ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Economic assessment of determinants of smallholder cashew farmer

The study examined the factors that determine the productivity and profitability of smallholder cashew farmers in the Bono region of Ghana. A total respondents of 222 smallholder farmers participated in the study. Questionnaire was utilized as the key instruments used for the data collection during the study and data was analysed using Stata computer software version 18.0 as the main statistical computing software for the study. The study explored the determinants of cashew production and profitability of the smallholder cashew producers in the Bono Region. Findings from the study demonstrate that, farm size, extension services, and physical capital constitute the predominant factors that contribute to smallholder cashew farmer productivity. Improvement in farm size, access to fertilizer and intensification of extension agents visits to these small holder had a greater potential to increase cashew nut productivity. Again, smallholder cashew farmers produce at a rational stage with efficient input combinations. The positive return to scale value less than one implies that, any additional increase in factor inputs will increases output produced. Their factor inputs combined are inelastic as the coefficient is less than unity. Based on the findings from the study, it can be concluded that, the cashew production among smallholder farmers is a profitable venture. Furthermore, factors such as pricing of cashew nuts, access to extension services and farm size have positive influence on profitability of the farmers. Farmers who have access to extension services are able to improve their profitability. Therefore the study recommends that, the smallholders should be given enough fertilizers at a subsidized cost to be able to improve their production outputs. Cashew buyers and other NGOs can supply the smallholder cashew farmers with fertilizers for free or at a very subsidies fees. The government program of planting for food and jobs under the ministry of food and agriculture should consider the cashew farming as priority areas so they that more attention can be given to the cashew industry players such as the smallholder farmers

Source: UEW
Economic Change and Occultic Sika Bone: Market Women's Responses to Increased Financialization in Ghana

Set in a context where material accumulation is valorized, this article analyzes narratives of sika bone (bad money) as expressions of economic uncertainty by market women operating in an era of increased financialization. The ethnographic evidence supports previous arguments about the impact of economic change in this millennium, a change that fosters both rationality and superstition in equal measure. Salifu proposes that sika bone indicates a sense of uncertainty fostered by economic change in the supply of cash and formal credit, a sentiment that is expressed by applying old notions about occultic means of accumulation to new and equally enigmatic circumstances. �

Source: UEW
The ECOWAS conflict prevention framework and the critical and emancipatory peacebuilding approach: Le Cadre de pr�vention des conflits de la CEDEAO et l�approche vitale et �mancipatrice de construction de la paix

This paper discusses the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework from the perspective of the critical and emancipatory peacebuilding approach. The paper argues that the ECOWAS conflict prevention framework is largely guided by the principles of the liberal peacebuilding model which ignores the �local� in peacebuilding. The framework represents a complete departure of the sub-regional body, from an emphasis on conflict resolution to transformative conflict prevention with the overarching objective of ensuring human security instead of state security. When subjecting the framework, however, to the philosophies of the critical and emancipatory peacebuilding approach and the social justice frame, one notices that, in its current form, the framework is inadequate to ensure sustainable peace and security within the sub-region. Its over-reliance on the state as the unit of focus together with its adoption of liberal conceptualization of human security, focus on direct violence, top-down approach, low engagement of local communities to ensure local ownership, and the way these have been implemented make it an apparent elite-based policy. For the framework to have an impact in the sub-region, it must be restructured to make it an empowering policy that engages local actors, communities, resources, and knowledge in the transformative conflict prevention agenda of the sub-region. The framework also needs to be anchored on local ownership and agency and must be made to act as an emancipatory and transformative tool aimed at empowering the people of the sub-region as peacemakers, peacebuilders, and transformative leaders. � 2022 Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh.

Source: UEW
Effect and interconnections of ghanaian ethnomathematics activities to the teaching and learning of school mathematics

