Assessing Rural Women Food Producers Capacity to Adopt Modern ICTs – A case Study of the Mfantsiman District of Ghana

The traditional way of information dissemination has been through people; the modern way is through the electronic media – improved information and communication technologies (ICTs). For effectiveness, modern ICTs should help women to improve on their income generating capacity. Issues of level of resource capacity of women, information needed, and current sources of such information become important. This study sought to investigate the issues above with respect to rural women food producers in the Mfantsiman District of Ghana. Simple descriptive statistics and econometric models were employed in the data analysis of 91 randomly selected respondents. The results of the study showed that: In general, the women food producers were aged, subsistence food crop farmers. They depended on the natural rainfall cycle and had inadequate funds, so they use traditional inputs for production and sell surpluses in the community. The most important agricultural information needed was on inputs, specifically, low cost in-kind or cash credit. Currently, the major information sources are relatives and other farmers in the locality, agricultural extension agents, the radio and television. This suggests that the women food producers have low resource capacity and this could limit the adoption of modern ICTs as a source of and media for information dissemination. Yet, the regression results show that the few (6) mobile phone users have a higher income generating capacity. In order to improve on capacity to use modern ICTs for increased access to other resources, women farmers’ should organize themselves into formidable groups so local institutions can assist easily.Adoption, Information and communication Technology, Ghana, Women, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Consumer/Household Economics, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, Institutional and Behavioral Economics, Labor and Human Capital, Marketing, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

The impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana, West Africa

This paper presents the results of a research carried out to learn about the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the Kumasi metropolis. The study investigates the extent to which the increase in productivity of SMEs can be attributed to the implementation of ICT, the contribution of ICT in the growth of SMEs that has adopted it, whether the advent of the internet has changed the ways of businesses and if the use of the internet is essential in locating additional contracts and to expand the enterprises’ market. The study provides an insight on the barriers for the adoption of ICT. Data on these aspects of ICT was collected from 40 SMEs through a questionnaire instrument. The results of the study show that only a small number of SMEs in Kumasi are aware of the benefits of ICT adoption. Majority of the firms that use the internet mainly use it to locate customer and contracts, general business information, and e-mailing rather than sourcing for raw materials. Most of the SMEs have reported a positive performance and other benefits by utilizing ICT in their businesses. Lack of internal capabilities, lack of financial support, non – availability of infrastructure and personal reasons were the major barriers in adopting ICT.  There is a need for more focus and concerted efforts on increasing awareness among SMEs on the benefits of ICT adoption. The results of the study recognize the need for more training facilities in ICT for SMEs, measures to provide ICT products and services at an affordable cost, and availability of free professional advice and consulting at reasonable cost to SMEs. Our findings therefore have important implication for policy aimed at ICT adoption and use by SMEs. Keywords: Information and communications technology (ICT), small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), ICT adoption, ICT use, government polic

“Apartheid-Induced” Corporate Social Responsibility in the Context of South Africa: A Review

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) continues to gain prominence in most parts of Africa. The aim of this study is to explore the nature and extent of recognition of CSR in South Africa (SA), a developing country. The need for CSR research focused in developing countries remains critical, particularly with the concerns that current CSR approaches and with their origins from developed countries, may not reflect and fully respond to developing countries context and circumstances encountered. The aim of this paper is to explore literature and to identify the nature and extent of CSR recognition in SA. This study therefore took a review research study approach. SA has a history of legal racial segregation, termed, ‘apartheid’. Within apartheid, humanity was defined on the basis of race. Thus, apartheid permeated the entire fabric of life. We find that CSR is largely ‘Apartheid-Induced’, and that the practice is two-fold: largely voluntary and less mandatory. The first model that emerged during apartheid followed a ‘moral and ethical perspective’. The second model after the fall of apartheid followed a “legislative perspective”. A third model of CSR practice among SA corporations is one of a ‘Strategic CSR’ towards sustainable development. This final model is in line with emerging global trends. Thus, CSR is seen as a means through which corporations contribute towards national reconstruction and development. The study adopts a multi-theoretical background to explore CSR in the context of SA. The study therefore seeks to add literature to scholarly work in CSR in Africa, and contributes to deepening our understanding of the extent of CSR recognition and practice in SA. Documenting this should help with our understanding of corporate responses in SA. Keywords: Corporate social responsibility, Apartheid, South Africa, Developing, Multi-theoretical vie

An Evaluation of Teaching – Learning of Drawing at School of Applied Arts, Takoradi Polytechnic

