This study assessed smallholder cocoa farmers' perceptions of climate variability in Ghana. Through a survey of 600 farmers, findings indicate awareness of climate change, particularly in temperature, while perceptions of variability in rainfall and other climate variables were more neutral. Farmers identified deforestation and agrochemical use as key drivers of climate variability. The study emphasizes the necessity for targeted interventions to enhance awareness and adaptive capacity among farmers by recommending comprehensive adaptation strategies and equitable resource access. These insights aim to inform policymakers and stakeholders to promote sustainable cocoa production in Ghana.

This study examines how journalists in the Ghanaian media use datasets, visualization tools, and interactive graphics to strengthen democratic accountability. Using Actor–Network Theory as a guiding framework, we trace how both human and non-human actors come together to shape data journalism. Through in-depth interviews with practitioners, three themes emerged: recognition of the value of data-driven stories, uneven professional adaptation in newsrooms, and persistent barriers to data journalism uptake. Participants described data journalism as a catalyst for trust that enables audiences to compare government claims with verifiable data. They also recount the slow pace of uptake, noting that incomplete open-data infrastructure, limited statistical fluency, and tight budgets of newsrooms often reduce data projects. Drawing on both global and African scholarship, we critically appraised these findings within broader debates about media innovation, transparency, and techno-economic gaps. To make data journalism a regular part of news production in Ghana, we recommend expanding training programs that are tailored to local contexts and open-data policies that ensure timely access to public information. We also suggest integrating data practices into both journalism education and everyday newsroom culture.

Abstract Pests and diseases threaten mango production in Ghana, driving farmers to use pesticides as a critical adaptation strategy. However, the prevalence of unapproved pesticides raises concerns about environmental safety, food security and export compliance. This study examines mango farmers' capacity to identify approved pesticides in Ghana’s Yilo Krobo Municipality (YKM). According to the 2021 population and housing census report, YKM has a total population of 122,705 persons. A sample size of 17 was determined based on Guest et al.’s saturation threshold and Krejcie and Morgan’s method of representation. Stakeholders were purposively sampled across the mango value chain using the purposive sampling strategy for qualitative interviews comprising farmers, retailers, market women and consumers. Findings reveal that farmers rely on retailers for pesticide recommendations, with only one in five farmers aware of approved/unapproved distinctions. Challenges include illiteracy, inadequate verification tools and difficulty tracking registration renewals. Retailers, while better informed, struggle to confirm current approval status due to ambiguous regulatory communication. The study recommends practical solutions, such as barcode scanning systems, to enable real-time verification and strengthen compliance. These insights underscore the need for farmer education, technological integration and policy reforms to promote sustainable pesticide use in Ghana’s mango sector. Significance of the study What is already known on this subject? Prior research in Ghana and other developing nations indicates that pesticide application is a common pest management method in high-value crops. Although pesticides can enhance crop yields and minimise post-harvest losses, evidence shows that farmers often misuse them. Most existing studies in Ghana focus on cocoa farming, providing limited insights into mango cultivation While regulatory systems like the Environmental Protection Authority’s registration scheme are in place, weak post-registration oversight, limited farmer literacy and poor communication hamper effective enforcement. What are the new findings? This study reveals that in the Yilo Krobo Municipality, only 20% of mango farmers are aware of the distinction between approved and unapproved pesticides. Most farmers rely heavily on agrochemical retailers for recommendations, often without verifying regulatory approval or renewal status. Retailers themselves face challenges in confirming up-to-date approvals due to the lack of real-time verification tools. The study also highlights that while pesticides are indispensable for preventing severe pest damage, there is growing pest resistance and consumer concern over residue levels. A practical innovation proposed by both farmers and retailers is the introduction of barcode or mobile-based systems for instant verification of pesticide approval and renewal status. What is the expected impact on horticulture? By addressing the knowledge gaps and verification challenges identified, this study can inform policies and interventions that improve compliance with pesticide regulations in mango farming, an important component of Ghana’s horticulture sector. Implementing technological verification systems, enhancing farmer education and strengthening retailer accountability could reduce the circulation of unapproved pesticides, thereby safeguarding consumer health, protecting the environment and preserving the integrity of horticultural produce. Such measures would also enhance the competitiveness of Ghana’s mango exports by ensuring compliance with international safety standards, ultimately promoting sustainable horticultural production systems, strengthening food security and improving rural livelihoods.