This study sought to investigate the effect and interconnections of basic Akan ethnomathematics activities that can support the teaching and learning school mathematics. The Ethnomathematics approach was demonstrated practically in a formal school stream to further investigate its interconnection with school mathematics, its effect on students „interest and perception of its integration in the teaching and learning process. The study adopted an explorative mixed research approach where both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied. The purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 112 teachers from Techiman West and North Districts of the Bono-East region of Ghana with two adopted classes at Techiman Senior High School. The instruments used to collect data were observation, questionnaire guide, and interview guide and test scores for the analyses. A quasiexperiment design was employed. Content analyses, field exploration and statistical analyses using descriptive and inferential tests were done. Findings revealed that Akan communities had a lot of basic ethnomathematics, and their ethno-technological applications existed in various forms. This Basic ethnomathematics existed in the form of artefacts that could serve as resource-base in the teaching and learning of school mathematics. The ethnomathematics approach in teaching school mathematics was tested to have significant effect on student's academic achievement in the teaching and learning process, as reflected in the mean test difference of students' observed scores under t-test statistics. Though challenges and problems existed in making the interconnection of ethnomathematics to school mathematics, students and teachers perceived ethnomathematics integration in the formal teaching of school mathematics as useful. The integration of Akan ethnomathematics was seen to have significant motivation in building student interest in mathematics lessons. It was recommended that ethnomathematics application as a resource base and contextual applications be encouraged in the formal school mathematics lesson integration in the curriculum implementation process.

Source: UEW
Effect of Geogebra on the academic performance of students of Presbyterian College of Education, Akropong Aakuapem

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of integration of GeoGebra into the teaching and learning of circle theorem on students’ performance at the Presbyterian College of Education, Akropong-Akuapem, Ghana. A sample of 390 level 100 students was selected purposively from a population of 490 level 100 students for the study. The main instruments for data collection were test and questionnaire. The four points Likert rating scale was used in administering the questionnaire and it was analysed using percentages. Data collected from the test were also analysed and presented by the independent sample t –test. Two tailed test was used in the descriptive statistics to test the null hypothesis. The reliability coefficient of the instruments was ascertained using Kuder–Richardson KR20 for the pre-test and Cronbach Alpha for the post-test. The reliability coefficient for the pre test was 0.66 and that of the post-test was 0.65 indicating the instruments were accurate and reliable. The findings showed that there was significant difference between the mean score of students who were taught circle theorem using GeoGebra and those taught without the use of GeoGebra in favour of the GeoGebra group but no significant difference were found with respect to gender. Lack of instructional aids, students’ psychological fear, poor foundation of students in basic school mathematics, poor preparations on the part of some mathematics teachers and large classes were identified as the main causes of students’ difficulty in learning circle theorem. The study recommended among others that enough mathematics software especially GeoGebra should be provided in schools.

Source: UEW
The effect of 5e instructional model on students achievement in selected concepts in genetics

This study was conducted purposely to determine the effect of 5E instructional model on students’ achievement in genetics. The study was guided by four research questions and three null hypotheses, which were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Pretest-posttest nonequivalent control group quasi-experimental research design was employed in this study. The study sample comprised 84 third year students from five intact classes at Uncle Rich Senior High School, Winneba. The intact classes were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental and control groups were taught selected genetics topics using 5E instructional model and expository instruction respectively over a period of six weeks. Two instruments, namely Genetics Achievement Test (GAT) with a reliability coefficient of 0.67 and 5E Instructional Model Evaluation Questionnaire with a reliability of 0.71 were used for data collection. Data obtained from the research instruments were analysed using percentages, descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation, and student’s t-test. The findings of the study showed that students in the experimental group exposed to the 5E instructional model had a higher mean achievement scores in genetics than those in the control group exposed to the expository method of instruction. On the issue of gender differences, the study revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the mean achievement scores of male and female students in the experimental group exposed to the 5E instructional model. Based on the findings, the study recommended that the 5E instructional model should be employed in the teaching of science especially genetics.

Source: UEW
The effect of accounting software on financial reporting quality, a study on the Electricity Company of Ghana - Kumasi

The main objective of this study will seek to investigate the effect of Accounting Software on financial Reporting Quality in delivering Financial Accounting information for making crucial organizational decisions by management. It also aims at assessing Accounting Software support to the production of Financial Statements in time, accurate recording transactions and also to ascertain the level at which accounting professionals in this field (utility) has adopted and applied information technology and conformed to the International Accounting Standard (AIS).The study, first analyses the initial phase of AS adoption in the organization, and shows how limited Accounting personnel skills, unplanned and uncoordinated innovations, and overwhelming organizational defects resulted in the inability of the technology to produce intended results. The study then proceeds to discuss how these initial problems were dealt within the subsequent phase to produce more positive outcomes. Reasons for this success included comprehensive data analysis, departmental representation in planning, and corporate support for the technologies at the highest organizational levels. Based on these findings the study concludes that ECG will be able to meet its stakeholder’s information needs with aid of Accounting Software.

