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I, Dennis Owusu Boateng, the author of this project, hereby declare that except for the reference... more I, Dennis Owusu Boateng, the author of this project, hereby declare that except for the references to other people‘s work, which I have duly acknowledged, the work presented here was actually carried out by me. I also declare that this work has never been submitted partially or wholly to any institution for award of a degree.
Journel of Food Quality, 2022
Cocoa (eobroma cacao) contributes significantly to Ghana's GDP and has made Ghana a recognized le... more Cocoa (eobroma cacao) contributes significantly to Ghana's GDP and has made Ghana a recognized leader in the cocoa industry. However, there are myriad problems associated with Ghana's cocoa bean quality. One such problems stems from farmers paying less attention to the required postharvest activities (fermentation and drying) which contributes significantly to bean quality losses. is study investigated the effect of the duration of the traditional heap fermentation period and different drying methods: solar biomass hybrid dryer (SBHD) and traditional sun drying method (TSDM) on the bean quality of two cocoa varieties (hybrid cocoa and Amazonia). Quality attributes of cocoa beans such as pH, moisture content, fat content, crude protein, free fatty acids, phenolic contents, colour, and bean size were examined. e statgraphics statistical tool was used to analyse data and the least significant difference (LSD) was used to compare treatment means. Purple beans incidence was observed to be lower in hybrid with a value of 21.90% in the solar biomass hybrid dryer after 5 days of fermentation. Hybrid recorded the highest flavonoid value of 6069.74 mg QE/g DW in the traditional sun drying after 7 days of fermentation. Hybrid as well recorded the highest total phenolic value of 711.44 mg GAE/g DW in the solar biomass hybrid dryer under 5 days of fermentation. Results also indicated that using the solar biomass hybrid dryer resulted in the best moisture content removal and was very efficient compared with the traditional sun drying method in ensuring high-quality beans per international market standards. Cocoa beans dried under SBHD had the overall highest purity and were of better quality compared to those dried directly in the sun. ere were no significant differences (p ≤ 0.24) in percentage purity among the cocoa samples studied.
BLUEPEN JOURNALS, 2022
This study assessed the storage practices of five licensed buying companies (LBC) and pests whic... more This study assessed the storage practices of five licensed buying companies
(LBC) and pests which affected the quality of stored cocoa beans in the study
area. The study comprised of field survey using questionnaires. Samples of stored
cocoa beans were collected for periods of 0, 2 and 4 weeks of storage. Laboratory
experiments were done to check physical quality characteristics using the cut test
method, insect damage, purpleness and weight loss. Insects present in beans
were checked using sieving net. The warehouses insects were trapped with insect
pheromones (Storegard II). Survey data were analysed using IBM-SPSS version 16
and laboratory data was analyzed using Statistix statistical package 9th edition.
Means separation were done using LSD at 5%. From the survey, 97% of the depot
managers keep cocoa beans for 2-4 weeks before transporting. Also, 42.5% of the
LBCs in the study area stored their cocoa beans in warehouse while the rest keeps
them in stores or sheds. Only 17.5% removed cobwebs weekly, 30% did it monthly
whiles 52.5% removed the cobwebs as and when noticed. However, 95.5%of the
depot keeper’s checked the moisture content of the beans before storage whiles
the rest did not. Ultra-low volume fogging was the key strategy used by the LBCs
to control insect infestation. The key insect pest species found were Plodia
interpunctella, Tribolium castaneum, Esphestia cautella and Rhyzopertha
dominica. No significant differences (p=0.05) were found among the LBCs depots
when physical qualities of beans were assessed. It was established that all the
LBCs in the study area produced standard beans. It is, therefore recommended
that Pheromone traps be used for insect monitoring in warehouses.
Under rain-fed conditions, perfumed rice production in Northern Ghana is associated with high pad... more Under rain-fed conditions, perfumed rice production in Northern Ghana is associated with high paddy cracking during milling. In this study, 4 perfumed rice varieties, 6 staggered planting times, 6 staggered harvesting cycles, and staggered storage duration from harvest to six months of storage were used in a randomized complete block design to identify the best combination of factors that are associated with low cracking in rice production. e experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three geographically distinct locations serving as replicates. Grain moisture and paddy crackness were determined. e results indicated a mixed factorial interaction for all measured variables. Early planting, early harvesting, and short storage duration reduced paddy cracking compared to late treatments (P < 0.05). For all treatment combinations, milling within two weeks after harvesting was associated with lower cracking as long as the harvesting cycle did not exceed the fourth cycle. After the second month of storage, percentage cracking was high, approaching 90% in most cases.
