ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Residents’ views on benefits and costs of ecotourism projects: A study of bobiri forest and butterfly sanctuary in Ghana

Sustainability of ecotourism projects has been a subject of interest to researchers around the world. Whilst tourism researchers advocate the need for constant monitoring and evaluation of tourism impacts, studies on residents’ perceptions on benefits and costs of ecotourism projects, especially in developing countries, remains under researched. This paper brings to the fore issues on residents views on the benefits and costs of ecotourism projects at Bobiri Forest and Butterfly Sanctuary in Ghana. Residents acknowledged the presence of both benefits and costs of ecotourism development. However, it was revealed that residents were much interested in the socio-economic and socio-cultural benefits of tourism. The study suggests that socio-demographic characteristics, native status, place of residence and length of stay influence residents’ perceptions of tourism. Statistically a significant difference was found between place of residence and economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourism. It was concluded that for the goal of ecotourism development to be achieved, there is the need for residents’ views on the project to be considered and thereby involving residents in ecotourism development. The study recommends that a longitudinal study should be conducted on the impacts of tourism in the area and community participation must be wholly encouraged. © Copyright IJHTS.

Source: UG
Residual malaria transmission dynamics varies across The Gambia despite high coverage of control interventions

Over the last decades, malaria has declined substantially in The Gambia but its transmission has not been interrupted. In order to better target control interventions, it is essential to understand the dynamics of residual transmission. This prospective cohort study was conducted between June 2013 and April 2014 in six pairs of villages across The Gambia. Blood samples were collected monthly during the transmission season (June-December) from all residents aged 6 months (4,194 individuals) and then in April (dry season). Entomological data were collected monthly throughout the malaria transmission season. Ownership of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets was 71.5% (2766/3869). Incidence of malaria infection and clinical disease varied significantly across the country, with the highest values in eastern (1.7/PYAR) than in central (0.2 /PYAR) and western (0.1/PYAR) Gambia. Malaria infection at the beginning of the transmission season was significantly higher in individuals who slept outdoors (HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.02±2.23, p = 0.04) and in those who had travelled outside the village (HR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.83±3.34, p <0.01). Sub-patent infections were more common in older children (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.04±1.6, p <0.01) and adults (HR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.23±1.89, p<0.01) than in younger children. The risk of clinical malaria was significantly higher in households with at least one infected individual at the beginning of the transmission season (HR = 1.76, p<0.01). Vector parity was significantly higher in the eastern part of the country, both in the south (90.7%, 117/129, p<0.01) and the north bank (81.1%, 227/ 280, p<0.01), than in the western region (41.2%, 341/826), indicating higher vector survival. There is still significant residual malaria transmission across The Gambia, particularly in theeastern region. Additional interventions able to target vectors escaping Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets and indoor residual spraying are needed to achieve malaria elimination.

Source: UG
Resilience and entrepreneurship: a systematic review [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]

Background: The concept of resilience runs through an array of disciplines, consisting of engineering, public health, ecology, psychology, sociology, disaster management, and business administration. Researchers have tries to explain the relationship amongst connected ideas such as resiliency, adaptability, transformability, and vulnerability but their varied definitions and differences between them remain fuzzy. There are two reasons why resilience theory is important in entrepreneurship. Firstly, researchers generally employ the term resilience to mean consciousness, determination, perseverance, or self-value to justify why some entrepreneurs and their firms achieve better results than their non resilient counterparts. Secondly, there are cognitive and behavioral entrepreneurial traits that strengthen a firm’s capability to adapt to varying conditions. The aim of this study is to review the literature that intercepts resilience and entrepreneurship. The study will attempt to identify scholarly conversations to construct notions of resilience and entrepreneurship. Therefore, limitations in the current literature will be examined and directions for future studies would be highlighted. Methods: This paper adopted a systematic interdisciplinary review of relevant studies that is patterned using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results: The scholarly works selected from the literature portrayed six emerging colloquies or research tributaries that intercept entrepreneurship and resilience: • Resilience as a function of entrepreneurial individuals or firms, • Resilience generating entrepreneurial intentions, Entrepreneurial behavior boosting organizational resilience and, • • Resilience in the framework of entrepreneurial failure, • Entrepreneurship and culture, • Resilience as a process of recovery and transformation. Conclusions: This study serves as a backdrop for the emergence of more nuanced debates on the relationship that exists between different streams of conversations on resilience. In addition, this paper shows how entrepreneurs contribute towards promoting a constructively sustainable means for socio-economic development.

