Empirical evidence on the potential of rainwater harvesting for residential water supply in Accra

We evaluate the potential of rainwater harvesting for residential water supply by estimating, analysing and comparing the per capita water consumption accessible from rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems and that acquired from water tanker services (WTS) for single-family households in Accra, Ghana. Although the values from WTS stochastically dominates those from RWH over a wide range, the difference in their mean values does not appear to be statistically significant, and the probabilities that the per capita water consumption, of a household selected at random, exceeds the WHO service levels of {5, 20, 50, 100} lpcd are {1.000, .937, .239, .0474} for RWH, compared to {1.000, .994, .555, .0467} for WTS. We conclude that for single-family dwellings in Accra, the WHO service levels for water consumption and hygiene obtainable from RWH is appreciable and comparable to those from WTS providers. Therefore, households can satisfy their current water consumption levels with RWH alone

Statistical analysis of water storage capacity and days-storage for single-family households in Accra

In order to evaluate whether installed water storage capacity for single-family households in Accra are large enough to harness the full potential of rainwater harvesting (RWH), we compare this capacity, and its associated days storage, with that required for RWH, and examine the relationship between roof area, household size and each of these storage capacities. Results show that (1) installed capacity is 25.6 m3 significantly smaller, and more varied, than that required for RWH; (2) consequently, the associated days storage for installed capacity is 110 days significantly smaller, and more varied, than that for RWH; (3) unlike the capacity for RWH, which had a significant relationship with only roof area, there was no significant relationship between roof area, household size and installed capacity. We conclude that the decision on installed storage capacity ignores the potential of RWH, thereby, making it smaller than what is required to harness this potential

Gender differentials in value addition and lean season market participation in the grasshopper value chain in Uganda

Gender gaps in agrifood value chains are manifested in differential access to and control of productive resources, upgrading activities, market participation, farm productivity and food security among women and men. These gender gaps threaten economic development in sub‐Saharan Africa. With low‐resource requirements, edible insects have emerged as a promising agrifood value chain with income opportunities for women and men. However, it is not clear how gender gaps are manifested in the participation in value addition and lean season market of the edible insect value chain with a potential to improve household welfare. In this paper, we analyse the gender gaps of retailers' participation in value addition and lean season market in the grasshopper value chain in Uganda. Multivariate probit and tobit models are used in the empirical analyses. We find that women are 15% more likely to participate in primary value addition. However, there are no gender gaps in the participation in secondary value addition and the lean season market. The study also shows that grasshopper business is an important source of income for many retailers. Therefore, the development of the grasshopper value chain, especially the aspects of value addition and lean season market, could contribute to gender equality and improvement of livelihoods of women and men.German Federal Ministry of Education and ResearchHumboldt‐Universität zu Berlin http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100006211Peer Reviewe

Strategic business decisions of retailers in the edible insect value chain in Uganda

This article was supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Open Access Publication Fund of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.Edible insect value chains are expected to contribute to sustainable food and nutrition security, poverty alleviation and job creation in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is little empirical evidence on the strategic business decisions of midstream-actors in edible insect value chain. This study fills this knowledge gap by analysing the factors that influence retailers’ strategic business decisions, that is, choices of supplier, product to purchase, procurement strategy and the quantity of product purchased in the grasshopper value chain in central Uganda. Using a primary dataset collected from 500 randomly selected retailers from two districts in central Uganda, Cragg’s tobit alternative and binary probit models are applied in the empirical analysis. Retailers mainly procure grasshopper products from wholesalers and collectors. The study shows that demographic, economic, transactional and processing-related factors significantly influence retailers’ strategic business decisions in the grasshopper markets. Developing retailers’ human capital in business management practices and collective action is important to enable them to make informed strategic business decisions in the agrifood chain

ASSESSING THE PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS WITH DIFFERENT BACKGROUND AND STUDYING CERAMICS

For almost a decade, the Ghanaian educational system for ceramics studies at the tertiary level has allowed senior high students with various academic backgrounds to specialize in ceramics at the tertiary level. Though a very laudable idea, there has yet to be an assessment of their performance in a studio-oriented ceramic programme to inform policy and institutional decisions. This study, therefore, assesses the performance of ceramic students with diverse academic backgrounds. The study used quantitative and qualitative approaches, revealing that students with no background in art struggle with ceramic studio assignments, especially those that studied Home Economics and General Arts. Though students with a Science background appear to do well in the soil science-related courses of ceramics, there are still challenges with art concepts and art history. It is recommended that there is a need for counseling and orientation of mind for students who did not choose ceramics as their first choice and those without art backgrounds

Assessment of the Impact of Solid Waste Disposal on the Portability of Surface Water and Groundwater Using Water Quality Index (WQI) in Kpassa, Nkwanta North District of Ghana

