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Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah
Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies, (IESS), College of Basic and Applied Science (CBAS), University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 209 Accra, Ghana

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Journal article
Published: 06 May 2021 in Sustainability
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Agriculture in West Africa is constrained by several yield-limiting factors, such as poor soil fertility, erratic rainfall distributions and low input systems. Projected changes in climate, thus, pose a threat since crop production is mainly rain-fed. The impact of climate change and its variation on the productivity of cereals in smallholder settings under future production systems in Navrongo, Ghana and Nioro du Rip, Senegal was assessed in this study. Data on management practices obtained from household surveys and projected agricultural development pathways (through stakeholder engagements), soil data, weather data (historical: 1980–2009 and five General Circulation Models; mid-century time slice 2040–2069 for two Representative Concentration Pathways; 4.5 and 8.5) were used for the impact assessment, employing a crop simulation model. Ensemble maize yield changes under the sustainable agricultural development pathway (SDP) were −13 and −16%, while under the unsustainable development pathway (USDP), yield changes were −19 and −20% in Navrongo and Nioro du Rip, respectively. The impact on sorghum and millet were lower than that on maize. Variations in climate change impact among smallholders were high with relative standard deviations (RSD) of between 14% and 60% across the cereals with variability being higher under the USDP, except for millet. Agricultural production systems with higher intensification but with less emphasis on soil conservation (USDP) will be more negatively impacted by climate change compared to relatively sustainable ones (SDP).

ACS Style

Dilys MacCarthy; Myriam Adam; Bright Freduah; Benedicta Fosu-Mensah; Peter Ampim; Mouhamed Ly; Pierre Traore; Samuel Adiku. Climate Change Impact and Variability on Cereal Productivity among Smallholder Farmers under Future Production Systems in West Africa. Sustainability 2021, 13, 5191 .

AMA Style

Dilys MacCarthy, Myriam Adam, Bright Freduah, Benedicta Fosu-Mensah, Peter Ampim, Mouhamed Ly, Pierre Traore, Samuel Adiku. Climate Change Impact and Variability on Cereal Productivity among Smallholder Farmers under Future Production Systems in West Africa. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (9):5191.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dilys MacCarthy; Myriam Adam; Bright Freduah; Benedicta Fosu-Mensah; Peter Ampim; Mouhamed Ly; Pierre Traore; Samuel Adiku. 2021. "Climate Change Impact and Variability on Cereal Productivity among Smallholder Farmers under Future Production Systems in West Africa." Sustainability 13, no. 9: 5191.

Article
Published: 27 March 2021 in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
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Deltas are geographically and socio-ecologically distinct systems, with a unique climate and contextually high vulnerabilities to climate dynamics. Hence, they require specific climate change adaptation and policy responses, informed by delta-scale analysis. However, available climate knowledge on deltas is based mainly on broad-scale analysis that masks information unique to deltas. This applies to the Volta Delta system of Ghana. This study presents annual and intra-annual climate variability and trend analysis carried out across the Volta Delta, using the coefficient of variation (CV), anomaly, Mann-Kendall and Pettit statistics. There were time and space differences in climate change and variability. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) positive trends were observed for the major wet season and the mean annual rainfall for Ada and highly significant (P < 0.01) positive trends for Akatsi. These contrasted with the observations in Adidome, which experienced a statistically highly significant (P < 0.01) decreasing trend in rainfall. There were significant (P< 0.05) increases in annual minimum, maximum, and mean temperatures over time in both coastal and inland delta stations. The annual rate of change of mean temperature ranged from 0.03 to 0.05. Ada, the more coastal location, has experienced a narrow range of temperature change, most probably due to the buffering capacity of the ocean. Point changes were observed in the climate data series in four (4) localities. We recommend that adaption and policy actions should include, the provision of small-scale irrigation, encouraging adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties and crop diversification, and also be made responsive to the existing spatiotemporal climate variability and change within the Volta Delta.

ACS Style

Jennifer Ayamga; Opoku Pabi; Barnabas A. Amisigo; Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah; Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe. Annual and intra-annual climate variability and change of the Volta Delta, Ghana. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 2021, 193, 1 -19.

