Forest Zone Of Ghana Research Articles

Induced abortion among adolescent girls and young women: should geography matter in Ghana?

Globally, there has been a slight reduction in abortion rates. However, abortion rates have increased in other major regions, including sub-Saharan Africa. Induced abortion rates vary by ecological zone and place of residence, and it is prevalent among women aged 15–24. This study examined the predictors of induced abortion in ecological zones by place of residence among adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24. The 2017 Ghana Maternal and Health Survey, which is a nationally representative household survey dataset, was used for this study. This analysis is restricted to 3194 Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) aged 15–24 years. A two-level multilevel binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the individual and contextual level characteristics associated with induced abortion. The results show that the prevalence rate of induced abortion among adolescent girls and young women is 26.0%. After adjusting for individual and community level factors, ecological zones and place of residence predicted induced abortion among AGYW. More importantly, the results demonstrate that AGYW residing in urban areas of the forest zones were statistically significant to report induced abortion compared to those in the rural areas. In conclusion, there is a strong association between place of residence, ecological zones and induced abortion in Ghana. Primarily, urban-dwelling women in the forest zone are more likely to report induced abortion. There is, therefore, a need to prioritize women residing in urban areas and the forest zone of Ghana. AGYW in these high-risk ecological zones should be reached with sufficient health education and sensitization about induced abortion. Given the protective factor of contraceptive use, it is recommended that the government and its health agencies strengthen campaigns to improve contraceptive use among AGYW across the country, particularly in the urban forest ecological zone.

The Transmission of Animal African Trypanosomiasis in Two Districts in the Forest Zone of Ghana.

Animal African trypanosomiasis, also known as nagana, is caused by Trypanosoma species, which cause significant clinical diseases and lead to losses in animal production. We carried out a cross-sectional survey to investigate the composition of vectors and parasite diversity in two districts in the eastern region of Ghana where pigs and cattle were exposed to tsetse bites. We performed cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify tsetse species and internal transcribed spacer 1 PCR to identify Trypanosoma species. Also, we investigated the source of tsetse blood meal based on mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence analysis. A total of 229 tsetse, 65 pigs, and 20 cattle were investigated for trypanosomes. An overall vector density of 4.3 tsetse/trap/day was observed. A trypanosome prevalence of 58.9% (95% CI = 52.5-65.1%), 46.2% (95% CI = 34.6-58.1%), and 0.0% (95% CI = 0.0-16.1%) in tsetse, pigs, and cattle, respectively, was detected. Trypanosoma congolense was predominant, with a prevalence of 33.3% (95% CI = 73.3-86.5%) in tsetse. There was evidence of multiple infections in tsetse and pigs. Approximately 39% of the tsetse were positive for multiple infections of T. congolense and Trypanosoma simiae. Parasite prevalence in pigs across the communities was high, with significant differences associated between locations (χ2 = 28.06, 95% CI = 0.05-0.81, P = 0.0009). Tsetse blood meal analysis revealed feeding on domestic Sus scrofa domesticus (pigs) and Phacochoerus africanus (warthogs). Infective tsetse may transmit trypanosomes to livestock and humans in the communities studied.

Habitat conversion intensifies human elephant conflicts in the Eastern Wildlife Corridor, Ghana

