The present study explores the integration of critical thinking skills concepts in agricultural p... more The present study explores the integration of critical thinking skills concepts in agricultural project management instruction at the undergraduate level, using the traditional classroom theoretical approach and a blended learning model. The study, encompassing 118 undergraduate students, compares the effectiveness of these methods in enhancing students' understanding, measured through examination scores, group presentations, and students' overall perceptions of the use of the methods. Students achieved a mean examination score of 64.82% under the traditional approach and 72.66% for the blended learning approach. Statistical analysis, including a t-test, revealed significant differences favoring the blended approach. Additionally, performance assessments using six criteria during presentations yielded varied mean scores. ANOVA analysis showed a significant difference among the groups, and post hoc tests highlighted distinctions between specific groups' means, emphasizing the effectiveness of blended learning in enhancing students understanding. Students' perceptions, gathered through a 5-point Likert scale, underscored satisfaction with the blended approach due to its flexibility, catering to diverse learning styles, and fostering critical thinking skills. We recommend institutions strengthen project management instruction by adopting blended learning, emphasizing critical thinking, and prioritizing continuous assessment and student-centric approaches since they cultivate an engaging learning experience, preparing students for managing future complexities on projects.
International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health, 2021
This study was designed to determine how sports programs in Rwanda are contributing to accomplish... more This study was designed to determine how sports programs in Rwanda are contributing to accomplishing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) in poverty reduction. Structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups were extensively used to collect data from 256 sports stakeholders. Descriptive statistics and a structural equation model (SEM) were used to estimate the impact of the selected indicators on the level of poverty reduction in Rwanda. The results indicated that though the contribution of sports programs is very significant in achieving the SDGs including poverty alleviation, the concept is not fully accepted since there are lapses in its implementation process due to the lack of capacity building and good governance in the sports sector. Also, it was discovered that the most pressing challenge in implementing sports programs is reaching out to stakeholders to enhance their understanding of the contribution that sports programs play in attaining the S...
Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research, 2020
Background: Agricultural finance from rural and community banks play a major role in increasing b... more Background: Agricultural finance from rural and community banks play a major role in increasing both yield and income of rural farmers in agricultural-dependent economies. These finances are needed for purchasing raw materials, paying labor fees and buying farming equipment, etc. However, substantial evidence about their roles in improving farm productivity is lacking, especially in the cocoa sector in Ghana, where rural and community banks are the forerunners in advancing credit to cocoa farmers in Ghana’s deprived rural cocoa-growing communities. This research, therefore, seeks to determine the impact of rural and community banks’ credit on cocoa farmers' productivity in the Bodi District of Ghana. Methodology: Using random sampling method, a cross-sectional data of 350 cocoa farmers from 5 operational areas (Afere, Bodi, Amoaya, Kama and Suino) located in Bodi District in the Western region. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. S...
Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research, 2020
Aims: This research aimed to assess how the physicochemical properties of black soil respond to d... more Aims: This research aimed to assess how the physicochemical properties of black soil respond to different organic amendments after 10 years of application. Study Design: The experiment was established in 2010 and followed a randomized block design consisting of 24 plots (5 m × 5 m) 25 m2 with eight treatments in three replicates. Place and Duration of Study: The study site was located at the Jilin Agricultural University Research Farm, Northeast China (43°48′ N, 125°23′ E; km). Methodology: The treatments for the study included an annual input of chemical fertilizer and organic amendments at the surface of the soil. The treatments were: Control (CK), chicken manure (JM), fodder grass (FG), mushroom (MS), maize straw (MZ), tree leaf (TL), pig manure (PM) and cow manure (CM). Chemical fertilizers were added at the rate of 165 kg of N, 82.5 kg of P and 82.5 kg of K ha_1 per year. Application rates of organic materials were adjusted to similar amounts of organic matter (2000 kgha−1). In...
This study screens for individual manifest variables that make up the critical success factors in... more This study screens for individual manifest variables that make up the critical success factors in project management in the financial services sector in Ghana. A descriptive quantitative research technique was employed. A sample of 75 project team members were selected from commercial banks, insurance companies, and non-bank financial institutions in Ghana. Data was analyzed using the Principal Component Analysis. Apart from two manifest variables of culture; thus, beliefs, and general attitudes, all other variables significantly accounted for project success in the financial services sector in Ghana. Among the 9 factors retrieved, project team competence contributes the highest level of variance on project success, with about 21.3% of the variance contributed. Management commitment contributes the second highest variance on project success, with about 16.2% of variance. Culture contributes the least amount of variance to project success, thus 5.6% of the variance contributed. Proj...