AMA Style

Jennifer Ayamga, Opoku Pabi, Barnabas A. Amisigo, Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah, Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe. Annual and intra-annual climate variability and change of the Volta Delta, Ghana. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 2021; 193 (4):1-19.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jennifer Ayamga; Opoku Pabi; Barnabas A. Amisigo; Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah; Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe. 2021. "Annual and intra-annual climate variability and change of the Volta Delta, Ghana." Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 193, no. 4: 1-19.

Original article
Published: 15 March 2021 in Applied Water Science
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The concentration of seven heavy metals in water samples was analyzed along the southwest coast of Ghana in the wet and dry seasons using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Some physicochemical properties of the water samples were also determined to assess the quality of the water. The ranges of metal concentration in water in the wet season were; As (1.23–7.84 µg/L), Cu (4.10–24.09 µg/L), Pb (4.08–57.98 µg/L), Se (BDL-0.38 µg/L), Zn (2.86–17.75 µg/L) and Hg (0.023–0.068 µg/L), whereas the ranges of metal concentration in the dry season were; As (2.30–5.78 µg/L), Pb (25.47–70.73 µg/L), Se (0.081–0.158 µg/L), Zn (0.79–22.80 µg/L) and Hg (0.004–0.047 µg/L). The results of physicochemical properties of water in the wet season were pH (6.83 to 7.52), EC (291.15–780.64 µS/cm), TDS (195.07–523.02 mg/L), DO (2.98–4.39 mg/L), BOD (3.33 to 6.84 mg/L), salinity (0.01 to 0.30 ppt) and temperature (27.06–30.94 °C), whereas the dry season recorded the ranges of pH (6.84–6.95), EC (516.83 to 660.67 µS/cm), TDS (307.07–442.65 mg/L), DO (1.71–3.04 mg/L), BOD (4.25–13.38 mg/L), salinity (0.22–0.28ppt) and temperature (28.46–30.44 °C). The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in water was below the WHO standard except Pb which exceeded the limit. The mean heavy metal pollution index (HPI) were 130 and 143 for wet and dry seasons, respectively, indicating that the water HPI was above the critical limit (HPI > 100), hence unfit for drinking. All the physicochemical properties analyzed were within the WHO permissible limits except BOD.

ACS Style

Regina Appiah-Opong; Amoako Ofori; Mark Ofosuhene; Ebenezer Ofori-Attah; Francis K. E. Nunoo; Isaac Tuffour; Christopher Gordon; Daniel K. Arhinful; Alexander K. Nyarko; Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah. Heavy metals concentration and pollution index (HPI) in drinking water along the southwest coast of Ghana. Applied Water Science 2021, 11, 1 -10.

AMA Style

Regina Appiah-Opong, Amoako Ofori, Mark Ofosuhene, Ebenezer Ofori-Attah, Francis K. E. Nunoo, Isaac Tuffour, Christopher Gordon, Daniel K. Arhinful, Alexander K. Nyarko, Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah. Heavy metals concentration and pollution index (HPI) in drinking water along the southwest coast of Ghana. Applied Water Science. 2021; 11 (3):1-10.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Regina Appiah-Opong; Amoako Ofori; Mark Ofosuhene; Ebenezer Ofori-Attah; Francis K. E. Nunoo; Isaac Tuffour; Christopher Gordon; Daniel K. Arhinful; Alexander K. Nyarko; Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah. 2021. "Heavy metals concentration and pollution index (HPI) in drinking water along the southwest coast of Ghana." Applied Water Science 11, no. 3: 1-10.

Article
Published: 17 July 2020 in GeoJournal
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Climate change is projected to have a serious impact on all sectors of the world. The agriculture sector is one of the most vulnerable sectors with implications for smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions of Africa in terms of poverty and food security. Several researches have been carried out on perception and adaptation with a little investigation to unpack the gender differences and how this influence adaptation strategies. This research investigates gender difference and gender-specific adaptation strategies to climate change and variability. A household survey was conducted from August to December 2014 using a pre-tested questionnaire where 150 males and 150 female farmers were randomly sampled from 14 communities within the Bolgatanga Municipality and Bongo district. Results show the existence of gender differences in the adaptation strategies. Both gender groups perceived climatic change and variability but only 49% male and 40% female headed household (HH) have adopted strategies to cope with increasing temperatures while 56% male and 49% female have adapted to decreasing precipitation. On the other hand, 62% male and 60% female HH have adapted to increasing drought spells. The main differences between male and female adaptation strategies are that males prefer to migrate and seek employment in other parts of the country whereas females prefer to engage in off-farm jobs such as trading, basketry and shea-butter processing. The age of farmers, access to extension services, credit, perceived loss of soil fertility, among other factors influenced farmers adaptation strategies. Policy decisions to promote adaptation to climate change and variability should take these factors into consideration.