A review on the potential of oil from fish waste as a source for biodiesel production in Ghana

Gender dynamics in smallholder vegetable farmers’ production in Ghana

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the intricate effects of climate change on food production in Ghana, emphasizing the country's dependence on rain‐fed agriculture and the mounting threat posed by climate variability. The primary research gap addressed is the limited empirical understanding of how recent (2010–2022) fluctuations in temperature and rainfall are shaping yield trends for Ghana's principal food crops, with a particular focus on the differing resilience and vulnerabilities among crops such as maize, cassava, yam and millet. Leveraging robust secondary datasets from national meteorological and agricultural agencies, the research employs descriptive statistics, time‐series, correlation, and regression analyses to quantify the linkages between evolving climate conditions and agricultural output. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive assessment of not only the physical impacts—such as significant increases in both minimum and maximum temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns—but also the effectiveness of ongoing adaptation strategies on crop performance. Findings clearly demonstrate that while some crops have adapted successfully, others like millet have suffered notable declines. The study offers new insights by critically evaluating climate‐resilient crop varieties, advanced water management, and community engagements as pathways to reinforce food security amidst dynamic climate conditions. These results highlight the pressing need for data‐driven, integrated adaptation policies tailored to Ghana's agricultural sector, thus contributing valuable direction for policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders aiming to bolster resilience in developing economies.

Bringing a circular economy perspective into global production networks: Cocoa pod husk-based compost production in Ghana

A global surge in demand for vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and eggplants has led to a significant increase in their production, particularly in Ghana. Consequently, many vegetable farm entrepreneurs (VFEs) have adopted farming practices that conflict with the principles of sustainable agriculture. This study investigates the role of environmental literacy in shaping green agricultural production (GAP) behaviour among 473 VFEs in Ghana. Environmental literacy is defined here as knowledge, responsibilities, and values related to the environment, as well as the skills required to translate these into practical action. Drawing on primary survey data, the study employs partial least squares structural equation modelling to examine the pathways through which environmental literacy influences GAP behaviour. The study’s findings indicate a generally low level of environmental literacy among participants; however, it significantly influenced GAP behaviour across the pre-production, production, and post-production phases. The study also identifies GAP willingness as a partial mediator between environmental literacy and GAP behaviour. These insights highlight the crucial role of environmental education in promoting sustainable agricultural practices in emerging economies.

Environmental impacts of Small-Scale palm oil production in Ghana: A life cycle assessment study

Harnessing pre- and post-harvest innovations to manage aflatoxins in groundnut production in Ghana

Abstract The need for low‐cost carrier materials is paramount for rhizobium inoculants production, especially in sub‐Saharan Africa. This research studied different feedstocks biochar as potential carriers for inoculant production. Coconut coir (CC), coconut shell (CS), rice husk (RH), and sugarcane bagasse (SB) biochars were used as carriers, and their performance was compared to that of standard industrial peat (control). The biochar and peat carriers were inoculated with two elite Bradyrhizobium strains such as KNUST 1002 and KNUST 1006 and the reference strain BR 3267 (where BR is Bradyrhizobium). The survival rate of the rhizobia was monitored by determining the number of cells, pH, and moisture content for 24 weeks. In addition, the effectiveness of different inoculated carriers was tested in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) under field conditions via a randomized complete block design with four replications. CC and SB enhanced Bradyrhizobium survival for up to 16 and 20 weeks, respectively, whereas CS and RH promoted strain survival for up to 8 weeks. The viable cell count was highest in the peat‐based inoculant during the 24‐week period. BR 3267 in CC and SB significantly (p < 0.001) increased the nodule dry weight of cowpea compared to uninoculated control. The highest grain yield (1774 kg ha−1) was recorded for CC, which was 16% greater than the grain yield of the peat‐based inoculant (1524 kg ha−1), although this difference was not significant. CC biochar is a potential carrier for inoculant production in Ghana.