Abstract Globally, cocoa is famous for the production of chocolates and beverages. However, it al... more Abstract Globally, cocoa is famous for the production of chocolates and beverages. However, it also serves as a source of raw material for the manufacturing of high-quality cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Due to its high demand, cocoa is regarded as a major commodity for poverty alleviation in deprived cocoa farming communities. Government has therefore instigated relevant measures to address issues facing the sector by investing in extension programs. These programs act as information dissemination tools for teaching modern farming technologies and enhancing learning among farmers. This study highlighted the effects of the Cocoa Life Project (CLP) by Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE) International on farm productivity and income of 200 cocoa farmers in three districts of the Eastern Region, Ghana. Regression on covariates, Heckman’s treatment effects model, and propensity scores were used to test the robustness of the estimates. A positive association between extension program participation, farm productivity, and household income was discovered. Specifically, after correcting for selection bias, the estimated results of the Heckman’s model showed that the extension program significantly increased participating farmers’ cocoa yield by 14.3%. The effects on total farm income showed a significant increase of 25.1 and 42.9%, respectively from regression on propensity scores and the Heckman’s model. Across all three models, program participation led to an increase in total household income by 46.1, 31.7, and 69.3%, respectively. Other variables such as farming characteristics, institutional and demographic factors affected farmers’ income, depending on the estimation method used. This study reiterated the supporting role played by extension programs in enhancing cocoa production and increasing household income in Ghana. Conclusively, government and development partners should invest in extension programs by providing enough logistics, training qualified agents, and creating a conducive atmosphere to support learning and technology adoption.
International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health, 2021
This study was designed to determine how sports programs in Rwanda are contributing to accomplish... more This study was designed to determine how sports programs in Rwanda are contributing to accomplishing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) in poverty reduction. Structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups were extensively used to collect data from 256 sports stakeholders. Descriptive statistics and a structural equation model (SEM) were used to estimate the impact of the selected indicators on the level of poverty reduction in Rwanda. The results indicated that though the contribution of sports programs is very significant in achieving the SDGs including poverty alleviation, the concept is not fully accepted since there are lapses in its implementation process due to the lack of capacity building and good governance in the sports sector. Also, it was discovered that the most pressing challenge in implementing sports programs is reaching out to stakeholders to enhance their understanding of the contribution that sports programs play in attaining the S...
Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research, 2020
Background: Agricultural finance from rural and community banks play a major role in increasing b... more Background: Agricultural finance from rural and community banks play a major role in increasing both yield and income of rural farmers in agricultural-dependent economies. These finances are needed for purchasing raw materials, paying labor fees and buying farming equipment, etc. However, substantial evidence about their roles in improving farm productivity is lacking, especially in the cocoa sector in Ghana, where rural and community banks are the forerunners in advancing credit to cocoa farmers in Ghana's deprived rural cocoa-growing communities. This research, therefore, seeks to determine the impact of rural and community banks' credit on cocoa farmers' productivity in the Bodi District of Ghana. Methodology: Using random sampling method, a cross-sectional data of 350 cocoa farmers from 5 operational areas (Afere, Bodi, Amoaya, Kama and Suino) located in Bodi District in the Western Original Research Article Attipoe et al.; AJAAR, 12(4): 36-45, 2020; Article no.AJAAR.55688 37 region. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. Statistical software (SPSS v20 and STATA v14) were used to analyze quantitative data on cocoa productivity. Results: The results revealed that cocoa farmers with access to credit experienced significant yield increase (p<0.05) with a mean of 359.71 kgha-1 as compared to 235.30 kgha-1 for non-credit takers. Further, only 34.3% of farmers accessed credit for farming. With Pseudo R 2 value of 0.78, farm tenure system, fertilizer use, access to credit and access to extension services significantly influenced cocoa yield, while the age of cocoa farmer, age of farm trees and vulnerability of farm to natural disaster negatively affected cocoa yield. Tukey HSD results (p<0.00) indicate that rural banks credit allocations to non-agricultural activities such as trade and transport, and social loans had the highest percentage means which suggests that agriculture is treated less favorable in rural banks' credit portfolio. These findings give credence to the assertion that rural banks are deviating from their core mandate of supporting agriculture in Ghana. Conclusion: This study reaffirms the supporting roles played by rural and community banks in increasing cocoa yield in Ghana. However, this research recommends that, the Bank of Ghana should closely monitor the activities of these unit banks to reduce the instances of diverting all their funds to non-agricultural related activities.
