Insect assemblage and the pollination system in cocoa ecosystems

Objective: An insect survey was carried out in ten farm plots to determine whether there are other tropical pollinators of cocoa which are either unidentified or undescribed, and hence review the pollination system of the crop. Methodology and results: Ten homogenous farmer managed farm plots were selected. For three consecutive years, a study was carried out to determine the insect species richness and relative abundance in the farm plots during flowering seasons (April to October). It was also to determine which of the insects were pollinators or contributed to the process of pollination of cocoa. Trees used were selected based on availability of flowers. About 2,721 insects belonging to 36 species and 7 orders were recorded. Insect species of the orders viz: Hymenoptera, Diptera, Orthoptera, and Coleoptera were common to all the ten farm plots. These were found on cocoa trees, and on the ground among the cocoa leaf litter. The rest were predominantly aerial or flying insects. The results of focal patch observation indicated that more than half of insect species resident in the cocoa ecosystem did not visit the cocoa flowers. Those which visited did not carry any pollen. Only the ceratopogonid midges (Diptera) showed higher pollinator importance. They were therefore classified as effective pollinators, and hence could be beneficial to the productivity of cocoa. None of the crawling insects ever carried pollen to the stigma. The study showed that the cocoa ecosystem could support diverse insect communities; however, the evolution of the floral structure of cocoa restricts access to all but few pollinators. Cocoa therefore has a specialized pollination system. Conclusion and application: The study showed that though the cocoa ecosystem could support diverse insect communities the cocoa tree itself has a specialized pollination system. The results therefore suggest that cocoa farmers should be encouraged to incorporate pollinator-friendly practices for sustainable cocoa production. Key words: Cocoa, pollinators, insect assemblage, Forcipomyia spp, pollination system

Effect of Collar Diameter and Lifting Period on Shoot Biomass Production of Teak (Tectona Grandis Linn. F) Stumps

The effects of collar diameter and lifting period on shoot biomass production of Teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F) stumps were investigated during the 2006 dry season on the research farm of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. The lifting period is time when planting of stumps is delayed. A 3x5 split-plot factorial experiment in randomized complete block design was used. The main aim was to determine suitable methods of converting teak seedlings into stumps and evaluate the consequences of delaying planting of teak stumps to enhance high amount of teak shoot production thus address the persistent problem of poor sprouting and low biomass productivity in the early stages of planted teak in large-scale plantation development in Ghana. Collar diameter of stumps, and time as well as the interaction of collar diameter and period of delay of planting stumps and the combined effects of these factors had significant effect on number of shoots per plot. The highest number of teak shoots was obtained from teak stumps of collar diameter of 2.75 cm planted immediately after harvesting. For teak stumps of collar diameter of 2.75 cm if planting is delayed for 4 weeks the number of shoots reduces to 25 % of its value if planted immediately. Teak stumps stored in the open air when planting is delayed beyond 15 weeks may not produce shoots

Determinants of moonlighting in Ghana: an empirical investigation

The desire of workers to engage in moonlighting, a phenomenon of multiple job-holding is a reflection of some of the changing labour market outcomes. Public sector workers who suffered loss of jobs through public sector retrenchment and privatisation as part of Ghana’s economic reform resorted to holding more than one job to earn enough to avert any substantial drop in their living conditions. Despite the seemingly conspicuous existence of multiple job-holding in Ghana, much remains to be learnt about its determinants and characteristics of the phenomenon. This article employs the probit regression estimation technique based on the two most recent nationwide household surveys conducted in 1998/99 and 2005/06 to investigate the main determinants of moonlighting in Ghana. It provides empirical evidence to suggest that personal and household characteristics as well as location and labour market characteristics such as individual earnings and hours spent in the main job significantly influence an individual’s desire to engage in more than one job. The study concludes that apart from the financial motive that drives an individual’s decision to moonlight, the engagement of moonlighting on account of lower working hours in the individual’s main job could be a symptom of visible or time-related underemployment. Keywords: Moonlighting, Multiple job-holding, Employment, Earnings, Underemployment, Ghan

Biochemical Characterisation of 18 Accessions of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam.) using Total Leaf and Tuberous Root Protein by SDS-PAGE