Ghana was ranged by fairly large herds of elephants up until the 1970s (Douglas-Hamilton 1979). At one time elephants were found throughout the country but, as elsewhere on the continent, elephant habitat contracted during the 20th century. Today both the African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the African forest elephant (L. cyclotis) are still found, respectively, in the savannah and forest zones of Ghana. However, the populations are now confined to a few Protected Areas (PAs) and isolated remnant habitats, mainly due to human population pressure and related land use and land cover changes (AfESG 2000). Elephants are also killed illegally by poachers for the ivory trade, which dates back to ancient times (Parker 1973). By 2000, there were only eleven elephant population ranges in the country, with an estimated population of 1,000–2,000 individuals (WD 2000). These trends call for drastic and far-reaching elephant conservation efforts, including effective anti-poaching measures with more supportive legislation, and community-based land-use planning to foster harmonious human–elephant coexistence (HECx) in the country. Ghana has exhibited zeal for the conservation of the African elephant, both domestically and on the international front. Ghana was the first country to propose listing of African elephants in Appendix 1 of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). The country is also signatory to other international conventions, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), among others. In July 2008, Ghana entered into a bilateral cooperation agreement in the form of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Republic of Burkina Faso for the purpose of conserving natural resources shared by the two countries, including savannah elephants. In 2000, the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission of Ghana, in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and IUCN’s African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG), developed an Elephant Conservation Strategy as a guide to ensure the conservation and survival of viable elephant populations and their habitats throughout the country. This strategy informed studies conducted of elephant migratory corridors by the Northern Savannah Biodiversity Conservation Project (NSBCP), under the auspices of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the World Bank, between 2002 and 2009. These studies identified two main elephant migratory routes between Burkina Faso and northern Ghana, which were designated the Eastern and Western Wildlife Corridors (EWWC). The forests and wildlife in the corridors are jointly managed by the Forest Services Division (FSD) and Wildlife Division (WD) of the Forestry Commission. This article provides a summary description of the EWWC, presents data on human–elephant conflict in the Eastern Wildlife Corridor, and discusses approaches to mitigate conflicts and ensure the survival of the elephant population in the corridor.

Soil Properties Mediated by Topography Influence Carbon Stocks in a Teak Plantation in the Deciduous Forest Zone of Ghana

Recent estimates indicate that over 291 million hectares of the Earth’s land area are occupied by forest plantations, representing 7% of the world’s forest area and 2% of the world’s land area. In Ghana, a substantial amount of degraded land found in hilly areas has been used to establish teak plantations for commercial wood and carbon benefits. Information on the potential influence of topography and soil properties on tree growth and carbon stocks in these plantations is however limited. The study was carried out to assess the influence of elevation on tree growth parameters and carbon stocks in a 7-year-old teak stand and also determined the differences in soil properties along the elevation gradient and its influence on biomass and carbon stocks. Although stand density was statistically similar for the three elevations, tree, diameter, and basal area significantly differed among the three elevations. They were higher at the valley than the mid-slope and the summit. The aboveground biomass and belowground biomass were also significantly higher at the valley compared to the mid-slope and summit. Measured SOC and CEC values between the three elevations showed no significant difference while a positive significant correlation between soil depth and biomass along the altitudinal gradient was observed. Overall, the mean percentage of nitrogen in the soil, pH, potassium, sodium levels, hydrogen, and aluminum varied significantly among the three elevations. Our study suggests that in mountainous areas teak stands in valleys are likely to produce higher biomass and carbon stocks than those in higher elevations; therefore, for better accuracy in biomass and carbon stocks estimations, site elevation should be taken into consideration during carbon stock assessments.

Double Jeopardy in Malaria Infected Children with Common Haemoglobinopathies: A Cross-sectional Study in Malaria Mesoendemic Districts of Ghana