Globally, cocoa is famous for the production of chocolates and beverages, however, it also serves... more Globally, cocoa is famous for the production of chocolates and beverages, however, it also serves as a source of raw material for the manufacturing of high-quality cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Due to its high demand, the cocoa sector is regarded as a major tool for poverty alleviation among deprived cocoa farming communities. Government has therefore instigated relevant measures to address issues facing the sector by investing in extension programs. These programs act as information dissemination tool for teaching modern farming technologies and enhancing learning among farmers. This study highlights the effects of the Cocoa Life Project (CLP) by CARE International on farm productivity and income of 200 cocoa farmers in three Eastern region districts. Regression on covariates, Heckman's treatment effects model, and propensity scores were used to test the robustness of the estimates. A positive association between extension program participation, farm productivity, and household income was discovered. Specifically, after correcting for selection bias, the estimated results show that the extension program significantly increased participating farmers' cocoa yield by 14.3% in the Heckman's model. The effects on total farm income show a significant increase of 25.1% and 42.9% using regression on propensity scores and the Heckman's model. Across all three models, program participation led to an increase in total household income by 46.1%, 31.7%, and 69.3% respectively. Other variables such as farming characteristics, institutional and demographic factors affected farmers' income based on the estimation method used. In this study, we reiterate the supporting role played by extension programs in enhancing cocoa production and household income in Ghana. Conclusively, government and development partners should invest in extension programs by providing enough logistics, training qualified agents, and creating a conducive atmosphere supporting learning and technology adoption.
The role of rural and community banks (RCBs) has been laudable in promoting sustainable cocoa far... more The role of rural and community banks (RCBs) has been laudable in promoting sustainable cocoa farming throughout rural communities in Ghana. Through liquidity mobilization and the ultimate provision of institutional credit to farmers for various agricultural related activities, RCBs could trigger increased revenue and agricultural sustainability. However, pragmatic evidence on this assertion is inadequate and no study has acknowledged the supporting conditions required for RCBs intervention to improve cocoa production in the agricultural sector. In a three-stage sampling procedure, a cross-sectional data from 500 cocoa farmers were used to evaluate the role of RCBs intervention in improving farmers' sustenance and technical efficiency. In this study, the Heckman's treatment effect model and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) were applied to study cocoa farmers' production efficiency. Empirical results from the study indicated that the financial support received from RCBs has a significant and positive effect on farm-ers' technical efficiency. Although accessibility to RCBs credit is constrained by a myriad of conditions, the overall technical efficiency of farmers was 0.81 (81%) suggesting that no farmer reached the cocoa production possibility frontier of 1 (100%). However, the mean efficiency gap between credit takers and non-credit takers is 0.09 (9%) confirming the positive impact of credit on farmers' efficiency. Relating the agricultural growth indicators such as cocoa output and income to efficiency, close observation revealed that increasing farmers' accessibility to credit can close the efficiency gap between farmers and its subsequent reduction in the severity of poverty and extreme poverty. Although the sector is bedeviled by pests and diseases, lack of finance, and uncertain weather conditions, the inefficiency model indicated that education , membership of FBO, experience, credit access, and participation in government-sponsored mass spraying program had a significant and positive impact on efficiency scores. Therefore, we recommend policy directed at making institutional credit from rural and community banks easily accessible to all categories of cocoa farmers.
