ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The consequences of open defecation on Kakungu, Kassena-Nankana West District, Ghana

The study seeks to describe the consequence of open defecation on Kakungu due to lack of household latrines in the Kassena-Nankana West District in Ghana. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative Methodology in data collection. A questionnaire administration to three hundred households randomly selected from two section of the community. Non-probability-accidental sampling strategy was administered to 300 responded out of 665 residences from Kakungu community in the District. Findings from the study revealed that some respondents had no toilet facility in their home. Those who had the facility were under construction due to malfunctioning. Those who had not patronize public toilets with a cost between one Ghana cedi per trip. Those who could not afford practice open defecation. Forty-five (45) persons which stands for 15% also think that washing your hands immediately before eating is very good hygienic practice. The remaining one hundred and twenty-nine (129) respondents think that hands should be washed anytime hands are dirty or better still anytime we do something that contaminates the hand. The researcher concluded that, the inability of most inhabitants of Kakungu community to accessed, afford, maintained toilet facility and wash their hands at all critical times highly influence the seasonal cases of cholera in the community as shown above. As a result, of this research, I therefore recommend, the adoption Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach to increase access to sanitation and hygiene services in Kakungu, the International Development Agency through community water and sanitation Agency in collaboration with the ministry of sanitation and water resource should support the people of Kakungu community with the digni-loo type of toilet to improve access to sanitation facility.

Source: UCC
Conservative management of end-stage kidney disease at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital

More often, patients have no option but to begin dialysis when their chronic kidney disease progresses. The purpose of this study was to examine nurses, doctors and patients’ knowledge and understanding of conservative management of end-stage kidney disease at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in Ghana. The study adopted mixed methods. A census was used to select nurses, while purposive sampling technique was used to select doctors and patients for the qualitative arm of the study. Interviews were conducted with doctors and patients, whereas questionnaires were administered to nurses. Overall, 146 nurses responded to the questionnaire, while five doctors and 18 patients were interviewed to reach saturation. The quantitative data collected from the questionnaire was analysed using mean, standard deviation and one-sample t-test of IBM SPSS for windows, version 23; while the data collected from the semi-structured interview guide were organised and analysed thematically. The study found that patients with end-stage kidney disease were saddled with unhappiness and sadness, resulting from their current condition. While some of the patients declared that the dialysis procedure was time consuming, and painful and tiresome; another group of patients stated that the dialysis procedure was user-friendly. Moreover, unlike renal replacement therapy which functions as a kidney, conservative management does not: it only reduces that speed at which the kidney disease progresses. Also, conservative management does not help a patient who is at stage 5 of the kidney disease. Finally, the lack of trained nephrology nurses and doctors in the hospital was a barrier to the practice of conservative management in patients with end-stage kidney disease.

Source: UCC
Consistent condom use among men who pay for sex in sub-Saharan Africa: Empirical evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys

Paying for sex has often been associated with risky sexual behavior among heterosexual men, and men who pay for sex are considered as a bridging population for sexually transmitted infections. Consistent condom use during paid sex is essential for reducing sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. In this study, we assessed the prevalence and predictors of consistent condom use among men who pay for sex in sub-Saharan Africa. We pooled data from 29 sub-Saharan African countries’ Demographic and Health Surveys. A total of 3,353 men in sub-Saharan Africa who had paid for sex in the last 12 months preceding the surveys and had complete information on all the variables of interest were used in this study. The outcome variable for the study was consistent condom use for every paid sex in the last 12 months. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out. Results were presented as adjusted odds ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was declared at p< 0.05.

Source: UCC
The constraint of a rhetorical invention: Kwame Nkrumah and the Organization of African Unity

Rhetorical constraints have the potential to inhibit a successful communication transaction. How they do that sometimes practically remains unclear, especially within the study of rhetoric in the African context. This paper examines Kwame Nkrumah’s rhetorical urgency as an argumentative tool for the establishment of an organization which would direct the political, economic and military directions of Africa. Employing Bitzer’s Situation (1968) and Meyer’s Composite Audience (1999) as analytical framework, the paper takes a critical look at Nkrumah’s rhetorical invention to locate the inherent constraints and how they (constraints) eclipsed the total success of Nkrumah’s invention. This study therefore has implications for the episteme of the different contexts within which rhetorical inventions are created and performed within the pan African liberation sphere

