Grace Obeng-Koranteng - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Grace Obeng-Koranteng

International Journal of Research Studies in Computing, 2017

The study examined the Research scientists' knowledge in the use of Internet resources for resear... more The study examined the Research scientists' knowledge in the use of Internet resources for research in the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana. A quantitative research approach was adopted for the study, using a survey as research method. A random sampling technique was used to select 109 agricultural research scientists for the study. Data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire. A total of 98 cases were analyzed which represented 89.9% of the total sample. The data were subjected to frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, Pearson's product-moment correlation (r) and multiple regression. The results showed that most researchers acquired computer knowledge without undergoing formal training in the use of the Internet. Mostly they learnt through self-development. The researchers used the Internet mostly for research purposes. The study therefore recommended that various institutes should acquire more bandwidth for their Internet connections to accommodate more computers and to improve the Internet speed. Internet networks must be active and continuously sustained in order to make this valued resource effective in all agricultural research institutes.

Journal of Agricultural & Food Information, Oct 11, 2017

This study assessed information sources for urban mushroom farmers in Accra, Ghana. One hundred f... more This study assessed information sources for urban mushroom farmers in Accra, Ghana. One hundred farmers were sampled, and a structured questionnaire was administered to solicit information from the respondents. Results showed that the majority of farmers were male (71%) and most (60%) with university education. The majority (44%) had 1-5 years of experience in mushroom cultivation. Co-farmers (89.8%), the Mushroom Growers Association (79.6%), training workshops (73.5%), and the Farmers' Forum (29.6%) readily served as information sources for farmers. The research revealed that, for 52% of farmers, ignorance of information sources was a major hindrance in their quest for information.

The study was carried out to determine the present status of the shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) ... more The study was carried out to determine the present status of the shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) farming enterprise in Ghana. The Keta Municipality was selected as the study area because it is a major shallot growing area within the dry coastal equatorial climate with an average annual rainfall of less than 1000 mm. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study while interview schedules were used for data collection on characteristics of shallot farmers. The data were analysed with SPSS version 21 using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. The study shows that a large majority (67%) of shallot farmers were males whilst 33% were females. Mono‐cropping is the type of farming system used by the farmers with organic and inorganic fertilizers as the main source of plant nutrients. To attract more farmers into shallot farming in Ghana, it is important that, Non‐Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders including gove...

Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 2016

The study focused on the implication of the introduction of new academic programmes on the resour... more The study focused on the implication of the introduction of new academic programmes on the resources of Balme Library in University of Ghana, Legon. The case study methodology was used with a study population of 47 staff constituting both senior members and senior staff of Balme Library and the Director of Academic Affairs respectively. Data collection instruments used were questionnaire and interview. The responses were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The study revealed that, the Balme Library was not consulted or involved during the introduction of new academic programmes. In addition, student enrolment was increasing every year due to the introduction of new academic courses as well as general increased in access to tertiary education, but there was no corresponding increase in resources like staff, materials and space at the Balme Library. Also special funds are not allocated to Balme Library to support the introduction of new academic courses. In order to improve the service and resource base of Balme Library to support the introduction of new academic programmes it was recommended that the University of Ghana should consider establishing a virtual library, increase staff strength, expand physical infrastructure, seek alternative source of funding and ensure collaboration between the Balme Library with satellite libraries on campus to ensure quality academic output.

Information Development, 2018

This paper makes the firm assumption that the effective use of ICT tools such as the mobile phone... more This paper makes the firm assumption that the effective use of ICT tools such as the mobile phone may hold the key to introducing the needed dynamism and efficiency in agricultural extension delivery in Ghana. It therefore seeks to examine the dynamics of the use of mobile phone among poultry farmers in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One hundred and fifty poultry farmers selected from the Greater Accra Region were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The study showed a high penetration of mobile phones among the poultry farmers. A regression analysis showed that demographic variables such as age, sex, educational level, experience and size of holdings influenced the use of mobile phone. Network failure was cited as the major constraint to the use of mobile phones. There is the need for the required investment to build a more robust infrastructural base for the use of mobile phone as it remains a critical tool to supporting agricultural extension delivery among Ghanaian f...

