ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Gender differences in extractive activities: evidence from Ghana

Purpose: The study seeks to examine women’s participation in Ghana’s extractive, growth-driven economy and the quality of this participation in terms of employment status and earnings relative to their male counterparts and establish whether these differences constitute discrimination for policy attention. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts both quantitative and qualitative methods approaches to assess the extent of gender inequality in employment and earnings in the Ghanaian extractive sector and the sources of these differences. It computes three segregation indices to ascertain the degree of unequal gender distribution of employment based on nationally representative labour force and living standards surveys followed by quantitative analysis of gender earnings differences using Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition technique. This is complemented by the results of the focus Discussion to go behind the numbers and examine the sources of the employment and earnings differences between men and women in extractive activities. Findings: The authors observe lower participation of women in the extractive sector, with a considerable degree of gender segregation and existence of gender earnings gap in favour of men due to differences in observable characteristics such as age, education and occupational skills. There is also evidence of existence of discrimination against women and indications of barriers that impede women’s involvement in high-earning extractive activities in Ghana. The study suggests measures to remove these barriers and improve women’s education particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, to address the gender imbalance in extractive activities in Ghana. Social implications: women’s low involvement in the strong extractive growth-driven process has implication for undermining the effort to empower women economically. Originality/value: The study draws argument from the literature and adopts a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques to establish gender in terms of employment distribution and earnings in favour of males in the Ghanaian extractive sector. This has the effect of undermining women’s economic empowerment and exacerbating gender inequality in the country.

Source: UG
Gender differences in nutritional status, diet and physical activity among adolescents in eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa

objective The objective of this study was to evaluate gender differences in nutritional status, dietary intake, physical activity and hand hygiene among adolescents from diverse geographical settings in sub-Saharan Africa. methods This study utilised cross-sectional data from six countries (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda) within the ARISE Adolescent Health Survey (n = 7625). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using measured heights and weights, and z-scores were calculated based on the 2007 WHO growth standards for age and sex. Information on demographics, diet and health behaviours was collected through face-to-face interviews using a standardised questionnaire. Sitespecific and pooled prevalence ratios were determined. results The prevalence of underweight, overweight and stunting pooled across sites was 14.3%, 6.8% and 18.1%, respectively. Female sex was associated with a lower risk of being underweight (pooled prevalence ratio 0.66, 95% 0.57, 0.77) and stunted (pooled PR 0.63, 95% CI 0.55, 0.71), but a higher risk of being overweight (pooled PR 1.60, 95% CI 1.26, 2.06). Females were also less likely to exercise for 1 h or more per day (pooled PR 0.77, 95% CI 0.67, 0.88), and more likely to wash hands after using toilets or latrines and to wash hands with soap (pooled PRs 1.13, 95% CI 1.05, 1.21 and 1.35, 95% CI 1.23, 1.45, respectively). conclusion Our results emphasise that sex is a key predictor of nutritional status among sub- Saharan African adolescents and suggest that gender-specific interventions may be required to reduce the double burden of under- and overnutrition.

Source: UG
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF DEPRESSION AMONG MEN AND WOMEN IN GHANA

This study aims at exploring the differences in the social factors that pre-dispose men and women to depression. The study employed a qualitative research approach where in- depth interview techniques were employed with a sample of 60 participants (30 males and 30 females) from the Accra and Pantang Psychiatric Hospitals in Ghana. The results were analyzed qualitatively from gender perspectives using the Constant Comparative Approach of the grounded theory. The results of this study showed that the major social causes depression emanate from experiences associated with the dynamics of marriage. While experiences within conjugal relationships presents the greatest challenges to women that of men rested on experiences as a result of breakdown of conjugal relationships. Moreover, in contrast to the theory of learned hopelessness known to be associated with depression, respondents in this study showed extreme degrees of hopefulness based on a strong belief of divine intervention. The study advocates for better understanding of the unique nature of the social causes of depression among men and women in order to provide resources that can help in developing and implementing sustainable strategies to prevent its occurrences and mitigate its effects on households and communities.

