Performance evaluation of prototype mechanical cassava harvester in three agro-ecological zones in Ghana

Large-scale cassava harvesting, especially during the dry season, is a major constraint to its industrial demand and commercial production. Manual harvesting is slow and associated with drudgery and high root damage in the dry season. Research on mechanisation of cassava production is very low especially in the area of harvesting, and currently there exists no known functional mechanical cassava harvesters in Ghana. The main objective of the study was to test and evaluate mechanical cassava harvesting techniques in different agro-ecological zones in Ghana. Performance of two prototype mechanical harvesters (TEK MCH 2 and 6) was evaluated against manual harvesting methods for field capacity, efficiency and root damage using two cassava varieties, namely ‘Afisiafi’ and ‘Bankyehemaa’, on ridged and flat landforms. Results from field trials showed prototype harvesters weighing 268 – 310 kg can achieve optimum performance on ridged landforms. When harvested mechanically, tuber damage ranges from 16 per cent to 27 per cent for both ‘Afisiafi’ and ‘Bankyehemaa’. The mechanical harvester works best on dry fields with moisture content from one per cent to 17 per cent db containing minimum trash or weeds, and develops average drafts of 10.86 kN whilst penetrating depths from 13 to 40 cm. Optimum mechanical harvesting performance was achieved at tractor speeds of 5 – 8 km h-1, fuel consumption of 15 – 19 litres ha-1, and a field capacity of 2 h ha-1. After mechanical harvesting, the field is left ploughed with savings on fuel, time and production costs. It is, however, recommended to test the harvesters for wear and durability in major agro-ecological zones and through a wide range of soil moisture regimes in Ghana to support nationwide adoption

Intimate Partner Violence and Pregnancy Termination in Armenia: Evidence from Nationally-Representative Survey Data

Intimate partner violence has been associated with numerous consequences for women, including pregnancy termination. This study examined the association between predictive capacity of intimate partner violence and pregnancy termination among women in Armenia. The study analyzed the 2015–16 Armenia Demographic and Health Survey (ADHS) data on women aged 15–49 (Mean: 31.49; Standard Deviation, SD: 9.51). Marital control exercised by husbands, ever experienced physical violence, sexual violence, and emotional violence by husbands were the four indicators of intimate partner violence used in this study. To assess the association between intimate partner violence and pregnancy termination, a binary logistic regression model was fitted. After controlling for confounders, we found that women whose husbands exercised marital control were 26% more likely to experience pregnancy termination, compared to women whose husbands did not exercise marital control (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.26, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.53). Women who ever experienced sexual violence were about 10 times likely to experience pregnancy termination than women who did not experience sexual violence (aOR: 9.76, 95% CI: 1.91–49.96). Both ever experienced physical violence and emotional violence did not have any significant associations with pregnancy termination. Forms of intimate partner violence are associated with pregnancy termination. The findings of this study provide evidence for government and policymakers to formulate, modify, and implement policies and program that target both men and women regarding the prevailing intimate partner violence and its consequences. Strengthening the policy implementation will ensure that women are empowered to make decisions about their reproductive health. Making husbands and their family members aware of the basics and consequences of intimate partner violence and focusing on child cognitive development which can be hampered due to the prevalence violence in families are recommended