Issaka Osumanu | University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana - Wa Campus (original) (raw)

Papers by Issaka Osumanu

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions of Environmental Health Risks and Care Seeking Behaviors of Vulnerable Urban Households in the Tamale Metropolitan Area

Ghana Journal of Development Studies, Mar 13, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Household environmental and behavioural determinants of childhood diarrhoea morbidity in the Tamale Metropolitan Area (TMA), Ghana

Geografisk Tidsskrift-danish Journal of Geography, 2007

... agrees with the findings of other studies in Ghana (Ben-neh et al., 1993; Tagoe, 1995; Boadi ... more ... agrees with the findings of other studies in Ghana (Ben-neh et al., 1993; Tagoe, 1995; Boadi and Kuitunen, 2005) and other parts of West Africa (Togunde, 1999). The prevalence of diarrhoea is also related to local be-liefs and practices in child care. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Compulsory land acquisition by government and litigations in Ghana: an empirical study of three educational institutions in Wa Municipality

Journal of Planning and Land Management, Sep 7, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of An Analysis of the Plastic Waste Collection and Wealth Linkages in Ghana

Research paper thumbnail of Sanitation and Hygiene Practices in Northern Ghana: An Analysis of Household Health Risks

Ghana Journal of Development Studies, Jun 1, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Climate Change Adaptation and Agricultural Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers

Routledge eBooks, Jul 6, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Dompoase Landfill in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area of Ghana: A ‘Blessing’ or a ‘Curse’?

Research paper thumbnail of Implementation and Management of Urban Land Use Plans in Ghana

IntechOpen eBooks, Mar 29, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of A Vital Resource Ignored: An Exploration of the Ecotourism Potentials of Wuling Mushroom Rocks and Boulders in North-Western Ghana

Tourism planning and development, Mar 27, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring agro-ecological implications and gendered adaptation to climate change in Northern Ghana

Environment, Development and Sustainability

Research paper thumbnail of Chapter 8 HEALTH CHALLENGES OF URBAN POVERTY AND WATER SUPPLY IN NORTHERN GHANA

Berghahn Books, Dec 31, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Expectations of student with disability living in off-campus student housing in Ghana: a Gap Model approach

PSU Research Review, 2021

Purpose Previous students' housing studies have neglected the need to study all-inclusive stu... more Purpose Previous students' housing studies have neglected the need to study all-inclusive student housing and quality of services delivery among students with disability. This study explores the expectations in students' housing among university students living with disabilities (SWDs) in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, involving 423 SWD selected from five public and three private universities across Ghana. Grounded on the Gap Model, the study employed exploratory factor analysis to extract factors of service quality delivery and universal building design for SWD living in off-campus students' housing. Findings The study uncovered that, expectations of SWD regarding building design specifications hinges more on inbuilt universal design than external building environment designs. SWD are more interested in safety, health, managerial assurances and security. In all, five factors provided a huge gap in services quality delivere...

Research paper thumbnail of Persistent “Cholerization” of Metropolitan Accra, Ghana: Digging into the Facts

This paper examines the risk factors responsible for the 2014 cholera epidemic in Accra, Ghana’s ... more This paper examines the risk factors responsible for the 2014 cholera epidemic in Accra, Ghana’s primate city which affected 30,000 people and claimed over 200 lives in five months (May to September). Drawing on insights from a wide range of sources, we observed that laxity in potable water provision and sanitation services, coupled with erroneous socio-cultural beliefs were at the heights among the risk factors but have tended to be viewed within a narrow analytical frame. The most deprived and inadequately housed, and the indigenous communities disproportionately exemplified these challenges. In our view, this situation demonstrates how ineffective and insufficiently attentive environmental governance has perpetuated the inequality in spatial patterns of vulnerability and health risks facing humanity. We advocate the need for a broad-spectrum environmental policy that in cooperates intensive public health education that can addresses the erroneous beliefs in the disease epidemiology.