Source: UCC
Constraints encountered in teaching practical agriculture in selected senior high schools in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis

The aim of this study was to find out the constraints encountered in teaching of practical agriculture in the Senior High School within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The research population was 150 students and 10 Agricultural Science teachers. The proportional and convenient sampling techniques were used in selecting the students and teachers respectively. Data was collected using questionnaire. The questionnaire was made up of both open and close-ended questions. Descriptive statistical techniques such as frequencies and percentages, pie charts, bar graphs as well as independent samples t-test and one-way between groups ANOVA were employed in analysing the data gathered. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 was the software that was used in the data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that practical teaching of Agricultural Science in the Senior High Schools was greatly impeded by the non-existence of the following: lack of school garden, animal farm, educational trips, demonstration plots, and well-equipped laboratory. Also, lack of funds was found to be the major challenge to practical work in Agricultural Science in the Senior High Schools. Based on the findings of the study, the government, Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and other stakeholders should help in providing the needed resources such as school garden, animal farm, demonstration plots, well equipped laboratories among others to facilitate the teaching and learning of Agricultural Science in the schools

Source: UCC
Constraints of female entrepreneurs in small-scale bakery enterprises in the new Juaben municipality

Female entrepreneurship particularly in the informal sector has taken a centre stage among stakeholders and policy-makers in an attempt to provide decent work for women and thereby reducing unemployment in general. According to the Ghana Living Standards Survey Round 6 report, women are the most dominant in the formal sector, which provides jobs for more than 80% of Ghanaians (Ghana Statistical Service, 2013). However, these female entrepreneurs especially those in the bakery industry are overwhelmed by several constraints in their day-to-day business operations. Therefore, this study assessed these constraints and their effects on their businesses, the coping strategies they adopted in order to stay in business as well as the support system available to them. The mixed-method research design was employed and it involved 20 female bakery entrepreneurs from the New Juaben Municipality of the Eastern Region of Ghana. Interviews were held with each of the participants and their responses were electronically recorded and later transcribed for analysis. It was found that majority of the participants were aged at least 41 years with 20% of them having no formal education. Also, the constraints experienced by the participants varied with respect to their demographic characteristics. Based on the findings, it is concluded that the universality of their constraints calls for an immediate attention of all and sundry in order for sustainability of their businesses. The study recommended that relevant agencies should regularly organise training programmes for female bakers in the municipality.

Source: UCC
Constraints to Agricultural Mechanization in Sub-Saharan Africa

The global food consumption is expected to double by the year 2050 and this calls for an increase in the world food production. The situation is even more challenging for sub-Sahara Africa where there will be more rapid population growth (from 770 million in 2005 to between 1.5 and 2 billion in 2050). However, unlike other developing countries in Asia, the level of agricultural mechanization in Sub-Sahara Africa is still very low and is faced with a number of constraints. It is important for the attention of governments and other institutions to be drawn to these for immediate intervention to be taken. The objective of this paper was to identify some of the factors responsible for the present abysmally low level of agricultural mechanization in the Sub-Saharan Africa and proposed the way out of the doldrums within the shortest possible time. The identified factors which constitute main constraints to agricultural mechanization in most Sub-Saharan African countries include lack of adequately trained personnel with the required technical expertise, low level of research and extension activities on appropriate technologies for land preparation, crop harvesting and post-harvest operations; unfavourable and inconsistent government policies and interventions which work at cross purposes with agricultural mechanization

Source: UCC
Constraints to chicken production and marketing in Agona west district of the central region, Ghana