Drawing is described as the bases of all art work when an art idea is conceived. It can only materialize into concrete form when it has gone through a process of designing which basically involves drawing. The ability of an artist to draw is very paramount in the art profession. The bases for selecting students to pursue an art programme is their ability to pass the requisite examination which includes drawing but still this research would show that standard of drawing among some students in Takoradi Polytechnic is very low. Descriptive research method based on qualitative research approach was adopted. This method was used to describe research methodology, through results discussion and findings. This paper examines the problem of poor drawing standards in an attempt to find solutions. The paper would provide insight into the problems which include poor foundation of students drawing abilities, inadequate facilities for teaching drawing in the polytechnics, the methodology used in teaching and the general attitudes of students towards drawing lectures. The paper finally prescribes remedies that would address the listed problems above. Keywords: drawing, teaching, learning, methodology, facilities

The Role of Painting in Preschool Education (A Case Study in Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis, Ghana)

Painting as a vocation started far back as prehistoric era, where early man used it to enhance their painting expedition. As a vocation in our part of the world (Ghana), its impact is less felt through practices such surface preparation, brushing, spraying and more importantly in education. In contemporary world, painting has become a vocation where its significance in nation development cannot be over emphasized. The study recognizes the crucial role the vocation plays in preschool education through teaching-learning materials, and aesthetic enhancement of architectural structures. This study seeks to evaluate the role painting plays in preschool education. The study further seeks to assess job opportunities for painters through the teaching-learning materials in preschool environment. It therefore advocates the need for students to take painting as a vocation for national development. Descriptive research method based on quantitative research was adopted and this was used to describe research methodology through result discussion and findings. The results of the study indicate that, there are job opportunities for painters in preschool environment. The study concluded that, painters can generate income through the painting of interior and exterior walls of preschool structures, making of teaching-learning materials in the form of wall hangings, charts and murals for preschool betterment. Keywords: painting, preschool, preschool education, teaching-learning material

Population dynamics, parasites and predators, with particular reference to the Peach-Potato aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), on Brussels Sprouts in the Edinburgh area

Investigations were carried out on the seasonal changes of aphids, particularly Myzus persicae (Sulz.), on hrussels sprouts and the importance of their natural enemies, from autumn 1968 to spring 1971 in the area around Edinburgh. M. persicae overwintered anholocyclically on weeds, particularly on dock plants, hut rarely on brassica crops. Plants in glasshouses also provided overwintering sites for M. persicae and Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas). These aphids started gradually to infest the brussels sprout plants during the end of June in a constant but irregular movement. Both M. persicae and M.euphorbiae have no fixed patterns of population changes throughout the field nor from year to year. During early July the initially low densities of M. persicae and M. euphorbiae populations increased fast. By early August parasitism and predation increased; condensation of water droplets on the aphids also appeared in August and drowned some of them. Subsequently these mortality factors caused a sharp decline of the first peak of M. persicae abundance, and complete disappearance of H. euphorbiae from the field by mid-September. Favourable weather and reduced activities of natural enemies caused another peak of M. persicae to be reached in September. A slight drop in abundance occurred again, due mainly to parasitism; the third and last peak of a season appeared during late October and early November. The fall of this peak was attributed to the cold weather which reduced the rate of reproduction and hastened the abscission of bottom leaves which carried the aphid population. Eighteen species in eight genera of aphid parasites and at least eight species in five genera of hyperparasites were recorded. All the eleven species of primary parasites and five genera containing at least eight species of hyperparasites noted as parasites of M. persioae; and fifteen species of primary parasites and five genera of at least eight species of the hyperparasites listed tinder M. euphorbias were first records of any such parasites in Scotland. The M. persicae records as aphid host of seven species of primary parasites and two genera of at least three species of hyperparasites; and M. euphorbiae also as an aphid host of seven species of primary parasites and two genera of at least four species of hyperparasites were new records in Britain. Three and four species of primary parasites listed respectively under M, persicae and M. euphorbiae as aphid host were found to he new records in the general literature. Praon volucre (Hal.) was the dominant species of the primary parasites followed by Diaeretiella rapae Mcintosh and Aphidius picipes (Hees) which were about half and one third as numerous as the dominat species.Asaphes vulgaris Walker was the dominant species of the hyperparasites with cynipids about equally abundant. Some aspects of the bionomics of hyperparasites and primary parasites, particularly P. volucre, were given. Factors which limited the effectiveness of the parasites, particularly P. volucre, included 1. the fast developmental rate and the lower threshold of the aphid host (M, persicae) as compared to that of thep parasite (P. volucre). 2. hyperparasitism; - in 1969 and 1970 aphids on brussels sprouts were hyperparasitised respectively to the extent of 39.4% and 46.9% 3. harvesting of brassica crops during autumn which destroyed some of the aphid mummies and the aphid populations which could be parasitised to increase the numbers of the overwintering mummies. 4. overwintering of the parasites which started during late summer and early autumn while the aphid hosts were reproducing

Hearing impairment among chronic kidney disease patients on haemodialysis at a tertiary hospital in Ghana

