ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The effects of Re-3, a Direct-Fed Microbial (DFM) product on the growth performance, blood profile and carcass characteristics of pigs.

A feeding trial involving forty-eight (48) Large White starter pigs (24 barrows and 24 gilts) was conducted at the Livestock Section of the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. The 21-week study was carried out to investigate the effects of Direct-fed microbials (DFM) on the growth performance, blood profile and carcass characteristics of pigs. Pigs with an overall mean initial liveweight of 10.38 kg, were selected and randomly allocated to three dietary treatments (designated as CONTROL, DFM-1, and DFM-2) based on sex and liveweight. Each treatment had sixteen (16) pigs and was replicated four (4) times and each replicate consisted of two (2) barrows and two (2) gilts. The experimental design used was Randomized Complete Block Design. The study was conducted in two phases, i.e. the Starter and Grower phases. The Starter phase lasted five (5) weeks and the diets offered each contained 18% CP whereas during the Grower phase, the diets offered contained 16% CP and its duration was from the sixth week until the end of the experiment. There was no DFM in the CONTROL diet. The DFM-1 and DFM-2 dietary treatments were the same as the Control diet but at feeding time 1.5 (DFM-1) and 3.0 ml of DFM (DFM-2)/kg diet were added. This rate of DFM inclusion was the same for the two phases of the study. Both feed and water were provided ad-libitum. Pigs were weighed at weekly intervals and those attaining the specified weight of 70± 0.5kg on the weighing day were removed and slaughtered immediately for carcass characteristics and blood studies. Feed samples were collected for the two different phases for proximate analyses. The DFM supplementation in the diets did not significantly (P>0.05) influence mean daily feed intake, daily weight gains, feed efficiency, and the number of days to slaughter. The full and empty GIT weights, dressed weight, dressing percentage, backfat thickness, loin eye area and the weights of the internal organs were also similar (P>0.05) The feed cost per kg weight gain was however significantly (P<0.05) increased at the higher inclusion level of DFM (i.e. 3.0 ml DFM/kg diet). The haematological and serum biochemical parameters were not significantly different (P>0.05) among the dietary treatments except for serum albumin. It was concluded that RE-3 (DFM) inclusion in the diets of pigs did not have any significant (P>0.05) effect on their growth performance, carcass characteristics and most blood profile constituents.

Source: KNUST
Effects of reproductive health programmes on the youth in the Sekyere East District

International fora have recognised young People’s sexual reproductive rights. The International Conference on Population Development (ICPD I 994, Cairo), the ICPD+5 Conference in 1999 and the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing, 1995 all recognized the need to protect young people’s reproductive rights. The National Population Council (NPC), came out with a policy on adolescent reproductive health in 1996. Since then, the Ministry of Health and some private organizations have been trying to provide the youth with reproductive health information and services. The youth in Ghana are exposed to early sex and the incidence of adolescent pregnancy, abortion and STD’s are on the increase among the youth. The principal objective of the research was to study reproductive health programmes in the Sekyere East District and find out how the youth benefit from such programmes. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to study how youth reproductive health programmes were run. Programme providers and youth involved in reproductive health programmes were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Group discussions were also held with the youth. The study revealed the presence of three reproductive health programmes in the district. Two were targeted for the youth and one served both adults and the youth. It was clearly indicated that majority of the youth did not have reproductive health programmes available to them, especially the out-of- school youth. Knowledge of the youth on the transmission and prevention of STD/FIIV was average. There were a few misconceptions and ignorance on certain issues. Knowledge on family planning methods was quite good and Contraceptive use was high among those involved in sexual relationships. STD/HIV prevention and other healthy behaviours were adopted. It was concluded that the programmes were useful to the youth and therefore should be extended to all the youth in the District Recommendations made included those that would make reproductive health programmes available to more youth and also to make contraceptives easily accessible to them.

Source: KNUST
Effects of Reservoir Characteristics on Malaria and its Vector Abundance: a Case Study of the Bongo District

In the seven (7) administrative zones of the Bongo District of the Upper East Region of Ghana the occurrences of malaria and relative abundance of the principal malaria vector, Anopheles species, were studied as a function of the presence and characteristics of reservoirs during the rainy season. Case studies in the sub-Sahara Africa show that malaria transmission may increase decrease or remain largely unchanged as a consequence of reservoir presence. There was a weak negative correlation between distance from reservoir to settlement and adult anopheles abundance. Also there was a very weak correlation between surface area of reservoirs and adult Anopheles mosquito abundance. Percentage of inhabitants using insecticide treated nets, livestock population density, human population density and Anopheles mosquito abundance affected the occurrence of malaria. The results suggest that vector control targeted at reservoir characteristics and larval control would be an effective approach for malaria control'in the Bongo District.