International Journal of Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2021
In recent times, the concerns of the government of Ghana have been on the need to increase the sh... more In recent times, the concerns of the government of Ghana have been on the need to increase the share of locally processed cocoa by 50%. To this end, there has been efforts through campaign by Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to whip up interest amongst Ghanaians to cultivate the habit of cocoa consumption to sustain the sector which continues to export huge raw cocoa beans with minimal value addition. The concerns are whether or not cocoa consumption by farmers has the potential to contribute to the local cocoa processing and manufacturing agenda set by government. This study examined the perception and consumption habits of cocoa products by farmers in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, a survey was conducted on 120 respondents, twenty (20) each from five cocoa producing communities in the Eastern Region. Descriptive statistics and likert scale analysis were performed on the survey data. A majority (33%) of farmers consume cocoa powder, followed by chocolate (30.83%) and 14.9% (cocoa based products: cocoa cake; pastries; liquor and butter) once a year. Notable amongst the factors perceived by farmers that limit their consumption of chocolate and cocoa-based products is low income. Furthermore, the study revealed that the low awareness of health benefits of chocolate and coco-based products at the farmer level is underpinned by lack of education, inadequate advertisement and sensitization by COCOBOD and relevant stakeholders. It is concluded that, the patronage in terms of consumption habits of chocolate and cocoa based products amongst respondents is minimal. It is recommended that while government creates a favorable business environment for more private sector participation in the local cocoa processing and manufacturing, this should go along with massive campaign and extension education on the health benefits of cocoa consumption at the farmer level. Again, it is advocated that the low income status of farmer which limit their patronage and consumption could be addressed through better producer price by government and introduction of viable additional livelihood programmes through cocoa extension. This has the potentials to enhance farmer’s consumption, hence contribute to the development of the local processing and manufacturing of cocoa.
Ashanti campus to determine the effect of some cowpea lines as green manure on the growth and yie... more Ashanti campus to determine the effect of some cowpea lines as green manure on the growth and yield of carrot in root-knot nematode infested soil. Randomized complete block design with five treatments and four replications was used. The treatments were cowpea lines IT97K-570-18; IT97K-566-18; and IT00K-1150 as green manure, N.P.K (15, 15, 15) and control. The results showed negative correlation between root-knot nematode infestation and growth and yield parameters of carrot. The various cowpea green manure treatments and NPK (15, 15, 15) fertilizer significantly (p<0.05) improved the vegetative growth of carrot plants. Carrots from plots incorporated with cowpea line IT97K-570-18 produced significantly higher root yield than the control. Root-knot nematode infestation on carrot was lowest from plots incorporated with line IT97K-570-18. For all the parameters studied, carrot plants produced from plots incorporated with line IT97K-570-18 green manure gave the best results with respect to growth and yield. It also reduced the severity of galling. The results suggest that line IT97K-570-18 can be a better alternative to NPK (15, 15, 15) for increased carrot yield and root-knot nematode control on the Bediese Soil Series of Ghana.
The study ranked and analysed the constraints facing the Cocoa-based Agricultural Knowledge and I... more The study ranked and analysed the constraints facing the Cocoa-based Agricultural Knowledge and Information System (AKIS) in Ghana from the perspectives of cocoa farmers in the Eastern Region. Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance (W) was used to test the rank of factors that influence the efficient functioning of the cocoa-based AKIS. The study revealed that there was a 100% agreement among the various rankings that 22.7% of the coefficient of concordance is correct. Implying that, there is agreement among cocoa farmers concerning the factors/constraints that limit the efficient functioning of the cocoa-based AKIS. Inadequate interaction with researchers and extension agents had a mean rank of 4.57, representing the highest ranking order with a few cocoa licensed buying companies (LBC's) providing cocoa-based information ranking the least among the fifteen constraints. It indicates that, it does not seem to be generally true that the existing AKIS institutions or stakeholders have reneged on their duties but that they have not reached their full potential in their quest of information dissemination to farmers. The study therefore advocates an effective and participatory synergy among all the stakeholders in the cocoa AKIS chain to ensure that all the bottlenecks that exist in the information, knowledge and technology dissemination are reduce to the barest minimum for higher productivity and overall efficiency of the system.
