Conservation Agriculture as Practised in Ghana

This case study presents the status of conservation agriculture in Ghana. It is one in a series of eight case studies about conservation agriculture in Africa, which were developed within the framework of a collaboration between CIRAD (French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development), FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), RELMA-in-ICRAF (Regional Land Management Unit of the World Agroforestry Centre) and ACT (African Conservation Tillage Network)

Mechanical characterization of earth-based composites materials reinforced with treated bamboo fibres for affordable housing

This is the Accepted Manuscript version of this article which has been accepted for publication and will appear in a revised form, subsequent to peer review and/or editorial input by Materials Research Society or Cambridge University Press, in MRS Advances published by Materials Research Society and Cambridge University Press, together with a copyright notice in the name of the copyright holder (Materials Research Society). On publication, the full bibliographical details of the article (volume: issue number (date), page numbers) will be inserted after the journal-title, together with a link to the Cambridge website address for the Journal.This paper presents the characterization of laterite-cement-based matrix composites, reinforced with chemically modified bamboo fibers. Fiber extraction and chemical modification were first explored by soaking slabs of bamboos in NaOH solution (5 wt.% of NaOH in distilled water) for 14 days. Fiber characterization, as well as the flexural and compressive strength of reinforced composites, were carried out with MTS universal mechanical testing machine. Comparative results on the compressive and flexural strength were obtained at 80 wt.% laterite (L) to 20 wt.% cement (C) with fiber ratios from 5-25 wt%. The compressive strength of the composites varied from 7.2 MPa (at 5 wt.% bamboo fiber) to 17.67 MPa (at 25 wt% fiber blocks). The hardness of the composites was found to improve from 66.67-75.0 HD with bamboo fibers. Results were then discussed for possible structural applications such as enhancing low-cost building blocks for rural communities in Ghana.Ashesi Universit

Investigating the role of poultry in livelihoods and the impact of avian flu on livelihoods outcomes in Africa

In this paper we investigate the role of poultry in households’ livelihoods portfolios and the impact of supply-and-demand shocks that may be caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on households’ various livelihoods outcomes in four Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The study countries include Ethiopia and Kenya in East Africa and Ghana and Nigeria in West Africa. These countries represent a spectrum of SSA countries regarding disease status, means of disease spread, and the role of the poultry sector in the economy. By using nationally representative household-level secondary data and discrete choice methods (probit and zero-inflated negative binomial models), we profile the household, farm, and regional characteristics of those households that are most likely to keep poultry and those households that are most likely to be engaged in intensive poultry production (that is, to keep larger household flocks). We estimate the ex ante impact of HPAI outbreaks and scares/threats on livelihoods outcomes by using the propensity score matching approach. The results of this study generate valuable information regarding the role of poultry in the livelihoods of small-scale poultry-producing households and the livelihoods impacts of HPAI-induced supply-and-demand shocks. Such information is critical for the design of targeted, and hence effective, HPAI control and mitigation policies.Agricultural growth and technologies, demand shock, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Livelihoods, probit model, Propensity score matching, supply shock, zero-inflated negative binomial model,

Investigating the Role of Poultry in Livelihoods and the Impact of HPAI on Livelihoods Outcomes in Africa: Evidence from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria

In this paper we investigate the role of poultry in the livelihoods portfolios of households and the impact of supply and demand shocks that may be caused by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on various livelihoods outcomes of households in four Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The study countries include Ethiopia and Kenya in East Africa and Ghana and Nigeria in West Africa. These countries represent a spectrum of SSA countries in terms of disease status, role of poultry sector and means of disease spread. By using nationally representative household level secondary data and discrete choice methods (probit model and zero inflated negative binomial model) we profile the household, farm and regional characteristics of those households who are most likely to keep poultry, and those who are most likely to be engaged in intensive poultry production, i.e., keep larger household flocks. We estimate the impact of the disease outbreaks and scares/threats on livelihood outcomes by using matching methods (i.e., propensity score matching). The results of this study generate valuable information regarding the role of poultry in the livelihoods of small-scale poultry producing households and the livelihood impacts of HPAI induced demand and supply shocks. Such information is critical for the design of targeted and hence efficient and effective HPAI control and mitigation policies.Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), demand shock, supply shock, livelihoods, probit model, zero inflated negative binomial model, propensity score matching, Livestock Production/Industries,

Automatic Multiple Choice Examination Questions Marking and Grade Generator Software

This paper discusses a feasible software solution that enables automatic marking andgrading of scripts. Technology keeps expanding, and more advanced innovations arebeing implemented with time. The marking and allocation of grades for examina-tion scripts through human efforts are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Hence,machines and software applications are introduced to make the entire marking andgrading of examination scripts more efficient, fast, and less tedious. Computer visionis an artificial intelligence (AI) knowledge domain that ensures devices obtain usefulinformation from digital images, videos, and other visual inputs. Image processingand recognition, a unique part of computer vision alongside the python program-ming language and the OpenCV library was employed for this project. These are themost used in developing most recent applications that utilize, to some extent, arti-ficial intelligence to attain specific desired results. The result of the project seeksto develop a maintainable android software application that uses image processingtechnology to scan patterns or images and grades results of multiple-choice questionscripts based on a set marking scheme. This ensures that desired results are obtainedwhile increasing efficiency and productivity