Introduction: Malaria and conditions associated with common haemoglobinopathies constitute a health threat to young children in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria is known to exert some influence on common haemoglobin variants while haemoglobinopathies also exacerbate malarial infection especially in children as a result of anaemia and other conditions. Aim: To assess the views of parents/guardians on malaria and haemoglobinopathies and to determine the extent to which common haemoglobin variants influence malaria parasitaemia among children in the acute stage of the infection. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in seven districts in the forest zone of Ghana between June 2018 and July 2018 and involved 342 malariaparasitaemic subjects aged 5 years and below. Questionnaires were administered to elicit responses on malaria prevention and sickle cell knowledge from the parents/guardians/caretakers accompanying the children to seek healthcare. Followup responses on medication and treatment outcome were collected during and after treatment. Venous blood samples were collected for malaria test, sickle cell investigations and identification of common haemoglobinopathies. After treatment, malaria tests were conducted using microscopy. The Chi-square model was used to compare categorical data between groups, and the independent t-test used to compare means between groups. Results: A total of 220 respondents (64.3%) identified fever as the most classical symptom of malaria, whilst 167 (48.8%) consistently used Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs). More so, 146 respondents (42.7%) strongly agreed that Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a curse, and 182 respondents (53.2%) strongly agreed that SCD is inherited with 225 (65.8%) strongly agreeing that SCD children die before their teen ages. Common haemoglobin variants identified were HbAC 17 (5%), HbAF 7 (2%), HbAS 86 (25.1%), HbSC 4 (1.2%) and HbSS 9 (2.6%). One month posttreatment, 10 (58.8%) of HbAC subjects, all 9 (100%) of HbSS and all 4 (100%) of HbSC subjects were still parasitaemic but with significantly low mean parasite density (495±1744). Conclusion: Knowledge on malaria among the parents/guardians/ caretakers was satisfactory, but usage of bed nets was poor, warranting the need for targeted health education of the rural folk. Though parasite densities had significant reductions, all subjects with HbSC and HbSS phenotypes remained parasitaemic after 4 weeks of treatment, suggesting a double jeopardy for individuals with SCD. Routine newborn screening in all healthcare facilities in Ghana could be a proactive step in malaria case management.

Malaria Transmission, Vector Diversity, and Insecticide Resistance at a Peri-Urban Site in the Forest Zone of Ghana

IntroductionRecent surge ofAnophelesresistance to major classes of World Health Organization (WHO)-approved insecticides globally necessitates the need for information about local malaria vector populations. It is believed that insecticide efficacy loss may lead to operational failure of control interventions and an increase in malaria infection transmission. We investigated the susceptibility levels of malaria vectors to all classes of WHO-approved vector control insecticides and described the dynamics of malaria transmission in a peri-urban setting.MethodsFit 3–5-day-old adults that emerged fromAnopheleslarvae collected from several different sites in the study area were subjected to the WHO bioassay for detecting insecticide resistance. The knockdown resistance gene (kdr) mutations within the vector populations were detected using PCR. Entomological inoculation rates were determined using the human landing catch technique andPlasmodium falciparumcircumsporozoite ELISA.ResultsThe malaria vectors from the study area were resistant to all classes of insecticides tested. Out of the 284Anophelescomplex specimen assayed for the resistance study, 265 (93.30%) were identified asAnopheles gambiae s.s.The kdr gene was detected in 90% of theAnopheles gambiae s.s.assayed. In an area whereAnopheles coluzziiresistance to insecticides had never been reported, the kdr gene was detected in 78% of theAnopheles coluzziisampled. The entomological inoculation rate (EIR) for the dry season was 1.44 ib/m/n, whereas the EIR for the rainy season was 2.69 ib/m/n.ConclusionsThis study provides information on the high parasite inoculation rate and insecticide resistance of malaria vectors in a peri-urban community, which is critical in the development of an insecticide resistance management program for the community.

Eco-Friendly Yield and Greenhouse Gas Emissions as Affected by Fertilization Type in a Tropical Smallholder Rice System, Ghana

Data on greenhouse gas emission levels associated with fertilization applied in smallholder paddy rice farms in Ghana are scanty. The current study investigated fertilization types to determine their eco-friendliness on yield, Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Greenhouse Gas Intensity (GHGI) in a major rice season in the forest zone of Ghana. In total, five treatments were studied viz Farmer Practice (BAU); Biochar + Farmer Practice (BAU + BIO); Poultry Manure + Farmer Practice (BAU + M); Biochar + Poultry Manure + Farmer Practice (BAU + BIO + M); and Control (CT). Fluxes of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) were measured using a static chamber-gas chromatography method. N2O emissions at the end of the growing season were significantly different across treatments. BAU + BIO + M had highest N2O flux mean of 0.38 kgNha−1day−1 (±0.18). BAU + M had the second highest N2O flux of 0.27 kgNha−1day−1 (±0.08), but was not significantly different from BAU at p > 0.05. BAU+BIO recorded 0.20 kgNha−1day−1 (±0.12), lower and significantly different from BAU, BAU + M and BAU + BIO + M. CH4 emissions across treatments were not significantly different. However, highest CH4 flux was recorded in BAU+BIO at 4.76 kgCH4ha−1day−1 (±4.87). GWP based on seasonal cumulative GHG emissions among treatments ranged from 5099.16 (±6878.43) to 20894.58 (±19645.04) for CH4 and 756.28 (±763.44) to 27201.54 (±9223.51) kgCO2eqha−1Season−1 for N2O. The treatment with significantly higher yield and low emissions was BAU + M with a GHGI of 4.38 (±1.90) kgCO2eqkg−1.

