Tolon District Research Articles

IMPACT OF IMPROVED VARIETY ADOPTION ON FARM INCOME IN TOLON DISTRICT OF GHANA

This paper estimates the effect of improved maize variety adoption on farm income in the Tolon District of Ghana. The study covered the 2017/2018 farming season and involved 160 randomly selected maize farmers from four communities in the district. A regression with endogenous treatment effect model, which accounts for selection bias arising from both observable and unobservable factors was used to estimate the effect of improved maize variety adoption on farm income. The results indicate that men have lower probability of adoption while adoption increased with extension contact, access to fertilizer subsidy and cattle ownership but decreased with the cost of adoption. The results further indicate that adoption is significantly and positively related to farm income. Adoption of improved maize varieties increased gross farm income of maize farmers by GH¢852. Farm income also increased with farm size and cattle ownership but was lower for female farmers. Institutional factors such as provision of agricultural extension advisory services and subsidized fertilizer are essential to promote adoption of improved varieties; hence these services should be made readily available to farmers. Addressing the problem of inadequate extension staff and logistical challenges confronting extension workers are some of the pragmatic steps required to promote adoption of improved varieties in order to improve farm incomes. Furthermore, subsidized fertilizer should be made available to farmers on time and in the right quantities to enhance adoption and farm incomes, while farmers should be encouraged to rear livestock as this enhances both adoption and farm income.

Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Moench) as Affected by Planting Date and Weeding Regime in Northern Ghana

This paper examines the effects of planting date (early planting, mid-season planting and late-season planting) and weeding regimes (two weeding before harvesting, three weeding before harvesting and weed free plots) on yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) in the Tolon district of Northern Ghana. The results show that different weed species, categorized as broad leaves, grasses and sedges, were dominant depending on the planting date and weeding regime. While there was no significant interaction (p>0.05) between planting date and weeding regime on fruit yield, nor significant impact of planting date as a sole treatment on fruit yield, the results showed the existence of significant effect of weeding regime as a sole treatment on yield and yield parameters of okra (p<0.05). Triple weeding resulted in okra yields comparable to the weed-free treatments (mean of 6000 kg/ha to 6300 kg/ha, p>0.05) but significantly higher (p<0.05) and about triple the yield observed in the treatments with double weeding regimes (mean of 1800 kg/ha to 2300 kg/ha). As cost of production, besides the cost of weeding, remains same for all treatments, Triple weeding is recommended for the small-holder farmer. It is associated with less labor cost compared to continuous weeding in the weed free treatments, and the triple gains in yield could offset the additional labor cost incurred in the triple weeding compared to the double weeding regimes.

Willingness to pay for crop insurance in Tolon District of Ghana: Application of an endogenous treatment effect model

The purpose of this study was to assess the factors affecting farmers’ awareness of and willingness to pay for crop insurance in Tolon District of Ghana. The study was guided by the following objectives: (1) to determine farmers’ level of awareness of crop insurance, (2) to analyse the factors affecting awareness of crop insurance and (3) to identify the factors that affect willingness to pay for crop insurance. Data was collected from 150 respondents from three farming communities in the Tolon District. Questionnaires were used as instruments for data collection. The computer software package STATA version 15 was used to analyse the quantitative data. Farmers’ level of awareness of crop insurance was described descriptively while an endogenous treatment effect model was used to analyse the factors affecting awareness and willingness to pay. The result indicated that 48% of the respondents were aware of crop insurance. The results showed that sex of the farmer, extension training and adoption of good agriculture practices were significant factors affecting awareness of crop insurance. Also, willingness to pay for crop insurance was influenced by household size, years of farming experience, farm size and respondent’s awareness of crop insurance. The study concluded that increasing awareness of crop insurance is an effective way to enhance farmers’ willingness to pay. Hence, any intervention to promote adoption of crop insurance should target awareness campaign in order to increase the level of awareness especially among male farmers.

