Accelerating uptake of household latrines in rural communities in the Volta region of Ghana

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard Keraita ◽  
Peter Kjær Mackie Jensen ◽  
Flemming Konradsen ◽  
Maxwell Akple ◽  
Thilde Rheinländer
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Improved Sanitation ◽  
Sanitation Promotion ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Low Coverage ◽  
Technological Options

This study was done in four rural communities in Ghana to assess uptake of household latrines. A total of 156 household interviews, 16 focus group discussions and 8 in-depth interviews with key informants were conducted. Study findings show that only 8.5% of households were using improved sanitation facilities with more than 75% of the households relying on open defecation and communal trench latrines. Knowledge of technological options was very limited and the cost for preferred latrines was unaffordable. Though health-related benefits motivated household latrine uptake, those related to personal security, privacy, social status and convenience were ranked higher. Sanitation uptake was constrained mainly by finances, poor sanitation promotion and general biophysical factors. High costs of latrine construction could be reduced by introducing cheaper technological options, using low-cost construction materials and labor contributions from households. Financing models like microcredit financing can also be explored and adapted for use in Ghana. We recommend the use of approaches aimed at behavior change while giving households a range of technological options such as community led total sanitation (CLTS). Hence, despite the low coverage of improved sanitation in rural Ghana, there exist real opportunities to accelerate sanitation uptake.

Accelerating rural sanitation coverage in Ghana: what are the speed bumps impeding progress?

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 531-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaac Monney ◽  
Amos Baffoe-Kyeremeh ◽  
Papa Kofi Amissah-Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Human Resource Capacity ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Local Assembly ◽  
Improved Sanitation ◽  
Sanitation Promotion

Progress towards the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) sanitation target has generally been slow-paced in Ghana. This is particularly the case in rural areas where access to improved sanitation has increased by just 4% within two decades. This paper examines defecation practices as well as constraints and existing opportunities at both household and institutional levels in promoting in-house toilet construction. The study was conducted in three rural communities in the Tain district and drew on key informant interviews, focus group discussions, field observations and face-to-face interviews of 400 residents selected from 249 houses. The results showed the scarcity of in-house toilets, which means consequently open defecation and use of communal toilets are common practices. The need for in-house toilet facilities is high among property owners without them, mainly driven by the desire for comfort and safety. Barriers at the household level constraining latrine installation include ignorance of low-cost technologies, the perceived high cost of latrines and the low priority given to their ownership. Analysis of expenditure patterns at the local assembly shows low priority afforded to sanitation promotion, which is constrained by low donor support, lack of requisite logistics and poor human resource capacity. Existing opportunities for accelerating sanitation coverage in these study communities are examined both at the household and institutional levels, and best practices discussed.

scholarly journals Farmers’ perception and reasons for practicing farmer managed natural regeneration in Tigray, Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tigist Kibru ◽  
Rikiatu Husseini ◽  
Emiru Birhane ◽  
Jeremy Haggar ◽  
Negasi Solomon
Keyword(s):  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Fuel Wood ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Rural People ◽  
Tigray Region ◽  
Household Heads

Abstract Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is a rapid, low cost and easily replicated approach to restore and improve degraded agricultural, forest and pasture lands. The study was conducted in low (500–1500 m.a.s.l) and mid (1500–2300 m.a.s.l) altitude agro-ecologies of Tigray region assessing farmer’s perception and reasons to practice FMNR. Purposive sampling was used to select three peasant associations (PA’s) from each agro-ecology. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents from household heads practicing FMNR. There were 15 respondents from each PA. Total respondents used for the study in both agro-ecologies were 90. All the data required for the study was collected through in-depth household survey and group discussions. Forty two percent (42.2%) of the respondents had 21–30 years of FMNR experience. Seventeen percent of the respondents with FMNR experience were from lowland and 26% were from mid land agro-ecology. FMNR has been practiced for more than two decades in the study areas. In both low and midland agro-ecologies, motivation of the respondents to practice FMNR was the training received from expert’s (37.1%) and neighbors’ success (29.2%). In the lowland, respondent’s main purpose to practice FMNR was fuel wood and fruit collection (49%) while in the midland the objectives were for fuel wood (50%), soil conservation (47%) and fodder (47%). FMNR has enormous importance in the livelihoods of the rural people especially in providing fuel wood, food/fruits, construction materials and farm equipment.

scholarly journals Access to energy sources in the face of climate change: Challenges faced by women in rural communities

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mphemelang J. Ketlhoilwe ◽  
Kennedy M. Kanene
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Household Energy ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sustainable Energy For All

Access to energy is a challenge to rural communities, especially among women who are the prime household energy users. This article is based on research carried out in the Tswapong villages in Botswana where energy sources particularly wood, are slowly getting depleted while electricity connection costs remain unaffordable for the poor. The article provides constructivist analysis of experiences in real-life situations among women. Data were generated through observations, documents analysis, interviews and focus group discussions. It has emerged from the research that majority of the respondents use firewood as energy source. Firewood and gas are mainly used for cooking while electricity is mainly used for lighting. The demand for firewood has led to firewood commercialisation, the depletion of preferred firewood tree species and increase in the impact of climate change. The article recommends economic diversification and subsidies to empower the majority of the rural poor to connect to the national electric grid and reduce on firewood dependence. These could be complemented by harnessing of solar energy and low-cost, energy-saving technologies. Subsidies to enable women access to energy services would contribute immensely to the decade of Sustainable Energy for All and to the attainment of the post 2015 sustainable development goal on energy.