Russian Journal of Agricultural and Socio-Economic Sciences, 2019
The importance of small-scale maize cultivation to the Ghanaian economy cannot be overemphasized ... more The importance of small-scale maize cultivation to the Ghanaian economy cannot be overemphasized especially in an era where issues of global food security and sustainability are the topmost priorities in developing economies, however, little is known about their profit efficiencies and whatsoever determinants it. This study guided by the above questions adopts the stochastic frontier efficiency approach assuming a Cobb Douglas form. A cross-sectional data of 300 small scale maize farmers were obtained by means of structured questionnaires across selected districts in the Brong Ahafo Region. Frontier 4.1 and STATA 14.0 provides the maximum likelihood estimates of the stochastic profit frontier model. Estimated gamma value (γ) which measures the level of inefficiency was 0.73, indicating 73% variation in maize profit was due to inefficiency in input use and other farm practices, while 27% of profit deviations from the frontier output came from random factors. Further, empirical results show that farmers in the region had an average profit efficiency of 58%, with estimated minimum and maximum profit efficiency of 19% and 83% respectively. This implies that the average maize farmer in the study area gets a nominal profit of about 58% from their potential output given the current technology available. Practically, it suggests that there is an opportunity to increase profit by 42%. The inefficiency model established that access to credit, farmer education, experience, household size, access to extension and membership of farmer groups increases farmers' profit efficiency, while gender, age, and land tenure system reduce their profit efficiencies. KEY WORDS Maize production, profit efficiency, profit frontier analysis, smallholders. In Ghana, the agricultural sector contributes significantly to economic development, with estimates as high as 28.7% of GDP in 2010 and 31.1% in 2018. Among this sector, the crop sector contributes almost 19.5% of total GDP. The main staple crops and cereals produced in Ghana are plantain, maize, cassava, millet, sorghum, potatoes, and yam. In general, these are produced on a smallholder basis and consumed across the country. Small scale production is estimated to contribute over 85% of national food production with the majority of these farmers being among the poorest households in Ghana. Maize is among the major staple crops in Ghana because of its use by almost all regions in the country for preparing different kinds of foods. It is also an essential part of poultry and livestock feed and further used in the brewing industry for the production of beer and other alcoholic beverages. It is an essential traded commodity in West Africa, particularly between Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Togo mainly through informal trading methods. Maize is grown in the whole of Ghana with an estimated majority of 39% grown in the Brong Ahafo Region. The leading producing areas are mainly (Brong Ahafo, Eastern and Ashanti regions) where 85 percent of the maize is grown, with the remaining 15 percent
Rice quality is partially determined by weather conditions during production but is largely contr... more Rice quality is partially determined by weather conditions during production but is largely controlled by harvesting methods and postharvest practices particularly during storage and milling. In this present study, the relationship between storage conditions and the quality of milled rice stored in paddy was investigated. One packing material and two storage conditions (temperature and humidity) were evaluated on four Chinese rice varieties (Zhong dao feng you, Er you xiang 66, long grain varieties and Liao xing, Yan feng, short grain varieties). The changes in free fatty acid (FFA) and physiochemical properties (moisture content and grain breakage, hardness and degree of balance, whiteness and taste score) of milled rice were analyzed following seven months storage period. Results show that free fatty acid, moisture content, grain breakage, hardness and degree of balance increased substantially (deteriorated) during storage at higher temperature and relative humidity (40°C, 70% r.h as compared to 15°C, 30% r.h). Taste and whiteness values also indicated deterioration of rice during storage at higher temperature and relative humidity. Highest FFA value of 0.29% was recorded for both long grain varieties after storage at higher temperature and humidity. Highest mean value for grain breakage during milling was 11.01 % and 11.04 % for less resistant long grain varieties. Taste score ranges from 73.11 % - 81.22 % during lower temperature storage as compared to 71.12 %-78.55 % during high temperature storage. Hardness index of all samples increased significantly with higher temperature storage.
Every human in Ghana has a fundamental right to be free from hunger and the right to adequate foo... more Every human in Ghana has a fundamental right to be free from hunger and the right to adequate food, this right to adequate food is realized only when every man, woman and child has the physical and economic access at all times to adequate, healthy and nutritious food. Unfortunately, when this is fulfilled, consumers turn to waste food at the household level via methods that could be avoided to enhance food security. This present study examines the extent to which 120 households selected from 12 residential areas in Accra Metropolitan Area contributes to household food waste. Specifically, the socioeconomic class that generates the highest waste, percentage composition of waste fraction and per capital generation rate was determined. Results show that average household food waste generation rate was 0.12 kg/person/day, with high income class areas recording the highest generation rate of 0.2 kg/person/day, middle and low income class areas recording 0.1 kg/person/day and 0.06 kg/person/day respectively. Total waste analyzed was 1813.30 kg; high-income areas with high economic activity recorded the highest food waste of 920.10 kg as compared to 369.30 kg, low-income areas and 523.90 kg, middle-income areas. Dairy products with percentage fractional wastage of 28% were recorded as the highest food wasted among all three socioeconomic classes.
