scholarly journals The Sanctuaries for Witch-hunt Victims in Northern Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Felix Riedel
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Specific Behaviour ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Educational Campaigns ◽  
Witch Hunts ◽  
Witch Hunt

Witch-hunts in Ghana’s Northern Region occur mainly among neighbours and members of the extended family. Triggers for accusations are disease, death and accidents. With many exceptions, the accused are postmenopausal women. Accusers include children, women and men alike. Witch-hunts do only ocassionally target specific behaviour or deviancy: they are registered as accidental and “unjust” by almost all victims. Most accusations disrupted productive relationship and reaped no benefit for the accusers. Victims are often tortured to produce confessions. The accusers rely on dreams for singling out the accused, while the latter are then forced to chicken- and potion-ordeals at diverse shrines to determine their guilt or innocence. Exorcisms include potions and shaving. Today, about 800 victims of witchcraft-accusations live in nine sanctuaries for witchhunt-victims to dodge further accusations and lynchings. While diverse in character, eight of the nine sanctuaries adhere to an earth-shrine-complex typical for Northern Ghana and beyond. Social work with the victims and educational campaigns by NGO’s are well-tried and promising, but governmental malpractice and media attention have reaped mixed results so far.

scholarly journals Understanding Patterns and Drivers of Bouillon Use in Northern Ghana to Inform Fortification Planning

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 655-655
Author(s):  
Sika Kumordzie ◽  
Jennie Davis ◽  
Katherine Adams ◽  
Xiuping Tan ◽  
Seth Adu-Afarwuah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
High Blood Pressure ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Micronutrient Fortification

Abstract Objectives To explore the potential for bouillon as a micronutrient fortification vehicle in northern Ghana, we assessed market availability, household purchase and consumption of bouillon products, and perceptions of bouillon and salt. Methods We selected 28 clusters in the Tolon and Kumbungu districts of the Northern region of Ghana (7 urban, 4 semi-urban, and 3 rural clusters per district). Among 369 randomly selected households, women of reproductive age (15–49 y; WRA) were interviewed about household bouillon purchasing habits, its use in food preparation, and perceptions about the positive/negative effects of bouillon consumption. Twenty focus groups of 5–6 participants each were held in 11 clusters (10 WRA, 5 men, 5 women > 49y). We also assessed availability of bouillon products for sale from vendors in clusters (n = 11) and major markets (n = 4). Results In the survey, almost all (99%) respondents had ever cooked with bouillon, and 77% reported typically cooking with bouillon at least twice per day. Seven brands and three flavors of bouillon products were for sale. Most households (87%) reported consuming shrimp flavor without other spice most frequently. On average, households purchased bouillon cubes weekly, most from open markets (74%) or kiosks (22%). Most common reasons for bouillon use included taste (98%) and family preference (46%). Economic access was also important: 59% reported purchasing less bouillon or switching bouillon brands (28%) or flavors (11%) when they had less money available. About two-thirds of respondents perceived having bouillon in a person's diet was “good” (vs 43% for salt); reasons provided included: “gives more energy” (43%) and “makes you stronger” (41%). Among the 18% of respondents who perceived having bouillon in a person's diet was “bad”, reasons included: stomach upset (63%) and high blood pressure (39%). High blood pressure (85%) was the most common concern among the 32% perceiving salt as “bad”. Focus groups revealed seasonal variation in quantity of bouillon used. Conclusions Bouillon consumption is common and frequent in northern Ghana, indicating good potential as a micronutrient fortification vehicle. Understanding perceptions of bouillon by different household members will inform research and program messaging. Funding Sources Funded by a grant to the University of California, Davis from Helen Keller International.

scholarly journals Climate Variability Since 1970 and Farmers’ Observations in Northern Ghana

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Nyadzi
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Climate Variability And Change ◽  
Urban Centers ◽  
Access To Credit