Research paper thumbnail of Extractivism and Community Development in Ghana: Local Actors’ Perspectives from Gold Mining in Tarkwa and Obuasi

This study employed a subjective evaluation method, using interviews, focus group discussions and... more This study employed a subjective evaluation method, using interviews, focus group discussions and observation to analyse the impact of gold mining on the development of Tarkwa and Obuasi in Ghana. Whilst the mining of gold was expected to translate into social and transformation of these communities, the results revealed that it has rather worsened living conditions, especially for indigenous people who are not employed by the sector. The instant livelihood outcomes arising from the deprivation of the use of land and pollution of the environment make the situation in Tarkwa and Obuasi seemingly comparable to the resource curse phenomenon. Averting the phenomenon in these communities needs an all-encompassing approach including effective implantation of the principles of corporate social responsibility and alternative livelihood programmes, especially in agriculture production.

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of Slum Formation in Core Area of Ilesa, Nigeria

Slums are one of the effects of migration and the most important reason for living in the slums i... more Slums are one of the effects of migration and the most important reason for living in the slums is poor access to better living spaces. In other words, people move into the slums due more to obstacles in their original dwelling places than to the attraction of the target city. For the collection of primary data, a set of questionnaires; targeted at slum residents; were administered to household heads living in Ilesa, Nigeria. Systematic sampling was used to select household heads in one out of every ten (10) houses located in the five (5) identified political wards that formed the core area of the ancient city. A pilot study and a reconnaissance survey revealed that there were 4,560 buildings in the five political wards. Therefore, a total of 456 household heads were selected for questionnaire administration. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. The findings revealed that slums in the core area are the product of inadequate housing, lack of timely main...

Research paper thumbnail of Land Conflicts and Food Security in Africa: An Evidence from Dorimon in Ghana

International Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research, 2020

This study examined the implication of land conflicts on food security in the Dorimon Traditional... more This study examined the implication of land conflicts on food security in the Dorimon Traditional Area of the Wa West District of Northern Ghana. The study used a phenomenological research design approach, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods in data collection and analysis. Primary data were sought from interviews with household heads, key informants and focus group discussions. Various methods were combined to sample a total of 221 respondents from eight communities and four institutions for the study. The study revealed the existence of numerous land conflicts in the area, prominent among them are the land boundary conflict between the Guse and Dontanga Clans, land ownership conflict between Guo-Nayiri and Guo-Katung Clans and that of land ownership conflict between Charile and Nyimbale communities. Other forms of land conflicts were user conflicts between neighbouring land users and some form of limited access due to discrimination against women and settlers. The ...

Research paper thumbnail of Slums in Semi-Arid Regions: An Analysis of the Vulnerability and Coping Strategies of Selected Neighbourhoods in the Wa Municipality, Ghana

Current Urban Studies, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Conflicting urban land uses at the fringes: issues and experiences of peri-urban farmers in an urbanizing city in Ghana

Research paper thumbnail of Sustainability of community-managed small town and rural water systems in northern Ghana: lessons from Upper West Region

Community Development Journal, 2021

This study assessed sustainability of small town and rural water services in northern Ghana using... more This study assessed sustainability of small town and rural water services in northern Ghana using lessons from Jirapa Municipality. A case study design, deploying mixed methods, was employed. Data were obtained from household questionnaires administration and in-depth interviews with community leaders and institutional stakeholders in the water sector. The results revealed that, though access to potable water has increased since the introduction of community-management of water services in Jirapa Municipality, there are still difficulties in terms of adequate water supply. Sustainability challenges revealed by the study are managerial and technical, including ineffective water-management committees, inadequate operations and maintenance capacity, inadequate funds to maintain facilities and lack of continuing support. The study concludes that the apparently improved access to potable water in the Municipality may be short-lived. To improve and sustain water services, water-management...

Research paper thumbnail of Land Degradation in Semi-Arid Areas and Farmers’ Livelihoods: Experiences from the Lawra Municipality of Ghana

This study examines farmers’ experiences and perspectives on land degradation and livelihoods in ... more This study examines farmers’ experiences and perspectives on land degradation and livelihoods in the Lawra Municipality, a semi-arid area in north-western Ghana. An explanatory sequential mixed method approach, which combines both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques, was used. Data was collected through a survey of 228 farming households, two key informant interviews and observation. The study revealed that land degradation, in the form of reduced vegetation cover, soil erosion and loss of soil fertility, is mainly caused by overcultivation and inappropriate land use practices. Majority of farming households experienced transitory food shortages as a result of land degradation. Farmers’ livelihoods are threatened as farming has become unattractive with several long-term implications including pushing many people into other ventures such as illegal small-scale mining. The land degradation challenge in the Municipality needs to be approached differently from conven...