The present study explores the integration of critical thinking skills concepts in agricultural p... more The present study explores the integration of critical thinking skills concepts in agricultural project management instruction at the undergraduate level, using the traditional classroom theoretical approach and a blended learning model. The study, encompassing 118 undergraduate students, compares the effectiveness of these methods in enhancing students' understanding, measured through examination scores, group presentations, and students' overall perceptions of the use of the methods. Students achieved a mean examination score of 64.82% under the traditional approach and 72.66% for the blended learning approach. Statistical analysis, including a t-test, revealed significant differences favoring the blended approach. Additionally, performance assessments using six criteria during presentations yielded varied mean scores. ANOVA analysis showed a significant difference among the groups, and post hoc tests highlighted distinctions between specific groups' means, emphasizing the effectiveness of blended learning in enhancing students understanding. Students' perceptions, gathered through a 5-point Likert scale, underscored satisfaction with the blended approach due to its flexibility, catering to diverse learning styles, and fostering critical thinking skills. We recommend institutions strengthen project management instruction by adopting blended learning, emphasizing critical thinking, and prioritizing continuous assessment and student-centric approaches since they cultivate an engaging learning experience, preparing students for managing future complexities on projects.
International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health, 2021
This study was designed to determine how sports programs in Rwanda are contributing to accomplish... more This study was designed to determine how sports programs in Rwanda are contributing to accomplishing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) in poverty reduction. Structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups were extensively used to collect data from 256 sports stakeholders. Descriptive statistics and a structural equation model (SEM) were used to estimate the impact of the selected indicators on the level of poverty reduction in Rwanda. The results indicated that though the contribution of sports programs is very significant in achieving the SDGs including poverty alleviation, the concept is not fully accepted since there are lapses in its implementation process due to the lack of capacity building and good governance in the sports sector. Also, it was discovered that the most pressing challenge in implementing sports programs is reaching out to stakeholders to enhance their understanding of the contribution that sports programs play in attaining the S...
Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research, 2020
Background: Agricultural finance from rural and community banks play a major role in increasing b... more Background: Agricultural finance from rural and community banks play a major role in increasing both yield and income of rural farmers in agricultural-dependent economies. These finances are needed for purchasing raw materials, paying labor fees and buying farming equipment, etc. However, substantial evidence about their roles in improving farm productivity is lacking, especially in the cocoa sector in Ghana, where rural and community banks are the forerunners in advancing credit to cocoa farmers in Ghana’s deprived rural cocoa-growing communities. This research, therefore, seeks to determine the impact of rural and community banks’ credit on cocoa farmers' productivity in the Bodi District of Ghana. Methodology: Using random sampling method, a cross-sectional data of 350 cocoa farmers from 5 operational areas (Afere, Bodi, Amoaya, Kama and Suino) located in Bodi District in the Western region. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. S...
Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research, 2020
Aims: This research aimed to assess how the physicochemical properties of black soil respond to d... more Aims: This research aimed to assess how the physicochemical properties of black soil respond to different organic amendments after 10 years of application. Study Design: The experiment was established in 2010 and followed a randomized block design consisting of 24 plots (5 m × 5 m) 25 m2 with eight treatments in three replicates. Place and Duration of Study: The study site was located at the Jilin Agricultural University Research Farm, Northeast China (43°48′ N, 125°23′ E; km). Methodology: The treatments for the study included an annual input of chemical fertilizer and organic amendments at the surface of the soil. The treatments were: Control (CK), chicken manure (JM), fodder grass (FG), mushroom (MS), maize straw (MZ), tree leaf (TL), pig manure (PM) and cow manure (CM). Chemical fertilizers were added at the rate of 165 kg of N, 82.5 kg of P and 82.5 kg of K ha_1 per year. Application rates of organic materials were adjusted to similar amounts of organic matter (2000 kgha−1). In...
This study screens for individual manifest variables that make up the critical success factors in... more This study screens for individual manifest variables that make up the critical success factors in project management in the financial services sector in Ghana. A descriptive quantitative research technique was employed. A sample of 75 project team members were selected from commercial banks, insurance companies, and non-bank financial institutions in Ghana. Data was analyzed using the Principal Component Analysis. Apart from two manifest variables of culture; thus, beliefs, and general attitudes, all other variables significantly accounted for project success in the financial services sector in Ghana. Among the 9 factors retrieved, project team competence contributes the highest level of variance on project success, with about 21.3% of the variance contributed. Management commitment contributes the second highest variance on project success, with about 16.2% of variance. Culture contributes the least amount of variance to project success, thus 5.6% of the variance contributed. Proj...