Advance Protection for Three Phase Induction Motor using Microcontroller Atmega32

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 172
Author(s):  
Karan S Belsare ◽  
Gajanan D Patil
Keyword(s):  
Induction Motor ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Short Circuit ◽  
Cost Factor ◽  
Protection Scheme ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
The Cost

A low cost and reliable protection scheme has been designed for a three phase induction motor against unbalance voltages, under voltage, over voltage, short circuit and overheating protection. Taking the cost factor into consideration the design has been proposed using microcontroller Atmega32, MOSFETs, relays, small CTs and PTs. However the sensitivity of the protection scheme has been not compromised. The design has been tested online in the laboratory for small motors and the same can be implemented for larger motors by replacing the i-v converters and relays of suitable ratings.

Janus – A New Approach to Air Combat Pilot Training

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (4) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Georges Bridel ◽  
Zdobyslaw Goraj ◽  
Lukasz Kiszkowiak ◽  
Jean-Georges Brévot ◽  
Jean-Pierre Devaux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Training System ◽  
Embedded Sensors ◽  
Pilot Training ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Combat Aircraft ◽  
Air Combat ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Advanced jet training still relies on old concepts and solutions that are no longer efficient when considering the current and forthcoming changes in air combat. The cost of those old solutions to develop and maintain combat pilot skills are important, adding even more constraints to the training limitations. The requirement of having a trainer aircraft able to perform also light combat aircraft operational mission is adding unnecessary complexity and cost without any real operational advantages to air combat mission training. Thanks to emerging technologies, the JANUS project will study the feasibility of a brand-new concept of agile manoeuvrable training aircraft and an integrated training system, able to provide a live, virtual and constructive environment. The JANUS concept is based on a lightweight, low-cost, high energy aircraft associated to a ground based Integrated Training System providing simulated and emulated signals, simulated and real opponents, combined with real-time feedback on pilot’s physiological characteristics: traditionally embedded sensors are replaced with emulated signals, simulated opponents are proposed to the pilot, enabling out of sight engagement. JANUS is also providing new cost effective and more realistic solutions for “Red air aircraft” missions, organised in so-called “Aggressor Squadrons”.

Bamboo Waste-based Bio-composite Substance: An application for Low-cost Construction Materials

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48
Author(s):  
Teodoro Astorga Amatosa ◽  
Michael E. Loretero
Keyword(s):  
Composite Materials ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Green Technology ◽  
Experimental Medium ◽  
Natural Treatment

Bamboo is a lightweight and high-strength raw materials that encouraged researchers to investigate and explore, especially in the field of biocomposite and declared as one of the green-technology on the environment as fully accountable as eco-products. This research was to assess the technical feasibility of making single-layer experimental Medium-Density Particleboard panels from the bamboo waste of a three-year-old (Dendrocalamus asper). Waste materials were performed to produce composite materials using epoxy resin (C21H25C105) from a natural treatment by soaking with an average of pH 7.6 level of sea-water. Three different types of MDP produced, i.e., bamboo waste strip MDP (SMDP), bamboo waste chips MDP (CMDP) and bamboo waste mixed strip-chips MDP (MMDP) by following the same process. The experimental panels tested for their physical-mechanical properties according to the procedures defined by ASTM D1037-12. Conclusively, even the present study shows properties of MDP with higher and comparable to other composite materials; further research must be given better attention as potential substitute to be used as hardwood materials, especially in the production, design, and construction usage.

Natural Phytochemicals and Their Therapeutic Role in Management of Several Diseases: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitin R. Shirsath ◽  
Ajaygiri K. Goswami
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Biological Source ◽  
Natural Medicine ◽  
Synthetic Chemicals ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Activity Mechanism ◽  
Natural Medicines

Introduction: These days, a lot of people face some health-related problems in day to day life. The conventional synthetic medicine is not effective enough to cure them alone. The conventional therapy for the management of these health-related issues involves the use of hazardous synthetic chemicals and surgical diagnosis, which have lots of serious side effects. It is necessary to conduct research on herbal medicines, this is an alternative approach to avoid the side effects of synthetic medicines to achieve high effectiveness, low cost and improve patient compliance. Methods: The present survey is an analysis of some of the available data on the use of plants with their biological source, active phytochemicals constituents and a probable activity/ mechanism of action of several classes of drugs. This work also focused on highlighting the advantages of natural medicines for maximum utilization. Results: This article aims to increase awareness about natural medicine and help people find a suitable herbal medicine for the treatment of specific diseases. Conclusion: This article also exhibits the scope for further process in the development of new natural substance for the management of several diseases.