Nitrogen fertilizer management strategy for oil palm-maize intercropping system in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana


 In an attempt to increase yield of maize in oil palm-maize intercropping system, farmers resort to indiscriminate cutting of fronds of palms leading to low yield of oil palm. This study evaluated the impact of different N fertilizer levels on maize varieties in oil palm-maize intercropping system. The economics of nitrogen application was also studied. The treatments were: T1-Sole oil palm, T2-Oil palm+‘Omankwa’, T3-Oil palm+‘Abelehi’ and T4-Oil palm+ ‘Obatanpa’. The crop associations were superimposed with nitrogen fertilizer levels as sub-treatments at N0- N0:P0:K0, N1-N60:P60:K60, and N2-N120:P60:K60 per ha. The experiment was a split plot design with 4 replications. There was no significant difference (p< 0.05) between maize varieties across seasons for both maize yield and aboveground biomass though ‘Omankwa’ was promising across seasons and more responsive to nitrogen application. Across the three maize varieties, N60P60K60 was significantly higher (p<0.05) by 40% and 17% for maize yield and aboveground biomass respectively as compared to N0:P0:K0. The study recommends N60P60P60 fertilizer level and further states that to improve fertilizer adoption, government should subsidize fertilizer cost for farmers to purchase. The outcome of cost benefit analysis revealed that return per cash invested favored cropping system with N60:P60:K60 and season with less water stress.

Towards bamboo agroforestry development in Ghana: evaluation of crop performance, soil properties and economic benefit

In the quest to promote bamboo agroforestry in the dry semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana, we evaluated changes in soil properties, crop productivity and the economic potential of a bamboo-based intercropping system. The intercropping system was established from 3-months old sympodial bamboo (Bambusa balcooa) seedlings planted at a 5 m × 5 m spacing and intercropped with maize, cassava or cowpea. Separate monocropping fields for maize, cassava, cowpea and bamboo were set up adjacent to the intercropped field. In both the intercropping and monocropping fields, plots were with fertilizer treatments and without. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four replicates and studied over three years. Economic analysis was conducted using the financial benefit–cost ratio method. The results showed that regardless of fertilizer treatments, bamboo agroforestry and monocropped fields had comparable effects on soil properties and crop productivity within two years of establishment. In the third year, however, bamboo agroforestry had significantly (p < 0.05) higher soil moisture, pH and crop productivity levels. An intercropping advantage over monocropping was evident for all crops with respective partial land equivalent ratios for fertilized and non-fertilized intercropped systems as follows: cowpea (1.37 and 1.54), maize (1.38 and 1.36), and cassava (1.12 and 1.19). The economic evaluation also indicated marginal profitability of bamboo intercropping over monocropping systems. From the results obtained, there are clear indications that where bamboo is a prioritized woody perennial, integrated systems with crops may be encouraged.