ACS Style

Michael Mensah; Paul L. G. Vlek; Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah. Gender and climate change linkages in the semi-arid region of Ghana. GeoJournal 2020, 1 -14.

AMA Style

Michael Mensah, Paul L. G. Vlek, Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah. Gender and climate change linkages in the semi-arid region of Ghana. GeoJournal. 2020; ():1-14.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michael Mensah; Paul L. G. Vlek; Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah. 2020. "Gender and climate change linkages in the semi-arid region of Ghana." GeoJournal , no. : 1-14.

Original paper
Published: 19 May 2018 in Journal of Forestry Research
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Broussonetia papyrifera (paper mulberry) invasion and land use on the floristic composition of a dry semi-deciduous forest in Ghana. Forty-five plots (25 m × 25 m each), distributed among three land uses—selectively logged (SL); abandoned farmlands (AF); and an undisturbed reference (RF)—were surveyed. Results showed lower tree species richness (S), diversity (H′), evenness (S) and basal area (BA) in the SL (46, 0.78, 0.32 and 269.12 m2 ha−1, respectively) and AF (40, 0.53, 0.45, and 131.16 m2 ha−1) sites compared to the RF site (79, 2.66, 0.87, 963.72 m2 ha−1). Similar patterns were found at the shrub layer, but no differences were observed at the herb layer. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination revealed distinct species composition among the land uses. The two disturbed habitats, SL and AF, were associated with increased B. papyrifera invasion particularly in the overstory, with importance value index and mean relative density of 45 and 65.03%, and 42 and 53.29%, correspondingly. However, the species was only sparsely represented in the RF site. Tree density of B. papyrifera correlated negatively with H′, S, E, BA, and native tree density and richness. These findings highlight the strong link between human land use (i.e., logging and slash-and-burn farming), invasion, and vegetation characteristics, and suggest the need to limit these disturbances to conserve biodiversity within tropical forest ecosystems.

ACS Style

David M. Adigbli; Alexander K. Anning; James K. Adomako; Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah. Effects of Broussonetia papyrifera invasion and land use on vegetation characteristics in a tropical forest of Ghana. Journal of Forestry Research 2018, 30, 1363 -1373.

AMA Style

David M. Adigbli, Alexander K. Anning, James K. Adomako, Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah. Effects of Broussonetia papyrifera invasion and land use on vegetation characteristics in a tropical forest of Ghana. Journal of Forestry Research. 2018; 30 (4):1363-1373.

Chicago/Turabian Style

David M. Adigbli; Alexander K. Anning; James K. Adomako; Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah. 2018. "Effects of Broussonetia papyrifera invasion and land use on vegetation characteristics in a tropical forest of Ghana." Journal of Forestry Research 30, no. 4: 1363-1373.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2017 in Food Control
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The concentrations of pesticide residues in fermented dried cocoa beans were assessed from sixteen (16) selected cocoa farms in the Dormaa West District of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The samples were extracted and analysed for 13 organophosphorus and 9 synthetic pyrethroids pesticides using a partially modified multi-residue method for agricultural chemicals by a Varian CP-3800 Gas Chromatograph equipped with a pulse flame photometric detector (PFPD) and 63Ni electron capture detector (ECD), respectively. The study revealed the presence of three organophosphorus pesticide residues namely; chlorpyrifos (0.04 mg/kg), pirimiphos-methyl (0.03 mg/kg) and diazinon (0.01 mg/kg), with chlorpyrifos occurring most frequently, and six synthetic pyrethroids pesticide residues namely; allethrin (0.01 mg/kg), lambda-cyholothrin (0.03 mg/kg), deltamethrin (0.03 mg/kg), cypermethrin (0.04 mg/kg), bifenthrin (0.02 mg/kg) and permethrin (0.02 mg/kg), with cypermethrin occurring most frequently. None of the detected pesticides’ average residues did exceed their European Union Maximum Residue Limits for cocoa beans. Considering levels of pesticide residues in the fermented dried cocoa beans analysed against the European (EU) commissions’ regulations on pesticides residues, cocoa beans from the study area will not pose any significant threat to the cocoa industry in Ghana as far as shipment to Europe is concern. The presence of organophosphorus and synthetic pyrethroids pesticide residues in the cocoa bean samples analysed could be attributed their usage by cocoa farmers in the study area. The routine monitoring of pesticide residues in the study area is necessary for the prevention, control and reduction of environmental pollution, so as to minimize health risks.