DNA-based markers,undeniably, provide potent tools for studying genetic relationships in plants; however, potential of protein-based markers using SDS-PAGE is quite promising, particularly in developing countries. Plant storage proteins serve as molecular reserves imperative for plant growth and maintenance and thus have proven to be essential for the survival of plant species. Storage proteins are also indispensable in plant defense mechanisms as insecticidal and anti-microbial proteins. They have also been widely employed as biochemical markers for genetic diversity studies. Eighteen sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) accessions with local or exotic origin were evaluated for genetic diversity using leaf and tuberous root protein via sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Marked variations observed in the electrophoregrams of total leaf and tuberous root proteins gave an indication of intense variability among the accessions. Molecular size of proteins ranged from 20.23 to 28.89 kDa and 22.44 to 97.19 kDa, in the total leaf and tuberous root proteins, respectively. Two pairs of accessions SA/BNARI and UE 007 as well as HMA 1 and US 029 were identified as duplicates based on their banding patterns. Keywords: Biochemical, characterisation, SDS-PAGE, sweet potato, leaf& tuberous root protei

Essential Amino Acid Quality Profile in Neglected and Underutilized Legumes (NULs)

A large number of consumers use plant-based products instead of animal-based products for their nourishment. This calls for a thorough investigation of the capacity of NULs to supply nutrients such as amino acids. Five different NULs protein extracts were profiled to ascertain the presence of the essential amino acids. In order to evaluate the quality, the essential amino acids from each of the NULs were matched against the standard FAO/WHO dietary indispensable amino acids for infants, children and adults. It was found that two of the NULs; Vigna sp. and Phaseolus sp. were the most promising, out of the five studied. Vigna sp. could supply adequate quantities of histidine (26.2 mg/g) for all the three age groups. However, isoleucine (35.9 mg/g) and the aromatic amino acid (phenylalanine + tyrosine) (94 mg/g) can supply adequate quantities for only children and adults. Lysine (53.6 mg/g) and threonine (44 mg/g) on the other hand, could be adequately supplied by Phaseolus sp. for at least, the adults’ requirement. If the digestibilities of the two NULs proteins were evaluated to ascertain the levels of the post-prandial amino acids, and the two NULs were complimented with cereals, the NULs flour could eventually supply the essential amino acids for consumers who use them as food. Keywords: Essential amino acids, Quality, Neglected legumes

Study of the Reproductive Characteristics of Nine Cassava Accessions

Reproductive behaviour of two cultivars (AF and AN) and seven breeding lines (BA, AS, LA, BS-1, HO-008, ME and SE) of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) was studied to obtain information pertaining to flowering habits and other reproductive characteristics of these potential parents required for future hybridization programmes. The accessions were grown on the Research Farm of the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute in the coastal savanna agro-ecological zone of Ghana between April 2008 and December 2009. For each accession, 40 stem cuttings, each bearing five to eight nodes, were prepared from the mid-section of healthy cassava stems and planted at a spacing of 1.5 m x 1.0 m while accessions were separated by a distance of 2 m. Ten plants were tagged per accession for the collection of data on key reproductive characteristics. All accessions flowered, suggesting that flower production may not be a limiting factor under the prevailing climatic conditions. Light microscopy revealed that one accession (BA) produced dysfunctional male flowers which were devoid of pollen. Mean days to flowering and fruiting varied significantly (P < 0.05) among the accessions, indicating the need to use different planting dates for different accessions to ensure synchronization of flowering. The accessions also differed significantly (P < 0.05) with respect to plant height at various levels of branching, as well as number of inflorescences, staminate and pistillate flowers, and fruit produced per branching level. There was also variation in percent seed set, embryo formation and fruit drop. The extensive variability observed among the accessions provides breeders with immense opportunities for carrying out cross combinations to generate new genotypes to meet specific objectives

Effectiveness of three different storage structures and curing process for the storage of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) in Ghana

Three different storage structures and two curing processes for the storage of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) were studied at the CSIR-Food Research Institute, Accra. Sweet potato roots initially cured under warm(30-35 °C) and very humid (90-95% relative humidity) conditions for 7 and 14 days were stored in local (traditional), pit, and clamp storage structures for 84 days. After 0-84 days of storage, the roots were sampled and physically assessed into wholesome, sprouted, fungalinfected, and insect and rodent-damaged. The decrease in percentage wholesome roots corresponded to an increase in percentage fungal-infected roots from 0 to 84 days of storage in all the three different storage structures. Clamp storage structure recorded the highest percentage wholesome roots (20.0%) compared to pit (16.3%) and local (0%) after 84 days of storage when roots were cured for 7 days. However, for 14 days cured roots stored for 84 days, local storage structure recorded the highest percentage wholesome roots (20%), pit (0%), and clamp (10%). Higher percentages of fungal-infected sweet potato roots were recorded from roots cured for14 days. Percentage sprouted roots was higher in clamp, followed by pit and local storage structures. Sprouting was delayed for sweet potato roots that were cured for 14 days in all the storage structures. Percentage damage of sweet potato roots by insect and rodent was lower inall the three storage structures compared to the fungalinfected sweet potato roots

Factors influencing willingness to participate in new drug trial studies: a study among parents whose children were recruited into these trials in northern Ghana.