The Thomist: A Speculative Quarterly Review, 1956

T HE THO MIST revival that began at the turn of the present century had to face the difficult and... more T HE THO MIST revival that began at the turn of the present century had to face the difficult and insistent epistemological challenge laid down by Kantianism. Philosophy had to establish its right to existence. Its chief concern was to defend its most intimate metaphysical concepts against the destructive onslaughts of subjectivism. So quite willingly the Thomists of the time plunged immediately into metaphysical problems at the beginning of the philosophical course. It seemed to them necessary to do so, because of the intellectual atmosphere of the time. But as a result, ontology became a sort of introduction to natural philosophy; it served an instrumental function: it gave and justified the concepts of being, substance, act and potency, cause and all the other conceptual equipment needed to carry on a philosophical investigation of nature and of man. Once Thomism became :reestablished and began to enjoy a feeling of stability, philosophers shifted the exposition of their science to the more natural order, beginning with those sensible objects that are more known to us and proceeding upward toward immateriality and to God, the First Principle of reality, Who is most knowable in His own nature. Yet there remained an enticing temptation to compromise this order somewhat, especially in metaphysics. In its sapiential function metaphysics is synthetic and views all of being from the heights of an analogical unity. .But in its function as a science of the ultimate principles of reality, metaphysics proceeds analytically, that is, it works up from multiplicity to the peak of wisdom and unity. The Summa Theologiae proceeds according to a sapiential order, beginning with God and descending to creatures. It is a properly theological order/ and has the advantage

The study determined the perceived impact of Royal FM agricultural programme on livelihoods of fa... more The study determined the perceived impact of Royal FM agricultural programme on livelihoods of farmers in five districts and municipalities in the Broag-Ahofo Region of Ghana. An interview schedule was used to collect data from a sample of 198 farmers. The findings of the study showed that 62.5 % of the respondents who listened to agricultural programmes aired on Royal FM are males and 37.5% are females. The study show that farmers gained knowledge in the various improved practices as a result of the Royal FM agricultural programme and have impacted in the five districts and municipalities at different levels. The impact of the programme on farmers' livelihoods was highest in Banda District and Wenchi Municipal but was moderately high in Jaman North, Tain District and Techiman Municipal respectively. The Tamhane's T2 Post Hoc Multiple Comparison was used to test the differences in impact and the results indicated that other external factors may have also resulted in such dif...

Journal of Information & Knowledge Management

The study seeks to ascertain the levels of awareness and usage of reference management software (... more The study seeks to ascertain the levels of awareness and usage of reference management software (RMS) among researchers of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana. The purpose and benefits as well as challenges associated with the use of these tools were also discussed. Descriptive survey methodology was employed for this study. A web-based questionnaire consisting of both multiple-choice and open-ended questions was used to collect data from 110 scientists in 13 research institutes of the CSIR, Ghana. Results show that overwhelming majority of scientists (80%) are aware and know about RMS. However, the adoption and usage of these tools are low. The percentage of non-usage was higher among the older scientists (22% for over 51 years) as against the younger researchers (9% for 31 to 40 years). Overall, 33.6% do not use RMS at all, and scientists occasionally used RMS. Mendeley was the most popularly used software among respondents. Results also show that most...

The study determined the perceived impact of Royal FM agricultural programme on livelihoods of fa... more The study determined the perceived impact of Royal FM agricultural programme on livelihoods of farmers in five districts and municipalities in the Broag-Ahofo Region of Ghana. An interview schedule was used to collect data from a sample of 198 farmers. The findings of the study showed that 62.5 % of the respondents who listened to agricultural programmes aired on Royal FM are males and 37.5% are females. The study show that farmers gained knowledge in the various improved practices as a result of the Royal FM agricultural programme and have impacted in the five districts and municipalities at different levels. The impact of the programme on farmers' livelihoods was highest in Banda District and Wenchi Municipal but was moderately high in Jaman North, Tain District and Techiman Municipal respectively. The Tamhane's T2 Post Hoc Multiple Comparison was used to test the differences in impact and the results indicated that other external factors may have also resulted in such dif...

This paper makes the firm assumption that the effective use of ICT tools such as the mobile phone... more This paper makes the firm assumption that the effective use of ICT tools such as the mobile phone may hold the key to introducing the needed dynamism and efficiency in agricultural extension delivery in Ghana. It therefore seeks to examine the dynamics of the use of mobile phone among poultry farmers in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One hundred and fifty poultry farmers selected from the Greater Accra Region were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The study showed a high penetration of mobile phones among the poultry farmers. A regression analysis showed that demographic variables such as age, sex, educational level, experience and size of holdings influenced the use of mobile phone. Network failure was cited as the major constraint to the use of mobile phones. There is the need for the required investment to build a more robust infrastructural base for the use of mobile phone as it remains a critical tool to supporting agricultural extension delivery among Ghanaian f...

