http://41.74.91.244:8080/handle/123456789/57 2026-04-05T23:55:45Z 2026-04-05T23:55:45Z Seidu, J.M. Mensah, G.W.K. Dankwah, S.A.A. Kwenin, W.K.J. Mahama, A.A. http://41.74.91.244:8080/handle/123456789/4618 2026-02-23T10:57:58Z 2010-12-01T00:00:00Z

The use of solar dryer to control insect infestation in stored grains in Ghana Seidu, J.M.; Mensah, G.W.K.; Dankwah, S.A.A.; Kwenin, W.K.J.; Mahama, A.A. A study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of a simple solar dryer, built from local materials, to control cowpea bruchids, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricuis) and maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.) in infested cowpea and maize. The effect of the heat generated in the solar dryer on the mortality of the insects, viability of the cowpea and maize seeds and the emergence of F1 progeny of C. maculatus and S. zeamais were the parameters assessed. The result obtained showed the reliability of the simple, low cost solar dryer in controlling the insects to an appreciable level. Complete (100%) mortality was obtained when the infested cowpea and maize were placed in the solar dryers, for 60 minutes and 120 minutes, respectively. The highest mean percent seed viability of the infested cowpea was 66.4% after being exposed for 120 minutes in the solar dryer and least viability was 48.5%. However, the mean percent seed viability of the infested maize decreased from 85% after 30 minutes of exposure in the solar dryer to 59.0% after 4 hours. The test indicated that exposure of the seed to the heat in the solar dryer reduced viability. The control for both cases gave higher percentage seed viability 73% and 86% for cowpea and maize, respectively. The period of exposure of the infested grains in the solar dryer for one hour or more also effectively reduced the number of F1 progeny that emerged from the stored grains. The result for solar-treated seeds was only effective as post-harvest reduction in weevil injury and may not be viable for planting due to loss in germination

2010-12-01T00:00:00Z Mahama A.A. Josiah M. Bani R. Musah S. http://41.74.91.244:8080/handle/123456789/612 2023-03-23T14:03:08Z 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Input cost of tractor operations in Ghana using the Farmtrac 70 tractor Mahama A.A.; Josiah M.; Bani R.; Musah S. The Government of Ghana in an attempt to modernize agriculture is embarking on establishing agricultural mechanization service and support centres using Farmtrac tractors. This is to make mechanization services readily available to majority of the rural farmers who cannot acquire their own machines. One of the most important but difficult jobs for the Ghanaian farmer is the management of farm machinery and equipment. Farmers in Ghana are faced with farm machinery operation charges that are not realistic. They are either too low resulting in poor maintenance and unsustainable management of farm machines by their owners, or too high with the resultant high production cost and low returns on investment. This study attempts to analyze and show application of field performance data of the aggregation using Farmtrac tractor. The technical specifications and other literature review were studied on the Farmtrac 70 tractor and its aggregations. Field capacities were investigated and used to determine input cost. It was concluded that tractor operations using the Farmtrac could be cost effective. Details of the results of study are presented in this paper. Mahama, A.A., University of Ghana, Agricultural Engineering Dept., Legon, Ghana; Josiah, M., University of Ghana, Agricultural Engineering Dept., Legon, Ghana; Bani, R., University of Ghana, Agricultural Engineering Dept., Legon, Ghana; Musah, S., Winneba University College of Education, Agricultural Faculty, Mampong Ashanti, Ghana

2008-01-01T00:00:00Z Akowuah J.O. Kemausuor F. Mitchual S.J. http://41.74.91.244:8080/handle/123456789/595 2023-05-29T11:29:23Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Physico-chemical characteristics and market potential of sawdust charcoal briquette Akowuah J.O.; Kemausuor F.; Mitchual S.J. In the absence of the widespread distribution of modern cooking fuels in developing countries, efforts are being made to utilise biomass residues which abound in most of these countries. This is intended to replace portions of firewood and charcoal and thereby reduce the cutting down of forests for fuel purposes. Briquettes from agro-residues have therefore been promoted as a better replacement to firewood and charcoals for heating, cooking and other industrial applications in both urban and rural communities. This study sought to assess the physico-chemical properties of charcoal briquettes produced in Ghana and also establish demand for and willingness of potential users to substitute charcoal and firewood with a charcoal briquette. A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of the briquettes. This was done prior to the distribution of the briquette to potential users to collaborate their views or otherwise on the handling and burning characteristics of the charcoal briquette. A survey was undertaken a week later using questionnaires to access the willingness of the potential users to use the briquettes. Sixty respondents were purposively selected from households and the hospitality industry for the survey. Results of the physico-chemical assessment of the briquettes were as follows: length (75 to 120 mm), moisture content (5.7% dry basis), density (1.1 g/cm3), ash content (2.6%), fixed carbon (20.7%), volatile matter (71%) and calorific value (4,820 kcal/kg). Responses from the survey indicated that the briquette is easy to ignite, has a long burning time and has good heat output. Respondents also observed that the briquettes did not give off sparks and had less smoke and ash content as compared to the regular charcoal they often used. Finally, 93% of the respondents indicated their willingness to use the briquettes if the price was comparable to charcoal. � 2012 Akowuah et al.; licensee Springer. Akowuah, J.O., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Kemausuor, F., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Mitchual, S.J., Department of Design and Technology Education, University of Education, Winneba, Kumasi Campus, Kumasi, Ghana

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z