ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Firewood consumption pattern, availability and coping strategies adopted to mitigate firewood scarcity: A case of rural households in Ghana

Firewood is the dominant fuel type used by rural households in Ghana. However, the scarcity of firewood species has raised concerns about the sustainable use of this fuel type. This study investigated the firewood consumption pattern, firewood species used by rural households in the past and those presently in use and compared the strategies being adopted by households to mitigate firewood scarcity. Using multistage random sampling technique, 240 households were sampled from 12 rural communities 6 from the semi-deciduous ecological zone and 6 from the coastal savanna ecological zone. Firewood consumption (1.62-2.77 kg/capita/day) is higher than the figure reported earlier (1.0 kg/capita/day) in Ghana and this could be due to changing family size and structure and also to the relatively low quality of firewood in use presently. Geographical location and availability of alternative and complementary fuels are important determinants of firewood consumption pattern. The number of tree species used for firewood by rural households has increased by 12% in the last 20 years in the semi-deciduous zone, but has reduced to 16% in the coastal savanna zone and this reflects the difference in floristic richness of the two ecological zones. In both samples, even though an impressive number of fruit and exotic species was reported being used for firewood, the use of such species was limited to a few households, an indication of less desirability of such species. Tree planting appears to be the most sustainable problem-solving coping strategy adopted by rural households even though this strategy is practiced by a small percentage. Policies aimed at encouraging rural households to engage in tree planting and adopt the use of alternative fuels could ensure sustainable use of biomass for fuel. � 2015 Taylor & Francis.

Source: UEW
The first integral method for two fractional non-linear biological models

Travelling wave solutions of the space and time fractional models for non-linear blood flow in large vessels and Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule dynamics defined in the sense of Jumarie�s modified Riemann-Liouville derivative via the first integral method are presented in this study. A fractional complex transformation was applied to turn the fractional biological models into an equivalent integer order ordinary differential equation. The validity of the solutions to the fractional biological models obtained with first integral method was achieved by putting them back into the models. We observed that introducing fractional order to the biological models changes the nature of the solution. � 2019 American Institute of Mathematical Sciences. All rights reserved.

Source: UEW
Fiscal policy, natural resource management and economic growth in Ghana

The objective of the study is to examine the effect of Ghana fiscal policies on the economic growth with focus on national resource management. The study adopted the Experimental Research Design and approached the study quantitatively. In the research, Ghana was selected as the population of the study. The World Bank and Bank of Ghana database served as a crucial source of data which covered the period 1983 to 2021. The study adopted descriptive statistics and the ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) model to analyse the data. The study found that increases in government revenue positively impact economic growth, highlighting the importance of effective revenue mobilization. The study further highlighted the significant influence of fiscal policy on natural resource management and underscored the importance of governance mechanisms in maximizing the developmental impact of natural resource wealth. The findings indicated that the sectorial impact of natural resource management on economic growth varies across different sectors, with the oil sector, in particular, showing a substantial positive impact. The study recommend that the Ghanaian government should develop and implement sector-specific policies that cater to the unique challenges and opportunities within each natural resource sector. The study also recommend that the Ghanaian government should intensify efforts to improve revenue collection mechanisms, particularly from the natural resource sectors, through transparent and fair taxation policies.

Source: UEW
Folk games and life skills development among children in public schools in the Central region of Ghana

The study sought to examine the cognitive, psychomotor and psychosocial values of folk games, how these games can develop life skills in school children and its integration in teaching and learning. The study focused on three selected districts from the central region of Ghana. Of each selected district, two basic schools were chosen for the study with teachers, parents and pupils being the target population. The convenience sampling technique under non-probability sampling was used to select the accessible subjects. However, the lottery method of the simple random sampling technique was used to select the three districts. The study followed the qualitative model by using case study and questionnaire to gather data. Moreover interviews, photographic evidence and non-participant observations were also used. Evidence from the study revealed that both teachers and parents shared positive concerns about the benefits of folk games to the development of the child’s cognitive, psychomotor and psychosocial development. However, the positive impact of electronic children’s games on the child’s development was upheld by some respondents though some identified negative effects on the child’s behaviour and performance at school. Again, the study showed that children use substantial aspects of their play emulating adult roles which are essential for developing life skills. It was also found that lessons integrated with folk games in the study however yielded positive results in that pupils’ interest were sustained and also were able to answer questions posed to them with little or no difficulty. It is recommended that further study should be conducted into the game culture of communities where basic schools are situated. Teachers could also factor folk games in the methodology of their teaching as well as motivate pupils to play more folk games at school. Developing manuals on educational folk games by teachers could be helpful in teaching various subjects in the Ghanaian public Basic Schools.