Source: UG
The Gender Dimension of the Effects of Land Tenure Security on Agricultural Productivity: Some Evidence from two Districts in Kenya

This study uses household-level and plot-level data in two Kenyan districts-Suba and Laikipia-to examine whether tenure security effects have a gender dimension. Average maize yields by sex of land user and tenure security show that women with titles produce significantly more than men without titles. However, using multivariate regression techniques, controlling for farmer, plot and geographic factors, we do not find any evidence that women who possess land titles are more productive than men who possess land titles. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Source: UG
Gender dimension of vulnerability to climate change and variability: Empirical evidence of smallholder farming households in Ghana

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate farmers’ vulnerability to climate change and variability in the northern region of Ghana. Design/methodology/approach: The study assessed the vulnerability of male-headed and female-headed farming households to climate change and variability by using the livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) and tested for significant difference in their vulnerability levels by applying independent two-sample-student’s t-test based on gender by using a sample of 210 smallholder farming households. Findings: The results revealed a significant difference in the vulnerability levels of female-headed and male-headed farming households. Female–headed households were more vulnerable to livelihood strategies, socio-demographic profile, social networks, water and food major components of the LVI, whereas male-headed households were more vulnerable to health. The vulnerability indices revealed that female–headed households were more sensitive to the impact of climate change and variability. However, female-headed households have the least adaptive capacities. In all, female-headed farming households are more vulnerable to climate change and variability than male-headed farming households. Research limitations/implications: The study recommends that female-headed households should be given priority in both on-going and new intervention projects in climate change and agriculture by empowering them through financial resource support to venture into other income-generating activities. This would enable them to diversify their sources of livelihoods to boost their resilience to climate change and variability. Originality/value: This is the first study that examined the gender dimension of vulnerability of smallholder farmers in Ghana by using the livelihood vulnerability framework. Female subordination in northern region of Ghana has been profound to warrant a study on gender dimension in relation to climate change and variability, especially as it is a semi-arid region with unpredictable climatic conditions. This research revealed the comparative vulnerability of male- and female-headed households to climate change and variability. © 2018, Suhiyini I. Alhassan, John K.M. Kuwornu and Yaw B. Osei-Asare.

Source: UG
Gender dimensions of climate change adaptation practices: the experiences of smallholder crop farmers in the transition zone of Ghana

This paper discusses the gender dimensions of climate change adaptation strategies among small holder crop farmers in the transition zone of Ghana. A total of 612 farmers (328 females and 284 males) were interviewed using purposive sampling technique. Our results indicate that adaptation strategies are gendered with men mostly resorting to on-farm agronomic practices such as the use of artificial fertilizers and also moving into new cash crops. Female farmers also use similar on-farm agronomic practices particularly artificial fertilizers to boost crop production but most importantly resorted to petty trading in agricultural and consumable goods, an offfarm strategy. This shows women’s resilience which has also subsequently improved their decision-making role at the household level, which is an indicator of empowerment. We recommend that institutions that support climate change adaptation initiatives at the local level must take gender differences into consideration and support particularly women to strengthen their resilience and consolidate their empowerment.

Source: UG
Gender dimensions of climate change adaptation practices: the experiences of smallholder crop farmers in the transition zone of Ghana.

This paper discusses the gender dimensions of climate change adaptation strategies among small holder crop farmers in the transition zone of Ghana. A total of 612 farmers (328 females and 284 males) were interviewed using purposive sampling technique. Our results indicate that adaptation strategies are gendered with men mostly resorting to on-farm agronomic practices such as the use of artificial fertilizers and also moving into new cash crops. Female farmers also use similar on-farm agronomic practices particularly artificial fertilizers to boost crop production but most importantly resorted to petty trading in agricultural and consumable goods, an off-farm strategy. This shows women’s resilience which has also subsequently improved their decision-making role at the household level, which is an indicator of empowerment. We recommend that institutions that support climate change adaptation initiatives at the local level must take gender differences into consideration and support particularly women to strengthen their resilience and consolidate their empowerment.

Source: UG
Gender dimensions of emerging technologies for learning in a University

The paper sought to find out whether gender influences the use of emer ging technologies among higher education students at the University of Cape Coast. A data set of 357 respondents was used. It was found that more than half of the respondents were accustomed to the use of emerging technologies which translated in the improvement of their understanding of unclear concepts in their learning. However, the study showed no statistically significant difference in students’ aca demic performance and their use of emerging technologies. The respondents indi cated that they learn best when emerging technologies are available during the learning period (p = 0.017). Further, there was improvement in performance when respondents use emerging technologies to enhance learning. This study concludes that one should be circumspect when using emerging technologies in learning as they can contribute positively and negatively depending on the nature of usage.