Abstract Globally, cocoa is famous for the production of chocolates and beverages. However, it al... more Abstract Globally, cocoa is famous for the production of chocolates and beverages. However, it also serves as a source of raw material for the manufacturing of high-quality cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Due to its high demand, cocoa is regarded as a major commodity for poverty alleviation in deprived cocoa farming communities. Government has therefore instigated relevant measures to address issues facing the sector by investing in extension programs. These programs act as information dissemination tools for teaching modern farming technologies and enhancing learning among farmers. This study highlighted the effects of the Cocoa Life Project (CLP) by Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE) International on farm productivity and income of 200 cocoa farmers in three districts of the Eastern Region, Ghana. Regression on covariates, Heckman’s treatment effects model, and propensity scores were used to test the robustness of the estimates. A positive association between extension program participation, farm productivity, and household income was discovered. Specifically, after correcting for selection bias, the estimated results of the Heckman’s model showed that the extension program significantly increased participating farmers’ cocoa yield by 14.3%. The effects on total farm income showed a significant increase of 25.1 and 42.9%, respectively from regression on propensity scores and the Heckman’s model. Across all three models, program participation led to an increase in total household income by 46.1, 31.7, and 69.3%, respectively. Other variables such as farming characteristics, institutional and demographic factors affected farmers’ income, depending on the estimation method used. This study reiterated the supporting role played by extension programs in enhancing cocoa production and increasing household income in Ghana. Conclusively, government and development partners should invest in extension programs by providing enough logistics, training qualified agents, and creating a conducive atmosphere to support learning and technology adoption.
International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health, 2021
This study was designed to determine how sports programs in Rwanda are contributing to accomplish... more This study was designed to determine how sports programs in Rwanda are contributing to accomplishing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) in poverty reduction. Structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups were extensively used to collect data from 256 sports stakeholders. Descriptive statistics and a structural equation model (SEM) were used to estimate the impact of the selected indicators on the level of poverty reduction in Rwanda. The results indicated that though the contribution of sports programs is very significant in achieving the SDGs including poverty alleviation, the concept is not fully accepted since there are lapses in its implementation process due to the lack of capacity building and good governance in the sports sector. Also, it was discovered that the most pressing challenge in implementing sports programs is reaching out to stakeholders to enhance their understanding of the contribution that sports programs play in attaining the S...
Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research, 2020
Background: Agricultural finance from rural and community banks play a major role in increasing b... more Background: Agricultural finance from rural and community banks play a major role in increasing both yield and income of rural farmers in agricultural-dependent economies. These finances are needed for purchasing raw materials, paying labor fees and buying farming equipment, etc. However, substantial evidence about their roles in improving farm productivity is lacking, especially in the cocoa sector in Ghana, where rural and community banks are the forerunners in advancing credit to cocoa farmers in Ghana's deprived rural cocoa-growing communities. This research, therefore, seeks to determine the impact of rural and community banks' credit on cocoa farmers' productivity in the Bodi District of Ghana. Methodology: Using random sampling method, a cross-sectional data of 350 cocoa farmers from 5 operational areas (Afere, Bodi, Amoaya, Kama and Suino) located in Bodi District in the Western Original Research Article Attipoe et al.; AJAAR, 12(4): 36-45, 2020; Article no.AJAAR.55688 37 region. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. Statistical software (SPSS v20 and STATA v14) were used to analyze quantitative data on cocoa productivity. Results: The results revealed that cocoa farmers with access to credit experienced significant yield increase (p<0.05) with a mean of 359.71 kgha-1 as compared to 235.30 kgha-1 for non-credit takers. Further, only 34.3% of farmers accessed credit for farming. With Pseudo R 2 value of 0.78, farm tenure system, fertilizer use, access to credit and access to extension services significantly influenced cocoa yield, while the age of cocoa farmer, age of farm trees and vulnerability of farm to natural disaster negatively affected cocoa yield. Tukey HSD results (p<0.00) indicate that rural banks credit allocations to non-agricultural activities such as trade and transport, and social loans had the highest percentage means which suggests that agriculture is treated less favorable in rural banks' credit portfolio. These findings give credence to the assertion that rural banks are deviating from their core mandate of supporting agriculture in Ghana. Conclusion: This study reaffirms the supporting roles played by rural and community banks in increasing cocoa yield in Ghana. However, this research recommends that, the Bank of Ghana should closely monitor the activities of these unit banks to reduce the instances of diverting all their funds to non-agricultural related activities.