Source: UEW
Folk songs in early childhood music education_ a study in some selected school in Afadjato-South district

The research examined the use of folk songs in early childhood education in three selected schools in the Afadjato-South District. The study investigated the actual extent to which folk songs were taught and their implications on early childhood education. It also identified the type of folk songs that were suitable for the early childhood programme. The researcher used qualitative method approach and implemented the case study strategy. Data were collected and analysed with the aid of interviews and observation as research instruments. Teachers, pupils and parents were participants, selected from three basic schools in Ve Gbodome, Hoeme, Agbome and Deme (GHAD) communities with a purposive sampling technique. Research findings revealed that, folk songs were good for teaching children and enabled them to develop language, good singing voices, good memories and total personality. Also, folk songs helped children to identify with their history and rich cultural heritage. However, the extent at which it was used was low and therefore needed to be improved. Thus, the study recommends that the use of folk songs should be intensified in the schools especially at the early childhood stages. Future research could engulf investigation into the impact of folk songs on the growing child.

Source: UEW
Food habits of University of Education, Winneba Campus female workers and their families

Food is fundamental and basic to human survival, and maintaining health. What and when we eat affects our health. Food habits like what and when we eat depends on the diverse socio-cultural and economic environment. Traditionally, provision of family meals is part of the woman’s main domestic activities. A woman in paid job outside the home suffers in her home management. This study sought to explore issues pertaining to the dual role of the employed woman with regard to feeding the family and her commitment to her job. The study was conducted on the Winneba Campus of the University of Education. A questionnaire and an interview guide were used to collect data from 132 female staff respondents. Data collected was analysed by means of SPSS to derive frequencies and percentages on the results. ANOVA was used to test the hypotheses on employment and marital status on food habit. Findings of the study revealed that most of the employed women depended on reheated dishes to feed the family because of the limited time at their disposal; the woman’s job affected the family meal schedule, especially breakfast and supper time on weekdays; most of them ate packed meals during lunch break; the family’s main challenge was the inability to wait for the minimum two hours after supper before bedtime; the respondents were most often assisted by someone, especially househelps to cope with problems associated with feeding the family; the respondents used labour-saving devices in the preparation and cooking of family meals; they were also aware of some diet-related diseases and this influenced their choice of food for family meals. Based on the findings it is recommended that fresh fruits and vegetables should always be added to the reheated dishes to make up for the vitamins destroyed in the reheating process; family members must encourage each other to wait for the minimum of two hours after eating supper before going to bed; they can engage in activities which will keep them awake; family members should have yearly health examinations to detect any diet-related disease early for early treatment. The study has emphasized that when women engage in paid jobs outside the home, it affects the food habits of the family.

Source: UEW
Food handling practices of informal food vendors and consumer perceptions in Koforidua

The study investigated the food handling practices of the street food vendors in Koforidua and how their practices affect the safety of the food before consumption, and consumers knowledge of food-borne diseases. The study was a descriptive survey and a sample of one hundred and fifty respondents made up of fifty food vendors and one hundred consumers were purposively and conveniently sampled respectively for the study. The data gathered was analyzed using SPSS Version 17 and converted into frequencies, percentages and tables. The major findings of the study are that majority of the food vendors had knowledge of food safety as well as the laws that govern their operations. Again, the food vendors’ knowledge acquired through training programmes did not reflect in their food handling operations. Also, a lot of the consumers patronized street foods because prices were moderate as compared to the formal establishments. Finally, majority of the consumers reported the food at the vending sites was prepared under unhygienic conditions. This study concluded that some of the street food vendors do have some knowledge in hygienic food handling practices through the training they receive but the knowledge they acquired are not put into practice when handling food. Based on the findings of the research, the study recommends that food vendors must be educated on the importance of; certification before selling food to the public, keeping work surfaces clean, separating raw and cooked food in the refrigerator, and using separate equipment for raw and cooked food. The Food and Drugs Authority, the Ghana Tourist Board and most especially The New Juaben Municipal Assembly Health officers, should ensure that, street food vendors in Koforidua are well informed on issues bordering food hygiene and food borne diseases and their effects on consumers.