Source: UG
Gender Discourses and Representational Practices in Gold Coast Newspapers

From the mid-nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century the Gold Coast press played host to a heterogeneity of voices composed of male publishers and editors, female editors and columnists, journalists, and correspondents, as well as male and female readers. These voices complemented and competed with each other, interacting within newspaper texts to produce a rich variety of ongoing discourses. This paper examines some of these multivalent discourses and explores how Gold Coast journalism constructed and negotiated gender during this period. The interrogation of newspaper discourses aims at informing our understanding of the dominant gender issues in the Gold Coast and at establishing how female contributors in particular inscribed and demythologised conventional notions of femininity in the press during the colonial era.

Source: UG
Gender disparities in living arrangements of older people in Ghana: Evidence from the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey

In this study, the living arrangements of persons aged 60 years and older in Ghana are examined. The data for the study emanate from the household roster component of the most recent nationally representative sample survey, the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. The focus is on socio-economic and demographic characteristics, as well as coresidential patterns, of the elderly persons. Additionally, use is made of the 1960-2000 census results of Ghana in order to through light on the emerging phenomenon of population ageing in the country. The results show that the proportion of persons aged 60 years or older in Ghana has consistently risen from 5.2 percent in 1960 to 7.2 percent in 2000, representing 38 percent increase, while the number rose from 457,067 in 1960 to 1,367,343 in 2000, representing about 200 percent increase over the period. Differences by sex are marginal. Also, older adults in Ghana live in a variety of household arrangements. The elderly men are more likely to be living in nuclear households, while older women are more likely to be living in extended family households. Logistic regression analyses indicate that determinants of living with adult children and grandchildren differ by sex. A combination of fertility decline, migration, and urbanization puts the older women in a disadvantaged position since there are fewer adult children available to provide support and care, and there is no universal non-familial social security system. It can be argued that knowledge about the types of households in which older women live is a first step to understanding their needs in a part of the world with limited resources such as Ghana.

Source: UG
Gender disparities of chronic musculoskeletal disorder burden in the elderly Ghanaian population: study on global ageing and adult health (SAGE WAVE 1)

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, non-communicable diseases including musculoskeletal disorders have not been a priority in low-and-middle income countries. The main aim of this paper is to assess age and gender specific burden by estimating the current prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and associated risk factors in the elderly Ghanaian population. METHODS: Between May 2007 and June 2008, the World Health Organization conducted a nationwide study on AGEing (SAGE) and Adult Health in Ghana. The study employed a multistage cluster sampling strategy to identify participants by stratifying the population by age and setting. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. A Poisson regression model was fitted with robust error variance. Prevalence estimates took into account the complex survey design and sampling weights. Statistical significance was considered at p ≤ 0.05 significance level. Statistical analysis was performed with STATA version 11.2. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of chronic back pain and chronic arthritis/joints pain were higher in women than men. The overall crude prevalence's rates were 28.2 and 10.7% for chronic back pain and chronic arthritis/joints pain respectively. Substantial differences existed between men and women in terms of socio-economic status, education level and occupational status. Women with primary education had a chronic back pain prevalence of 36.2% (95% CI; 29.2, 43.3) and chronic arthritis/joints pain prevalence of 15.8% (95% CI; 11.1, 20.6) while their male counterparts had prevalence rates of 29.0% (95% CI; 23.4, 34.5) and 9.8% (95% CI; 6.4, 13.2) respectively. Residence (rural and urban) did not appear to influence the prevalence of chronic back pain and arthritis/joints pain. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest the existence of sex differences in chronic back pain and chronic arthritis/joint pain in the elderly population in Ghana after adjustment for demographic and socio-economic factors. It indicates the existence of inequalities in health between elderly men and women with women suffering more from chronic back pain and chronic arthritis/joints pain.