Source: UG
Resilience and pathways to wellness among HIV-positive patients in Ghana: a qualitative study

Few African studies have focused on resilience factors related to engagement in HIV-related care among people living with HIV; instead, many studies have identified health risk factors and barriers within this population. Informed by the Disability-Stress-Coping Model of Adjustment, a qualitative study was conducted to develop a better understanding of psychosocial factors that can promote positive behaviours and subjective wellness for people living with HIV in Accra, Ghana. Thirty patients from the two largest HIV clinics in Accra participated in in-depth individual interviews. Using a thematic analysis approach, three individual-level factors related to resilience and subjective wellness were identified: (1) holding positive attitudes towards the pathway from HIV testing and diagnosis to healthy living with HIV; (2) placing appropriate (but not absolute) levels of trust in the clinical care environment; and (3) judicious disclosure of their HIV status to key individuals. Findings support a resilience framework that focuses on individual strengths and positive adaptations to HIV diagnosis in order to enhance understanding and promote the HIV care continuum for people living with HIV in this context. Development of resilience-focused approaches to public health intervention is particularly important in low-resource settings such as Ghana where research tends to focus on deficiencies and healthcare inadequacies for people living with HIV.

Source: UG
Resilient Lagoons? Climate Change, Sustainability And Adaptation

Lagoons are found at low-lying coastlines around the globe (Figure 1) and their associated wetlands are important, dynamic environments. Ensuring the sustainability of the world’s lagoons is vital for communities, ecosystems and economies. Lagoons support highly productive ecosystems and provide critical ecosystem services, societal benefits and myriad fundamental and valuable resources that are vital for the wellbeing and livelihoods of coastal communities. Yet, the sustainability of lagoons and the communities that rely on them are under increasing pressure from a complex set of interconnected issues, including climate change, sea-level rise, pollution, poor waste management, population growth and policy approaches that favour top-down governance to the exclusion of local knowledges and priorities (Convention on Wetlands, 2021). This article summarises the latest research on lagoons using the examples of Muni Lagoon in Ghana and Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria (Figure 1). It also draws from the interdisciplinary dialogues emerging through the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF)-funded Resilient Lagoon Network (see website), which seeks to challenge top-down management approaches and instead prioritise participatory approaches that value local knowledges and in which coastal communities are central to resilient lagoon governance.

Source: UG
Resilient leadership: a transformational-transactional leadership mix

Abstract Purpose – This paper aims to bring to bear the resemblance between the current resilient leadership theory and the transformational–transactional leadership theories. It does this with the view of re-focusing discussions of leadership on an effective mix of the transformational–transactional leadership theories to achieve the desired organisational performance, rather than a new look at leadership from the resilient leadership perspective – which is quite the same. Design/methodology/approach – It achieves this purpose by reviewing literature on the three leadership styles; and further goes on to draw a conceptual link among them to buttress the point that resilient leadership is a repetition of the ideas underlying the two already existing theories – transformational and transactional. Findings – A review of the three leadership theories in literature showed that qualities such as strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptation/change orientation, learning, performance orientation and collective leadership as captured under the resilient leadership theory are already considered under the transformational–transactional leadership theories, and thus, constitutes a repetition not needed in the search for the best leadership approach. Originality/value – The current volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment calls for a new leadership thinking/approach – one that is known and empirically tested to yield best results. In this regard, the present study advocates for a consideration of the transformational–transactional approaches, which have been proven to yield best results, to focus the discussion on leadership. Keywords Transformational leadership, Transactional leadership, Resilient leadership Paper type Conceptual paper

Source: UG
Resistance to antimicrobial drugs in Ghana

Background: Antimicrobial drug resistance is a global issue that affects health, economic, and social development. The problem has been attributed to misuse of antimicrobial agents. Purpose: To identify the agents of bacterial infection in Ghana, determine their antibiogram, and the possibility of setting up a surveillance program. Patients and methods: A prospective quantitative study set in various hospitals including two teaching hospitals, seven regional hospitals, and two district hospitals in Ghana. A total of 5099 bacterial isolates from various clinical specimens were collected over a period of 1 year, including data related to the patients. Susceptibility of the isolates was determined by the Kirby– Bauer method. In addition, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of multidrug-resistant isolates of epidemiological significance was also determined using the E-test. Results: A wide range of bacterial isolates were identified in both teaching and regional hospitals. High percentage of resistance was observed for tetracycline (82%), cotrimoxazole (73%), ampicillin (76%), and chloramphenicol (75%). Multidrug resistance was observed to a combination of ampicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and cotrimoxazole. On the other hand, a lower percentage of resistance was observed for ceftriaxone (6.3%), ciprofloxacin (11%), and amikacin (9.9%). Conclusion: Generally, the prevalence of multidrug resistance was widespread among the various isolates. Some multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) had high MIC to cefuroxime (.256), gentamicin (.256), and ciprofloxacin (.32).