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions of Environmental Health Risks and Care Seeking Behaviors of Vulnerable Urban Households in the Tamale Metropolitan Area

Ghana Journal of Development Studies, Mar 13, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Household environmental and behavioural determinants of childhood diarrhoea morbidity in the Tamale Metropolitan Area (TMA), Ghana

Geografisk Tidsskrift-danish Journal of Geography, 2007

... agrees with the findings of other studies in Ghana (Ben-neh et al., 1993; Tagoe, 1995; Boadi ... more ... agrees with the findings of other studies in Ghana (Ben-neh et al., 1993; Tagoe, 1995; Boadi and Kuitunen, 2005) and other parts of West Africa (Togunde, 1999). The prevalence of diarrhoea is also related to local be-liefs and practices in child care. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Compulsory land acquisition by government and litigations in Ghana: an empirical study of three educational institutions in Wa Municipality

Journal of Planning and Land Management, Sep 7, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of An Analysis of the Plastic Waste Collection and Wealth Linkages in Ghana

Research paper thumbnail of Sanitation and Hygiene Practices in Northern Ghana: An Analysis of Household Health Risks

Ghana Journal of Development Studies, Jun 1, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Climate Change Adaptation and Agricultural Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers

Routledge eBooks, Jul 6, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Dompoase Landfill in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area of Ghana: A ‘Blessing’ or a ‘Curse’?

Research paper thumbnail of Implementation and Management of Urban Land Use Plans in Ghana

IntechOpen eBooks, Mar 29, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of A Vital Resource Ignored: An Exploration of the Ecotourism Potentials of Wuling Mushroom Rocks and Boulders in North-Western Ghana

Tourism planning and development, Mar 27, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring agro-ecological implications and gendered adaptation to climate change in Northern Ghana

Environment, Development and Sustainability

Research paper thumbnail of Chapter 8 HEALTH CHALLENGES OF URBAN POVERTY AND WATER SUPPLY IN NORTHERN GHANA

Berghahn Books, Dec 31, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Expectations of student with disability living in off-campus student housing in Ghana: a Gap Model approach

PSU Research Review, 2021

Purpose Previous students' housing studies have neglected the need to study all-inclusive stu... more Purpose Previous students' housing studies have neglected the need to study all-inclusive student housing and quality of services delivery among students with disability. This study explores the expectations in students' housing among university students living with disabilities (SWDs) in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, involving 423 SWD selected from five public and three private universities across Ghana. Grounded on the Gap Model, the study employed exploratory factor analysis to extract factors of service quality delivery and universal building design for SWD living in off-campus students' housing. Findings The study uncovered that, expectations of SWD regarding building design specifications hinges more on inbuilt universal design than external building environment designs. SWD are more interested in safety, health, managerial assurances and security. In all, five factors provided a huge gap in services quality delivere...

Research paper thumbnail of Persistent “Cholerization” of Metropolitan Accra, Ghana: Digging into the Facts

This paper examines the risk factors responsible for the 2014 cholera epidemic in Accra, Ghana’s ... more This paper examines the risk factors responsible for the 2014 cholera epidemic in Accra, Ghana’s primate city which affected 30,000 people and claimed over 200 lives in five months (May to September). Drawing on insights from a wide range of sources, we observed that laxity in potable water provision and sanitation services, coupled with erroneous socio-cultural beliefs were at the heights among the risk factors but have tended to be viewed within a narrow analytical frame. The most deprived and inadequately housed, and the indigenous communities disproportionately exemplified these challenges. In our view, this situation demonstrates how ineffective and insufficiently attentive environmental governance has perpetuated the inequality in spatial patterns of vulnerability and health risks facing humanity. We advocate the need for a broad-spectrum environmental policy that in cooperates intensive public health education that can addresses the erroneous beliefs in the disease epidemiology.

Research paper thumbnail of Extractivism and Community Development in Ghana: Local Actors’ Perspectives from Gold Mining in Tarkwa and Obuasi

This study employed a subjective evaluation method, using interviews, focus group discussions and... more This study employed a subjective evaluation method, using interviews, focus group discussions and observation to analyse the impact of gold mining on the development of Tarkwa and Obuasi in Ghana. Whilst the mining of gold was expected to translate into social and transformation of these communities, the results revealed that it has rather worsened living conditions, especially for indigenous people who are not employed by the sector. The instant livelihood outcomes arising from the deprivation of the use of land and pollution of the environment make the situation in Tarkwa and Obuasi seemingly comparable to the resource curse phenomenon. Averting the phenomenon in these communities needs an all-encompassing approach including effective implantation of the principles of corporate social responsibility and alternative livelihood programmes, especially in agriculture production.