ACS Style

Elvis D. Okoffo; Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah; Christopher Gordon. Contamination levels of organophosphorus and synthetic pyrethroid pesticides in cocoa beans from Ghana. Food Control 2017, 73, 1371 -1378.

AMA Style

Elvis D. Okoffo, Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah, Christopher Gordon. Contamination levels of organophosphorus and synthetic pyrethroid pesticides in cocoa beans from Ghana. Food Control. 2017; 73 ():1371-1378.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elvis D. Okoffo; Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah; Christopher Gordon. 2017. "Contamination levels of organophosphorus and synthetic pyrethroid pesticides in cocoa beans from Ghana." Food Control 73, no. : 1371-1378.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2017 in Cogent Environmental Science
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The call for reclamation of land around Korle Lagoon in Accra, Ghana, where burning of e-waste and cultivation of vegetables takes place, makes risk assessment of heavy metal contaminations important. This study aimed at evaluating the levels and risk of heavy metal contamination in soils and vegetation around the Korle lagoon area in Accra. Geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor and pollution load index were determined to assess the risk of contamination. The levels and distribution of nine heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd, As, Zn, Sn, Ni, Cu and Cr) in soil (0–20 cm) and common vegetation (Panicum maximum, Imperata cylindrica, Lactuca sativa and Hibiscus sabdariffa) from the area using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) were assessed. The area was divided into five sites, namely; the e-waste site (S1), gardens area (S2), recreational area (S3), reclaimed area (S4) estuary (S5) and the control (S6) which was about 700 m away. Soil analysis showed that the concentration of Pb (184.44 mg/kg), Cd (103.66 mg/kg), Cu (202.99 mg/kg), Ni (72.00 mg/kg) and Sn (705.32 mg/kg) at S1 exceeded their WHO/FAO thresholds for agricultural soils. Concentrations of heavy metals in soils from the e-waste site were significantly different (p < 0.01) from the other sites. High accumulations of heavy metals were also observed in the plants samples collected from the study sites, with the concentrations of Cu, Pb, Ni and Cd exceeding their acceptable limits. Laws against open burning of e-waste should be enforced and animals should be restricted from grazing on the forage.

ACS Style

Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah; Emmanuel Addae; Dzidzo Yirenya-Tawiah; Frank Nyame. Heavy metals concentration and distribution in soils and vegetation at Korle Lagoon area in Accra, Ghana. Cogent Environmental Science 2017, 3, 1 .

AMA Style

Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah, Emmanuel Addae, Dzidzo Yirenya-Tawiah, Frank Nyame. Heavy metals concentration and distribution in soils and vegetation at Korle Lagoon area in Accra, Ghana. Cogent Environmental Science. 2017; 3 (1):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah; Emmanuel Addae; Dzidzo Yirenya-Tawiah; Frank Nyame. 2017. "Heavy metals concentration and distribution in soils and vegetation at Korle Lagoon area in Accra, Ghana." Cogent Environmental Science 3, no. 1: 1.

Journal article
Published: 01 July 2016 in International Journal of Food Contamination
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ACS Style

Elvis D. Okoffo; Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah; Christopher Gordon. Persistent organochlorine pesticide residues in cocoa beans from Ghana, a concern for public health. International Journal of Food Contamination 2016, 3, 1 .

AMA Style

Elvis D. Okoffo, Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah, Christopher Gordon. Persistent organochlorine pesticide residues in cocoa beans from Ghana, a concern for public health. International Journal of Food Contamination. 2016; 3 (1):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elvis D. Okoffo; Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah; Christopher Gordon. 2016. "Persistent organochlorine pesticide residues in cocoa beans from Ghana, a concern for public health." International Journal of Food Contamination 3, no. 1: 1.