Journal of Agricultural & Food Information

ABSTRACT This study assessed information sources for urban mushroom farmers in Accra, Ghana. One ... more ABSTRACT This study assessed information sources for urban mushroom farmers in Accra, Ghana. One hundred farmers were sampled, and a structured questionnaire was administered to solicit information from the respondents. Results showed that the majority of farmers were male (71%) and most (60%) with university education. The majority (44%) had 1–5 years of experience in mushroom cultivation. Co-farmers (89.8%), the Mushroom Growers Association (79.6%), training workshops (73.5%), and the Farmers' Forum (29.6%) readily served as information sources for farmers. The research revealed that, for 52% of farmers, ignorance of information sources was a major hindrance in their quest for information.

Journal of Agricultural & Food Information

ABSTRACT This study assessed information sources for urban mushroom farmers in Accra, Ghana. One ... more ABSTRACT This study assessed information sources for urban mushroom farmers in Accra, Ghana. One hundred farmers were sampled, and a structured questionnaire was administered to solicit information from the respondents. Results showed that the majority of farmers were male (71%) and most (60%) with university education. The majority (44%) had 1–5 years of experience in mushroom cultivation. Co-farmers (89.8%), the Mushroom Growers Association (79.6%), training workshops (73.5%), and the Farmers' Forum (29.6%) readily served as information sources for farmers. The research revealed that, for 52% of farmers, ignorance of information sources was a major hindrance in their quest for information.

The study determined the perceived impact of Royal FM agricultural programme on livelihoods of fa... more The study determined the perceived impact of Royal FM agricultural programme on livelihoods of farmers in five districts and municipalities in the Broag-Ahofo Region of Ghana. An interview schedule was used to collect data from a sample of 198 farmers. The findings of the study showed that 62.5 % of the respondents who listened to agricultural programmes aired on Royal FM are males and 37.5% are females. The study show that farmers gained knowledge in the various improved practices as a result of the Royal FM agricultural programme and have impacted in the five districts and municipalities at different levels. The impact of the programme on farmers' livelihoods was highest in Banda District and Wenchi Municipal but was moderately high in Jaman North, Tain District and Techiman Municipal respectively. The Tamhane's T2 Post Hoc Multiple Comparison was used to test the differences in impact and the results indicated that other external factors may have also resulted in such dif...

The purpose of the study was to investigate the level of knowledge, effectiveness of use, frequen... more The purpose of the study was to investigate the level of knowledge, effectiveness of use, frequency of use and challenges in the use of e-resources among the agricultural research scientist in Ghana. This study was based on the Technology Acceptance Model which presents a model that examine the relationship between perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitudes and behavioral usage of other information technologies in recent years. Research design for this study was a case study approach. Data collection involved questionnaires administered to 68 agricultural research scientists, which was supplemented with interviews with Directors of the Institutes. The Study concluded that adequate provision should be made on user education to make scientists aware of various e-resources that are available to enhance usage. Secondly there is the need for increment in the bandwidth of the Internet connectivity and was therefore recommended that, there should be specific budgetary allocatio...

This study assessed the operation and impact of staff performance and service delivery of the Ins... more This study assessed the operation and impact of staff performance and service delivery of the Inservice training programme for Junior Library Assistants of the Ghana Library Authority. The ever increasing growth in the volume of publications in all fields of knowledge coupled with the advent of information and communication technologies in libraries has widened the scope of library services. There is therefore the need for public libraries to train their staff in order to perform effectively and efficiently. The survey method was used and data was collected using open and closed ended questionnaires and interviews. In all, 80 questionnaires were administered to 47 staff and 33 ex-workers of the Ghana Library Authority. The findings showed that most Junior Library Staff of the Authority lack basic skills in library routine work and this could be attributed to the suspension of the GLA In-service training programme. The study also revealed that the bulk of the Junior Staff at the GLA ...