Source: UG
Resistance to legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata Fabricius) in cowpea: genetic advances, challenges, and future prospects

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is a highly nutritious grain legume crop in the world. However, cowpea production is constrained by legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata Fabricius) (LPB), which feeds on various parts of cowpea plant, causing a complete crop failure. An analysis of the existing literature revealed LPB as a serious threat to cowpea production worldwide, with a more noticeable damage in Africa. Attempts to develop and use LPBresistant cowpea varieties have not shown significant results because of challenges, such as interspecific crossing barriers, genetic variability among LPB strains, effects of genotype-byenvironment interaction, limited knowledge of the genetic architecture of the trait, and the socio-political barriers to the adoption of transgenic cowpea varieties in some countries. Combining multi-environment trials with precise phenotyping would help optimize selection of best-performing cowpea genotypes to reduce LPB infestation. Many molecular tools (e.g., markers systems, genetics maps, high-throughput genotyping, and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis) are available to support breeding for LPB resistance in cowpea. In addition, mutation breeding, tissue culture, reverse genetics, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technologies can be used to increase genetic variability in cowpea for LPB resistance. The effective use of these technologies relies on an enabling legal and socio-economic-political environment for fast development and adoption of LPB-resistant cowpea varieties.

Source: UG
Resistance to pirimiphos-methyl in West African Anopheles is spreading via duplication and introgression of the Ace1 locus

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Resolving Water Conflicts in Mining Areas of Ghana Through Public Participation A Communication Perspective

Mining as a sector is vital to a country's economic growth but the impact of the activities on environment can be an important cause of concern. In Wassa West district of Ghana, mining as an industry has been promoted in the recent past, but with significant impact on environmental aspects, especially water, leading to conflicts between the local communities and the mining companies. The practical theory of ‘Trinity of Voice’ (TOV) has been proposed for understanding the community-related intricacies underlying multi-stakeholder decision-making processes and proposing a futuristic course of action for effective public participation in the same. This article attempts to understand the causes underlying the mining-related water conflicts in Ghana using the TOV theory. Using this theory, the article proposes a practical framework for enhanced effective participation of members from local host communities that in turn can enable resolving the existing conflicts and preventing the same in future. © 2007, Sage Publications India Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Resource access mechanisms in networks and SME survival in Ghana

Purpose The study aims to determine the resource access mechanism in inter-firm networks that aids SME survival in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The authors collect census data on a poultry cluster in Ghana and construct a directed network. The network is used to extract direct and indirect ties both incoming and outgoing, as well as estimate the structural holes of the actors. These variables are used to estimate for survival of SMEs after a one-year period using a binary logit model. Findings The study finds that out-indirect ties and structural hole have a significant influence on SME survival. This works through the global influence and the vision advantage that these positions and ties offer the SMEs. Originality/value The study offers SMEs a choice of whom to collaborate with for information (resources) in the form of outgoing and incoming ties at both the global and local level.

Source: UG
Resource constraints and private sector investment in emerging economies: A review of the literature

This paper is a review and classification of literature on Private Sector Investment in Emerging Economies. Hundred and ten (110) articles published in a broad range of internationally recognized journals covering four major private sector investment (PSI) issues in Emerging Economies (EEs) were explored and analyzed. This paper also reviewed literature on the main segments of private sector investment: domestic investment, foreign direct investment, and international (private) portfolio investment in EEs. A review of the major streams of PSI research examining the determinants, constraints, uncertainties, management and performance as well as relevance and magnitude of PSI activities points out the current gaps and contributions for the growth and survival of private firms and the importance of PSI for economic growth and development in EEs. A unified perspective on these research, identifies and highlights imperative gaps for future research. Consequently, the review will serve as a roadmap indicating the current state, contributions and direction of research topics for the academics and practitioners.