Journal article
Published: 24 June 2016 in SpringerPlus
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Residues of organochlorine pesticides were determined in soils and drinking water sources in cocoa growing areas in Ghana. Soil samples analysed showed the presence of four organochlorine pesticide residues namely lindane (0.005–0.05 mg/kg), beta-HCH (<0.01–0.05 mg/kg), dieldrin (0.005–0.02 mg/kg), and p,p′-DDT (0.005–0.04 mg/kg), with dieldrin occurring most frequently. Similarly, organochlorine pesticide residues detected in the water samples were lindane (0.01–0.03 µg/l), alpha-endosulfan (0.01–0.03 µg/l), endosulfan-sulphate (0.01–0.04 µg/l), dieldrin (0.01–0.03 µg/l) and p,p′-DDT (0.01–0.04 µg/l), with heptachlor occurring most frequently. The concentrations of the detected organochlorine residues in the soil samples were below their respective US maximum residues limits (MRLs) for agricultural soils, except for lindane recorded at Kwakuanya (S4) and beta-HCH recorded at Krakrom (S3) and Kwakuanya (S4). Similarly, the organochlorine pesticide residues recorded in the water samples were below and within their respective WHO MRLs for drinking water except for alpha-endosulfan at Diabaa (S2) and Kwakuanya (S4) at distance 0–15 m and Kwakuanya (S4) at distance 16–30 m, endosulfan-sulfate at Nkrankwanta (S1) and Diabaa (S2) at distance 0–15 m and heptachlor at Krakrom (S3) at distance 16–30 m which were above their WHO MRLs. The presence of the banned organochlorine pesticide residues in soil and water samples from the study area indicates that these chemicals are still being used, illegally, on some cocoa farms. Routine monitoring of pesticide residues in the study area is necessary for the prevention, control and reduction of environmental pollution to minimize health risks.

ACS Style

Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah; Elvis D. Okoffo; Godfred Darko; Christopher Gordon. Assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in soils and drinking water sources from cocoa farms in Ghana. SpringerPlus 2016, 5, 869 .

AMA Style

Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah, Elvis D. Okoffo, Godfred Darko, Christopher Gordon. Assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in soils and drinking water sources from cocoa farms in Ghana. SpringerPlus. 2016; 5 (1):869.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah; Elvis D. Okoffo; Godfred Darko; Christopher Gordon. 2016. "Assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in soils and drinking water sources from cocoa farms in Ghana." SpringerPlus 5, no. 1: 869.

Journal article
Published: 24 June 2016 in SpringerPlus
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Agriculture is an important sector in Ghana’s economy, however, with high risk due to natural factors like climate change, pests and diseases and bush fires among others. Farmers in the Brong-Ahafo region of Ghana which is known as one of the major cocoa producing regions, face these risks which sometimes results in crop failure. The need for farmers to therefore insure their farms against crop loss is crucial. Insurance has been a measure to guard against risk. The aim of this study was to assess cocoa farmers’ willingness to access crop insurance, the factors affecting willingness to pay (WTP) for crop insurance scheme and insurance companies’ willingness to provide crop insurance to cocoa farmers. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to sample 240 farmers from four communities in the Dormaa West District in Brong-Ahafo Region. The double-hurdle model shows that age, marital status and education significantly and positively influenced cocoa farmer’s willingness to insure their farms whiles household size and cropped area negatively influenced farmers’ willingness to insure their farms. Similarly, age, household size and cropped area significantly and positively influenced the premium cocoa farmers were willing to pay whiles marital status and cocoa income negatively influenced the premium farmers were willing to pay. The contingent valuation method shows that the maximum, minimum and average amounts cocoa farmers are willing to pay for crop insurance per production cost per acre was GH¢128.40, GH¢32.10 and GH¢49.32 respectively. Insurance companies do not have crop insurance policy but willing to provide crop insurance policy to cocoa farmers on a condition that farmers adopt modern cultivation practices to reduce the level of risk. The study recommends that cocoa farmers should be well educated on crop insurance and should be involved in planning the crop insurance scheme in order to conclude on the premium to be paid by them.

ACS Style

Elvis Dartey Okoffo; Elisha Kwaku Denkyirah; Derick Taylor Adu; Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah. A double-hurdle model estimation of cocoa farmers’ willingness to pay for crop insurance in Ghana. SpringerPlus 2016, 5, 1 -19.