Source: UEW
Food handling practices of informal food vendors and consumer perceptions in Koforidua

The study investigated the food handling practices of the street food vendors in Koforidua and how their practices affect the safety of the food before consumption, and consumers knowledge of food-borne diseases. The study was a descriptive survey and a sample of one hundred and fifty respondents made up of fifty food vendors and one hundred consumers were purposively and conveniently sampled respectively for the study. The data gathered was analyzed using SPSS Version 17 and converted into frequencies, percentages and tables. The major findings of the study are that majority of the food vendors had knowledge of food safety as well as the laws that govern their operations. Again, the food vendors’ knowledge acquired through training programmes did not reflect in their food handling operations. Also, a lot of the consumers patronized street foods because prices were moderate as compared to the formal establishments. Finally, majority of the consumers reported the food at the vending sites was prepared under unhygienic conditions. This study concluded that some of the street food vendors do have some knowledge in hygienic food handling practices through the training they receive but the knowledge they acquired are not put into practice when handling food. Based on the findings of the research, the study recommends that food vendors must be educated on the importance of; certification before selling food to the public, keeping work surfaces clean, separating raw and cooked food in the refrigerator, and using separate equipment for raw and cooked food. The Food and Drugs Authority, the Ghana Tourist Board and most especially The New Juaben Municipal Assembly Health officers, should ensure that, street food vendors in Koforidua are well informed on issues bordering food hygiene and food borne diseases and their effects on consumers

Source: UEW
Food hygiene knowledge, practices of vendors and consumers handling behaviour of street food in the Sagnarigu municipality

The operations of street food vendors have increased in the Ghanaian community, especially in the urban areas. The study was conducted to assess food hygiene knowledge, practices of vendors and consumers handling behaviour of street food in the Sagnarigu Municipality. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used for this research. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample food vendors and consumers. The results revealed that, respondents’ knowledge concerning food hygiene practices at the study setting was moderate. The mean score for washed hands properly after urinating are 3.31±1.43, 3.31±1.79, 5.28±.849 and 3.31±1.43. Also, the mean score for participants ever been screened before by medical team are 0.0±0.0, 3.20±1.16, 3.36±1.19 and 5.28±.849. The results also showed that, the mean score for study participants wearing a scarf before serving food 4.7±3.4, 3.36±1.19, 0.0±0.0 and 5.28±.849. The findings also showed that, study participants who used a grinding stone for grinding were 7.22±1.19, 0.0±0.0, 3.44±1.19 and 0.0±0.0. It was showed that, the averages of consumers who washed their hands before eating food were; 3.63±1.05, 4.05±1.49 and 3.92±1.38. Consumers were also adhering to food safety precautions. The researcher recommends that the media should be used to educate the public about food safety measures at the study setting.

Source: UEW
Food law compliance in developed and developing countries: Comparing school kitchens in Lincolnshire-UK and Ashanti Region of Ghana

The demands and requirements of Food Laws remain the same internationally as food hazards present the same risks to individuals including school going age children and adolescents, however different nations with different economic and developmental issues differ in the level of importance attached to Food Law requirements. A questionnaire to assess good hygiene practices in schools in Lincolnshire-UK and Ashanti Region of Ghana to compare compliance with training requirement in Food Laws was administered in 10 Lincolnshire and 45 Ashanti Region secondary schools. Whilst the demands on good hygiene practices remain stringently upheld in schools in the United Kingdom the same could not be said of Ghana. Although 60% of schools in Ashanti Region of Ghana fed between 1000 and 3000 students thrice a day, there was no evidence of food safety management system in all the schools. Staff food and personal hygiene practices including, temperature control, hand washing, avoidance of self-adornments, infectious disease control were substandard. A mandatory requirement by Food Laws in both countries for persons in supervisory position was not stringently complied with as 31% of kitchen matrons reported not to have hygiene qualification in the Ashanti Region of Ghana and 82% of 180 staff sampled had never received hygiene training. The absence of mandatory hygiene training for all food handlers, kitchen managers/matrons with requisite hygiene knowledge and qualification and rigorous enforcement of these remain challenges to good hygiene practices and Food Legislation in Ghana in addition to suitable facilities. The development of food hygiene training programmes towards mandatory certification at different levels of responsibility for the industry is required to help curb the identified challenges. � 2016 Elsevier Ltd.