Source: UG
Resource prospects of Municipal solid wastes generated in the Ga East Municipal Assembly of Ghana

Background. Municipal solid wastes management has recently become an important public health concern. Municipal solid wastes are a major source of raw materials that could be used for resource recovery for diverse applications. Objectives. The present study aimed to determine the composition of municipal solid waste and recoverable resources from the waste of the Ga East Municipal Assembly (GEMA) in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Methods. An exploratory approach was used to collect pertinent data from the Abloradgei dumpsite in GEMA using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion. A field characterization study was undertaken to segregate and estimate the value of various components of collected waste. Dumpsite workers were asked about current general composition of MSW, mode of collection and disposal, record of sanitation-related diseases, use of modern treatment plant, waste management legislation and enforcement challenges, number of trucks received by the dumpsite per day, record on pretreatment of MSW before disposal, and use of personnel protective equipment. Results. The results showed that significant proportions (48.8%) of the municipal solid wastes were organic materials, while the remaining (51.2%) were inorganic materials. The results also showed that 63% of the municipal solid waste is collected with no sorting from the source and no modern treatment applied before dumping. It was estimated that the value of the recyclable materials in GEMA municipal solid waste amounts to Ghana Cedis (GH¢) 9,381,960 (plastic); 985,111 (mixed glass); 5,160,078 (paper) and 11,586,770 (metal) with a total of GH¢ 27,113,919 ($10,845,568) equivalent to 2,106,339.2 m3 (74,384,667.5 ft3) per annum of biogas from these components with a market value of GH¢ 1,997,972.17 ($768, 393.62); 11,579 Mwh (1.32 Mw) of electricity and 9,535 Mwh (1.09 Mw) of heat. This is estimated to be lost with the current waste management practices. Conclusions. We recommend that GEMA institute sustainable recycling practices and utilization of biogas production technologies and prioritize sanitation and waste management education for the public, obligate home segregation of waste materials, involve workers by providing them with protective clothing, incorporate informal waste collectors and scavengers into the new system and collaborate with research institutions in waste-toresource projects to ensure a more sustainable waste management system in the municipality.

Source: UG
Resource sharing in African libraries: problems and recommendations

This paper is an attempt .at reviewing the issue of resource sharing in Africa. It provides a general overview of the principle of resource sharing and identifies various obstacles to its application such as political, cultural, social, economic and legal problems. Possible solutions to these problems are suggested which include the need for African librarians to appreciate the importance of resource sharing and the establishment of a task force to initiate and develop a system for sharing information and resources in the region. African librarians should also take advantage of regional organizations such as the Organization of African and Economic Community of West African States provide the legal and governmental support for resource sharing. the writer concludes that despite the seemingly numerous problems, resource sharing has a future in Africa.

Source: UG
A resource-based analysis of e-commerce in developing countries

Electronic Commerce is touted as a panacea for business growth and expansion in relation to both small and large firms irrespective of their geographical locations. Past research in the area shows that there is an acute lack of theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to understand how developing country firms realise e-commerce benefits amidst their national constraints. This paper sets out to develop a theoretically abstracted but contextually grounded electronic commerce appropriation and use model for developing country contexts. We undertake a review of the ecommerce and strategy management literature in order to arrive at our conceptual model. We develop a resource - based view model of electronic commerce benefits that posits that developing country firms can orient resources towards the creation and sustenance of electronic commerce benefits. This conceptual framework provides good theoretical platform for empirically grounded research on electronic commerce in developing country contexts. We have opened a new stream of understanding in respect of developing country electronic commerce adoption.

Source: UG
A Resource-Based Model for E-Commerce in Developing Countries

Electronic Commerce is touted as a panacea for business growth and expansion in relation to both small and large firms irrespective of their geographical locations. Past research in the area shows that there is an acute lack of theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to understand how developing country firms realise e-commerce benefits amidst their national constraints. This paper sets out to develop a theoretically abstracted but contextually grounded electronic commerce appropriation and use model for developing country contexts. We undertake a review of the ecommerce and strategy management literature in order to arrive at our conceptual model. We develop a resource – based view model of electronic commerce benefits that posits that developing country firms can orient resources towards the creation and sustenance of electronic commerce benefits. This conceptual framework provides good theoretical platform for empirically grounded research on electronic commerce in developing country contexts. We have opened a new stream of understanding in respect of developing country electronic commerce adoption.

Source: UG