Background: Chronic kidney disease is a major public health challenge, globally. Inadequate excretion of metabolic waste products by the kidneys results in circulation of these toxic materials in the body. This can cause damage to tissues and organ systems including the auditory system which can lead to hearing loss.Aim: The study was aimed at determining the prevalence, degrees and types of hearing impairment among Chronic kidney disease patients on haemodialysis in Ghana.Methods: A case-control study involving 50 Chronic Kidney disease patients and 50 age and gender-matched control group was carried out at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). A structured questionnaire was administered to obtain basic socio-demographic data and case history of the participants. Audiological assessment was performed using a test battery comprising otoscopy, tympanometry and pure tone audiometry in a soundproof booth.Results: Higher hearing thresholds were recorded across all the frequencies tested among the case group than the control group (p < 0.05) in both ears. Only sensorineural hearing loss was identified among the cases. The prevalence of hearing loss was 32% among the case group and 12% among the control group. No significant association was observed between hearing loss and duration of Chronic kidney disease (p = 0.16), gender of Chronic kidney disease patient and hearing loss (p = 0.88), and duration of Chronic kidney disease and degree of hearing loss (p=0.31).Conclusion: Our study showed that Chronic Kidney disease patients on haemodialysis are at higher risk of experiencing hearing loss.Keywords: Hearing loss, chronic kidney disease, prevalence, haemodialysis, hearing thresholdFunding: None declare

Weight management among school-aged children and adolescents: A quantitative assessment in a Ghanaian municipality

BACKGROUND: Childhood and adolescent overweight, obesity and underweight have become an issue of grave concern to both the developed and developing countries in context of global burden of non-communicable diseases. Unhealthy weight status is a significant public health issue for developing countries, of which Ghana is not excluded. This study evaluated the prevalence of overweight, obesity and underweight and its related factors among school-aged children and adolescents. METHODS: A total of 1004 participants were randomly selected from six schools. A structured questionnaire on demography and socioeconomic status of students\u27 parents/guardians was completed by the selected students. Anthropometric parameters were measured, and body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. BMI-for-age z-scores were used to categorize anthropometric data of the children as underweight, normal, overweight or obese. A cut-off value of \u3e 0.50 was used to define obesity by WHtR. RESULTS: Overweight prevalence of 13.8% and 12.6 was observed among basic school and high school students respectively based on BMI classification. Obesity prevalence of 8.8% was found in basic school students and 8.9% among high school students. Underweight was observed in 114 (11.3%) basic school students and 86 (8.6%) high school students. There was a difference in sex prevalence in unhealthy weight-behaviours; with more girls being overweight (19.4% vs 7.6%, p \u3c 0.001) and obese (10.2% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.177) compared to boys. High WHtR found in 10.5% of basic students and 5.0% of high school students, with a statistical difference. Overweight/obesity was significantly associated with taking snacks before bed among basic school students [aOR = 10.45(5.95-18)] and high school students [aOR = 10.23(5.95-18.37)] respectively. Watching TV [aOR = 0.39(0.22-0.70)], sleeping during leisure periods [aOR = 0.43(0.23-0.81)] and bicycling as a means of transport [aOR = 0.37(0.19-0.72)] to school was protective of obesity among basic school students. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of unhealthy weight-related behaviours was observed among school-aged children in the Bekwai Municipality. Snacking before bed was a major factor promoting obesity among school-aged children while leisure behaviours such as TV watching, and sleeping were protective of obesity. Therefore, it is recommended to promote and support healthy eating habits among school-aged children which are likely beneficial in reducing the risk of childhood unhealthy weight-related behaviours

An assessment of indoor radon level in a suburb of Ghana

Abstract Radiation and radioactive isotopes form part of our natural environment. Elevated levels of these radioactive isotopes in the environment can pose a threat to our health. A greater proportion of the natural radiation is from the radioactive gas radon. Although it cannot be detected by human senses, radon and its progenies are of health concern as it can cause lung cancer when inhaled over a period of time. This study sought to provide baseline indoor radon data, the life time risk of lung cancer and its interpretation within a suburb of Ghana. Solid State Nuclear Track Detector (LR-115 type II) was deployed in 82 homes within a suburb for a period of three months (September 2017- January 2018). Indoor radon concentration (IRC) for the suburb was within the range of 4.1�176.3 Bq m?3. With mean 57 ± 39 Bq m?3. The mean radon exposure to the dwellers was recorded as 0.12 ± 0.08 WLMy?1 resulting in 0.7 ± 0.5 mSvy?1 effective dose to the lung with an excess lifetime cancer risk of 0.39 ± 0.26%. There was a positive correlation between indoor radon concentration and the building type and the association was significant with a P value of 0.047.</jats:p