The study assessed the perception of farmers on the awareness, causes and impact of climate chang... more The study assessed the perception of farmers on the awareness, causes and impact of climate change on their farming activities. The study further identifies and describes the various coping strategies adopted by farmers and ways of improving upon them to effectively tackle change in climatic conditions. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, and percentages. The other key technique that was employed to address the objective includes the Chi square analysis. The findings indicates that, the () calculated (25.846) is greater than critical (18.307); implying that, respondents (cocoa farmers) in all the cocoa growing regions in the country are much aware of climate change and its impact on their farming activities ranging from the time of planting cocoa to the time of harvesting and drying cocoa beans. Main causes of climate change by farmers' perception include God's plan signifying the end of time, usage of heavy machines on land, air and water, deforestation, indiscriminate bush burning before farming or in search of game, farming alongside river bodies and illegal mining. Amongst the coping strategies identified include the soil fertility strategy, shade management strategy, land preparation strategy, farm size strategy and lining and pegging strategy. It evident that the existing agencies and government bodies have not been responsive enough in addressing the climatic problems, forecasting skills and opportunities facing cocoa farmers as crucial factors of risk posed by climate change. The study advocates that government and stakeholders should put up educational programmes tailored to meet the climatic information needs of farmers especially the causes to enable them cope with the emerging challenges to enhance their production. This could be realized through effective extension services.
The mining sector is a very important segment of the extractive sector but has one of the most se... more The mining sector is a very important segment of the extractive sector but has one of the most serious and disastrous environmental consequences; conflicting with the livelihood (especially cocoa farmers) and survival of resident communities. This study was conducted in Atiwa district of Ghana to assess farmer's awareness of small scale illegal mining (Galamsey), its impact on cocoa production and livelihoods in the mining communities. Snowball sampling techniques were used. Data collected was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) software. Descriptive statistics tools were used for the data analyses. The study revealed that farmers in the communities face several challenges from mining activities such as water pollution from excessive use of chemicals, air pollution and land degradation from indiscriminate heavy use of machines. Farmers have also observed early dropping of immature pods, wilting, yellowing of leaves and low yield on cocoa farms closer to mined out areas. Majority of the farmers opined that their engagement in the Galamsey activities is as a result of unemployment; desire to get quick money and the fact that cocoa farming is seen as a job or business that does not pay well. The study advocates for a lot of adverts on television and radio to create awareness on the dangers that Galamsey poses to the cocoa sector which is the mainstay of the economy and an aggressive land reclamation campaign.
I, Dennis Owusu Boateng, the author of this project, hereby declare that except for the reference... more I, Dennis Owusu Boateng, the author of this project, hereby declare that except for the references to other people‘s work, which I have duly acknowledged, the work presented here was actually carried out by me. I also declare that this work has never been submitted partially or wholly to any institution for award of a degree.
Journel of Food Quality, 2022
Cocoa (eobroma cacao) contributes significantly to Ghana's GDP and has made Ghana a recognized le... more Cocoa (eobroma cacao) contributes significantly to Ghana's GDP and has made Ghana a recognized leader in the cocoa industry. However, there are myriad problems associated with Ghana's cocoa bean quality. One such problems stems from farmers paying less attention to the required postharvest activities (fermentation and drying) which contributes significantly to bean quality losses. is study investigated the effect of the duration of the traditional heap fermentation period and different drying methods: solar biomass hybrid dryer (SBHD) and traditional sun drying method (TSDM) on the bean quality of two cocoa varieties (hybrid cocoa and Amazonia). Quality attributes of cocoa beans such as pH, moisture content, fat content, crude protein, free fatty acids, phenolic contents, colour, and bean size were examined. e statgraphics statistical tool was used to analyse data and the least significant difference (LSD) was used to compare treatment means. Purple beans incidence was observed to be lower in hybrid with a value of 21.90% in the solar biomass hybrid dryer after 5 days of fermentation. Hybrid recorded the highest flavonoid value of 6069.74 mg QE/g DW in the traditional sun drying after 7 days of fermentation. Hybrid as well recorded the highest total phenolic value of 711.44 mg GAE/g DW in the solar biomass hybrid dryer under 5 days of fermentation. Results also indicated that using the solar biomass hybrid dryer resulted in the best moisture content removal and was very efficient compared with the traditional sun drying method in ensuring high-quality beans per international market standards. Cocoa beans dried under SBHD had the overall highest purity and were of better quality compared to those dried directly in the sun. ere were no significant differences (p ≤ 0.24) in percentage purity among the cocoa samples studied.