BACKGROUND: During the last decade, the number of clinical trials conducted in sub-Saharan Africa has increased significantly which has helped to address priority health problems in the region. Navrongo health research centre since it was established in 1989, has conducted several trial studies including rectal artesunate trial in the Kassena-Nankana districts. However, there is little evidence-based for assessing the impact of new drug trials. This study explored factors that motivate parents to allow their children to participate in new drug trials in northern Ghana. METHOD: The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. The participants were randomly selected from among parents whose children were enrolled in a new drug trial conducted in the Kassena-Nankana districts between 2000 and 2003. QSR Nvivo 9 software was used to code the qualitative data into themes before analysis while STATA software Version 11.2© was used to analyze the quantitative data. RESULTS: The results showed that majority (95.9%) of the parents were willing to allow their children to be enrolled in future new drug trials. The main factors motivating their willingness to allow their children to be enrolled in these trials were quality of health care services offered to trial participants (92.9%), detail medical examination (90.8%), promptness of care provided (94.4%) and quality of drugs (91.9%). Other factors mentioned included disease prevention (99.5%) and improved living standard (96.1%). Parents reported that the conduct of these trials had reduced the frequency of disease occurrences in the communities because of the quality of health care services provided to the children recruited into these trial studies. CONCLUSION: Though the implementation of clinical trials in the study area is believed to have positive impact on health status of people particularly trial participants, measures should however be taken to address safety and likely side effects of new drugs given to trial participants during these trial studies

Application of a value chain approach to understanding white kenkey production, vending and consumption practices in three districts of Ghana

Traditional processing and street vending of foods is a vital activity in the informal sector of the Ghanaian economy and offers livelihood for a large number of traditional food processors. Kenkey is a fermented maize ‘dumpling’ produced by traditional food processors in Ghana. Ga and Fante kenkey have received research attention and there is a lot of scientific information on kenkey production. White kenkey produced from dehulled maize grains is a less known kind of kenkey. A survey was held in three districts of Ghana to study production, vending and consumption of white kenkey and to identify major bottlenecks related to production, which can be addressed in studies to re-package kenkey for a wider market. Questionnaires were designed for producers, vendors and consumers of white kenkey to collate information on Socio-cultural data, processing technologies, frequency of production and consumption, product shelf life, reasons for consumption and quality attributes important to consumers using proportional sampling. The survey was conducted in white kenkey production zones and trade centers. Results showed that production of white kenkey is done on small-scale levels by middle-aged women in households with 10-50 kg of dehulled maize processed into white kenkey, 1-3 times weekly. A third (28%) of the women processed up to 50-100 kg of maize per week. Although 62% of vendors sell 50-100 balls of white kenkey daily, 15% of them sell more than 170 balls. Majority of consumers (45.9%) liked white kenkey because of its convenience (ready-to-eat). Texture and taste were quality attributes desired by kenkey consumers. Producers did not have written records of process controls and product throughputs. Inspite of their cottage nature, production of white kenkey is a profitable employment for producers and vendors and is popular among consumers. Product improvement, process and product characteristics could offer scale-up criteria for development of white kenkey production using standardized procedures for steeping times, steeping temperature and fermentation times.Keywords: maize, white kenkey, value chain, traditional, product development, re-engineerin

Assessment of emergency medical services in the Ashanti region of Ghana

Background: We aimed to assess the structure, function and performance of Ashanti Region’s emergency medical services system in the context of the regional need for prehospital emergency care.Design: A mixed-methods approach was employed, using retrospective collection of quantitative data and prospectively gathered qualitative data. Setting – pertinent data were collected from Ghanaian and international sources; interviews and technical assessments were performed primarily in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.Participants: All stakeholders relevant to emergency medical services in the Ashanti Region of Ghana were assessed; there was a special focus on National Ambulance Service (NAS) and Ashanti Region healthcare personnel.Intervention: This was an observational study using qualitative and quantitative assessment techniques.Main outcome measures: The structure, function and performance of the Ashanti emergency medical services system, guided by a relevant technical assessment framework.Results: NAS is the premier and only true prehospital agency in the Ashanti Region. NAS has developed almost every essential aspect of an EMS system necessary to achieve its mission within a low-resource setting. NAS continues to increase its number of response units to address the overwhelming Ashanti region demand, especially primary calls. Deficient areas in need of development are governance, reliable revenue, public access, community integration, clinical care guidelines, research and quality assurance processes.Conclusions: The Ashanti Region has a growing and thriving emergency medical services system. Although many essential areas for development were identified, NAS is well poised to meet the regional demand for prehospital emergency care and transport.Keywords: EMS, prehospital, ambulance, emergency, Ghana, Afric