Source: KNUST
The effects of road traffic accidents on economic activities in Ghana: A case study of the Techiman Township

The study “The Effects of Road Traffic Accident on Economic Activities in Ghana: A case study of the Techiman Township” was chosen in view of the increase in the recent spate of road traffic accidents in Techiman and Ghana as a whole. Techiman in the Brong Ahafo Region has been one of the fastest growing towns in the region and also in Ghana in terms of population and economy. The high population has been the result of its link to most parts of the country especially the three Northern Regions and Ashanti. It has also been the result of the commercial activities which is given prominence by the market considered to be the biggest in Ghana and also one of the well patronized markets in West Africa. The town is considered to be the commercial hub of the Brong Ahafo Region and has municipality status. The objectives of the study were to look at the effects of traffic accident on commercial activities, the causes of accidents in the town, how the various road users coexist and the training of prospective drivers. It was found out in the study that road traffic accidents really affected commercial activities as these accidents brought most businesses to a halt. The causes of traffic accidents were also outlined and revealed; and over speeding, fatigue, indiscipline of road users and relaxed law enforcement has been the leading ones. The following recommendations were made from the findings: There should be intensive education on the importance of insurance, traders should form groups in order to qualify for bank loans, the operation of mini-buses should be restricted and the DVLA should take over the training of drivers.

Source: KNUST
Effects of rubber plantations on the nutrient status of soils established under different land-uses

Natural rubber (NR) cultivation has been on the increase in the Ahanta West, Nzema East, Jomora and Wassa West Districts of the Western Region, since the inception of the Rubber Outgrower Plantation Project (ROPP) in 1995. As a result, many land-uses especially secondary forests have been converted to NR plantations, raising several environmental issues including nutrient removal from the soil, change in soil surface chemistry, and fear of disruption in soil fertility. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of rubber plantations on the nutrient status of soils established from different land-uses. Forty-five soil samples were collected from NR plantations at Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) for laboratory analysis. Samples covered depths 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm, and represented three land-use types (secondary forest, old rubber plantation and abandoned farmland). Total nitrogen, Total phosphorus, available potassium, calcium, magnesium and pH analyses were determined using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results generally indicated no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the soil properties among the three land-use types. Similarly, soil depth did not have any strong effect on the soil nutrient status. However, total nitrogen (35.3 – 69 %), total phosphorus (65.5 – 137 %) and available potassium (44.3 - 76.5 %) increased with age of the NR stand whilst calcium (10.2 - 51.1 %) and magnesium (5.1 - 11.3 %) decreased with increasing age of the NR stand. These results suggest that NR establishment had no deleterious effects on soil quality parameters, consistent with the notion that most soil nutrients are returned into soils through accumulation and subsequent turnover of leaf litter.

Source: KNUST
The effects of rural banks’ credit scheme on small-scale food crop farming in Ghana: a case study of the Jomoro Rural Bank

The establishment of rural banks in Ghana among other reasons was to re-enforce the government’s commitment to rural credit as part of a national strategy to improve agriculture and the living conditions of rural farms. Thus, the established banking scheme was to assist the rural people particularly small-scale farmers to find solutions to rural credit problems thereby increasing their Agricultural yield It is in the light of this that the study sought to find out the effects of the Jomoro Rural Bank’s credit scheme on small-scale food crop farming in the Jomoro District in, the Western Region of Ghana. The basic hypothesis underlying the study is that there is a significant relationship between the credit scheme of the Jomoro Rural Bank and food crop production in the Jomoro District. Data was collected using questionnaire and interviews from the Jomoro Rural Bank and 200 sampled customers of the bank who are farmers. The study revealed that credit to farmers who are customers of the bank has no direct relationship with their output. The various individual production schedules buttress this assertion and all other things being equal, the food producers who are customers of the bank never saw improvement in their income levels and standard of living during the six year period (i.e. 2001 - 2006). It was however recommended among other things that if farmers would benefit from the credit scheme of the bank, and to increase their agricultural production, then the amount given to them as credit should be increased so as to ensure the implementation of economic ventures in the Jomoro District.

Source: KNUST
Effects of rural water supply and utilization in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region

The study examined the health effects of rural Water supply and utilization in the South Tongu District. The questionnaires, interview schedules, focus group discussion and personal observation were the methods used to collect the data. Computer software such as SPSS version 16.0 was used to assist in the data analysis. The hypotheses used for the study were tested using Pearson Correlation. The study has established that there is high prevalence rate of water-related diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea, schistosomiasis, buruli ulcer, skin diseases, typhoid, tuberculosis, yaws and chicken pox which is attributed to low level of potable water supply and sanitation in the district. Recommendations have been made that, there must be intensification of rainwater harvesting in the district, the government should make funds available for the provision of potable water and sanitation facilities and the people who use water from rivers, streams, wells and boreholes should treat the water before use.