<p>The study examines how farmers’ observations of climate variability and change correspond with 42 years (1970-2011) meteorological data of temperature and rainfall. It shows how farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana adjust to the changing climate and explore the various obstacles that hinder the implementation of their adaptation strategies. With the help of an extension officer, 200 farmers from 20 communities were randomly selected based on their farming records. Temperatures over the last four decades (1970-2009) increased at a rate of 0.04 (± 0.41) ˚C and 0.3(± 0.13)˚C from 2010-2011 which is consistent to the farmers (82.5%) observations. Rainfall within the districts are characterised by inter-annual and monthly variability. It experienced an increased rate of 0.66 (± 8.30) mm from 1970-2009, which was inconsistent with the farmers (81.5%) observation. It however decreased from 2010-2011 at a huge rate of -22.49 (±15.90) mm which probably was the reason majority of the respondents claim rainfall was decreasing. Only 64.5% of the respondents had adjusted their farming activities because of climate variability and change. They apply fertilizers and pesticides, practice soil and water conservation, and irrigation for communities close to dams. Respondents desire to continue their current adaptation methods but may in the future consider changing crop variety, water-harvesting techniques, change crop production to livestock keeping, and possibly migrate to urban centers. Lack of climate change education, low access to credit and agricultural inputs are some militating factors crippling the farmers’ effort to adapt to climate change.</p>

Filipino American Culture and Family: Guidelines for Practitioners

1994 ◽  
Vol 75 (7) ◽  
pp. 429-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Agbayani-Siewert
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
American Culture ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Family Values ◽  
Filipino Americans ◽  
Filipino American ◽  
Marital Relations

The author introduces relevant information about Filipino American culture and families in three subcategories: family and extended-family values, marital relations, and children. Guidelines for social work practice with Filipino Americans are offered.

scholarly journals German-Algerian Relations by the Early 2020s in the Context of the Germany’s Regional Policy: Political and Military Aspects

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 683-699
Author(s):  
Philipp O. Trunov
Keyword(s):  
Armed Forces ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Armed Conflicts ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Event Analysis ◽  
Noticeable Increase ◽  
Bilateral Relations ◽  
Bilateral Cooperation ◽  
High Level ◽  
Almost All

Since the beginning of the 21st century, there has been a noticeable increase in German efforts to ensure security in the Mediterranean Sea. This is part of the growing activities to ensure a strong strategic position in North and West Africa, including the settlement of existing armed conflicts here as sources of threats to instability for Germany and its EU partners. Consequently, Germany found itself increasingly interested in finding reliable strategic partners, one of which is Algeria, which makes the topic of this article relevant. The purpose of the study is to examine bilateral security and defense relations with a special focus on the second half of the 2010s and early 2020s with the help of comparative and event-analysis. Having an applied character, this topic has not yet found detailed coverage in the works of both domestic and foreign, especially German, researchers. The historic background of the German-Algerian dialogue is presented. The growth of high-level contacts in the second half of the 2010s is shown, with Germany having to focus on negotiations with the frequently changing figure of the Algerian prime minister. The article also explores the constraints for the cooperation of German and Algerian armed forces on land and sea, as well as the dynamics of military-technical cooperation. The bilateral cooperation in the resolution of the armed conflict in Mali, first of all, in its northern region (Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu) is considered. The political and diplomatic cooperation on the Libyan track in the middle and second half of the 2010s, as well as shortly after the Berlin Conference on Libya in January 2020, is revealed. In the early 2020s, there was a sharp decline in the intensity and volume of bilateral cooperation in almost all areas. In addition to COVID-19, the importance of domestic political factors and the temporary decline in the practical value of the partnership in Libya and Mali for Germany are stressed. A forecast of the dynamics of bilateral relations is finally given.

The Role of Municipalities in the Management of Social Work Practices in Turkey

2021 ◽  
pp. 324-338
Author(s):  
Sami Kalaycı
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Public Services ◽  
Work Practices ◽  
New Period ◽  
The World ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Metropolitan Municipalities ◽  
Central Management ◽  
Mega Cities

Almost all countries in the world intervene in social problems depending on their own social structure and management systems. They also aim to offer rapid and effective social work policies and practices for women, children, elders, young, and disabled people. To do so, governments need to execute social work practices through local managements along with central management. The 1980s were a beginning of a new period for the management of public services. Specifically, localization and globalization directly affected the view that not only central management, but also local managements need to be strengthened. In 1984, Turkey enforced metropolitan municipalities law and formed another stage of management in mega cities. During the 1990s, social work practices implemented in mage cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Konya were like a sample study for many other municipalities within the country. Thus, soon after the juridical reforms beginning in the early 2000s, municipalities took over remarkable responsibilities in local social work practices.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Determinants of Rural-Urban Utilization of Skilled Delivery Services in Northern Ghana