Abstract The production of oil on a commercial scale has led to a ban on fishing in areas close to oilfields in Ghana. This paper uses econometric analysis to examine the effect of the fishing ban on the livelihoods of rural fishing households in offshore oilfields. It contributes to environmental and economic geography by empirically testing how spatial governance of natural resources (marine resource exclusions due to oil extraction) reshapes local livelihoods and exacerbates poverty. We examined poverty status and income diversification measures as key indicators of livelihood. The findings revealed a negative association between poverty status and the degree of income diversification, suggesting a high prevalence of poverty within undiversified fishing households. Socioeconomic and environmental factors, including the number of extension visits, savings, assets, access to credit and a fishing ban (restrictions), have a positive and significant influence on income diversification. We recommend policy interventions aimed at raising awareness and developing skills that encourage participation in multiple income‐generating activities as a potential means of helping fishermen displaced by oil production. These policies are important for reducing poverty in rural fishing communities and preventing potential conflicts arising from changes in the use of common resources.

This study explores the potential of cassava starch residue (CSR) as a sustainable alternative energy source in poultry feeds in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. With rising maize prices and supply challenges impacting poultry production, CSR offers a promising substitute. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 150 respondents including 50 poultry farmers and 100 consumers using semi-structured questionnaires across selected districts. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression were applied to assess CSR awareness, acceptance, and its perceived impact on profitability and feed efficiency. Results indicate that while overall awareness of CSR is low (22%), farmers with higher education and larger farm capacities show a greater propensity to adopt CSR, primarily due to its potential cost-effectiveness and sustainability benefits. The analysis further highlights that demographic factors such as age and educational background significantly influence perceptions regarding CSR. Notably, chi-square tests showed significant associations between education and CSR awareness (χ2 = 45.66, df= 2, p= 1.21e−10), cost-effectiveness (χ2 = 26.31, df= 6, p= 0.0002), and overall profitability (χ2 = 57.65, df = 6, p= 1.35e−10). Predicted probability models further indicated that farmers aged 26 and above and those with tertiary education had a higher likelihood of adopting CSR, while smaller-scale operations (50–500 birds) were less inclined. The study concludes that targeted educational and policy interventions are crucial to enhance CSR adoption, reduce reliance on maize, and improve the economic viability of poultry production in Ghana.

The cocoa production in Ghana, largely reliant on rainfall and undertaken by smallholder farmers, is increasingly endangered by climate change-induced water scarcity. Although supplemental irrigation has been posited as an adaptive measure, its hydrological impacts remain understudied. This current study seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by employing the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to evaluate the hydrological and water resource implications of supplemental irrigation within the Upper Offin sub-basin of Ghana. High-resolution spatial data and field survey inputs were used to model dry period baseline and irrigation scenarios for cocoa farms with gentle slopes (2%). The results reveal that supplemental irrigation from the shallow aquifer can sustainably support irrigation for up to 5% of the cocoa area (4760 ha) without adversely affecting groundwater flow. Extending irrigation to 30% of the cocoa area (28,540 ha) is feasible with minimal reduction in catchment water yield. This study’s novelty lies in integrating high-resolution data with localized management practices to provide actionable insights for balancing cocoa productivity and water sustainability. The findings offer practical recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing that through solar-powered irrigation the shallow groundwater is a pathway to enhance climate resilience of cocoa productivity.