The poultry industry is perceived to be a major contributor to Ghana’s development, through employment creation and enhancement of nutrition and food security. In spite of these contributions, the industry is not making much headway in certain parts of the country. This study was therefore aimed at examining the constraints to chicken production and marketing in Agona West District of the Central Region of Ghana. In the study, 33 chicken farmers, 120 marketers (cold store operators) and 250 chicken consumers were purposively selected and administered with content validated questionnaires. Data from the study were analysed descriptively and presented in tables. The study revealed that chicken production is a male dominated business, whilst marketing was dominated by females. Majority of chicken consumers preferred imported chicken to locally produced ones, because to them, imported chicken is less expensive, available in primal cuts and commonly available in local cold stores, compared with the locally-produced. The farmers complained about the inadequacy of local hatcheries to supply day-old chicks, chicken processing firms to process and store locally-produced chickens when demand is low, and high interest rates and the accompanying difficulties associated with accessing loans for expansion. Majority of the marketers reported incidences of product deterioration, resulting from unreliable power supply to their facilities. In addition, inadequate funds to procure refrigerated vans for conveying products from points of purchase to sales points, was a common obstacle to majority of chicken marketers. Occasional disease outbreaks, such as Avian influenza in the country, which adversely affect product patronage during such periods, was also identified as a constraint to product marketing. It is recommended that farmers, as well as entrepreneurs who are in a position to do so, should establish chicken processing facilities to process and store locally-produced chicken to increase its availability and patronage

Source: UCC
Constraints to production, distribution and consumption of locally processed poultry meat in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

The study set out to examine in terms of severity, the constraints to production, distribution and consumption of locally processed poultry meat. A multi-stage sampling technique was used where simple random was used to select the farmers and snow-ball used to select the consumers and sellers. This summed up to 36 poultry farmers, 72 poultry meat sellers and 108 poultry meat consumers, making a total of 216 respondents for the study. Linear multiple regression model and Ordinary Least Square technique were used to estimate supply and demand for locally processed poultry meat. Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance was also used to rank the constraints in order of severity.Disease outbreaks, relative high price of locally processed poultry meat and high average cost of inputs impacted significantly in the supply of locally processed poultry meat. In descending order of severity, high average cost of inputs and low tariffs on imported poultry meat were constraints to production. Price of locally processed poultry meat, income of consumers, proportion of consumer’s income spent on poultry meat and cultural consideration were significant in the demand for locally processed poultry meat.In decreasing order of severity, relative higher prices of locally processed poultry meat and relative cheaper prices of imported processed poultry meat constrained consumption. Poultry farmers, sellers and consumers agreed to the order of severity of the constraints. The Ministry of Trade and Industry should consider imposition of heavy tariffs on imported processed poultry meat and also poultry farmers should adopt more efficient technology in production.

Source: UCC
Construction and Application of Conceptual Framework as Research Tool: A Researcher’s Reflections

The importance of any study is demonstrated through the linkages made between research questions and larger theoretical concepts or policy, demonstrating how the particulars of the study serve to illuminate larger issues and, therefore, portraying the significance of the study. This theoretical concept or conceptual framework has the functions of building a foundation of the research; demonstrating how study advances knowledge; conceptualising the study; assessing the research design and instrumentation; and providing reference point for interpretation the findings. This paper outlines the author’s reflections on the building and application of a conceptual framework as a research tool. Author’s aim is to share his experience with researchers, especially students, who may be required to apply the tool but may find difficulty developing one. Using author’s own (PhD) research topic, the paper firstly discusses the various stages that input to construct the framework and, secondly, considers how the choice of research methodology, data collection and analysis techniques are informed by the framework. Key lesson is that a well-constructed conceptual framework has the potential of informing the choice of appropriate research methodology that in turn influences the data collection and analysis techniques, and even the research findings. This paper is expected to be of value to anyone seeking to better understand conceptual framework as a research tool, especially ‘young’ researchers who may be required to develop and apply one but may find it difficult doing so.

Source: UCC
Constructions of masculinity among the Akan people of Ghana

This paper contests Butler’s theory of gender performativity established on the premise that gender is made real through the constant enactment of certain behaviours that are learnt. Butler posits that, gender can be defined as something people do rather than a biological quality they possess. The theory ultimately supports the principle of gender neutrality often argued by gay and lesbian activists and queer theorists. Using evidence from Akan constructions of masculinity, the paper supports the conventional view that gender is primarily biological and that people perform their social roles based on their biological make up. A major highlight of the paper is the events leading to the election of Barima Kwame Kyeretwie as Asantehene Prempeh II in 1931 and the resolution of destoolment charges brought against him by some Asante youth in 1935. The paper concludes that in gender categorization, social construction is not abstract but is premised on biology which should be the primary determinant of a person’s gender

Source: UCC
Consumer Acceptability of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato Fortified Gari