Globally, cocoa is famous for the production of chocolates and beverages, however, it also serves... more Globally, cocoa is famous for the production of chocolates and beverages, however, it also serves as a source of raw material for the manufacturing of high-quality cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Due to its high demand, the cocoa sector is regarded as a major tool for poverty alleviation among deprived cocoa farming communities. Government has therefore instigated relevant measures to address issues facing the sector by investing in extension programs. These programs act as information dissemination tool for teaching modern farming technologies and enhancing learning among farmers. This study highlights the effects of the Cocoa Life Project (CLP) by CARE International on farm productivity and income of 200 cocoa farmers in three Eastern region districts. Regression on covariates, Heckman's treatment effects model, and propensity scores were used to test the robustness of the estimates. A positive association between extension program participation, farm productivity, and household income was discovered. Specifically, after correcting for selection bias, the estimated results show that the extension program significantly increased participating farmers' cocoa yield by 14.3% in the Heckman's model. The effects on total farm income show a significant increase of 25.1% and 42.9% using regression on propensity scores and the Heckman's model. Across all three models, program participation led to an increase in total household income by 46.1%, 31.7%, and 69.3% respectively. Other variables such as farming characteristics, institutional and demographic factors affected farmers' income based on the estimation method used. In this study, we reiterate the supporting role played by extension programs in enhancing cocoa production and household income in Ghana. Conclusively, government and development partners should invest in extension programs by providing enough logistics, training qualified agents, and creating a conducive atmosphere supporting learning and technology adoption.
The role of rural and community banks (RCBs) has been laudable in promoting sustainable cocoa far... more The role of rural and community banks (RCBs) has been laudable in promoting sustainable cocoa farming throughout rural communities in Ghana. Through liquidity mobilization and the ultimate provision of institutional credit to farmers for various agricultural related activities, RCBs could trigger increased revenue and agricultural sustainability. However, pragmatic evidence on this assertion is inadequate and no study has acknowledged the supporting conditions required for RCBs intervention to improve cocoa production in the agricultural sector. In a three-stage sampling procedure, a cross-sectional data from 500 cocoa farmers were used to evaluate the role of RCBs intervention in improving farmers' sustenance and technical efficiency. In this study, the Heckman's treatment effect model and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) were applied to study cocoa farmers' production efficiency. Empirical results from the study indicated that the financial support received from RCBs has a significant and positive effect on farm-ers' technical efficiency. Although accessibility to RCBs credit is constrained by a myriad of conditions, the overall technical efficiency of farmers was 0.81 (81%) suggesting that no farmer reached the cocoa production possibility frontier of 1 (100%). However, the mean efficiency gap between credit takers and non-credit takers is 0.09 (9%) confirming the positive impact of credit on farmers' efficiency. Relating the agricultural growth indicators such as cocoa output and income to efficiency, close observation revealed that increasing farmers' accessibility to credit can close the efficiency gap between farmers and its subsequent reduction in the severity of poverty and extreme poverty. Although the sector is bedeviled by pests and diseases, lack of finance, and uncertain weather conditions, the inefficiency model indicated that education , membership of FBO, experience, credit access, and participation in government-sponsored mass spraying program had a significant and positive impact on efficiency scores. Therefore, we recommend policy directed at making institutional credit from rural and community banks easily accessible to all categories of cocoa farmers.