This study examined the absence of culturally appropriate films for maternal health education in Ghana, where maternal mortality remains a critical concern. Grounded in semiotics and the Persuasive Health Message (PHM) framework, this research employs studio-based and qualitative methods to develop a culturally relevant educational film. During pre-production, consultations with health officers and pregnant women helped define educational objectives, identify audience needs and preferences, and determine suitable styles and formats. Feedback was systematically integrated throughout the production to refine the film’s form and content. The final film, which blends fictional and nonfictional elements, aligns with the instructional approach commonly used in pregnancy schools. The final film’s syntagmatic structure conveys themes of threat, severity, susceptibility, efficacy, barriers, and rewards, while paradigmatic elements include relatable characters, colour schemes, lighting, sound effects, and compositing techniques that enhance cultural relevance and emotional engagement. The study concludes that the film serves as an educational resource on maternal education for maternal health officers in Ghana. Future research should assess its impact on knowledge acquisition, perceptions, and health behaviours among the target audience. This study gives insight and extends knowledge on the significance of integrating semiotics and PHM in film production practices for film-based health education production in Ghana.

The study profiled clients of fee-for-service livestock production training programmes in Ghana and analysed gender differences in clients’ characteristics and segments. Secondary data on 128 clients who participated in livestock production training programmes organized between 2020 and 2022 by a research organisation in Ghana were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and cluster analysis. Only a fifth of participants were women; however, most of them had tertiary level education. Majority of clients were aged between 30 and 50 years and had little or no experience in rearing the livestock associated with their training. The analysis further revealed two participant clusters based on age and experience. Moreover, based on comparisons of means using t-test or proportions using chi square or Fisher’s exact test, there were no gender differences in the socio-demographic characteristics of participants, composition of cluster members or the share of participants in a particular programme. These findings suggest that training programmes should be designed to meet the needs of both experienced and inexperienced farmers, and younger and older farmers. This paper contributes to the literature on the demand side of fee -based extension services by studying clients who actually paid for training instead of persons who just expressed willingness to pay for training programmes. Moreover, insight is provided into which category of clients patronized fee-based programmes and how they could be better targeted.

This study explores the possibility of producing methanol from Ghanaian agricultural waste biomass, such as rice husk, sawdust, and cocoa pod husk, by employing Aspen Plus simulation and response surface methodology (RSM) as optimization methods. The process is modeled in Aspen Plus using the RPlug reactor model to simulate the reaction kinetics and optimize production factors. Among these, the major factors investigated included the steam-to-biomass ratio (SBR), the gasification temperature, and the reactor temperature for the purpose of optimizing methanol production through response surface methodology. According to this study, the ideal process parameters of SBR at 0.6039, gasification temperature set to 1000 °C, and reactor temperature maintained at 296.97 °C result in a methanol rate of 14,731 kg/h, corresponding to 78% yield. The simulation was validated against experimental data, revealing its high accuracy, with an R² value of 91.53%, and affirming the practical viability of the model. The economic assessment showed methanol production costs reaching USD 200 per tonne, whereas import prices remained at USD 850 per tonne, which demonstrates the clear financial benefits of local production. The proposed production method generates annual net profits of USD 2.23 million and establishes an investment return of 30%. This study demonstrates that agricultural waste can serve as an eco-friendly methanol production material while helping Ghana improve waste management and achieve energy independence and environmental sustainability. These discoveries lay the groundwork for large-scale methanol production in Ghana, utilizing local biomass resources to enhance the country’s renewable energy strategy, decrease its reliance on imported fuels, and support a circular economy. However, there are still challenges, like fluctuations in biomass characteristics, the high energy consumption of the gasification process, and the integration of a cost-effective catalyst in the methanol reactor. Exploring catalytic enhancements and integrating optimization strategies in future work could further enhance process efficiency.