Scientifica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahama Saaka ◽  
Jones Akuamoah-Boateng
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Skilled Delivery ◽  
Birth Attendance ◽  
Delivery Services ◽  
Study Population

Background. There are wide differences in the uptake of skilled delivery services between urban and rural women in the northern region of Ghana. This study assessed the rural-urban differences in the prevalence of and factors associated with uptake of skilled delivery in the northern region of Ghana. Methods. The study population comprised postpartum women who had delivered within the last three months prior to the study. The dataset was analyzed using the chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression. Results. The odds of skilled birth attendance (SBA) adjusted for confounding variables in urban areas were higher compared with their rural counterparts (AOR = 1.59; CI: 1. 07–2.37; p=0.02). The determinants of skilled delivery were similar but of different levels and strength in rural and urban areas. The main drivers that explained the relatively high skilled delivery coverage in the urban areas were higher frequency of antenatal care (ANC) attendance, proximity (physical access) to health facility, and greater proportion of women attaining higher educational level of at least secondary school. Distance from health facility less than 4 km was the greatest independent contributor to the variance in skilled delivery in the urban areas, whereas frequency of ANC attendance was the greatest independent contributor in the rural areas. Conclusions. This study identified underlying determinants accounting for rural-urban differences in skilled delivery, and covariate effect was more dominant than coefficient effect. Therefore, urban-rural differences in SBA outcomes were primarily due to differences in the levels of critical determinants rather than the nature of the determinants themselves. Therefore, improving skilled delivery outcomes in this study population and other similar settings will not require different policy frameworks and interventions in dealing with rural-urban disparities in SBA outcomes. However, context-specific tailored approaches and strategies including targeting mechanisms have to be designed differently to reduce the rural-urban differences.

scholarly journals Effect of input credit on smallholder farmers’ output and income

2018 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Iddrisu ◽  
Isaac Gershon Kodwo Ansah ◽  
Paul Kwame Nkegbe
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Policy ◽  
On Farm

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of input credit on smallholder farmers’ output and income using Masara N’Arziki support project in Northern Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional primary data set was used to estimate the effect of project participation on farm output, yield and income using propensity score matching (PSM) methods. Findings The findings are that project participation is skewed towards experienced farmers with big-sized households and farms. The effect of project on outcomes is somewhat unsatisfactory in the sense that participation only raises output and yield, but not income. Research limitations/implications The paper only examined the project effect on farm outcomes among smallholder farmers participating in the programme in just one operational area in the Northern region. Future research should consider all the operational areas for an informed generalisation of findings. Practical implications Greater benefits to farmers from programme participation would require project management to review the contractual arrangement so that the high cost of input credit is significantly reduced. Originality/value The paper applied the PSM to estimate the effect of project participation on farm output, yield and income among smallholder farmers which is non-existent in the literature on the study area, at least as far as we know. This paper can inform future policy on the direction and nature of support for smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana.

Cropping Systems in Some Drought-Prone Communities of the Northern Region of Ghana: Factors Affecting the Introduction of Rice

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Kodjo Avornyo ◽  
◽  
Osamu Ito ◽  
Gordana Kranjac-Berisavljevic ◽  
Osamu Saito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Average Distance ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Cattle Production ◽  
Factors Affecting

Despite the growing demand for rice in Ghana, domestic rice production remains low, resulting in the importation of about 70% of the rice consumed in Ghana. In spite of the fact that 39-47% of the 20-28% of Ghana’s total geographic area classified as inland valley wetlands is considered suitable for rice cultivation, less than 15% is presently being used. A household survey was therefore conducted in six communities, Fihini (F), Cheshegu (C), Dabogushei (D), Kpalgum (K), Zergua (Z), and Yoggu (Y), of the Tolon district in northern Ghana in order to identify factors affecting the introduction of rice into the cropping system. Maize, groundnut, rice, and yam were found to be the four major crops grown in the communities. Overall, 64% of respondents cultivate rice, but this figure is particularly low (30%) in F and Y communities. Rice is usually combined with two other major crops, most frequently maize and yam. In C, D, and K communities, about 90% of households cultivate at least, three out of the four major crops. The interview with farmers revealed that rice yield is 0.73 t/ha on average and significantly higher in K and C (1.06 t/ha and 0.93 t/ha, respectively) than in D (0.37 t/ha). The average distance from compound houses to rice and maize fields is significantly shorter in C, D, and K. Similarly, the rate of rice introduction in C, D, and K is higher than in F, Z, and Y, suggesting that distance to inland valleys may be one of the factors that influence the incorporation of rice into the cropping systems of these communities. Principal component analysis of crop yields and cattle number for the Y community revealed that rice growers tend to have higher crop productivity while cattle production is higher among non-rice growers. Within the community, the productivity of upland crops and balance between crop production and cattle production may be important factors that influence the incorporation of rice into the cropping system.