Source: UG
GENDER DISPARITY IN COCOA PRODUCTION RESOURCE ACCESS AND FOOD SECURITY IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Understanding gender disparities in production resource allocation is critical for agricultural development and cannot be overstated. The study evaluated farmers’ access to cocoa production resources and its implication for food security in Ogun State, Nigeria. The data were collected from 813 respondents with the use of structured questionnaire which involved 420 male and 393 female farmers. Frequencies, percentages, household dietary diversity score (HDDS) and logit regression were used to analyse the data while the hypotheses were tested with t test. The t-tests showed significant differences in access to labour, credit and extension service but no difference in access to land as farmers have land either through purchase or inheritance. The mean score for access to credit by male farmers was 0.05 and 0.01 by female farmers with a mean difference of 0.04 which was significant at 0.01 level of significance (t = 4.69, p ≤ 0.01). The mean score for access to labour by male farmers was 0.398 and 0.099 by female farmers with a mean difference of 0.298 which was significant at 0.01 level of significance. Lastly, mean score for access to extension service by male farmers was 0.145 and 0.048 by female farmers with a mean difference of 0.096 which was significant at 0.01 level of significance (t = 4.69, p ≤ 0.01). Male dominance was seen in the household with regard to decisions on farm activities. The household diversity score showed that female farmers consumed more food groups making them more food secure than their male counterparts. Age, education, access to labour, farm size and monthly income were found to be significant drivers of food security of farmers in study area. It was recommended that policies that ensure equal opportunities for male and female farmers should be put in place. There is also a need for improvements on credit facilities and extension services.

Source: UG
Gender diversity and productivity in manufacturing firms: evidence from six Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries

We revisit predictions about the relationship between gender diversity and firm productivity using data on 1,082 manufacturing firms from six Sub-Saharan African countries: Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Kenya. Recent evidence suggests that a gender-diverse workforce opens up a firm to a vast range of talent, knowledge and perspectives critical to enhancing innovation and problem solving, and thereby increasing firm productivity. Given the importance of manufacturing for employment and structural transformation in Africa, we test the gender diversity-productivity proposition by exploring structural differences (heterogeneity) across manufacturing firms using the without Smokestacks (IWOSS) classification. We find that while gender diversity promotes firm productivity at lower levels, this effect is displaced with further increases. Our results did not show that IWOSS firms do any better in promoting the diversity-productivity link. Implications of this finding and areas for future studies are also discussed.

Source: UG
Gender dynamics in the choice of place of trade among young entrepreneurs in Ghana

Entrepreneurship is considered a viable venture by the youth for the betterment of their livelihoods. While the choices, special needs and the entrepreneurial potentials of the youth need to be well understood by policy makers, little research has been done to understand these dimensions. This study explores how gender interacts with other determinants to influence the decision of choosing a place of trade among young entrepreneurs in Ghana, using multinomial logistic regression model and techniques. The results show that, while controlling for gender roles, young female entrepreneurs relative to their male counterparts have increasing probability of trading from home than trading from an organised market; while young entrepreneurs from high income households with higher levels of education are more likely to trade from an organised market. These findings drum home the need for requisite policies to foster the growth of entrepreneurship among both young male and female entrepreneurs in Ghana

Source: UG
Gender dynamics in the choice of place of trade among young entrepreneurs in Ghana

Entrepreneurship has been considered a viable strategy by the youth as a means to create jobs and improve upon their livelihoods and economic independence. Despite the upsurge of research in the a rea of gender entrepreneurship worldwide since the late 1970s, little exist concerning the determinants of the choice of place of trade vis-a-vis gender among young entrepreneurs. This study explores how gender interacts with other determinants to influence the decision of choosing a suitable place for trade among young entrepreneurs in Ghana using multinomial logistic regression techniques. The results show that, while controlling for gender roles, young female entrepreneurs relative to their male counterparts have increasing probability of trading from home than trading from an organized market, but are more likely to trade from an organized market other than from a formal business space. Also, young female entrepreneurs who have supervisory roles are more likely to trade from their homes other than trading from an organized market relative to their male counterparts. However, it emerged that young female entrepreneurs are more likely to trade from an organized market compared to trading from a formal business space or from other places. Other findings of the study reveal that, young females from high income households are more likely to trade from an organized market compared to trading on the street, from a formal business space or from other places different from the locations being studied. These findings have policy implications regarding the very key elements needed to foster the growth of entrepreneurship among both young males and females entrepreneurs in Ghana.

Source: UG