Source: UEW
Effect of activity-based method on pupils’ performance in balancing chemical equations

The study assessed the effect of activity- based method on selected pupils’ performance in balancing of chemical equations. It employed the action research design that involved pre-intervention, intervention and post intervention strategies. These strategies were used to ensure conceptual understanding in balancing chemical equations using three activities and a combination of three existing methods and to evaluate the effects of the method on 40 pupils’ academic achievement at Socco H/H Basic School. Mixed method was the research approach employed by the researcher. A purposive sampling was done since an intact class was used to help achieve the set goal. Data collecting instrument such as interview guide, questionnaire, pre and post intervention test were also used. A descriptive statistic such as simple percentages with bar charts representation was used for the data analysis to evaluate the effect of the activity-based method on pupils’ achievement in balancing of chemical equations. Originally, about 72% of the pupils found it difficult to write chemical formulae correctly but after the intervention, pupils performance improved drastically with 50% difference of the post intervention test scores and 13.62 mean difference of the post intervention test scores. To the researcher, the outcome of the findings showed that, the activities used in teaching balancing of chemical equations were very effective as pupils felt motivated to learn the supposed complicated concept in chemistry and their conceptual understanding and academic performance improved. The prepared module which was used at the intervention stage to ensure conceptual understanding could serve as a guide to the science teachers of Socco H/H Basic School in teaching balancing of chemical equation.

Source: UEW
Effect of adding steel particles on the performance of concrete

The industrial waste and metal by-products such as steel fibers, synthetic fibers, carbon fibers and steel particles can be used as reinforcement materials since they possess reinforcement properties. Steel particles are produced in millions of tons per year as waste material in metal shops. This enormous waste is currently not being harnessed productively in the metal shops in the Central Region of the Republic of Ghana. In most cases, they are indiscriminately dumped into the environment causing environmental Pollution that deplete the Ozone layer causing global warming. The concrete industry offers an ideal remedy to deal with the steel particles produced from the steel shops in the environment. The purpose of the study was to investigate the strength performance of concrete with steel particles. Sample of steel particles with a particle size of 20um were collected from metal shops in the Cape-Coast Metropolis. The steel particles were added at different percentages (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%) to the concrete at different curing times of 7 and 28 days. Sixty cubes and sixty beams were cast and tested using 1:2:4 mixes by weight with 0.5 water/ cement ratio. The results showed that at the 28days curing age, the compressive strength recorded 25.28 N/mm2 , 26.61N/mm2 , 27.05N/mm2 and 25.01N/mm2 which met the target strength of 25N/mm2 for 0% to 15% particles. Addition of 20% to 25% performed poorer than the control specimen. 10% replacement gave the highest compressive strength, about 7% higher than the control. The flexural and tensile strengths also followed the compressive strength trend. The results for water absorption resistance for both 7 and 28 days were 6.89%, 6.91%, 6.94%, 19.10% and 11.83% when 0% to 25% particles were added. The mean values increased from 6.91% to 11.83% when 5% to 25% particles where added for both 7 and 28 days. This shows that, addition of particles increased both physical and mechanical properties content of about 60%

Source: UEW
Effect of age and height on the physical and mechanical properties and the calorific value of Hevea Brasiliense’s