Storage methods for grains is an important determinant in the preservation of quality of grains used for the preparation of poultry feed. A study was undertaken to assess the performance of layer chickens fed maize stored in polypropylene (PP) and ZeroFly Hermetic (ZFH) bags. Maize was stored in 100-kg PP and ZFH bags for 6 months. There was 9,600 kg for each type of bag. The stored maize was then used to formulate feed using Koudjis 50%-layer concentrate, and the feed was used as diet for 1080 day-old Lohmann Brown Classic chicks (Lohmann Tierzucht Germany) for a period of 32 weeks. The two dietary treatments for this study were feed from white maize stored in ZFH and PP bags with storage method being the only source of variation. The average body weight, average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed intake, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality, egg production, egg weight and average daily egg mass were measured or computed for birds in the two treatments. Birds fed ZFH maize treatment had significantly (p<0.05) heavier body weights at the ends of the starter, grower, developer, pre-lay and layer 1 stages which were 4, 12, 17, 19 and 32 weeks of age (188.00 ± 1.03, 962.50 ± 6.01, 1382.00 ± 3.90, 1509.33 ± 6.30, and 1923.50 ± 12.32 g, respectively) than birds fed PP maize treatment. There were no significant differences in ADFI of birds fed treatments PP and ZFH at pre-starter (ADFI-1), starter (ADFI-4), grower (ADFI-12), developer (ADFI-17) and pre-lay (ADFI-19) phases of development. Birds on PP treatment (120.40 ± 1.32 g/day) however, had significantly (p<0.05) higher ADFI at the layer 1 period than those on treatment ZFH (115.64 ± 1.23 g/day). Egg production parameters (hen-day egg production, average egg weight, average daily egg mass) and FCR were better and favourable for birds on treatment ZFH bags compared to those on PP bags at 20, 24, 28, and 32 weeks of age. There was no significant difference in the percentage mortality of birds fed PP and ZFH maize. The favourable values of most of the layer production indicators of birds fed ZFH maize compared to PP maize is an indication that ZFH bags preserve maize quality better than PP bags. Hence, the nutrient qualities of maize stored in ZFH bags are better retained for utilization by layer birds. Key words: Maize, storage, polypropylene, ZeroFly-Hermetic, bag, poultry, growth, egg-production

The rapid evolution of broadcast production has significantly reshaped the television industry, influencing content creation, regulatory frameworks, and cultural representation. This study examines the challenges and opportunities faced by Ghanaian broadcast production houses as they adapt to digital transformation. Using Media Evolution Theory and Diffusion of Innovation Theory as conceptual lenses, the research explores the impact of technological advancements on production quality, the effectiveness of regulatory policies governing digital broadcasting, and strategies for preserving cultural identity amidst globalisation. Through a qualitative approach, data were gathered via in-depth interviews with key industry stakeholders. Findings reveal that while digital tools enhance production efficiency and audience engagement, financial constraints and skill gaps hinder seamless adoption. Regulatory frameworks, though aimed at maintaining ethical standards, lack clarity in addressing over-the-top (OTT) platforms and emerging digital trends. Additionally, cultural preservation remains a challenge, with media houses employing localized content strategies to balance authenticity and global competitiveness. The study recommends policy reforms to accommodate digital disruptions, strategic investments in media innovation, and industry-academia collaborations to equip professionals with emerging technological skills. These measures will ensure a sustainable and culturally relevant broadcasting landscape in Ghana. Keywords: Broadcast Production, Digital Transition, Media Regulation, Cultural Identity, Media Evolution, Innovation In Broadcasting, Ghanaian Television Industry

Diversifying economic practices to the growth of every local economy cannot be overstated. However, since its inception in 1992, sericulture development in Ghana has experienced an appreciable level of turbulence, which seems to have dwindled the prospects of the venture in the country. This study sought to review the impact of sericulture on some emerging economies and juxtapose it with the current state in Ghana. In view of this, an empirical review of the state and the impact of sericulture in India vis-a-vis what pertains to Ghana was done. As a result, it was found that sericulture production in emerging economies such as India has contributed significantly to creating employment, alleviating poverty, and propelling the country's economic growth. In contrast, in Ghana, sericulture has not developed as expected due to general neglect of the textile subsector by succeeding governments. Specific issues addressed in this review include the historical development and the current state of sericulture in Ghana, sericulture in some advanced and emerging economies, technological advancement in sericulture, the policy direction of sericulture in Ghana, challenges and prospects of sericulture production in Ghana.