Soil loss and run‐off characteristics under different soil amendments and cropping systems in the semi‐deciduous forest zone of Ghana

AbstractSoil erosion is a major constraint to crop production on smallholder arable lands in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Although different agronomic and mechanical measures have been proposed to minimize soil loss in the region and elsewhere, soil management practices involving biochar‐inorganic inputs interactions under common cropping systems within the framework of climate‐smart agriculture, have been little studied. This study aimed to assess the effect of different soil and crop management practices on soil loss characteristics under selected cropping systems, typical of the sub‐region. A two‐factor field experiment was conducted on run‐off plots under different soil amendments over three consecutive cropping seasons in the semi‐deciduous forest zone of Ghana. The treatments, consisting of three soil amendments (inorganic fertilizer, biochar, inorganic fertilizer + biochar and control) and four cropping systems (maize, soyabean, cowpea, maize intercropped with soyabean) constituted the sub‐plot and main plot factors, respectively. A bare plot was included as a soil erosion check. Seasonal soil loss was greater on the bare plots, which ranged from 9.75–14.5 Mg ha−1. For individual crops grown alone, soil loss was 31%–40% less under cowpea than under maize. The soil management options, in addition to their direct role in plant nutrition, contributed to significant (p &lt; 0.05) reductions in soil loss. The least soil loss (1.23–2.66 Mg ha−1) was observed under NPK fertilizer + biochar treatment (NPK + BC) over the three consecutive cropping seasons. Biochar in combination with NPK fertilizer improved soil moisture content under cowpea crops and produced considerably smaller bulk density values than most other treatments. The NPK + BC consistently outperformed the separate mineral fertilizer and biochar treatments in biomass yield under all cropping systems. Biochar associated with inorganic fertilizers gave economic returns with value–cost ratio (VCR) &gt; 2 under soyabean cropping system but had VCR &lt; 2 under all other cropping systems. The study showed that biochar/NPK interactions could be exploited in minimizing soil loss from arable lands in SSA.

Patterns of forest cover change and their association with forest management regimes of forest reserves in the high forest zone of Ghana

ABSTRACTThis paper sought to determine how different forest management regimes influence the pattern of forest degradation at different periods in Ghana. The paper tested the hypotheses that timber production forests degrade faster than protection forests and forest degradation slows down with time. For monitoring the changes in forest cover, Landsat TM, ETM+ and Landsat 8 with a spatial resolution of 30 m were used in the mapping of land use/land cover for the periods 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2014 using supervised classification technique. The results showed that forest degradation occurred at different rates within the period and was more rapid from 1990 to 2000 than from 2000 to 2010. Protected forests and Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas (GSBAs) declined in forest quality at the same rate as timber production forests and did not benefit from any extra protective measures. New strategies should be found to manage protection forests and GSBAs to ensure their optimum protection.

Compost inoculated with Azotobacter sp: impact assessment on eggplant (Solanum melongena) productivity and soil nutrient status in Ghana

ABSTRACTWe assessed the influence of Azotobacter inoculated commercial compost on eggplant productivity and soil nutrient status in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. In randomized complete block design, eight treatments (Control, 2.5 t ha−1 compost, 5 t ha−1 compost, 100% recommended NPK fertilizer at 50 kg N, 30 kg ha−1 P2O5 and 30 kg ha−1 K2O, 2.5 t ha−1 compost+50% NPK, 5 t ha−1 compost+50% NPK, 50% NPK and 2.5 t ha−1 compost+100% NPK) were evaluated under field conditions during two cropping seasons. In the major season, fruit yield under 5 t ha−1 compost significantly outperformed 50% and 100% NPK and the control. The highest fruit yield (4480 kg ha−1) was obtained under 5 t ha−1 compost in the minor season. While the effect of sole compost was significant on fruit yield, there were also strong trends suggesting added benefits from 2.5 t ha−1 compost+100% NPK. Integrated use of compost and NPK increased shoot biomass over the control and NPK treatments. The compost had significant effect (p < 0.05) on lowering soil pH at the end of study. The highest soil exchangeable Ca and Mg were recorded under sole compost. The findings suggest good prospect for increasing crop yield through inoculating compost with Azotobacter.