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of Slum Formation in Core Area of Ilesa, Nigeria

Slums are one of the effects of migration and the most important reason for living in the slums i... more Slums are one of the effects of migration and the most important reason for living in the slums is poor access to better living spaces. In other words, people move into the slums due more to obstacles in their original dwelling places than to the attraction of the target city. For the collection of primary data, a set of questionnaires; targeted at slum residents; were administered to household heads living in Ilesa, Nigeria. Systematic sampling was used to select household heads in one out of every ten (10) houses located in the five (5) identified political wards that formed the core area of the ancient city. A pilot study and a reconnaissance survey revealed that there were 4,560 buildings in the five political wards. Therefore, a total of 456 household heads were selected for questionnaire administration. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. The findings revealed that slums in the core area are the product of inadequate housing, lack of timely main...

Research paper thumbnail of Land Conflicts and Food Security in Africa: An Evidence from Dorimon in Ghana

International Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research, 2020

This study examined the implication of land conflicts on food security in the Dorimon Traditional... more This study examined the implication of land conflicts on food security in the Dorimon Traditional Area of the Wa West District of Northern Ghana. The study used a phenomenological research design approach, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods in data collection and analysis. Primary data were sought from interviews with household heads, key informants and focus group discussions. Various methods were combined to sample a total of 221 respondents from eight communities and four institutions for the study. The study revealed the existence of numerous land conflicts in the area, prominent among them are the land boundary conflict between the Guse and Dontanga Clans, land ownership conflict between Guo-Nayiri and Guo-Katung Clans and that of land ownership conflict between Charile and Nyimbale communities. Other forms of land conflicts were user conflicts between neighbouring land users and some form of limited access due to discrimination against women and settlers. The ...

Research paper thumbnail of Slums in Semi-Arid Regions: An Analysis of the Vulnerability and Coping Strategies of Selected Neighbourhoods in the Wa Municipality, Ghana

Current Urban Studies, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Conflicting urban land uses at the fringes: issues and experiences of peri-urban farmers in an urbanizing city in Ghana

Research paper thumbnail of Sustainability of community-managed small town and rural water systems in northern Ghana: lessons from Upper West Region

Community Development Journal, 2021

This study assessed sustainability of small town and rural water services in northern Ghana using... more This study assessed sustainability of small town and rural water services in northern Ghana using lessons from Jirapa Municipality. A case study design, deploying mixed methods, was employed. Data were obtained from household questionnaires administration and in-depth interviews with community leaders and institutional stakeholders in the water sector. The results revealed that, though access to potable water has increased since the introduction of community-management of water services in Jirapa Municipality, there are still difficulties in terms of adequate water supply. Sustainability challenges revealed by the study are managerial and technical, including ineffective water-management committees, inadequate operations and maintenance capacity, inadequate funds to maintain facilities and lack of continuing support. The study concludes that the apparently improved access to potable water in the Municipality may be short-lived. To improve and sustain water services, water-management...

Research paper thumbnail of Land Degradation in Semi-Arid Areas and Farmers’ Livelihoods: Experiences from the Lawra Municipality of Ghana

This study examines farmers’ experiences and perspectives on land degradation and livelihoods in ... more This study examines farmers’ experiences and perspectives on land degradation and livelihoods in the Lawra Municipality, a semi-arid area in north-western Ghana. An explanatory sequential mixed method approach, which combines both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques, was used. Data was collected through a survey of 228 farming households, two key informant interviews and observation. The study revealed that land degradation, in the form of reduced vegetation cover, soil erosion and loss of soil fertility, is mainly caused by overcultivation and inappropriate land use practices. Majority of farming households experienced transitory food shortages as a result of land degradation. Farmers’ livelihoods are threatened as farming has become unattractive with several long-term implications including pushing many people into other ventures such as illegal small-scale mining. The land degradation challenge in the Municipality needs to be approached differently from conven...