Willingness to pay for crop insurance in Tolon District of Ghana: Application of an endogenous treatment effect model

Willingness to pay for crop insurance in Tolon District of Ghana: Application of an endogenous treatment effect model

Factors influencing the utilization of TBA services by women in the Tolon district of the northern region of Ghana

Maternal mortality issues have become a major cause for concern especially in developing counties as they struggle to attain the Sustainable Development Goals 3.1 and 3.2. Tradi tional Birth Attendants (TBAs) have played a significant role in providing maternal health services, especially in rural Africa. Health service providers have done a lot to provide ma- ternal health services to pregnant women in Ghana yet most women, especially in rural areas, still, patronize the services of (TBAs). The aim of this paper is to determine the fac- tors that influence women in the Tolon district of Ghana to patronize the services of TBAs. The paper employed a mixed research approach and adopted the cross-sectional survey design to collect and analyse data. The study involved 360 women who have sought the services of TBAs within the last five years. Data were collected with the use of question- naires containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions. The factors that influenced the patronage of TBAs included the fact that TBA services are cheaper, more culturally ac- cepted, nearer to the homes of pregnant women than the hospital, TBAs being more caring than orthodox health workers and being the only maternity care that women know. It is recommended that since the factors that influence the patronage of TBA services cannot easily be abolished the health authorities should integrate TBA services in mainstream maternal health care delivery.

Comparative Study on the Incidence of Aspergillus flavus in Farmer’s Field and Stored Maize (Zea mays) Seed in Northern Region of Ghana

Aspergillus flavus is predominant among other fungi species responsible for aflatoxin contamination of crops on the field and in storage. A study was conducted to determine the incidence of Aspergillus flavus in maize seeds from various sources. Sixty (60) maize seed samples were collected from farmers and marketers from different storage structures within Tamale metropolis, Savelugu and Tolon districts,northern region of Ghana. Three different fungi species were isolated from the maize samples. These were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium spp. Total fungi species differed significantly. Tamale metropolis recorded the least occurrence of fungi species. Aspergillus flavus recorded varied occurrences across all three districts with the highest incidence recorded in Savelugu (42%). Aspergillus flavus was found predominant in maize from the markets than maize from the farmers. The incidences of Aspergillus flavus varied with the method of storage. Storage using cocoa sack recorded the highest incidence (69%), with the lowest (13%) in hanging shed. Aspergillus flavus was however found to be associated with maize from all three districts studied. Proper drying and use of proper storage structures are recommended as a way of combating the high incidences of Aspergillus flavus.

Evaluating the Effect of Absolute and Barometric Pressures on Borehole Performance in Tolon and Wa West Districts of Northern Ghana

Groundwater is a very important asset to the people of Northern Ghana where majority are farmers as its used for many domestic and agricultural activities. The research evaluated the effects of absolute and barometric pressures on water-table fluctuations of boreholes in Wa West and Tolon Districts of Northern Ghana. Pumping tests, absolute and barometric pressures were monitored using non-vented water level sensors for one year, from 2015-2016. The results of the research indicate that, the aquifer of the Kpaligung borehole is of Voltaian province while that of Baleofili is Granitoid intrusions. The yield of the Baleofili borehole is 1.8 m3/h (30 l/min), while that of the Kpaligung borehole yields 1.4 m3/h (23 l/min). Rainfall regime has considerable effects on Kpaligung and Baleofili boreholes` recharge and water-table fluctuation due to the effects of both absolute and barometric pressure throughout the year. The relationship between barometric pressure and water pressure for the Kpaligung borehole shows positive, but weak correlation value (0.2) that is, increase in barometric pressure leads to an increase in water level and vice versa. The Baleofili borehole shows an inverse relationship between barometric pressure and water level pressure with the coefficient of correlation being 0.5. The relationship between the changes in water level of the boreholes with the corresponding change in rainfall amount suggests that the groundwater recharge of the boreholes depends considerably on annual rainfall variation in the study areas considered.