An Assessment of the Effects of Insecticide-Treated Livestock Protective Fences (LPF) for Protecting Humans from Anthropophilic Mosquitoes and Malaria Transmission in a Suburb of Kumasi in the Forest Zone of Ghana

An Assessment of the Effects of Insecticide-Treated Livestock Protective Fences (LPF) for Protecting Humans from Anthropophilic Mosquitoes and Malaria Transmission in a Suburb of Kumasi in the Forest Zone of Ghana

Effect of multipurpose trees and shrubs on degraded mined‐out soil in a semi‐deciduous forest zone of West Africa

AbstractMultipurpose trees and shrubs (MPTS) establishment plays important role in accelerating natural restoration and productivity of degraded soils for ecosystem stability, biological diversity, and most importantly for agricultural uses. Multipurpose tree plantation with a mixed stands of Leucaena leucocephala, Albizia zygia, Faidherbia albida, Acacia auriculiformis, Senna siamea, Azadiractha indica, and Gliricidia sepium was established to reclaim degraded mined‐out Ferric acrisol in a semi‐deciduous forest zone of Ghana, West Africa. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the age of MPTS on some physical and chemical properties of degraded mined‐out soil of the Oweri Mines Company, Ltd., Konongo (6°37′56.8″N, 1°13′39.02″W). The study determined soil total nitrogen (tN), soil organic carbon (SOC), acidity (pH), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), and mercuric (Hg) contents and the relationship between these soil parameters. Soils were sampled at two depths: 0–30 and 30–60 cm from four different age groups of MPTS plantation: non‐reclaimed (NR), 5‐year‐old MPTS plantation, 10‐year‐old MPTS plantation, and adjacent undisturbed natural forest (NF). The pH, SOC, tN, Al, As, and Hg contents and bulk density were significantly influenced by age of MPTS plantation. The 10‐year‐old MPTS soil had 53%, and the NF soil had 57%, higher SOC than NR soil. Soil tN in the top 0–30 cm depth for the 5‐year‐old was 33%, 10‐year‐old MPTS was 59%, and the NF was 69%, higher than tN in the NR soil. Whereas soil pH had positive significant relationship with soil Hg and As, the reverse was observed with soil Al content.

Variation in the susceptibility of tomato (Lycopersicon solanum L.) genotypes to tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCVD) infections at coastal savannah and forest zones of Ghana

Variation in the susceptibility of tomato (Lycopersicon solanum L.) genotypes to tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCVD) infections at coastal savannah and forest zones of Ghana

Integrating soil amendments with conservation tillage improves soil moisture storage and maize yield in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana

Integrating soil amendments with conservation tillage improves soil moisture storage and maize yield in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana

Determination of dust deposition and associated nutrients in natural forest and plantation - A case study from the moist semi-deciduous forest zone in Ghana

Every year in December to February the dust laden Harmattan blows from Sahara towards southwest to the countries along the east west going coast of the Gulf of Guinea. Only few investigations have quantified external dust deposition in forests and plantations in that region and hereby the nutrient input by dust. This paper investigates three different methods for sampling and quantifying dust deposition in natural forests and plantations in the moist semi-deciduous forest zone in Ghana. The three methods tested were the following: bowls with water, plastic mats with straws and funnels for determining canopy drip. The study shows that the canopy drip method overestimates the external dust deposition due to a significant enrichment of organic matter during the throughfall. Therefore, it is necessary to combine the canopy drip method with sampling from outside the forest to determine the external organic matter content in the dust deposited to a forest. The study showed that the dust deposition in the forest and in the rubber and cocoa plantations was 1.5 to 2.0 times bigger than on the plastic mats located outside the forested area and further, that the external nutrient input by dust to the natural forests is very low in the Kade area, only about 0.2 kg ha-1 total P and the readily available Ca, Mg and K are respectively 0.4 kg ha-1, 0.2 kg ha-1 and 0.7 kg ha-1.