scholarly journals Sacred groves as potential ecotourism sites at Tolon and Diare in Northern Region, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 195-215
Author(s):  
Benjamin Makimilua Tiimub ◽  
◽  
Richard Amankwah Kuffour ◽  
Richard Wonnsibe Tiimob ◽  
Cletus Ankrah Kuuyeni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Sacred Grove ◽  
Sacred Groves ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
Land Use Plan

Purpose: Relic plant communities commonly referred as “sacred groves” in Ghana and comparatively anywhere are ecologically, genetically important resources indigenously protected as “abodes of gods or ancestral habitats” through traditional or religious beliefs and taboos. This study mainly evaluated the potentials of sacred groves for development as tourist sites at Tolon and Diare in the Northern Region of Ghana. Research methodology: Data was collected using semi structured interview questionnaire aided by vegetation survey, observational field walk through the Jaagbo and Tindangung Sacred Groves to screen natural features of the destinations and determine its potential for ecotourism. Findings: Potential areas for visitor amateurism such as the wonderful baobab tree, crocodile pond, misty stone bird sanctuary, were identified in both groves. About 220 different species of plants were identified in the entire groves. The study further discovered that with effective management measures in place, the ecotourism potentials of these sacred groves will optimize if developed to attract visitors and generate income for sustainable socio-economic development of the adjoining communities in northern Ghana. Limitations: Although the target population was above 200 people, relatively small sample size (≤ 36%), could be chosen since the opinion leaders considered the groves as sacred and were less prepared to divulge information about them. Islam and Christianity rather counteracted certain beliefs of the traditional people who adopted local measures to enhance sustainability of these sites for ecotourism functions. Contribution: The study advocates the adoption of bylaws to promote sustainable management of the sacred groves for sustainable benefits. Keywords: Jaagbo, Tindangung, Sacred grove, Crocodile pond, Bird sanctuary, Traditional bylaws, Land use plan

scholarly journals Impact of The COVID-19 Pandemic on the Malaria Burden in Northern Ghana: Analysis of Routine Surveillance Data

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Katharina Heuschen ◽  
Alhassan Abdul-Mumin ◽  
Martin Nyaaba Adokiya ◽  
Guangyu Lu ◽  
Albrecht Jahn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Information Management System ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Malaria Burden ◽  
Routine Surveillance ◽  
Outpatient Departments ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and its collateral damage severely impact health systems globally and risk to worsen the malaria situation in endemic countries. Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana. This study aims to analyze routine surveillance data to assess possible effects on the malaria burden in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Northern Region of Ghana. Methods: Monthly routine data from the District Health Information Management System II (DHIMS2) of the Northern Region of Ghana were analyzed. Overall outpatient department visits and malaria incidence rates from the years 2015 to 2019 were compared to the corresponding data of the year 2020. Results: Compared to the corresponding periods of the years 2015 to 2019, overall visits and malaria incidence in pediatric and adult outpatient departments in northern Ghana decreased in March and April 2020, when major movement and social restrictions were implemented in response to the pandemic. Incidence slightly rebounded afterwards in 2020 but stayed below the average of the previous years. Data from inpatient departments showed a similar but more pronounced trend when compared to outpatient departments. In pregnant women, however, malaria incidence in outpatient departments increased after the first COVID-19 wave. Discussion: The findings from this study show that the COVID-19 pandemic affects the malaria burden in health facilities of Ghana, with declines in in- and outpatient rates. Pregnant women may experience reduced access to intermittent preventive malaria treatment and insecticide treated nets, resulting in subsequent higher malaria morbidity. Further data from other African countries, particularly on community-based studies, are needed to fully determine the impact of the pandemic on the malaria situation.

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