Source: KNUST
The effects of sales promotions on customer growth in the Ghanaian mobile Telecommunication industry; the case of Millicom Ghana_ Tigo

The purpose of this study was to find out the effects of promotions on customer growth in the Ghanaian mobile telecommunication industry. The method adopted by this study was the sample survey method of study instead of a census. The semi-structured questionnaire is made up of both close and open-ended questions. The researcher sampled 50 staff members and 200 customers of Milicom Ghana (Tigo). It was revealed by the study that Millicom Ghana (Tigo) undertakes a number of promotions, which tend to have great influence on their customer growth. However, promotions appear to be but just one of the various factors that affect the customers’ growth of the organization. The study implications are that, promotions have a great influence on the customer base of mobile telecommunication networks and therefore there is the need to put much effort into ensuring its success. The study recommended that, there is the need for Tigo and all the other mobile telecommunication networks in the country to pay a closer attention to factors including network coverage and quality of service. Also, efforts must be put in by the various staff member of the telecommunication networks in Ghana to enhance the quality of the services offered. Moreover, the government can offer help through the provision of funds and formulation of policies to support the operations of the telecommunication industry in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
The effects of rural enterprise development programmes on micro and small enterprises growth in Ejura Sekyeredumase Municipality in Ghana

Many development partners and donors in an attempt to accelerate economic growth in developing countries have made the promotion and development of Micro and Small-Scale Enterprises (MSEs) a major concern. This is because SMEs are recognized as “necessary engines for achieving national development goals such as economic growth, poverty alleviation, employment and wealth creation, leading to a more equitable distribution of income and increased productivity. This research therefore sought to examine the effects of Enterprise Development programmes on Micro and Small Enterprises Growth in Ghana. The research design used was descriptive. Out of a population of over 1000 Micro and Small Scale entrepreneurs who are clients of the NBSSI within Ejura Municipality, a sample of 120 SMEs were drawn for the study using purposive sampling. Questionnaires were the instruments used for data collection. At the end, the study found that the only area that respondents have seen significant improvement was record keeping practices. The study also found that as high as 98.3% of respondents never benefited from any financial management training. In the area of marketing and sales, only 29.2 percent benefited from workshops organised by the NBSSI. There was also very minimal training on leadership for SMEs within Ejura Sekyedumase Municipality. The study further revealed a moderate relationship between enterprise programmes and SMEs growth. The correlation value was 0.432. The R2 value was approximately 19% (0.19). In line with the above findings, it was recommended that enterprise programmes should not only target existing businesses but also young entrepreneurs with feasible business ideas. Again, consideration should be given to graduates from tertiary institutions. It is also important that donor and other support institutions embark on strict monitoring and evaluations of programmes to avoid misappropriation of funds.

Source: KNUST
The effects of sales promotions on customer market share of telecom companies in Ghana: a case study of Airtel Ghana Limited

Increasingly, infrastructural growth and technological advancement across the globe has increased competition in the telecom industry, as a result, telecom companies are attracting more customers for growth and sustainability. These industries employ a number of sales promotional tools and techniques to attract more customers and increase their resource base. However, questions have been asked on the empirical impact of existing sales promotional tools on the customer market share of the industries in Ghana. Using Airtel Ghana LTD as a case study and through mixed data collection methods including content analysis, document review, internet search and questionnaire administration to 40 respondents, and regression analysis, the study addresses four objectives: to identify the sales promotional methods; to determine the customer market share; assess the effects of sales promotions on customer market share; to identify the sales promotional tools that have greater impact on customer market share. The evidence revealed that six main sales promotional methods existed at Airtel Ghana and were all well implemented; encouraging support for overall promotional strategy (4.51), moving excess stocks onto retailers’ shelves (4.34), encouraging greater overall stockholding of a product (4.31), encouraging sales people at distributor levels to recommend the brand (4.19) achieving widespread distribution of a new brand (4.12), and achieving required display levels of a product (3.56). Further, the data indicated that not all current sales promotional tools at Airtel Ghana LTD had significant and positive effect on the customer market share. The highest impacted tools reflected by positive coefficient beta values and P values less than 0.05 included the use of Consumer savings through price packs (.141), Provision of premiums (.163), Point of purchase promotions (.349), Extra rewards such as discounts, and increased margins on sales, dealer competitions, exhibitions, (.141), Consumer promotions (.163), Business promotions (.141), and Trade promotions (.163). On the other hand, Cash refunds (p>0.05) did not predicted customer market share at Airtel Ghana LTD. Since current sales promotional tools are achieving successes, the implication therefore is that for management at Airtel Ghana LTD to advance the customer market share, there is strong need for management to put in measures to improve the implementation of current sales promotional tools.