The emergence of the Water Quality Index (WQI) has helped to convey vital water quality information to stakeholders and the general public at certain locations and times based on water quality parameters. The present study was carried out to assess how improper solid waste disposal impacts on the potability of surface and ground water at Kpassa in the Nkwanta North District of the Volta Region in Ghana. Water samples were collected at different locations on the River Kpassa and from boreholes within Kpassa in the Nkwanta North District of Ghana. The quality of the water was assessed by testing various physicochemical parameters such as pH, EC, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), Total Hardness (TH), Calcium, Magnesium, Nitrate, Sulphate, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). Apart from turbidity that was observed to be high in the samples during the period of study (indicating the presence of organic matter pollution, domestic effluents and runoffs from agricultural fields), all the other water quality parameters in both surface and groundwater were lower compared to WHO/ICMR/BIS standards.  The WQI for the surface water and the borehole water were 56.50 and 94.82 respectively. The study shows that the samples within the study area had poor water quality and therefore unsuitable for drinking and for domestic use. Regular water monitoring should be carried out especially with reference to the microbial analysis to give a better view of the water quality at Kpassa. Keywords: Kpassa, Index, pollution, agriculture fields, Leachat

Performance of Ceramic Students with Different Backgrounds at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana

This study assessed the performance of ceramic students with different backgrounds at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana, using the cross-sectional design. A total of 170 students were sampled using a simple random sampling technique. A questionnaire yielded the Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.89 which confirmed the required reliability of the instrument. Data was treated using t-test and ANOVA so as to establish the difference in performance by learners categorized according to their backgrounds. The study established no significant difference in performance between students with arts and those without arts background in SHS. The study did not establish difference in performance by students categorized according to their genders. The performance of second year students was significantly lower than that of the first and third and fourth years combined. This might be due to the fact that second years curriculum is the beginning of studio practice where students struggle to learn how to throw on the potter’s wheel and begin producing arts works. The study recommends that SHS teachers should enhance the teaching strategies of arts studies at the SHS level so that students who went through the studies might even outperform those who did not take the subject at the SHS level. Students in second year of studies need more attention as they navigate their path in the manipulation of clay for them to perform better in their studies before they join the two final years of ceramic studies

Management of sewerage system: case study in Tema

Many sanitation systems in most developing countries have deteriorated resulting in a lower level of service and consequent deterioration of environmental conditions. The sewerage system in the Tema Municipality is not different from other developing countries; three pumping stations and the treatment plant have been shut down hence raw sewage flows through a by-pass into the sea without treatment, creating an environmental hazard. This study examined the problems associated with the management of the sewerage system in Tema Municipality through field visits, administering questionnaires and interviews with key stakeholders. The study revealed that Tema Metropolitan Assembly (T.M.A) lacks key personnel; equipment, logistics and funds to manage the system. 33% of the residents using the sewer lines are not billed; the tariffs paid by the industries are low. The revenue does not march Operation and Maintenance cost and current electrical energy cost make up 64% of the Operation and Maintenance cost

Consumers behavior, attitudes, and beliefs regarding baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) fruit and pulp consumption in Sudan

There are growing number of empirical studies on the baobab value chain in Sub-Saharan Africa. Most studies focus on nutritional composition, traditional uses, the distribution of baobab trees, and collection. However, there are few studies on the marketing of baobab fruit pulp, especially on consumer behavior, attitudes, and beliefs regarding baobab fruit pulp. In this context, our study aims to explore consumer behavior, attitudes and beliefs regarding baobab fruit pulp. We also evaluate the market development potential of baobab fruit pulp in selected markets in El Obeid and Khartoum in Sudan. The study employs a mixed methods approach that includes a survey (N = 499), focus group discussion (N = 16), stakeholder interviews (N = 2), and a SWOT analysis. The study shows that the consumption of baobab fruit pulp is common among Sudanese consumers. Consumers also show strong positive attitudes and beliefs, as well as social support for baobab consumption. Nutritional and health benefits tend to drive consumer interest in baobab fruit pulp. The study also identified high demand, export opportunities, and extraction of ingredients from baobab as opportunities to develop baobab markets. However, a lack of quality control, regulations, poor distribution, and insufficient fruit supply may limit exploration of these opportunities. Therefore, it is crucial to raise knowledge of the nutritional and functional properties of baobab fruit, as well as its ability to fight health-related diseases, to further develop local markets. Processors must also improve the quality and safety of their goods. Policymakers must also create a regulatory structure that supports Sudan’s baobab value chain.Peer Reviewe

Determinants of farmer participation in direct marketing channels: A case study for cassava in the Oyo State of Nigeria

Improving rural farmers’ access to direct agricultural markets is required to ensure sustainable supply of food. Rural farmers in the developing world account for the largest share of food supply including cassava. Globally, cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is recognised as an important source of valuable semi-processed industrial raw materials such as ethanol, high-quality cassava flour and starch. However, there is less empirical research on rural farmers’ participation in direct marketing channels in the cassava sector. This study focused on analysing the determinants of farmer participation in direct marketing channels using the case of the cassava sector in the Oyo State of Nigeria. The Bivariate Tobit model was applied in the empirical analysis, based on a primary dataset generated from 400 rural cassava farmers from the Oyo State of Nigeria. The result showed that, in general, farmers sold a higher percentage of their cassava output to processors. The Bivariate Tobit results showed that human capital, physical capital, social capital, and market conditions had significant effects on farmers’ decisions on whether to sell their cassava output directly to processors or middlemen. On the contrary, natural and financial capitals did not significantly affect farmers’ marketing channel decision. The study recommends that policy instruments should target improving road networks in rural areas, enhancing farmers’ access to market information, and increasing membership of farmer association to ensure an active participation of farmers in the direct marketing channels