AMA Style

Elvis Dartey Okoffo, Elisha Kwaku Denkyirah, Derick Taylor Adu, Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah. A double-hurdle model estimation of cocoa farmers’ willingness to pay for crop insurance in Ghana. SpringerPlus. 2016; 5 (1):1-19.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elvis Dartey Okoffo; Elisha Kwaku Denkyirah; Derick Taylor Adu; Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah. 2016. "A double-hurdle model estimation of cocoa farmers’ willingness to pay for crop insurance in Ghana." SpringerPlus 5, no. 1: 1-19.

Journal article
Published: 27 April 2016 in Environmental Systems Research
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Background The hazards of pesticide exposure have been a growing concern globally. The increase of susceptibility of farmers to pesticide intoxication is due to lack of knowledge regarding safe and proper pesticide handling. The aim of this study was to evaluate cocoa farmers’ pesticide exposure by assessing the ways in which they store pesticides, operational habits exhibited during and after pesticide application and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide application in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Methods Two hundred and forty (240) cocoa farmers were randomly selected and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Results Majority of the farmers were aware of the negative effects of pesticides on their health and the environment if not well handled. Despite the awareness, most farmers did not handle pesticides with care and do not adhere to the use of PPE, hence, increasing their risks to danger of exposure to pesticides. Storage of pesticides in bedrooms was reported by 22.5 % of farmers; an indication of a high risk of pesticides exposure through direct inhalation. Cocoa farmers’ in the study area exhibited operational habits such as eating, drinking water and alcohol, smoking cigarette and tobacco pipes, chewing gum and sticks, talking, using the mouth to remove blockages from sprayer nozzles, stirring pesticides with bare hands, among others during pesticides application. The survey revealed that only 35 % of farmers put on full PPE while 45 % put on partial PPE [which is any or combination of the following; cap/hat, respirator, goggle, rubber glove, overall and wellington boot (rubber boot)] during pesticides application. On the other hand, 20 % of farmers in the study area applied pesticides without wearing PPE. These practices expose farmers to adverse health risks. Factors that influenced farmers’ decision to use PPE included farming experience, age of farmer, access to extension service, availability of a chemical shop, farm size and educational level. Conclusion The results indicate high risks of exposure of cocoa farmers in the study area to toxicity and health hazards of pesticides due to mishandling and habits exhibited during pesticide application. There is a need to improve habits of safe use and handling of pesticides among farmers through education and training. There is also a need for education on the use of PPE during pesticides application to avoid exposure and health hazards. Keywords Exposure Health risk Pesticides Protective equipment Pollution

ACS Style

Elvis Dartey Okoffo; Michael Mensah; Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah. Pesticides exposure and the use of personal protective equipment by cocoa farmers in Ghana. Environmental Systems Research 2016, 5, 174 .

AMA Style

Elvis Dartey Okoffo, Michael Mensah, Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah. Pesticides exposure and the use of personal protective equipment by cocoa farmers in Ghana. Environmental Systems Research. 2016; 5 (1):174.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elvis Dartey Okoffo; Michael Mensah; Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah. 2016. "Pesticides exposure and the use of personal protective equipment by cocoa farmers in Ghana." Environmental Systems Research 5, no. 1: 174.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2016 in Environmental Systems Research
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ACS Style

Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah; Elvis Dartey Okoffo; Godfred Darko; Christopher Gordon. Organophosphorus pesticide residues in soils and drinking water sources from cocoa producing areas in Ghana. Environmental Systems Research 2016, 5, 1 .

AMA Style

Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah, Elvis Dartey Okoffo, Godfred Darko, Christopher Gordon. Organophosphorus pesticide residues in soils and drinking water sources from cocoa producing areas in Ghana. Environmental Systems Research. 2016; 5 (1):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah; Elvis Dartey Okoffo; Godfred Darko; Christopher Gordon. 2016. "Organophosphorus pesticide residues in soils and drinking water sources from cocoa producing areas in Ghana." Environmental Systems Research 5, no. 1: 1.