Information Development, 2016

This study assesses sources of information for vegetable farmers in urban part of Accra, Ghana. O... more This study assesses sources of information for vegetable farmers in urban part of Accra, Ghana. One hundred vegetable farmers in the study area were sampled and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Findings revealed that urban vegetable farming is regarded as the business of men. Most of the urban vegetable farmers use radio as a source of agricultural information. Farmers use information on agrochemicals acquired in applying fertilizer, weedicides and pest control. A challenge to the urban vegetable farmers in Accra is poor public relations on the part of agricultural extension agents. The study recommends that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture roll out a programme to educate urban vegetable farmers on the various sources of agricultural information and sponsor adult education programmes in the local languages on national radio and television for farmers to help them make use of different sources of agricultural information effectively.

International Journal of Research Studies in Computing, Apr 18, 2017

The study examined the Research scientists' knowledge in the use of Internet resources for resear... more The study examined the Research scientists' knowledge in the use of Internet resources for research in the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana. A quantitative research approach was adopted for the study, using a survey as research method. A random sampling technique was used to select 109 agricultural research scientists for the study. Data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire. A total of 98 cases were analyzed which represented 89.9% of the total sample. The data were subjected to frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, Pearson's product-moment correlation (r) and multiple regression. The results showed that most researchers acquired computer knowledge without undergoing formal training in the use of the Internet. Mostly they learnt through self-development. The researchers used the Internet mostly for research purposes. The study therefore recommended that various institutes should acquire more bandwidth for their Internet connections to accommodate more computers and to improve the Internet speed. Internet networks must be active and continuously sustained in order to make this valued resource effective in all agricultural research institutes.

Journal of Information & Knowledge Management

The study seeks to ascertain the levels of awareness and usage of reference management software (... more The study seeks to ascertain the levels of awareness and usage of reference management software (RMS) among researchers of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana. The purpose and benefits as well as challenges associated with the use of these tools were also discussed. Descriptive survey methodology was employed for this study. A web-based questionnaire consisting of both multiple-choice and open-ended questions was used to collect data from 110 scientists in 13 research institutes of the CSIR, Ghana. Results show that overwhelming majority of scientists (80%) are aware and know about RMS. However, the adoption and usage of these tools are low. The percentage of non-usage was higher among the older scientists (22% for over 51 years) as against the younger researchers (9% for 31 to 40 years). Overall, 33.6% do not use RMS at all, and scientists occasionally used RMS. Mendeley was the most popularly used software among respondents. Results also show that most...

International Journal of Research Studies in Computing, 2017

The study examined the Research scientists' knowledge in the use of Internet resources for resear... more The study examined the Research scientists' knowledge in the use of Internet resources for research in the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana. A quantitative research approach was adopted for the study, using a survey as research method. A random sampling technique was used to select 109 agricultural research scientists for the study. Data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire. A total of 98 cases were analyzed which represented 89.9% of the total sample. The data were subjected to frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, Pearson's product-moment correlation (r) and multiple regression. The results showed that most researchers acquired computer knowledge without undergoing formal training in the use of the Internet. Mostly they learnt through self-development. The researchers used the Internet mostly for research purposes. The study therefore recommended that various institutes should acquire more bandwidth for their Internet connections to accommodate more computers and to improve the Internet speed. Internet networks must be active and continuously sustained in order to make this valued resource effective in all agricultural research institutes.

Journal of Agricultural & Food Information, Oct 11, 2017

This study assessed information sources for urban mushroom farmers in Accra, Ghana. One hundred f... more This study assessed information sources for urban mushroom farmers in Accra, Ghana. One hundred farmers were sampled, and a structured questionnaire was administered to solicit information from the respondents. Results showed that the majority of farmers were male (71%) and most (60%) with university education. The majority (44%) had 1-5 years of experience in mushroom cultivation. Co-farmers (89.8%), the Mushroom Growers Association (79.6%), training workshops (73.5%), and the Farmers' Forum (29.6%) readily served as information sources for farmers. The research revealed that, for 52% of farmers, ignorance of information sources was a major hindrance in their quest for information.

The study was carried out to determine the present status of the shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) ... more The study was carried out to determine the present status of the shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) farming enterprise in Ghana. The Keta Municipality was selected as the study area because it is a major shallot growing area within the dry coastal equatorial climate with an average annual rainfall of less than 1000 mm. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study while interview schedules were used for data collection on characteristics of shallot farmers. The data were analysed with SPSS version 21 using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. The study shows that a large majority (67%) of shallot farmers were males whilst 33% were females. Mono‐cropping is the type of farming system used by the farmers with organic and inorganic fertilizers as the main source of plant nutrients. To attract more farmers into shallot farming in Ghana, it is important that, Non‐Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders including gove...

Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 2016

The study focused on the implication of the introduction of new academic programmes on the resour... more The study focused on the implication of the introduction of new academic programmes on the resources of Balme Library in University of Ghana, Legon. The case study methodology was used with a study population of 47 staff constituting both senior members and senior staff of Balme Library and the Director of Academic Affairs respectively. Data collection instruments used were questionnaire and interview. The responses were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The study revealed that, the Balme Library was not consulted or involved during the introduction of new academic programmes. In addition, student enrolment was increasing every year due to the introduction of new academic courses as well as general increased in access to tertiary education, but there was no corresponding increase in resources like staff, materials and space at the Balme Library. Also special funds are not allocated to Balme Library to support the introduction of new academic courses. In order to improve the service and resource base of Balme Library to support the introduction of new academic programmes it was recommended that the University of Ghana should consider establishing a virtual library, increase staff strength, expand physical infrastructure, seek alternative source of funding and ensure collaboration between the Balme Library with satellite libraries on campus to ensure quality academic output.

Information Development, 2018

This paper makes the firm assumption that the effective use of ICT tools such as the mobile phone... more This paper makes the firm assumption that the effective use of ICT tools such as the mobile phone may hold the key to introducing the needed dynamism and efficiency in agricultural extension delivery in Ghana. It therefore seeks to examine the dynamics of the use of mobile phone among poultry farmers in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One hundred and fifty poultry farmers selected from the Greater Accra Region were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The study showed a high penetration of mobile phones among the poultry farmers. A regression analysis showed that demographic variables such as age, sex, educational level, experience and size of holdings influenced the use of mobile phone. Network failure was cited as the major constraint to the use of mobile phones. There is the need for the required investment to build a more robust infrastructural base for the use of mobile phone as it remains a critical tool to supporting agricultural extension delivery among Ghanaian f...

The Thomist: A Speculative Quarterly Review, 1956

T HE THO MIST revival that began at the turn of the present century had to face the difficult and... more T HE THO MIST revival that began at the turn of the present century had to face the difficult and insistent epistemological challenge laid down by Kantianism. Philosophy had to establish its right to existence. Its chief concern was to defend its most intimate metaphysical concepts against the destructive onslaughts of subjectivism. So quite willingly the Thomists of the time plunged immediately into metaphysical problems at the beginning of the philosophical course. It seemed to them necessary to do so, because of the intellectual atmosphere of the time. But as a result, ontology became a sort of introduction to natural philosophy; it served an instrumental function: it gave and justified the concepts of being, substance, act and potency, cause and all the other conceptual equipment needed to carry on a philosophical investigation of nature and of man. Once Thomism became :reestablished and began to enjoy a feeling of stability, philosophers shifted the exposition of their science to the more natural order, beginning with those sensible objects that are more known to us and proceeding upward toward immateriality and to God, the First Principle of reality, Who is most knowable in His own nature. Yet there remained an enticing temptation to compromise this order somewhat, especially in metaphysics. In its sapiential function metaphysics is synthetic and views all of being from the heights of an analogical unity. .But in its function as a science of the ultimate principles of reality, metaphysics proceeds analytically, that is, it works up from multiplicity to the peak of wisdom and unity. The Summa Theologiae proceeds according to a sapiential order, beginning with God and descending to creatures. It is a properly theological order/ and has the advantage

The study determined the perceived impact of Royal FM agricultural programme on livelihoods of fa... more The study determined the perceived impact of Royal FM agricultural programme on livelihoods of farmers in five districts and municipalities in the Broag-Ahofo Region of Ghana. An interview schedule was used to collect data from a sample of 198 farmers. The findings of the study showed that 62.5 % of the respondents who listened to agricultural programmes aired on Royal FM are males and 37.5% are females. The study show that farmers gained knowledge in the various improved practices as a result of the Royal FM agricultural programme and have impacted in the five districts and municipalities at different levels. The impact of the programme on farmers' livelihoods was highest in Banda District and Wenchi Municipal but was moderately high in Jaman North, Tain District and Techiman Municipal respectively. The Tamhane's T2 Post Hoc Multiple Comparison was used to test the differences in impact and the results indicated that other external factors may have also resulted in such dif...