Long-distance seed dispersal by straw-coloured fruit bats varies by season and landscape

On-going fragmentation of tropical forest ecosystems and associated depletion of seed dispersers threatens the long-term survival of animal-dispersed plants. These threats do not only affect biodiversity and species abundance, but ultimately ecosystem functions and services. Thus, seed dispersers such as the straw-coloured fruit bat, E. helvum, which traverse long distances across fragmented landscapes, are particularly important for maintaining genetic connectivity and colonizing new sites for plant species. Using high-resolution GPS-tracking of movements, field observations and gut retention experiments, we quantify dispersal distances for small- and large-seeded fruits foraged by E. helvum during periods of colony population low (wet season) and high (dry season) in an urban and a rural landscape in the forest zone of Ghana. Gut passage time averaged 116 min (range 4–1143 min), comparable to other fruit bats. Movements were generally longer in the urban than in the rural landscape and also longer in the dry than in the wet season. As the majority of seeds are dispersed only to feeding roosts, median dispersal distances were similar for both large (42–67 m) and small (42–65 m) seeds. However, small seeds were potentially dispersed up to 75.4 km, four times further than the previous maximum distance estimated for a similar-sized frugivore. Maximum seed dispersal distances for small seeds were almost twice as long in the rural (49.7 km) compare to the urban (31.2 km) landscape. Within the urban landscape, estimated maximum dispersal distances for small seeds were three times longer during the dry season (75.4 km) compared to the wet season (22.8 km); in contrast, distances in the rural landscape were three times longer in the wet season (67 km) compared to the dry season (24.4). Dispersal distances for large seeds during the dry season (551 m) in the rural landscape were almost twice that in the wet season (319 m). We found no influence of food phenology on dispersal distances. The maximum likelihood for seed dispersal beyond feeding roosts (mean distance from food tree 263 m) was 4.7%. Small seeds were dispersed over even longer distances, >500 and >1000 m, with a likelihood of 3.0 % and 2.3 % respectively. Our data show that E. helvum retains ingested seeds for very long periods and may traverse large distances, probably making it an important long distance seed disperser in tropical Africa. We suggest E. helvumis important for ecosystem functioning and urge its conservation.

A criteria and indicator prognosis for sustainable forest management assessments: Concepts and optional policy baskets for the high forest zone in Ghana

ABSTRACTThis article establishes principles conveyed by criteria and indicators as a useful tool for measuring progress made toward sustainable forest management (SFM). Pedagogically, the conceptual construction raises questions on the following topics: (a) the various management practices and policies that exist in the high forest zone, (b) how criteria and indicators for assessments are selected, and (c) how progress made toward SFM is measured. Performance scores are established for indicators identified within the three sectors (forest ecosystems, forest communities, and the economy) for sustainability assessment. Measuring progress toward SFM operations are quantitatively performed with estimated maximum and minimum thresholds levels at which resource-use would be sustained using the Measure of Forest Resource-Use Sustainability Scale (MoFRUSS). The outcome of the measurement operations, as depicted by MoFRUSS, reveals the actual extent to which stakeholder’s initiatives toward sustainable forest management has progressed and in which direction it is moving. It also offers optional policy baskets for resource management interventions from which the socio-eco economic bundle is recommended if the forestry sector of Ghana’s Vision 2020 (sustainable development) is to be achieved with improved societal well-being, improved environmental health and vitality, and improved economic growth and development.

Integrating soil amendments with conservation tillage for improved soil moisture and maize yield in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana

Water shortage in the maize root zone during critical crop development stages is a major constraint to sustainable crop production especially under rainfed agriculture. A study was conducted to assess soil moisture storage and maize response to different soil amendments within two conservation tillage systems at the Agricultural Research Station, Anwomaso in Ghana. The amendments (poultry manure, poultry manure + NPK fertilizer and NPK fertilizer) were applied to their respective treatment plots two weeks after planting (WAP). At five WAP, plots amended with poultry manure + NPK fertilizer, and NPK fertilizers were top dressed with N in the form of urea. There was no significant difference in the soil moisture storage under no-till and plough-plant tillage systems. Soil moisture storage, however, increased with depth at each dry spell period under both tillage treatments. In all cases, moisture storage was greater in the 15–30 cm than the 0–15 cm depth indicating a positive effect on in-situ moisture conservation. The soil amendments significantly influenced the grain, stover and total biomass yields.