Many of Ghana’s commercial timber species are threatened due to high demand resulting to pressure on the traditional species. The need to investigate the potential utilization of some Lesser-used Timber Species to ascertain their suitability for use is very paramount. Some physico-mechanical properties and calorific value of 20, 30 and 40-year old Hevea brasiliensis were investigated. The moisture content (MC) ranged between 13.02% (base of 40-year old) and 15.26% (crown of 20-year old). All the ages (20, 30 and 40-years) recorded gradual increase in MC from their bases to their crowns (14.57 to 15.26%, 13.55 to 14.52% and 13.02 to 13.38% respectively). Density also increased along the boles of the various trees (495.28 to 529.38Kg/m3 for 20-years, 502.28 to 546.88Kg/m3 for 30-years and 553.07 to 558.14Kg/m3 for 40-years). Longitudinal swelling and shrinkage both increased along the boles of the various trees (1.62 to 1.93% and 0.63 to 1.12%, 1.19 to 1.55% and 0.61 to 0.75%, 0.87 to 1.47% and 0.07 to 0.12% respectively) from the base to the crown. Tangential swelling and shrinkage ranged from 2.26 to 2.73% and 2.50 to 3.37% (20-years), 2.01 to 2.53% and 2.30 to 3.21% (30-years), 1.49 to 1.73% and 2.29 to 3.21% (40-years) increasing from the base to the crown and 20-years to 40-years respectively. Volumetric swelling and shrinkage both recorded increases along the boles of all the trees but reduced from age 20- years to 40-years (5.50 to 7.76% and 5.87 to 7.63%, 4.56 to 6.39% and 5.73 to 6.87%, 4.51 to 6.18% and 5.47 to 6.85%, respectively). The greatest resistance to compressional forces parallel and perpendicular to the grain were recorded by the 40-year old tree (34.51 to 35.24N/mm2 and 4.79 to 5.30N/mm2 ) followed by the 30-years (31.77 to 33.39N/mm2 and 4.55 to 4.77N/mm2 ) and 20-years (26.60 to 32.84N/mm2 and3.78 to 4.40N/mm2 ). MOR recorded an increase in values from age 20 to 40-years but reduced along the boles from base to crown (58.74 to 60.88N/mm2 , 59.07 to 66.60N/mm2 and 59.56 to 67.24N/mm2 respectively). The average calorific values recorded were 15.99, 18.09 and 18.17MJ/Kg respectively for the various ages making them good sources of firewood. In general the 20- year old tree and the crown portions of the 30 and 40-year old H. brasiliensis would be suitable for general light works such as tool handles, packaging and pencils due to their lesser densities and the great propensity to swell and shrink. The base and middle portions of the 30 and 40-year old trees were heavy and strong with less MC and would be ideal for furniture production and also as good fuel wood. This work intends to generate greater interests by stakeholders to move into massive cultivation of H. brasiliensis plantations leading to the creation of job opportunities and a source of constant supply of raw material to both the local and international markets.

Source: UEW
Effect of age of transplanting and different spacing on growth, yield and yield components of pepper

Chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum), a member of solanaceous family is thought to be originated from the Southern America (Alegbejoet al., 1999) and is one of the vegetable crops that is highly admired and demanded worldwide because of its nutrient, attractive color and flavor (Kim et al.,). According to Grubben and El Tahir (2004) Capsicum annuumis consumed all over the world and an important crop as source of vitamins A, E and C. The cultivation of Chilli pepper in West Africa is influenced by its ability to be consumed fresh and as processed spices, therefore its cultivation is important and given much attention in both developed and developing countries, notwithstanding the reported increase in income from this pepper, the average expectation of its product remains low in many of the West African Countries (Dagnokoet al., 2007&Grubben and El-Tahir, 2004). The main objective of the study is to determine the effect of age of transplant and spacing effects on growth, yield and yield components of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Assess the effect of age of transplant on the growth and yield of pepper. Evaluate the interactive effect of age of transplant and spacing on the yield and yield components of hot pepper.Farmers are encouraged not to grow pepper by using 37 days old of transplanted on 40 cm × 30 cm in other to limit or reduce number of rotten fruits. It is recommended that pepper growers should transplant seedlings on 60 cm × 30 cm for optimum plant establishment and for number of branches for higher yield. Seedling transplanted 37 DAP on 50 cm × 30 cm performed better in days for 50% flowering, days for 50% fruiting, number of fruits per plant. 50 cm × 30 cm produced significantly higher number of branches per plant than other treatments for the entire growing period.

Source: UEW
Effect of alternative disciplinary approach on student discipline the case of St. Augustine’s Senior High School

Many stakeholders in Ghana’s educational sector are troubled by the seemingly high level of indiscipline in Ghana’s pre-tertiary schools, especially the Senior High Schools (SHS). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of alternative disciplinary approach (GES Positive Discipline toolkit) on student discipline in St. Augustine’s SHS in the Prestea-Huni Valley Municipality. After six years of banning corporal punishment in pre-tertiary schools and four years of implementing the GES toolkit, it was expedient to assess its impact on student discipline. This study used the descriptive survey design and applied the homogeneous purposive sampling procedure to obtain a sample size of 30 teachers out of a population of 64 teachers. The researcher designed questionnaire which was used for data collection. The study used descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means, standard deviation and percentages to analyze its data. The study found that student discipline was worse after the introduction of the GES toolkit. The GES toolkit had a negative impact on student discipline in St. Augustine’s SHS. The study showed that the low level of knowledge of teachers on the GES toolkit led to a low level of regularity and efficiency of usage of the toolkit by teachers, thus producing a low level of student discipline in the school. The study recommends that both GES and school management of SHS should educate teachers on the GES toolkit to enhance their regularity and efficiency of usage to generate a positive impact on student discipline in the SHS

Source: UEW