Psychological Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disease on Cancer Patients

Coronaviruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaurav Dhiman
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Related Problem ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Vulnerable Group ◽  
Recommended Care ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Face ◽  
Mental Trauma ◽  
The Cost

: In this letter, the psychological impact of COVID-19 on cancer infected patients is discussed. Cancer is a serious health-related problem in the human body nowadays. The 2019 pandemic of coronavirus disease has developed into an unheard-of pandemic. Given the havoc wreaked by this pathogen worldwide, many countries have implemented a severe, legally enforced method of social distancing, in the form of a lockdown. Unless adequate preventive measures are taken, the cost of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown can prove to be irreparable. The obvious consequences of this lockout, such as the escalating levels of unemployment, imminent economic crisis, and extreme food scarcity faced by the sudden unemployed migrant labour population, have been widely reported. Cancer patients are a highly vulnerable group even during non-pandemic periods, often presenting late in the course of their illness, without the services required to avail recommended care. The incidence of psychological complications and emotional distress is considerably higher than in the general population, and the trauma of both the pandemic and subsequent lockdown contributes significantly to their mental trauma. This analysis is geared at solving the challenges faced by cancer patients in the face of this pandemic and subsequent lockdown, with a look at potential solutions that can be enforced.

scholarly journals A low-cost wireless endoscope camera: a preliminary report

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Lazarus ◽  
M. Ncube
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive Surgery ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Video Transmission ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Battery Life ◽  
Resource Constrained ◽  
High Definition ◽  
Industry Standard ◽  
Constrained Environments ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Background Technology currently used for surgical endoscopy was developed and is manufactured in high-income economies. The cost of this equipment makes technology transfer to resource constrained environments difficult. We aimed to design an affordable wireless endoscope to aid visualisation during rigid endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The initial prototype aimed to replicate a 4-mm lens used in rigid cystoscopy. Methods Focus was placed on using open-source resources to develop the wireless endoscope to significantly lower the cost and make the device accessible for resource-constrained settings. An off the shelf miniature single-board computer module was used because of its low cost (US$10) and its ability to handle high-definition (720p) video. Open-source Linux software made monitor mode (“hotspot”) wireless video transmission possible. A 1280 × 720 pixel high-definition tube camera was used to generate the video signal. Video is transmitted to a standard laptop computer for display. Bench testing included latency of wireless digital video transmission. Comparison to industry standard wired cameras was made including weight and cost. The battery life was also assessed. Results In comparison with industry standard cystoscope lens, wired camera, video processing unit and light source, the prototype costs substantially less. (US$ 230 vs 28 000). The prototype is light weight (184 g), has no cables tethering and has acceptable battery life (of over 2 h, using a 1200 mAh battery). The camera transmits video wirelessly in near real time with only imperceptible latency of < 200 ms. Image quality is high definition at 30 frames per second. Colour rendering is good, and white balancing is possible. Limitations include the lack of a zoom. Conclusion The novel wireless endoscope camera described here offers equivalent high-definition video at a markedly reduced cost to contemporary industry wired units and could contribute to making minimally invasive surgery possible in resource-constrained environments.

scholarly journals Multi-Blockchain-Based IoT Data Processing Techniques to Ensure the Integrity of IoT Data in AIoT Edge Computing Environments

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 3515
Author(s):  
Sung-Ho Sim ◽  
Yoon-Su Jeong
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Constant Size ◽  
Computing Environments ◽  
Iot Devices ◽  
Cloud Servers ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
And Control

As the development of IoT technologies has progressed rapidly recently, most IoT data are focused on monitoring and control to process IoT data, but the cost of collecting and linking various IoT data increases, requiring the ability to proactively integrate and analyze collected IoT data so that cloud servers (data centers) can process smartly. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-based IoT big data integrity verification technique to ensure the safety of the Third Party Auditor (TPA), which has a role in auditing the integrity of AIoT data. The proposed technique aims to minimize IoT information loss by multiple blockchain groupings of information and signature keys from IoT devices. The proposed technique allows IoT information to be effectively guaranteed the integrity of AIoT data by linking hash values designated as arbitrary, constant-size blocks with previous blocks in hierarchical chains. The proposed technique performs synchronization using location information between the central server and IoT devices to manage the cost of the integrity of IoT information at low cost. In order to easily control a large number of locations of IoT devices, we perform cross-distributed and blockchain linkage processing under constant rules to improve the load and throughput generated by IoT devices.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document