Russian Journal of Agricultural and Socio-Economic Sciences, 2019
The importance of small-scale maize cultivation to the Ghanaian economy cannot be overemphasized ... more The importance of small-scale maize cultivation to the Ghanaian economy cannot be overemphasized especially in an era where issues of global food security and sustainability are the topmost priorities in developing economies, however, little is known about their profit efficiencies and whatsoever determinants it. This study guided by the above questions adopts the stochastic frontier efficiency approach assuming a Cobb Douglas form. A cross-sectional data of 300 small scale maize farmers were obtained by means of structured questionnaires across selected districts in the Brong Ahafo Region. Frontier 4.1 and STATA 14.0 provides the maximum likelihood estimates of the stochastic profit frontier model. Estimated gamma value (γ) which measures the level of inefficiency was 0.73, indicating 73% variation in maize profit was due to inefficiency in input use and other farm practices, while 27% of profit deviations from the frontier output came from random factors. Further, empirical results show that farmers in the region had an average profit efficiency of 58%, with estimated minimum and maximum profit efficiency of 19% and 83% respectively. This implies that the average maize farmer in the study area gets a nominal profit of about 58% from their potential output given the current technology available. Practically, it suggests that there is an opportunity to increase profit by 42%. The inefficiency model established that access to credit, farmer education, experience, household size, access to extension and membership of farmer groups increases farmers' profit efficiency, while gender, age, and land tenure system reduce their profit efficiencies. KEY WORDS Maize production, profit efficiency, profit frontier analysis, smallholders. In Ghana, the agricultural sector contributes significantly to economic development, with estimates as high as 28.7% of GDP in 2010 and 31.1% in 2018. Among this sector, the crop sector contributes almost 19.5% of total GDP. The main staple crops and cereals produced in Ghana are plantain, maize, cassava, millet, sorghum, potatoes, and yam. In general, these are produced on a smallholder basis and consumed across the country. Small scale production is estimated to contribute over 85% of national food production with the majority of these farmers being among the poorest households in Ghana. Maize is among the major staple crops in Ghana because of its use by almost all regions in the country for preparing different kinds of foods. It is also an essential part of poultry and livestock feed and further used in the brewing industry for the production of beer and other alcoholic beverages. It is an essential traded commodity in West Africa, particularly between Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Togo mainly through informal trading methods. Maize is grown in the whole of Ghana with an estimated majority of 39% grown in the Brong Ahafo Region. The leading producing areas are mainly (Brong Ahafo, Eastern and Ashanti regions) where 85 percent of the maize is grown, with the remaining 15 percent
Rice quality is partially determined by weather conditions during production but is largely contr... more Rice quality is partially determined by weather conditions during production but is largely controlled by harvesting methods and postharvest practices particularly during storage and milling. In this present study, the relationship between storage conditions and the quality of milled rice stored in paddy was investigated. One packing material and two storage conditions (temperature and humidity) were evaluated on four Chinese rice varieties (Zhong dao feng you, Er you xiang 66, long grain varieties and Liao xing, Yan feng, short grain varieties). The changes in free fatty acid (FFA) and physiochemical properties (moisture content and grain breakage, hardness and degree of balance, whiteness and taste score) of milled rice were analyzed following seven months storage period. Results show that free fatty acid, moisture content, grain breakage, hardness and degree of balance increased substantially (deteriorated) during storage at higher temperature and relative humidity (40°C, 70% r.h as compared to 15°C, 30% r.h). Taste and whiteness values also indicated deterioration of rice during storage at higher temperature and relative humidity. Highest FFA value of 0.29% was recorded for both long grain varieties after storage at higher temperature and humidity. Highest mean value for grain breakage during milling was 11.01 % and 11.04 % for less resistant long grain varieties. Taste score ranges from 73.11 % - 81.22 % during lower temperature storage as compared to 71.12 %-78.55 % during high temperature storage. Hardness index of all samples increased significantly with higher temperature storage.
Every human in Ghana has a fundamental right to be free from hunger and the right to adequate foo... more Every human in Ghana has a fundamental right to be free from hunger and the right to adequate food, this right to adequate food is realized only when every man, woman and child has the physical and economic access at all times to adequate, healthy and nutritious food. Unfortunately, when this is fulfilled, consumers turn to waste food at the household level via methods that could be avoided to enhance food security. This present study examines the extent to which 120 households selected from 12 residential areas in Accra Metropolitan Area contributes to household food waste. Specifically, the socioeconomic class that generates the highest waste, percentage composition of waste fraction and per capital generation rate was determined. Results show that average household food waste generation rate was 0.12 kg/person/day, with high income class areas recording the highest generation rate of 0.2 kg/person/day, middle and low income class areas recording 0.1 kg/person/day and 0.06 kg/person/day respectively. Total waste analyzed was 1813.30 kg; high-income areas with high economic activity recorded the highest food waste of 920.10 kg as compared to 369.30 kg, low-income areas and 523.90 kg, middle-income areas. Dairy products with percentage fractional wastage of 28% were recorded as the highest food wasted among all three socioeconomic classes.
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