Rapid and onsite determination of the soil status and quality parameters holds a brighter potential for improving food security, and minimizing waste of the excessive application of soil amendments hence reducing environmental pollution. In this study, a pocket‐sized shortwave NIR spectroscopy (740–1070 nm) and multivariate statistics were used to classify soil from different land‐use types and simultaneously predict nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and pH in Ghana. Different Algorithms. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA), support vector machine (SVM), and partial least squares algorithms (full‐range partial least square, FrPLS; interval partial least squares, IPLS; synergy interval partial least squares, Si‐PLS) were attempted for building a suitable classification and quantification model. The models were assessed by the classification rate, coefficient of determination (R_p²), and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) in the prediction set. A total of 110 soil samples from 0 to 15 cm, 15 to 30 cm, and 30 to 45 cm layers were collected from the field of different land‐use cropping systems. The results obtained showed that SVM had a 98.61% classification rate of the soil from the cropping system. While Si‐PLS was superior in predicting N, P, K, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and pH. The performance of the Si‐PLS model for N, P, K, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and pH were 0.571, 0.779, 0.910, 0.778, 0.826, and 0.904 for R_p² and 0.033%, 0.738 mg·kg⁻¹, 0.117 cmol·kg⁻¹, 0.654 cmol·kg⁻¹, 3.0219 cmol·kg⁻¹, and 0.4760 pH unit for RMSEP, respectively. The results revealed that the portable NIR spectroscopic technique could be used to measure the soil status and some quality parameters. However, further studies are needed to proof its application. This could lead to improving the yield and saving the cost of fertilizer application.

The fishing industry contributes to the socio-economic development of emerging economies, including Ghana. Therefore, it is essential to understand the factors that influence the marketability of fish to improve production and address poverty, malnutrition, gender equality, and economic growth. This paper employs advanced discrete choice experiment methods to analyze Ghana's consumer preferences and willingness to pay for fish attributes. A sample of 100 consumers from fish-consuming individuals in the Cape Coast Metropolis of the Central Region was selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. The empirical results from the mixed logit regression model revealed that production method, product form, origin, and price are factors that influence consumers' choices. Specifically, consumers preferred farm-raised and frozen fish over wild-caught, fresh, fried, and smoked fish options. The findings also show that consumers are price sensitive, favoring low-priced fish. The willingness to pay space model confirms that consumers value farm-raised, frozen, and imported fish over fresh, fried, smoked, and locally produced fish. Remarkably, consumers were willing to pay a premium of GHS 6.2 more for farm-raised fish than wild-caught fish, the price of GHS 24 extra for frozen fish than fresh fish, and GHS 8.7 more for imported fish than locally produced fish. These insights emphasize the need for interventions to invest in cold chain infrastructure, adjust pricing strategies, and embark on consumer education about the benefits of locally produced fish. Policymakers should also introduce demand-driven strategy to enhance competitiveness and promote sustainable livelihoods among the actors along the fish value chain.

The rise in population growth worldwide requires efficient management of agricultural lands through the correct determination of authentic fertilizers. In this current study, a rapid on-site detection technique was developed by using portable NIR spectroscopy in the wavelength range of 7401070nm together with optimum multivariate algorithms to identify fertilizer integrity (unexpired, expired, and adulterated) as well as quantify the levels (1050) of adulteration. NIR models were built based on support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) for identification, while different types of partial least square regression (PLS, iPLS, Si-PLS, and GaPLS) were used for quantification purposes. The models were evaluated according to identification rate (Rt), coefficient of correlation in prediction (Rpre²), and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP). For the identification of the integrity of the fertilizer, among the mathematical pretreatments used, the first derivative (FD) together with SVM gave above 99.20 identification rate in both calibration and prediction sets. For the quantification of the adulterants, Si-PLS was found to be superior and showed an excellent predictive potential of Rpre²=0.950.98 and RMSEP=0.0690.11 for the two fertilizer types used. The overall results indicated that a handheld NIR spectrometer together with appropriate algorithms could be employed for fast and on-site determination of fertilizer integrity.

This paper examines price sensitivity, eco-labelling, and sustainability components of consumer preference for poultry products in Ghana. We employed the discrete choice experiment approach using recent advances such as the utility space and willingness to pay space models. Using a sample of 195 respondents from Cape Coast metropolis and Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem municipality, the econometric modelling revealed that, on average, sampled consumers preferred imported poultry meat with eco-labelling, preferably sold at the supermarkets but also affordable. The results suggest that demand for high-quality and sustainably produced poultry meat may be an emerging demand among poultry consumers in Ghana. The preference for supermarkets, in addition to farmers' markets, shows that the Ghanaian food system is emerging. The study's findings show a need to improve food safety standards, promote sustainable poultry production, and raise consumer awareness of eco-labelling and certification schemes in emerging economies such as Ghana. Also, the findings of this study have provided useful information for the production, marketing, and policy decisions regarding the evolving consumer preference for poultry products in Ghana.

The rapidly increasing population and environmental pressures highlight the urgent need for a sustainable and health-conscious protein source. Although traditional animal-based proteins significantly contribute to human nutrition, their production uses many resources and causes environmental damage. Growing health awareness, driven by concerns about the negative effects of animal diets, prompts consumers to seek alternative protein sources. Edible insects are gaining attention as a viable option due to their high nutritional value, including protein, essential amino acids, micronutrients, and their minimal ecological impact. Despite these benefits, adoption remains limited in emerging economies such as Ghana. This study investigates consumer preferences and trade-offs for using edible insect (palm weevil larvae) fortified bread as a sustainable protein alternative. Data were collected from 186 consumers in Cape Coast Metropolis through advanced discrete choice experiment methods. The findings show that bread type, nutritional content, certification, and fortification ingredients significantly influence consumer choices. Consumers preferred wheat-based bread certified by the Food and Drugs Authority, which offers high protein content and is affordable. However, consumers valued bread fortified with powder from palm weevil larvae less. Further segmentation based on social concern indicates that certification and nutrition messaging can partially reduce consumer resistance. These results highlight the importance of behavioural effects and food safety trust in encouraging sustainable protein options. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, food innovators, and health advocates aiming to promote sustainable foods through novel protein sources, supporting progress towards sustainable development goals related to hunger, responsible consumption, and climate action.