Journal of Information & Knowledge Management

The study seeks to ascertain the levels of awareness and usage of reference management software (... more The study seeks to ascertain the levels of awareness and usage of reference management software (RMS) among researchers of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana. The purpose and benefits as well as challenges associated with the use of these tools were also discussed. Descriptive survey methodology was employed for this study. A web-based questionnaire consisting of both multiple-choice and open-ended questions was used to collect data from 110 scientists in 13 research institutes of the CSIR, Ghana. Results show that overwhelming majority of scientists (80%) are aware and know about RMS. However, the adoption and usage of these tools are low. The percentage of non-usage was higher among the older scientists (22% for over 51 years) as against the younger researchers (9% for 31 to 40 years). Overall, 33.6% do not use RMS at all, and scientists occasionally used RMS. Mendeley was the most popularly used software among respondents. Results also show that most...

The study determined the perceived impact of Royal FM agricultural programme on livelihoods of fa... more The study determined the perceived impact of Royal FM agricultural programme on livelihoods of farmers in five districts and municipalities in the Broag-Ahofo Region of Ghana. An interview schedule was used to collect data from a sample of 198 farmers. The findings of the study showed that 62.5 % of the respondents who listened to agricultural programmes aired on Royal FM are males and 37.5% are females. The study show that farmers gained knowledge in the various improved practices as a result of the Royal FM agricultural programme and have impacted in the five districts and municipalities at different levels. The impact of the programme on farmers' livelihoods was highest in Banda District and Wenchi Municipal but was moderately high in Jaman North, Tain District and Techiman Municipal respectively. The Tamhane's T2 Post Hoc Multiple Comparison was used to test the differences in impact and the results indicated that other external factors may have also resulted in such dif...

This paper makes the firm assumption that the effective use of ICT tools such as the mobile phone... more This paper makes the firm assumption that the effective use of ICT tools such as the mobile phone may hold the key to introducing the needed dynamism and efficiency in agricultural extension delivery in Ghana. It therefore seeks to examine the dynamics of the use of mobile phone among poultry farmers in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One hundred and fifty poultry farmers selected from the Greater Accra Region were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The study showed a high penetration of mobile phones among the poultry farmers. A regression analysis showed that demographic variables such as age, sex, educational level, experience and size of holdings influenced the use of mobile phone. Network failure was cited as the major constraint to the use of mobile phones. There is the need for the required investment to build a more robust infrastructural base for the use of mobile phone as it remains a critical tool to supporting agricultural extension delivery among Ghanaian f...

Journal of Agricultural & Food Information

ABSTRACT This study assessed information sources for urban mushroom farmers in Accra, Ghana. One ... more ABSTRACT This study assessed information sources for urban mushroom farmers in Accra, Ghana. One hundred farmers were sampled, and a structured questionnaire was administered to solicit information from the respondents. Results showed that the majority of farmers were male (71%) and most (60%) with university education. The majority (44%) had 1–5 years of experience in mushroom cultivation. Co-farmers (89.8%), the Mushroom Growers Association (79.6%), training workshops (73.5%), and the Farmers' Forum (29.6%) readily served as information sources for farmers. The research revealed that, for 52% of farmers, ignorance of information sources was a major hindrance in their quest for information.

Journal of Agricultural & Food Information

ABSTRACT This study assessed information sources for urban mushroom farmers in Accra, Ghana. One ... more ABSTRACT This study assessed information sources for urban mushroom farmers in Accra, Ghana. One hundred farmers were sampled, and a structured questionnaire was administered to solicit information from the respondents. Results showed that the majority of farmers were male (71%) and most (60%) with university education. The majority (44%) had 1–5 years of experience in mushroom cultivation. Co-farmers (89.8%), the Mushroom Growers Association (79.6%), training workshops (73.5%), and the Farmers' Forum (29.6%) readily served as information sources for farmers. The research revealed that, for 52% of farmers, ignorance of information sources was a major hindrance in their quest for information.

The study determined the perceived impact of Royal FM agricultural programme on livelihoods of fa... more The study determined the perceived impact of Royal FM agricultural programme on livelihoods of farmers in five districts and municipalities in the Broag-Ahofo Region of Ghana. An interview schedule was used to collect data from a sample of 198 farmers. The findings of the study showed that 62.5 % of the respondents who listened to agricultural programmes aired on Royal FM are males and 37.5% are females. The study show that farmers gained knowledge in the various improved practices as a result of the Royal FM agricultural programme and have impacted in the five districts and municipalities at different levels. The impact of the programme on farmers' livelihoods was highest in Banda District and Wenchi Municipal but was moderately high in Jaman North, Tain District and Techiman Municipal respectively. The Tamhane's T2 Post Hoc Multiple Comparison was used to test the differences in impact and the results indicated that other external factors may have also resulted in such dif...

