Ghana Journal of Geography

Modelling the Relationship Between COVID-19 Vaccination and Cases/Deaths: Evidence from a Large Panel of Countries.

Matthew Biniyam Kursah — 2026-02-28

This study examined the relationships between COVID-19 vaccinations, on the one hand, and COVID-19 cases and attributable deaths, on the other hand. This information is needed to fully inform public health decision-making on interventions, an area that has not been explored. The study used a sample of 84 countries, categorised into Africa (19), Asia (23), Europe (26), South America (8) and North America (8), spanning 01 January 2021 to 02 November 2022. This study employed the feasible generalised least squares (GLS) estimator for the analysis. The results showed that an increase in vaccination reduced the number of cases and deaths. The regional findings showed that vaccination reduced the number of cases in Europe and South America. It also reduced the number of cases in Africa, but the difference was not statistically significant. Also, vaccination significantly reduces deaths in all regions except Asia. The findings of this study suggest that vaccination is likely the best way to end this pandemic. It provides supporting evidence that vaccination is critical for reducing COVID-19 cases and even more so for preventing deaths among infected individuals. Also, vaccination has yielded greater health benefits in reducing cases and deaths in some regions of the world than others. Thus, continuously improving vaccine coverage and monitoring outcomes will be critical to translating efficacious vaccines into desirable health impacts. Accordingly, policies promoting vaccination, such as vaccine production in additional countries and financial or other incentives to reduce hesitancy, should be encouraged by the World Health Organisation (WHO), countries, and states.

Impacts of Agricultural Management Techniques on Selected Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in the Derived Savanna of South West Nigeria.

Kabiru Alani Shittu — 2026-02-28

Land degradation is one of the major threats to food security and natural resources conservation. Fostering sustainable agricultural production systems requires an understanding of how common management approaches affects the physical and chemical characteristics of soil health. This research examined the effect of agricultural management practices on some soil physical and chemical properties at the Teaching and Research Farm of the College of Agriculture, Osun State University, Ejigbo Campus, Ejigbo, Osun State. Agricultural management practices have profound impacts on both soil environment and agricultural productivity. Few of the selected soil physical and chemical properties examined were: Aggregate stability, bulk density, porosity, hydraulic conductivity, moisture content, Organic carbon, and soil pH. The results revealed that Aggregate stability in Organic farm (OF) and Fallow land (FL) were higher than plots managed with synthetic fertilizer (IF) by 24.18 and 26.52 % (P < 0.05) respectively. Also, soil managed with manure and (FL) had higher hydraulic conductivity and significantly different from soil that was managed with synthetic fertilizer (IF) by 73.83 and 75.83 % respectively. From soil fertility point of view, long-term organic soil management and fallow practices improve C:N, gravimetric moisture content, organic matter content at the surface layer. In contrast, prolonged in-organic fertilization tends to decrease these crucial properties that can increase and also sustain yield productivity. Lower C:N ratios in IF suggest reduced potential for long-term carbon sequestration compared to OF and FL, which showed improved soil health indicators and carbon storage potential.

Economic Viability of Beekeeping Practices on Income Generation among Smallholder Beekeepers in Sikonge District, Tanzania.

Kalista Higini Peter — 2026-02-28

The aim of this study was to assess the economic viability of beekeeping practices among smallholder beekeepers in Sikonge District, Tanzania. Despite various poverty alleviation initiatives focusing on crop and livestock systems, rural poverty continues, and thus, call for alternative income generating activities. Beekeeping as one of the alternative income sources, it provides sustainable livelihood to the rural communities due to its reliance on natural resources such as forests. This research was conducted in Sikonge district, and it involved a sample of 215 small-scale beekeepers of which 92.1% of participants were male, with 7.9 % female. For the purpose of data triangulation, data collection was collected through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and direct observation while the focus bees’ products were honey and beeswax production from both traditional and improved beehives. It was revealed that, improved beehives yielded an average of 66,956 litres of honey and 11,337.5 kg of beeswax annually, compared to 48,783 litres and 6,033 kg from traditional beehives. The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was 4.8 for improved beehives and 4.1 for traditional beehives, highlighting beekeeping's potential as a profitable project. The study highlights the need for an increased participation from women and youth in beekeeping, along with recommendations for financial support and capacity building. Overall, beekeeping emerges as a promising income generating activity for improving rural livelihoods and economic diversification in the region.