Source: UEW
Food metaphors in Akan

In Akan, our everyday language is rife with metaphorical expressions. Most words or expressions on food denote a multitude of metaphorical meanings. The term ‘metaphor’ is very pervasive in pragmatics, semantics, lexicology, literature, philosophy and cognitive studies (Kovescses, 2002). Food metaphors include any sentences, phrases or words that have consumable inanimate objects in; be it cooked food, uncooked food, fruit, dessert, meat, cooked fish, dried fish, roasted fish etc. (Maalej, 2007). The metaphorical extensions from one domain of meaning cover other notions and objects in the Akan Language. This study examined the food metaphor expressions in Akan employing the theories of Cognitive Based theory (Sweetser, 1990) and the Conceptual Metaphor theory (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980). This study was a qualitative case study and collected data using observation and unstructured interview. The study revealed that the Akan language uses indirect ways of communicating and the people employ that by using food items. Speakers use them without being questioned and listeners also interpret them as expressions used every day. We discovered that most of these expressions have become conventionalized and speakers automatically use them. These metaphorical expressions develop from our perceptions of the food items found around us. The study revealed that each meaning functions on its pragmatic and contextual usages. It has also been discovered that, some of these food items in Akan can be metaphorically used to symbolize the whole life or the entire personality of a person, behavior, characteristics, thought or mind.

Source: UEW
Food quality management practice in hospitality industry, a case study in Miklin hotel, Kumasi

The purpose of the study was to investigate the food quality management practice in hospitality industry, using Miklin Hotel Kumasi as a case study. The researcher used descriptive research design for the study. The research used both qualitative and quantitative research approach for the study. The total population of the study was 76. Random sampling method was used to select 63 respondents for the study. Primary and secondary data sources were used for the study. The main instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software version 12.0 for MS Windows. The study results hold that 83.1% of the respondents said that the taste and aroma of the food is desirable. Moreover, 68% of the respondents affirmed that healthiness and flavour of the food is desirable. Also, the study revealed that 73.6% of the respondents affirmed that the presentation of the food is desirable. The study indicates that after the dining experience, 52.8% of the respondents affirmed that they were satisfied with the food quality. The study indicates that 50.9% of the respondents said that providing quality food improves customer satisfaction and that cooks must participate and contribute to food quality management by using disposable tissues, wearing clean and proper uniforms, providing hygienic food to customers, practicing proper Personal hygiene practices to improve food quality and consumers health. The study findings concluded that the customers were highly satisfied with the food quality management practice in the hospitality industry. The study recommended that the management of the hotel should organize periodic seminars and workshops to train cooks regarding the modern methods of storing and preserving food to avoid food contamination at the hotel restaurant.

Source: UEW
Food safety awareness and practices among food vendors in the basic schools in Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region

Food vendors in school campuses have become an integral part of the lives of school children since everyday routines demand a significant amount of time. The number of diners continues to escalate and so has the number of food borne illness outbreaks as a result of food prepared in commercial foodservice operations. The study sought to ascertain the level of awareness and the degree of food safety practices among of food vendors in the Basic Schools in the Bosomtwe District. This leads to answer the following research questions. What are the relative levels of awareness on the food safety? What is the frequent practice of food vendors on food safety? What are the causes of non-compliance of food vendors to food safety awareness practices? What measures are used to ensure effective food safety awareness practices among food vendors? Questionnaires were used to collect primary data while secondary data was obtained from library, internet, journal and articles. The scope of the study was limited to Bosomtwe District where eight schools were selected. From the selected schools, questionnaires were administered to the respondents, upon which presentation and analysis were made using SPSS 17 based on their responses. The findings of the study established the following among others; vendors and consumers have high knowledge of food safety awareness as they know that food handler can cause food contamination, washing of bowls/plate/cups in soapy water at least twice before rinsing reduces the spread of germs and handling money with bare hands at the same time serving food with bare hands increases the risk of food contamination. The study recommended among others; authorities should ensure that all vendors go through formal training on food preparation after health screening before issued certificate to commence business. This will enable the vendors to exhibit proper food safety practices.

Source: UEW