not have much influence on the survival of the Teak trees demonstrating that there was no significant difference between sites that were fertilized or un-fertilized (p=0.21) The quality of Teak trees reflected in the stem form was not affected by both site preparation methods and the planting stocks.The results showed that the best allometric model for estimating above-ground phytomass of individual Teak trees was MT=0.3158 (Vs) 1.0806 as the model resulted with the highest coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9978). However, Teak trees in the un-burnt sites had higher growth relative to those in the burnt sites. Also the un-burnt sites accumulated more carbon stock than those in the burnt sites (p = 0.19) as the undergrowth in the un-burnt sites provided additional carbon stock from the litter. The results shows that in the cultivation of a Teak plantation the propagation by potted seedlings planted in an un-burn site with fertilizer application is the best cultivation method for growth performance and high biomass production.

Source: KNUST
Growth Kinetics of Zinc Sulphide Nanocrystals Synthesized by Colloidal Thermolysis of Fatty Acid Carboxylates

Zinc sulphide (ZnS) is an important semiconductor with widespread electronic and catalytic applications. e growth kinetics of ZnS nanocrystals synthesized by the thermal decomposition of zinc ricinoleate carboxylates in an oleylamine:dodecanethiol (1 :1) solvent mixture isreported. Crystalline sphalerite ZnS nanocrystals with quantum dot sizes of 2.3–5.3 nm were obtained at temperatures higher than 240° C. e p-XRD patterns showed a clear relationship between the crystallite sizes and the peak broadness at a temperature range of 250–300°C. e optical bandgap energies of the ZnS nanocrystals reduced from 4.27 eV to 3.73 eV as the time of reaction increased from 20 to 60 min at 250°C. e activation energy for the growth kinetics of the ZnS nanocrystals was determined to be 36.24 kJ/mol which compares closely to those reported in the literature for aqueous systems.

Source: KNUST
Growth and yield response of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L] Walp) to NPK fertilizer and rhizobia inoculation in the Guinea and Sudan Savanna Zones of Ghana

The attendant low yield of cowpea among smallholder farmers has increased the need for site specific fertilizer recommendation and integration of biological materials to increase the yield of the crop. The effectiveness of applied fertilizer is constrained by the use of the in appropriate rate and improper timing of sowing. Rhizobia inoculant, on the other hand, needs a balanced nutrient application to increase crop yield. The study was designed to: i) determine the effects of inoculant, P and K mineral fertilizers on N,P,K uptake, growth and grain yield of cowpea, ii) evaluate the effect of NPK fertilizer application on the growth and yield of cowpea in the Guinea and Sudan Savanna zones of Ghana, and iii) simulate the potential yield, yield gap, best sowing date, growth and yield of cowpea using CROPGRO – cowpea DSSAT model. The response of cowpea to rhizobia inoculation and fertilizer application revealed that sole application of inoculant was not sufficient to raise cowpea yield except when combined with 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 20 kg K2O ha-1. The yield response to mineral fertilizer also showed that K is very essential in determining cowpea yield and should therefore, not be omitted in any fertilizer recommendation rate. CROPGRO - Cowpea model was used to simulate the response of cowpea to different N rates, potential yield and the best sowing dates for cowpea. The model was calibrated for Omondaw cowpea cultivar using data from the experiment carried out at Lawra (Ferric Lixisol) and Nyoli (Ferric Luvisol) during the 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons. The model performance was evaluated statistically using RMSE (0.13 tons ha-1), CV (RMSE) (9.9%) and Wilmott index of agreement d (0.97). A long term seasonal analysis using the model was able to detect that 15 kg N ha-1 is optimal for Ferric Lixisol while 20 kg N ha-1 was optimal for Ferric Luvisol. To avoid crop failure, sowing window for Lawra ranged from July 11 to July 21st while that of Nyoli was extended to 26th July with consideration for August 5th. The yield gap analysis revealed that a wide gap exists between climatic potential yields and yields obtained from farmers’ fields. The gaps between potential and research station yields (yield gap 1) ranged from 1.05 to 18 % of potential yield, while that of the farmers field was 84.21 % for Lawra soil and 79.55 % for Nyoli soil. It is necessary to reduce the yield gap by using site specific fertilizer recommendation and appropriate timing of sowing dates.

Source: KNUST
The growth of the Christ Apostolic Church International (CACI), Ghana from 1980 to 2008.

This research, The Growth of the Christ Apostolic Church International (CACI), Ghana from 1980 to 2008 traces the growth of the church and factors that led to its growth. The researcher’s interest for embarking on this study was motivated by the fact that, the Christ Apostolic Church International has no written historical documents with regards to its growth. This research discusses the historical development of the institution with emphasis on its growth, and has given some recommendations for its future development. Primary data was collected through interviews and questionnaire administered to some executive members, territorial apostles, pastors and other auxiliary leaders of the church. Again, relevant literature and records on CACI and church growth were consulted. The findings of the research have shown that the church has grown from 1980 to 2008. In terms of growth in membership, there was an increased from 26,000 in 1980, to 191,810 in 2008; that is, 737.73%. In terms of branches, from 300 in 1980 to 2,196 in 2008 - 732%. Other areas of growth were chapels, personnel (both clergy and laity) and finances. The researcher recommends that, CACI should strengthen the existing patterns of growth, such as evangelistic activities and Christian education programmes; establish her visible presence through social services in the communities; and examine critically the type of ministers the church recruits to enhance her growth. The recommendations given will not only help the church under consideration to grow, but also, they will serve as model for other churches that desire holistic growth.

Source: KNUST