Local Collective Action and Challenges of Seaweed Management in the Western Region of Ghana.

Victor Owusu — 2026-02-28

This study examined the challenges posed by seaweed invasions in the coastal communities of Ghana. It focused on the general perceptions of seaweed, its effect on fisheries and livelihoods, and the removal mechanisms adopted by affected communities. The paper used a mixed-method approach consisting of a questionnaire survey of 300 fishing-dependent households and 12 interviews with stakeholders. The study revealed a predominantly negative perception of seaweeds among fisherfolk in the studied communities. This perception emanates from the devastating impacts of seaweed invasion on their livelihoods. The accumulation of seaweed offshore disrupts fishing activities, damages fishing nets resulting in decrease catch. This has resulted in significant economic hardships, leaving some fisherfolk unable to sustain their families or continue in the fishing industry. Despite the significant challenges posed by seaweed invasions, the study revealed that seaweed removal mechanisms are primarily informal and driven by the communities. However, these initiatives tend to be unsustainable and insufficient to address the problem on a broader scale. While communities show resilience through informal seaweed removal strategies, these efforts are inadequate in addressing the problem. Increasing awareness about seaweed's economic and ecological benefits and implementing effective management practices could transform seaweed from a threat into an asset. Government agencies, NGOs, Civil societies should prioritize seaweed management by allocating resources for research, supporting mechanical removal, and establishing offshore collection infrastructure. Policies should also promote collaboration between local associations/cooperative, local authorities, national and transnational organizations for sustainable management of marine and coastal environments.

Determinants of Soil Nutrient Dynamics Under Cashew Cultivation in the Sudan Savanna Zone of Nigeria.

Abdulkadir Musa — 2026-02-28

Due to the poor management practices, and prolonged cultivation of farmlands by local farmers who were unable to identify the key soil nutrients needed to counter the declining cashew yield, this study assessed the main determinants of soil nutrient dynamics under cashew (Anacardium occidentale) in part of the Sudan Savanna, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from eight 20 x 20 m quadrats at a depth of 0-30 cm in cashew cultivated field. Standard laboratory techniques were used for the determination of particle size distribution, OM, TN, soil pH, EA, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, NA⁺, K⁺, AP, CEC, and BS. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified the main determinants of soil properties influencing nutrient dynamics under the cashew crops. The results showed only the first two components accounting for 74.6% were retained to explain the variables. The first component named nutrient supply, featured six fertility-related variables with the highest loadings: EA (0.953), BS (0.944), K⁺(0.943), pH (0.923), CEC (0.923), and OM (-0.890), and AP (0.750). These variables highlight nutrient availability dynamics and their implications for soil management. The second component, named soil texture component, comprised of variables defining texture with the highest: clay (-0.943), sand (0.919) and silt (0.889). This component illustrates soil texture's role in nutrient retention. Coefficient of variation and means complemented the result of the PCA results. Except for EA (18.83%) and Mg²⁺(16.57%), which showed a moderate variability, all other variables exhibited relative homogeneity across the field. The results suggest that increases in EA, soil pH, K+, AP, and CEC positively influence soil fertility, while declines in OM and BS may lead to nutrient depletion. This underscores the need to manage soil acidity and nutrient levels to enhance cashew productivity while sustaining soil health. Additionally, the negative loading of clay implies that the prevalent sandy texture in the study area promotes nutrient leaching, necessitating soil amendments to improve nutrient absorption and moisture retention. These insights are vital for smallholder farmers seeking to optimize crop yields amid increasing agricultural intensification.