Higher vegetable intake and vegetable variety is associated with a better self-reported health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in a cross-sectional survey of rural northern Ghanaian women in fertile age

BackgroundA higher vegetable intake plays an important role in promoting general health and well-being, but there is a dearth of data on the independent effect of vegetable intake on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). This study contributes to evidence on the independent effect of vegetable consumption on HR-QoL among women in fertile age.MethodsA cross-sectional study of a sample of rural women in fertile age (15–49 years, n = 187), randomly selected from 6 rural communities in the Tolon and Savelugu Districts, Northern Region of Ghana. Vegetable consumption in the past month was assessed with a 27-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire; self-reported HR-QoL with the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36); nutritional status with anthropometry; household food security with the household hunger scale (HHS) and demographic and socio-economic related covariates with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire using face-face interviews. Generalised Linear Models were fitted to assess adjusted mean scores and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) by terciles of vegetable intake and vegetable variety score (VVS) for the HR-QoL, its physical health (PH) and mental health (MH) domains and the SF-36 subscales.ResultsThe mean vegetable intake of the women was 324.6 ± 196.1 g/day. The mean scores of the HR-QoL, PH and MH were 69.5 ± 13.6, 72.6 ± 17.4 and 66.4 ± 12.6 respectively. The alpha Cronbach measure of reliability for the HR-QoL, PH and MH were 0.78, 0.75 and 0.62 respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders such as age, body-mass-index (BMI), parity, educational status, occupation, marital status, HHS and household asset index, we observed an increasing trend across terciles of vegetable intake in the past month for the HR-QoL (P-trend = 0.0003), PH (P-trend = 0.02), MH (P-trend = 0.001) as well as the physical functioning (P-trend = 0.01), role-physical (P-trend <.0001), and role emotional (P-trend <.0001) domains of the SF-36. The multivariate model of the results also showed a significant increasing trend in the adjusted mean scores of the HR-QoL (P-trend = 0.04), MH (P-trend = 0.001) as well as 4 subscales of the SF-36 [role-physical (P-trend = 0.02), role-emotional (P-trend = 0.05), emotional well-being (P-trend = 0.002) and vitality (P-trend <.0001)] across terciles of the VVS.ConclusionThe results of the present study suggest a potential beneficial role of high vegetable intake and consumption of more varied vegetables on HR-QoL. Further research is needed to determine the mechanisms driving these influences.

Effect of Heavy Metals in Brewery Water Sources and Pito Brewed from Them in Tamale Metropolis and Tolon District, Ghana

Effect of Heavy Metals in Brewery Water Sources and Pito Brewed from Them in Tamale Metropolis and Tolon District, Ghana

Off-farm work and food security status of farming households in Ghana

ABSTRACTThis study assessed the effect of participation in off-farm work on the food security status of farming households in the Northern Region of Ghana. Primary data were solicited from 324 farming households in the Tamale metropolis and Tolon district using semi-structured questionnaires. The treatment effects of both income and food security status were estimated using propensity score matching and double-robust methods. The empirical results suggest that participation in off-farm activities increased household daily calorie consumption. These results have implications for the development of off-farm ventures for the benefit of the farming households.

Phenotypic Variances in ‘Djallonke’ Sheep reared under Extensive Management System in Tolon District of Ghana