Journal article
Published: 25 December 2015 in Environment and Pollution
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The contamination of pesticides in 32 soils and 64 drinking water samples was investigated from cocoa farms in the Dormaa West District of Ghana to assess pollution status. A total of nine synthetic pyrethroids pesticides were measured with a high resolution Varian CP-3800 Gas Chromatograph equipped with 63Ni electron capture detector (ECD). Eight synthetic pyrethroid residues namely fenvalerate, deltamethrin, cypermethrin, bifenthrin, permethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, allethrin and cyfluthrin were detected with lambda-cyhalothrin and allethrin occurring most frequently in soil and water respectively. The concentrations of synthetic pyrethroids residues in the soil samples were in the ranges of; 0.02-0.03 mg/kg for lambda-cyhalothrin, 0.010-0.02 mg/kg for allethrin, 0.010-0.04 mg/kg for cyfluthrin, 16-30m>above 30m). All synthetic pyrethroids pesticide residues recorded in the water samples were below and within their respective WHO MRLs for drinking water except for deltamethrin, which exceeded the WHO MRL at Kwakuanya (S4) at distance 0-15m from a cocoa farm. The presence of synthetic pyrethroids residues in the soil and water samples analysed is an indication of the use of the pesticide by cocoa farmers in the study area. The routine monitoring of pesticide residues in the study area is necessary for the control and reduction of environmental pollution.

ACS Style

Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah; Elvis D. Okoffo; Michael Mensah. Synthetic Pyrethroids Pesticide Residues in Soils and Drinking Water Sources from Cocoa Farms in Ghana. Environment and Pollution 2015, 5, 60 .

AMA Style

Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah, Elvis D. Okoffo, Michael Mensah. Synthetic Pyrethroids Pesticide Residues in Soils and Drinking Water Sources from Cocoa Farms in Ghana. Environment and Pollution. 2015; 5 (1):60.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah; Elvis D. Okoffo; Michael Mensah. 2015. "Synthetic Pyrethroids Pesticide Residues in Soils and Drinking Water Sources from Cocoa Farms in Ghana." Environment and Pollution 5, no. 1: 60.

Journal article
Published: 15 July 2015 in Journal of Agricultural Science
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Nitrogen fertilizer recovery by lowland rice can be as low as 10% and rarely exceeds 60%. Azolla contributes to the nitrogen (N) nutrition of rice plant through biological N fixation (BNF). This study aimed at assessing the influence of Azolla pinatta on floodwater chemistry, rice yield, total dry matter and N uptake of rice. The study was carried out at the Dreyer Research Station in South Western Burkina Faso in 2005 using a split urea application method called Experiment 1 (E1) which was compared with what the farmer’s practice (E2), which is basal application of NPK (16 16 16) and one top-dress of urea. Four levels of nitrogen was used in the experiments (0, 40, 80, 120 kg N ha-1). The full Azolla cover on the floodwater surface by the time of urea application prevented rapid increase in floodwater pH in the range of 0.52 to 0.68. The presence of Azolla lowered floodwater temperature by 1.9 to 2.0 oC. There was a significant increased (p < 0.01) in total dry matter yield of rice by 7.8% in E1 and 9.8% in E2 as a results of the presence of Azolla on floodwater surface. Similarly, Azolla significantly (p < 0.01) increased grain yields in both experiments. Apparent N-recovery of rice increased between 13.3 and 16.8% in grain and 39.1 and 42.6% in straw. There was however no significant interaction (p > 0.05) between Azolla and nitrogen. It is concluded that Azolla brought about an additive effect and could be an efficient fertilizer alternative or supplement in flooded rice cropping system in Dano.

ACS Style

Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah; Paul L. G. Vlek; Günther Manske; Michael Mensah. The Influenec of Azolla pinnata on Floodwater Chemistry, Grain Yield and Nitrogen Uptake of Rice in Dano, Southwestern Burkina Faso. Journal of Agricultural Science 2015, 7, 1 .

AMA Style

Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah, Paul L. G. Vlek, Günther Manske, Michael Mensah. The Influenec of Azolla pinnata on Floodwater Chemistry, Grain Yield and Nitrogen Uptake of Rice in Dano, Southwestern Burkina Faso. Journal of Agricultural Science. 2015; 7 (8):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah; Paul L. G. Vlek; Günther Manske; Michael Mensah. 2015. "The Influenec of Azolla pinnata on Floodwater Chemistry, Grain Yield and Nitrogen Uptake of Rice in Dano, Southwestern Burkina Faso." Journal of Agricultural Science 7, no. 8: 1.