Source: KNUST
Effects of savings and loans associations on livelihood of women: a case study of nalerigu

Savings and Loans Associations (slas) measure their success by the effects they have on their clients and their families, and on the communities in which they live. The effects of VSLA programs on the poor in developing economies remains an increasingly debatable issue, despite numerous studies devoted to the topic. The main objective of the study was to investigate the effects of Savings and Loans Associations on livelihood of women in Nalerigu in the East Mamprusi Municipality of North East Region of Ghana. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis technique. Qualitative primary data was collected through semi-structured questionnaire with 65 VSLA members using questionnaire. Two focus group discussions were held among members of the vslas. Stakeholders were also interviewed as key informants to understand their opinions on the activities of vslas in the society. The study established that VSLA women groups have easy access to credit facilities from the VSLA group. Majority of the respondents were able to repay their credit facilities based on the VSLA groups constitutions. The study also revealed that VSLA has helped improved the women income level, as majority of the women indicated that due to their participation in VSLA they are now engaged in businesses, agricultural and vocational activities for the improvement of their livelihoods. However, the study also revealed that technical support training on group formation and orientation, supervision and financial supports are key in sustaining the VSLA groups. It is recommended that awareness should be intensified based on the results for the VSLA groups to join the mother VSLA group for effective monitoring and supervision of the activities of vslas in the municipality

Source: KNUST
Effects Of Savings And Loans Associations On Livelihood Of Women: A Case Study Of Nalerigu

Savings And Loans Associations (Slas) Measure Their Success By The Effects They Have On Their Clients And Their Families, And On The Communities In Which They Live. The Effects Of VSLA Programs On The Poor In Developing Economies Remains An Increasingly Debatable Issue, Despite Numerous Studies Devoted To The Topic. The Main Objective Of The Study Was To Investigate The Effects Of Savings And Loans Associations On Livelihood Of Women In Nalerigu In The East Mamprusi Municipality Of North East Region Of Ghana. The Study Adopted Both Quantitative And Qualitative Approaches To Data Collection And Analysis Technique. Qualitative Primary Data Was Collected Through Semi-Structured Questionnaire With 65 VSLA Members Using Questionnaire. Two Focus Group Discussions Were Held Among Members Of The Vslas. Stakeholders Were Also Interviewed As Key Informants To Understand Their Opinions On The Activities Of Vslas In The Society. The Study Established That VSLA Women Groups Have Easy Access To Credit Facilities From The VSLA Group. Majority Of The Respondents Were Able To Repay Their Credit Facilities Based On The VSLA Groups Constitutions. The Study Also Revealed That VSLA Has Helped Improved The Women Income Level, As Majority Of The Women Indicated That Due To Their Participation In VSLA They Are Now Engaged In Businesses, Agricultural And Vocational Activities For The Improvement Of Their Livelihoods. However, The Study Also Revealed That Technical Support Training On Group Formation And Orientation, Supervision And Financial Supports Are Key In Sustaining The VSLA Groups. It Is Recommended That Awareness Should Be Intensified Based On The Results For The VSLA Groups To Join The Mother VSLA Group For Effective Monitoring And Supervision Of The Activities Of Vslas In The Municipality.

Source: KNUST
Effects of savings and loans on SME business in Suame, A suburb of Kumasi Metropolis.

This study examined effects Savings and Loans on the growth of small and medium enterprises in Suame a suburb of Kumasi Metropolis. The sample size for the current study was sixty-nine (70) Small and Meduim Scale Enterprises in the Suame Industrial Area including thirty-five (35) manufacturing firms, twenty-one (21) retailers and petty traders, and fourteen (14) firms in the service sector. Two interview guides were used separately to collect data from staff and clients. The return rate of data collection was 5(100%) for staff and 66(92.9%) for clients. Data collected was analysed manually and electronically. The statistical product and service solution was used for the electronic analysis in which descriptive statistical tools were used for data presentation and discussion. Results of the study indicated that Savings and Loans companies impacted positively on the social and economic lives of SMEs operators. The businesses were able to increase their capital, assets and expanded the MSEs, which reflected in their social lives. Moreover, other MSEs were established to create employment for people within the area and savings culture of customers was enhanced. In spite of the benefits, there were some challenges which included repayment difficulties, lack of market for products and services and high interest rates. Recommendations were made to Opportunity Savings and Loans. Specifically, Opportunity Savings and Loans was asked to put in measures that could help reduce interest rates, train operators of MSEs on proper business practices and MSEs were asked to adopt effective bookkeeping modalities.

Source: KNUST