Abstract The study of the phenotypic body traits of the West African Dwarf (Djallonke’) sheep in the Tolon District of Ghana is necessary for the attainment of detailed description of this breed. A total of 124 sheep were randomly selected from flocks reared under extensive system by farmers. Biometric traits including live body weight (LW), rump height (RH), height at withers (HW), body length (BL), neck length (NL), ear length (EL) and tail length (TL) were measured, while qualitative traits including coat colour, fur texture and sex were observed. Chi-square and Cramer’s V tests revealed that sex was associated with fur texture but not coat colour pattern. Fixed effects of sex and fur texture on biometric traits were tested using GLM, while Principal Component Factor Analysis was used to identify latent factors in body composition. Seven different colour patterns were identified of which white dominated as solid or pairing with brown or black. Male and female sheep were generally similar (P > 0.05) in biometric traits except for LW and NL (P < 0.05), while animals with smooth fur texture had significantly (P < 0.05) higher LW, BL, NL and TL. The overall mean values of 20.73 ± 0.44 kg, 53.26 ± 0.48, 52.79 ± 0.48, 46.95 ± 0.47, 24.29 ± 0.30, 10.61 ± 0.15, and 25.66 ± 0.35 cm were obtained for LW, RH, HW, BL, NL, EL and TL, respectively. Two latent factors (PC’s) were extracted to explain a maximum variation of 71.55% with the first PC comprising of RH, HW, BL and TL, which accounted for 52.21% variation to indicate the general body size of the Djallonke’ sheep. The second PC seemed to indicate the length of the anterior region. The two PC’s could be exploited by researchers and breeders in selection and improvement of the breed. Keywords: Body measurements, breed, coat colour, principal component, qualitative traits, WAD Cite this Article Peter T. Birteeb, Dickson Donkor. Phenotypic Variances in ‘Djallonke’ Sheep reared under Extensive Management System in Tolon District of Ghana. Research & Reviews: Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology. 2016; 5(1): 23–29p.

Malaria diagnosis and treatment practices in Tolon district, Northern Region

Introduction: effective case management involving prompt parasitological diagnosis and treatment with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) has been recognized as the cornerstone of malaria control strategies. Despite Ghanas adoption of these recommendations, malaria accounts for 66% of all OPD cases in Tolon district which is higher than the regional average. This raises doubts about malaria diagnosis and treatment practice. This study therefore sought to assess malaria diagnosis and treatment practices in the Tolon district.

Analysis of upper respiratory tract infection surveillance data in Tolon district, 2011-2015

Introduction : upper respiratory tract infection (URI) is a nonspecific term used to describe acute infections involving; the nose, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. Most URIs occur more frequently during the cold winter months. URIs spread from one person to another through aerosol droplets and direct hand-to-hand contact. WHO estimated that 4.3 million of 12.9 million of deaths among children under five years were as a result of URI. In the developing countries, seven out of ten children under 5 years of age die as a result of RTI. Upper respiratory tract infection (URI) has always been part of the top five disease in Tolon district. Surveillance data was analyzed to determine the trend of URI cases from 2011 to 2015, the distribution of cases among age groups, gender, and sub-districts. Methods : descriptive secondary data analysis on all URI cases reporting at OPD in all health facilities in the district from 2011 to 2015 among all ae groups. Data was obtained from the District Health Information Management System2 (DHIMS2). Data was analyzed by using Microsoft Excel according to person, place and time. Results : from 2011 to 2015, URI cases increased from 13.8% to 16.9% and suddenly declined to 11% for two consecutive years but eventually increased to 12.8% respectively. URI cases usually peaked in October in each year. Children below five years were the most population affected whereas sixty years and above were the least affected population. Nyankpala Sub-district recorded the highest followed by Tolon sub-district and Kpendua sub-district had the least proportion of cases. More than 50% of cases were females. Conclusion : there has been a reduction in URTI cases in the district especially from 2012 to 2015. Cases always peaks up in October almost every year. Under five years children are the most affected groups. Females were mostly affected than males. Nyankpala sub-district recorded the highest proportion of URI cases whereas Kpendua Sub-district recording the least proportion.

Microbial quality of ablution kettles used at mosques in the Tolon District: A case study in Nyankpala

The ubiquitous nature of microorganism and its ability of being transmitted have raised serious concerns, particularly items/objects used by multiple people. The aim of this study is to assess the ...