An Ad-Hoc Crime Reporting Information Management System

Criminals often escape punishment due to delayed sharing of information with law enforcement agencies. The traditional method of reporting crimes is slow, thus, the need for a faster and modern approach, one that uses modern technology to apprehend perpetrators. It is therefore important to have a well-organized system for reporting criminal activities. This system should be free and easily accessible to the public. With information being delivered promptly and remotely, there is no need for visits to police stations, which can be time-consuming and tedious. This project aims to curb criminal activities by developing a smartphone application that enables victims or witnesses to report real-time information to security agencies, including GPS coordinates. The use of real-time data would prompt quick responses in emergency situations and make reactions proactive rather than reactive. The proposed methodology for the project involves designing and developing a user-friendly mobile app as well as a professional web application for security agencies. The creation of an integration platform allows for the registration of police stations and staff members. Feedback from users would help maintain and improve upon the app. Ultimately, this project aims at increasing public safety and improving crime reporting and management in Ghana by using modern technologies. By enabling citizens to report crimes in real-time, the mobile application has the potential to revolutionize crime reporting and foster a safer and secure environment. By collaborating with law enforcement agencies, the proposed solution can help provide a more efficient and proactive crime reporting system in Ghana.     &nbsp

Prevalence of foreign bodies in stomach of pigs slaughtered at the Kumasi Abattoir, Ghana

The study was conducted on pigs slaughtered at Kumasi abattoir to determine the occurrence and nature of foreign bodies in the stomach of pigs. A total of 75 pig stomachs were randomly selected from pig slaughtered within the five month period and 20 out of 75 (26.67 %) were found to contain foreign bodies. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between sex, age and prevalence bodies in the stomach of pigs, though pigs less than one year had more ingested foreign bodies (10.7 %).  Analysis of 20 pigs positive for foreign bodies in the stomach revealed that plastics (polythene bags) was the most prevalent (14.67 %), followed by bristles (6.67%), stones (2.67%) and almond seeds (2.67%). Lack of proper management system and improper waste disposal particularly of plastic materials seems to play a major role towards the frequent occurrence of foreign body in pig stomachs. Therefore, proper disposal of wastes from households should be given the needed attention. Veterinarians and animal health workers should also be aware of this condition in pigs in Kumasi.Keywords: Slaughtered pigs, Ingested foreign bodies, Stomach content analysis,  Kumasi, Ghan

Prevalence of liver lesions in small ruminants (sheep and goats) slaughtered at the Kumasi Abattoir, Ghana

This study aimed to determine the occurrence of liver lesions in slaughtered sheep and goat with specific reference to the prevalence, breed, age, sex and month influence on liver lesion and also the pathological changes and its effect on the cost. This study involves a 3 months period (October and December 2015) weekly inspection of 2044 slaughtered sheep and goat, 824 were purposively examined, of which 75 were partially condemned and 36 samples out of the partially condemned were used for histopathological analysis. Lesions recorded were granuloma, necrosis, degeneration, cystic vacuole and some with no lesion. Age, sex and breeds had significant influence (p>0.05) on the prevalence of liver lesions in sheep and goat. West African dwarf was the most susceptible breed. The ages in both species (sheep and goats) above 2 – 3 years were most susceptible to liver lesions. Goats were more susceptible than sheep and within the 3 months study the abattoir loss GH¢ 1125 due to liver lesion Economic loss due to liver condemnation estimated has showed there is much to be done to save loss incomes from liver condemnation. Good husbandry practices, proper feeding and good veterinary care should be given to small ruminants in order to minimize liver disease in small ruminants in Ghana

Food consumption pattern and dietary diversity of a vegetarian population in Ghana

Objective: This study examined the food consumption pattern and dietary diversity of a vegetarian population in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed to examine the nutritional status of four (4) vegetarian groups in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One hundred and twenty-two (122) vegetarians were recruited using the total enumeration technique. Food consumption pattern and dietary diversity were assessed using a validated qualitative food frequency questionnaire and a 24-hour dietary recall, respectively. Dietary diversity was calculated using the FAO guidelines.Results: Sixty eight percent (68%) of the vegetarians reported daily intakes of vegetable protein. Majority of the vegetarians (80.6%) reported daily intakes of cereals and grains while 54% reported daily intakes of tubers. Eighty two percent (82%) and 72% of the vegetarians consumed vegetables and fruits on daily basis respectively. A few ofthe vegetarians (29%) reported daily intakes of fruit juices. Soft drinks, deep fried foods and fast foods were occasionally consumed. About 40.3% of the vegetarians obtained a dietary diversity score of four (4). Majority of them (68.9%) had low dietary diversity.Conclusion: The vegetarians had low dietary diversity which may lead to inadequate nutrient intakes. Thus, there is the need for nutrition-related professionals to give appropriate information on a vegetarian diet and educate vegetarians to include a variety of foods in their diet

Assessment of fetal wastage in pigs slaughtered at Kumasi abattoir, Ghana

There had been dearth of information on the level of fetal wastages in slaughtered pigs in West African countries other than Nigeria. This study evaluates the fetal losses due to slaughtering of pregnant pigs at the Kumasi abattoir in Kumasi, Ghana. The ages of the fetuses were estimated using standard technique with the influence of sex, age and breed of pig on fetal loss being evaluated. Data were subjected to descriptive and quantitative analysis. 2817 pigs were slaughtered during the period of the study with a monthly average of 563.1739(61.73%) were sows and 430(29.27%) were pregnant. 141(28.20%) sows were slaughtered in January, constituting the highest throughout the period of the study with corresponding fetal loss of 616(76.60%). Most of the fetuses wasted in this study were recorded in the second and third trimester (83.51%). The percentage of fetal wastage (the total number of fetuses wasted divided by the total number of pigs slaughtered) was 2117(75%) in this study. The results revealed high incidence of fetal losses at the Kumasi abattoir. There is need to advocate for routine veterinary checks and interventions in order to reduce the high level of fetal wastage which call for strategic planning and decision-making on animal food security in Ghana.Keywords: Abattoir, Fetal wastage, Slaughtered pigs, Ghan