Rural farmers in developing countries lack knowledge, access to educational resources, and capacity to stay informed of and implement current farming and health practices. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of an educational program on the utilization of native plants in farming and health practices among rural farmers in Ghana. The research objectives were to describe the population, assess farmers’ knowledge of farming and health practices, describe participants’ current and planned behavior, and observe the implementation of the practices taught. Results indicated participants’ knowledge of farming and health practices increased after the workshops. Results also indicated participants of both workshops intended to use all of the practices more often in their farming practices. Future research should include focus group interviews with farmers to gain a deeper understanding of the issues farmers are facing. Future trainings should incorporate experiential learning opportunities for farmers.

Currently, Ghana does not use Hot Water Treatment (HWT) as a phytosanitary control measure for mangoes. The effect of HW on the quality of ‘Keitt’ mangoes in Ghana was evaluated. Mangoes were washed with chlorinated water or hot water treated at 47°C for 70 min and stored at 25°C for 8 days. There was no treatment*Storage effect (P> 0.05) on the variables studied. Mangoes TA decreased (P<= 0.05) and pH increased with storage time. HWT had no impact on mango quality but had 50% reduction in decay during storage.

Levels and dietary intake of heavy metals were assessed and evaluated in thirty two samples of fruit and vegetables collected from supermarkets in Accra, Ghana using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Differences (p <= 0.05) existed in Pb, Cd and Ni concentrations across the commodities collected. Levels of Pb, Cd and Cr exceeded safe limits established by FAO and EU. Washing reduced Cr in cabbage by 59% (p <= 0.05) but only reduced Pb in grapes by 12% (p ˃ 0.05). Estimated daily and weekly intake through fruit and vegetable consumption were below provitional tolerable dietary intake established by the FAO. Although estimated dietary intake obtained in this study were below the maximum established limits, increased comsumption of these fruit and vegetables may bring about adverse health implications for the exposed population.

No description available.

Yes / In this study, we investigate the mediating effect of institutional networking on the relationship between perceived corruption and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We also examine the moderating impact of financial slack on the relationship between perceived corruption and institutional networking. We test our moderated mediation model using data from 212 SMEs operating in Ghana. The findings from the study show that perceived corruption is positively related to institutional networking and this relationship is amplified when levels of financial slack are greater. The findings also show that institutional networking positively mediates the relationship between perceived corruption and SME growth. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

After independence on March 6, 1957, Ghana, under the late President Kwame Nkrumah, turned to diverse developmental activities. Economically, Ghana was on sound footing; the balance of payments was favorable and cocoa was yielding a good harvest. In 1967, Nkrumah was ousted due to his dictatorial rule. In this study the available primary and secondary sources were utilized. Primary sources were made available by the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D. C. and by friends and relatives in institutions of higher learning in Ghana. The study is divided into five chapters. Chapter I concerns itself with a geographical survey of the country, including land, climate, people, and natural resources. Chapter II explores political developments, and Chapter III examines some of the crucial economic problems. Chapter IV explores some economic progress and Chapter V makes suggestions, some of which may seem sordid and grim, but at least they offer a "stepping stone."

No description available.

Not available / text

Ethnicity and the Church are two vital subjects in mission studies. However, the focus has always been on the latter. As a result the Church's theology of ethnicity is weak. Fear, ethnocentrism and theological blindness account for the little interest in the subject of ethnicity. However, a Church that neglects ethnicity does so at her own peril. God's dealings with IsraeL a history of the growth of the Church from one culture to another makes the study of ethnicity imperative. Failure to acknowledge and harness ethnicity can lead to ethnocentrism or tribalism which is an enemy to God's mission. God's mission essentially reconciles, unites and enriches people from different ethnic groups whilst ethnocentrism or tribalism excludes, divides and impoverishes them. The Presbyterian Church of Ghana like the wider society has to cope with ethnicity. Whereas the Church has harnessed ethnicity in her mission, she has, nonetheless, failed always to do away with ethnocentrism or tribalism. The PCG has not been faithful to her parent missionaries' strategy of planting indigenous churches among the non-Akan and non-Ga. The current PCG's strategy amounts to Akan-Ga cultural mission. Ethnicity and Christian identity are crucial to providing people with their true secure identity. A Christian always has to come to terms with his dual identity, that is, belonging to an ethnic group as well as to Christ. A theology that affirms this dual identity will be in a position to have healthy multi-ethnic churches and be effective in mission. Andrew Walls' Three Tests of Christian expansion: The Church, The Kingdom and The Gospel Tests serve as our measuring instrument. The PCG has not passed these Tests satisfactorily. She needs the Pentecost experience, that is a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit. The thrust of this thesis is that, when the PCG experiences this Pentecost, integration, reconciliation and embrace will be achievable among her multi-ethnic membership. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2000.

This dissertation has explored the problem of a yawning gap between policy and the implementation of lay participation in health development activities in Ghana, using data from 577 households in 22 rural communities. / A Health Systems model has been applied to data, to explain relationships and four sets of variables--household need for health services, predisposing attributes, participatory patterns, enabling factors--on household use of available health facilities and services. / Overall, results indicate a complex interdependence of factors which influence modern health services use. A multiple regression procedure identifies the presence of children under 5 years, the household's perception of its influence in the community, household participation in community health-related activities, household socio-economic and educational levels, to be significantly related to services use. Results suggest that Need for services is Not a sufficient condition for the Use of available health services.