Off-farm participation and technical efficiency among smallholder farmers in the Northern Region, Ghana

The study aimed at investigating the effects of off-farm participation on technical efficiency of maize production in the Tolon district of the Northern Region, Ghana. The Logit regression model was used to analyze the determinants of off-farm participation while the stochastic frontier production function was used to model the determinants of maize output and technical efficiency. The empirical results from the logistic regression model indicate that age of farmer, educational attainment, farming experience, farm size, and previous farm income are significant drivers of farmers’ participation in off-farm activities. Farmers’ average technical efficiency level was 90.7% suggesting a 9.3% potential loss to inefficiency. Moreover, participation in off-farm activities had a negative influence on farmers’ technical efficiency level. The study, therefore, recommends that farm-level policy should be directed towards making the agricultural sector attractive by promoting investment and agricultural employment opportunities in the rural areas so as to ensure full commitment to farming activities.&#x0D; JEL code: Q22

Access to Credit and Constraint Analysis: The Case of Smallholder Rice Farmers in Ghana

The study assessed rice farmers’ access to credit and constraints in rice production in the Tolon District of Ghana. A total of 140 rice farmers were sampled for the study using multi-stage sampling technique. The probit model was used to estimate the factors that affected rice farmers’ access to credit. The Kendall’s coefficient of concordance was used to assess the constraints in rice production. The results of the study revealed that majority of the rice farmers accessed credit from family and friends and invested the credit into non-agricultural activities. The probit result revealed that age, marital status, member of farmer based organization, extension visit, record keeping and farm income were the significant variables that influenced rice farmers’ access to credit. The results also revealed that high cost of inputs and pest were the most pressing institutional and technical constraints in rice production, respectively. The study recommends that credit should be converted to physical inputs and other services and delivered to farmers to help minimize credit diversion from the farm sector. Rice farmers should be encouraged to form farmer groups and keep records of farming activities considering the fact that it positively influenced farmers’ access to credit. Subsidies should be provided on farm inputs. Effective ways of eliminating pest on rice fields should be developed since it was a major challenge facing the rice farmers in their production.

Smallholder farmers' vulnerability to floods in the Tolon District, Ghana

Floods have become localised and unpredictable, hence the need for local level assessment to improve smallholder farmers' resilience and strengthen their capacity to adapt. This study investigated the degree of smallholder farmers' vulnerability to floods in Tolon District, Ghana. The study revealed that a farmer's location is the principal determinant of flood vulnerability. Floods in study communities are the result of continuous heavy rainfall over days, causing floods near river valleys and low-lying areas. Households in Communities of Tampia and Kpalisogu-Kura, which are closer to the White Volta River are highly vulnerable compared to Yoggu and Kpalgun, which are inland. Also planning towards reducing farmers' losses from floods in the study communities is negligible. This is attributed to limited knowledge, financial and material resources to adapt. Addressing flood vulnerability must consider improving adaptive capacities of smallholder farmers in food production, processing and craft work, and providing financial and technical assistance.

Smallholder farmers' vulnerability to floods in the Tolon District, Ghana

Floods have become localised and unpredictable, hence the need for local level assessment to improve smallholder farmers' resilience and strengthen their capacity to adapt. This study investigated the degree of smallholder farmers' vulnerability to floods in Tolon District, Ghana. The study revealed that a farmer's location is the principal determinant of flood vulnerability. Floods in study communities are the result of continuous heavy rainfall over days, causing floods near river valleys and low-lying areas. Households in Communities of Tampia and Kpalisogu-Kura, which are closer to the White Volta River are highly vulnerable compared to Yoggu and Kpalgun, which are inland. Also planning towards reducing farmers' losses from floods in the study communities is negligible. This is attributed to limited knowledge, financial and material resources to adapt. Addressing flood vulnerability must consider improving adaptive capacities of smallholder farmers in food production, processing and craft work, and providing financial and technical assistance.

Effects of Different Planting Distance on Soil moisture content and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Tolon District of Northern Region, Ghana

Effects of Different Planting Distance on Soil moisture content and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Tolon District of Northern Region, Ghana

Effect of Different Water Application Schedules on the Growth and Yield of Loose leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) at Golinga Irrigation Scheme in the Tolon District of Northern Region, Ghana

Effect of Different Water Application Schedules on the Growth and Yield of Loose leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) at Golinga Irrigation Scheme in the Tolon District of Northern Region, Ghana