BLUEPEN JOURNALS, 2022
This study assessed the storage practices of five licensed buying companies (LBC) and pests whic... more This study assessed the storage practices of five licensed buying companies
(LBC) and pests which affected the quality of stored cocoa beans in the study
area. The study comprised of field survey using questionnaires. Samples of stored
cocoa beans were collected for periods of 0, 2 and 4 weeks of storage. Laboratory
experiments were done to check physical quality characteristics using the cut test
method, insect damage, purpleness and weight loss. Insects present in beans
were checked using sieving net. The warehouses insects were trapped with insect
pheromones (Storegard II). Survey data were analysed using IBM-SPSS version 16
and laboratory data was analyzed using Statistix statistical package 9th edition.
Means separation were done using LSD at 5%. From the survey, 97% of the depot
managers keep cocoa beans for 2-4 weeks before transporting. Also, 42.5% of the
LBCs in the study area stored their cocoa beans in warehouse while the rest keeps
them in stores or sheds. Only 17.5% removed cobwebs weekly, 30% did it monthly
whiles 52.5% removed the cobwebs as and when noticed. However, 95.5%of the
depot keeper’s checked the moisture content of the beans before storage whiles
the rest did not. Ultra-low volume fogging was the key strategy used by the LBCs
to control insect infestation. The key insect pest species found were Plodia
interpunctella, Tribolium castaneum, Esphestia cautella and Rhyzopertha
dominica. No significant differences (p=0.05) were found among the LBCs depots
when physical qualities of beans were assessed. It was established that all the
LBCs in the study area produced standard beans. It is, therefore recommended
that Pheromone traps be used for insect monitoring in warehouses.
Under rain-fed conditions, perfumed rice production in Northern Ghana is associated with high pad... more Under rain-fed conditions, perfumed rice production in Northern Ghana is associated with high paddy cracking during milling. In this study, 4 perfumed rice varieties, 6 staggered planting times, 6 staggered harvesting cycles, and staggered storage duration from harvest to six months of storage were used in a randomized complete block design to identify the best combination of factors that are associated with low cracking in rice production. e experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three geographically distinct locations serving as replicates. Grain moisture and paddy crackness were determined. e results indicated a mixed factorial interaction for all measured variables. Early planting, early harvesting, and short storage duration reduced paddy cracking compared to late treatments (P < 0.05). For all treatment combinations, milling within two weeks after harvesting was associated with lower cracking as long as the harvesting cycle did not exceed the fourth cycle. After the second month of storage, percentage cracking was high, approaching 90% in most cases.
International Journal of Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2021
In recent times, the concerns of the government of Ghana have been on the need to increase the sh... more In recent times, the concerns of the government of Ghana have been on the need to increase the share of locally processed cocoa by 50%. To this end, there has been efforts through campaign by Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to whip up interest amongst Ghanaians to cultivate the habit of cocoa consumption to sustain the sector which continues to export huge raw cocoa beans with minimal value addition. The concerns are whether or not cocoa consumption by farmers has the potential to contribute to the local cocoa processing and manufacturing agenda set by government. This study examined the perception and consumption habits of cocoa products by farmers in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, a survey was conducted on 120 respondents, twenty (20) each from five cocoa producing communities in the Eastern Region. Descriptive statistics and likert scale analysis were performed on the survey data. A majority (33%) of farmers consume cocoa powder, followed by chocolate (30.83%) and 14.9% (cocoa based products: cocoa cake; pastries; liquor and butter) once a year. Notable amongst the factors perceived by farmers that limit their consumption of chocolate and cocoa-based products is low income. Furthermore, the study revealed that the low awareness of health benefits of chocolate and coco-based products at the farmer level is underpinned by lack of education, inadequate advertisement and sensitization by COCOBOD and relevant stakeholders. It is concluded that, the patronage in terms of consumption habits of chocolate and cocoa based products amongst respondents is minimal. It is recommended that while government creates a favorable business environment for more private sector participation in the local cocoa processing and manufacturing, this should go along with massive campaign and extension education on the health benefits of cocoa consumption at the farmer level. Again, it is advocated that the low income status of farmer which limit their patronage and consumption could be addressed through better producer price by government and introduction of viable additional livelihood programmes through cocoa extension. This has the potentials to enhance farmer’s consumption, hence contribute to the development of the local processing and manufacturing of cocoa.