The purpose of the study was to explore the effect of different proportions of Cassava – Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) on the physical, chemical and sensory properties of gari produced from cassava roots and OFSP tubers. A factorial experimental design was employed to obtain seven samples of cassava and OFSP gari of different proportions of the traditional production method for gari. Convenient sampling technique was also employed to describe consumer acceptability of the developed products using a panel of 50 volunteers who were used for the evaluation phase of the study. The result from the chemical properties of Cassava – OFSP gari showed that, there was a significant difference (𝑝<0.05) among the Cassava – OFSP gari samples and an increase in the level of moisture content was observed as the level of OFSP addition increased was observed. The results showed a swelling index range of samples ranged from 340−400% , with 0% Cassava gari having the highest value and that of 100% OFSP the least. The results of the sensory evaluation showed that the OFSP fortified gari samples assessed in their dry particulate form differed significantly (𝑝<0.05) in all the sensory attributes (aroma, taste, texture, colour, soakability and overall acceptability) evaluated. The study showed that 30% OFSP can traditionally be added to cassava for quality gari production. A research needs to done on Cassava – OFSP gari to evaluate the nutritional composition for recommended dietary allowance and also to deduce its suitability for consumption by all groups. More so, a research into technologies of improving upon the traditional gari processing method in order to increase the quantities of gari produced is recommended.

Source: UCC
Consumer acceptance, Carcass and sensory characteristics of meats of farmed and wild cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus)

The cane rat, popularly called grasscutter in Ghana, is noted for the supply of a significant proportion of game meat consumed in Ghana. Its hunting from the wild is however, associated with several environmental hazards as well as a threat to their survival as species. Grasscutters are presently being farmed to minimize some of the harmful effects associated with harvesting from the wild. Some local consumers have however, expressed reservations that the meat of wild cane rat is more tender and leaner than meat of farmed ones. This study therefore sought to compare the consumer acceptance of meats from farmed and wild cane rats amongst consumers in Mankessim, in the Mfantsiman Municipality of the Central Region of Ghana, as well as determine some carcass and sensory characteristics of the meats by trained panellists. The study was performed with 250 consumers of cane rat meat, whilst sensory and proximate characteristics were determined by a 25-member trained sensory panel. From the results, 78% of the respondents preferred meat from wild to farmed grasscutters, due to perceived better flavour, tenderness and lower fat content. Sensory panellists indicated that meat of the wild grasscutter was darker, more tender, had higher flavour intensity and higher acceptability than that of the farmed grasscutter. The meat of the wild grasscutter also had higher crude protein (25.72%) than the farmed (24.61%). In addition, meat of the wild grasscutters had lower fat (5.74%) contents than the farmed (9.49%). Aerobic plate counts of the wild cane rat meat was 2.48log10CFU/g, whilst that of the farmed was 1.87 log10CFU/g after 21 days of storage. It is recommended that meat from the wild cane rats harvested in Ghana, should be cooked to a minimum core temperature of 72ᵒC, to minimize possible incidence of food-borne infections amongst consumers

Source: UCC
Consumer Awareness and Factors That Influence Fruits and Vegetables Consumption Among Students of Northern School of Business, Tamale.

Dietary habits of students especially on the consumption of fruits and vegetables have several implications for their physical growth and health status. The study explored consumer awareness and factors that influence the consumption of fruits and vegetables among student of Northern School of Business, Tamale. Four research questions and three hypotheses were used. Descriptive research was used and stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 771 respondents for the study. The primary tool utilized to gather data was a 46-item questionnaire. The data was analysed and presented in frequencies, percentages, averages, and standard deviations. The study revealed that, respondents were knowledgeable on fruits and vegetables consumption and as a result, they were seen to have a positive attitude towards its consumption. This shows student’s awareness on the intake of fruits and vegetables. The study showed that students were generally not consuming fruits and vegetables regularly especially the fruits. The study further revealed that availability was a main factor that influenced their consumption of fruits and vegetables consumption. The results revealed a statistically significant difference between males and females fruits and vegetables consumption pattern. There is a difference in the mean value for males (M=38.870) and females (M=36.70) hence the implication that males and females do not have the same fruits and vegetable consumption pattern. Stakeholders such as schools board and management should come up with a policy to encourage sale of fruits and vegetables and limit sale of unhealthy foods on school premises. There should be social structures concentrating on young people to improve their perspectives regarding eating out because students typically buy their own food.

Source: UCC