The purpose of the study was to investigate the level of knowledge, effectiveness of use, frequen... more The purpose of the study was to investigate the level of knowledge, effectiveness of use, frequency of use and challenges in the use of e-resources among the agricultural research scientist in Ghana. This study was based on the Technology Acceptance Model which presents a model that examine the relationship between perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitudes and behavioral usage of other information technologies in recent years. Research design for this study was a case study approach. Data collection involved questionnaires administered to 68 agricultural research scientists, which was supplemented with interviews with Directors of the Institutes. The Study concluded that adequate provision should be made on user education to make scientists aware of various e-resources that are available to enhance usage. Secondly there is the need for increment in the bandwidth of the Internet connectivity and was therefore recommended that, there should be specific budgetary allocatio...

This study assessed the operation and impact of staff performance and service delivery of the Ins... more This study assessed the operation and impact of staff performance and service delivery of the Inservice training programme for Junior Library Assistants of the Ghana Library Authority. The ever increasing growth in the volume of publications in all fields of knowledge coupled with the advent of information and communication technologies in libraries has widened the scope of library services. There is therefore the need for public libraries to train their staff in order to perform effectively and efficiently. The survey method was used and data was collected using open and closed ended questionnaires and interviews. In all, 80 questionnaires were administered to 47 staff and 33 ex-workers of the Ghana Library Authority. The findings showed that most Junior Library Staff of the Authority lack basic skills in library routine work and this could be attributed to the suspension of the GLA In-service training programme. The study also revealed that the bulk of the Junior Staff at the GLA ...

Information Development, 2016

This study assesses sources of information for vegetable farmers in urban part of Accra, Ghana. O... more This study assesses sources of information for vegetable farmers in urban part of Accra, Ghana. One hundred vegetable farmers in the study area were sampled and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Findings revealed that urban vegetable farming is regarded as the business of men. Most of the urban vegetable farmers use radio as a source of agricultural information. Farmers use information on agrochemicals acquired in applying fertilizer, weedicides and pest control. A challenge to the urban vegetable farmers in Accra is poor public relations on the part of agricultural extension agents. The study recommends that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture roll out a programme to educate urban vegetable farmers on the various sources of agricultural information and sponsor adult education programmes in the local languages on national radio and television for farmers to help them make use of different sources of agricultural information effectively.

International Journal of Research Studies in Computing, Apr 18, 2017

The study examined the Research scientists' knowledge in the use of Internet resources for resear... more The study examined the Research scientists' knowledge in the use of Internet resources for research in the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana. A quantitative research approach was adopted for the study, using a survey as research method. A random sampling technique was used to select 109 agricultural research scientists for the study. Data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire. A total of 98 cases were analyzed which represented 89.9% of the total sample. The data were subjected to frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, Pearson's product-moment correlation (r) and multiple regression. The results showed that most researchers acquired computer knowledge without undergoing formal training in the use of the Internet. Mostly they learnt through self-development. The researchers used the Internet mostly for research purposes. The study therefore recommended that various institutes should acquire more bandwidth for their Internet connections to accommodate more computers and to improve the Internet speed. Internet networks must be active and continuously sustained in order to make this valued resource effective in all agricultural research institutes.

Journal of Information & Knowledge Management

The study seeks to ascertain the levels of awareness and usage of reference management software (... more The study seeks to ascertain the levels of awareness and usage of reference management software (RMS) among researchers of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana. The purpose and benefits as well as challenges associated with the use of these tools were also discussed. Descriptive survey methodology was employed for this study. A web-based questionnaire consisting of both multiple-choice and open-ended questions was used to collect data from 110 scientists in 13 research institutes of the CSIR, Ghana. Results show that overwhelming majority of scientists (80%) are aware and know about RMS. However, the adoption and usage of these tools are low. The percentage of non-usage was higher among the older scientists (22% for over 51 years) as against the younger researchers (9% for 31 to 40 years). Overall, 33.6% do not use RMS at all, and scientists occasionally used RMS. Mendeley was the most popularly used software among respondents. Results also show that most...