Ashanti campus to determine the effect of some cowpea lines as green manure on the growth and yie... more Ashanti campus to determine the effect of some cowpea lines as green manure on the growth and yield of carrot in root-knot nematode infested soil. Randomized complete block design with five treatments and four replications was used. The treatments were cowpea lines IT97K-570-18; IT97K-566-18; and IT00K-1150 as green manure, N.P.K (15, 15, 15) and control. The results showed negative correlation between root-knot nematode infestation and growth and yield parameters of carrot. The various cowpea green manure treatments and NPK (15, 15, 15) fertilizer significantly (p<0.05) improved the vegetative growth of carrot plants. Carrots from plots incorporated with cowpea line IT97K-570-18 produced significantly higher root yield than the control. Root-knot nematode infestation on carrot was lowest from plots incorporated with line IT97K-570-18. For all the parameters studied, carrot plants produced from plots incorporated with line IT97K-570-18 green manure gave the best results with respect to growth and yield. It also reduced the severity of galling. The results suggest that line IT97K-570-18 can be a better alternative to NPK (15, 15, 15) for increased carrot yield and root-knot nematode control on the Bediese Soil Series of Ghana.
The study ranked and analysed the constraints facing the Cocoa-based Agricultural Knowledge and I... more The study ranked and analysed the constraints facing the Cocoa-based Agricultural Knowledge and Information System (AKIS) in Ghana from the perspectives of cocoa farmers in the Eastern Region. Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance (W) was used to test the rank of factors that influence the efficient functioning of the cocoa-based AKIS. The study revealed that there was a 100% agreement among the various rankings that 22.7% of the coefficient of concordance is correct. Implying that, there is agreement among cocoa farmers concerning the factors/constraints that limit the efficient functioning of the cocoa-based AKIS. Inadequate interaction with researchers and extension agents had a mean rank of 4.57, representing the highest ranking order with a few cocoa licensed buying companies (LBC's) providing cocoa-based information ranking the least among the fifteen constraints. It indicates that, it does not seem to be generally true that the existing AKIS institutions or stakeholders have reneged on their duties but that they have not reached their full potential in their quest of information dissemination to farmers. The study therefore advocates an effective and participatory synergy among all the stakeholders in the cocoa AKIS chain to ensure that all the bottlenecks that exist in the information, knowledge and technology dissemination are reduce to the barest minimum for higher productivity and overall efficiency of the system.
The study assessed the perception of farmers on the awareness, causes and impact of climate chang... more The study assessed the perception of farmers on the awareness, causes and impact of climate change on their farming activities. The study further identifies and describes the various coping strategies adopted by farmers and ways of improving upon them to effectively tackle change in climatic conditions. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, and percentages. The other key technique that was employed to address the objective includes the Chi square analysis. The findings indicates that, the () calculated (25.846) is greater than critical (18.307); implying that, respondents (cocoa farmers) in all the cocoa growing regions in the country are much aware of climate change and its impact on their farming activities ranging from the time of planting cocoa to the time of harvesting and drying cocoa beans. Main causes of climate change by farmers' perception include God's plan signifying the end of time, usage of heavy machines on land, air and water, deforestation, indiscriminate bush burning before farming or in search of game, farming alongside river bodies and illegal mining. Amongst the coping strategies identified include the soil fertility strategy, shade management strategy, land preparation strategy, farm size strategy and lining and pegging strategy. It evident that the existing agencies and government bodies have not been responsive enough in addressing the climatic problems, forecasting skills and opportunities facing cocoa farmers as crucial factors of risk posed by climate change. The study advocates that government and stakeholders should put up educational programmes tailored to meet the climatic information needs of farmers especially the causes to enable them cope with the emerging challenges to enhance their production. This could be realized through effective extension services.
The mining sector is a very important segment of the extractive sector but has one of the most se... more The mining sector is a very important segment of the extractive sector but has one of the most serious and disastrous environmental consequences; conflicting with the livelihood (especially cocoa farmers) and survival of resident communities. This study was conducted in Atiwa district of Ghana to assess farmer's awareness of small scale illegal mining (Galamsey), its impact on cocoa production and livelihoods in the mining communities. Snowball sampling techniques were used. Data collected was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) software. Descriptive statistics tools were used for the data analyses. The study revealed that farmers in the communities face several challenges from mining activities such as water pollution from excessive use of chemicals, air pollution and land degradation from indiscriminate heavy use of machines. Farmers have also observed early dropping of immature pods, wilting, yellowing of leaves and low yield on cocoa farms closer to mined out areas. Majority of the farmers opined that their engagement in the Galamsey activities is as a result of unemployment; desire to get quick money and the fact that cocoa farming is seen as a job or business that does not pay well. The study advocates for a lot of adverts on television and radio to create awareness on the dangers that Galamsey poses to the cocoa sector which is the mainstay of the economy and an aggressive land reclamation campaign.