http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/572 2026-04-23T03:25:52Z 2026-04-23T03:25:52Z ABDALLHA, E. I. N. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4570 2026-02-04T10:49:53Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: GROUNDWATER MINERALIZATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR DOMESTIC AND IRRIGATION PURPOSES IN TOLON DISTRICT, GHANA Authors: ABDALLHA, E. I. N. Abstract: Groundwater resources play a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of inhabitants in the semi arid Tolon District of the Northern Region of Ghana. This study assessed access to drinking water resources in relation to socioeconomic and geographical factors, investigated the sources and mechanisms of groundwater mineralization, evaluated groundwater quality for domestic and irrigation purposes, and assessed the associated human health risks. Ninety-seven (97) groundwater samples were analyzed using a combination of multivariate statistical, geostatistical, and geochemical techniques. Irrigation Water Quality Indices (IWQIs) were applied to determine groundwater suitability for irrigation. The results showed that only 40% of households had access to improved drinking water sources, with about 85% of the population consuming less than 15 liters of water per person per day. Access to drinking water varied significantly across socioeconomic groups and geographical locations. Hydrochemical analysis identified EC, TDS, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO₃⁻, and Cl⁻ as the major contributors to groundwater mineralization, with dominant water types being Na–HCO₃, Na–Cl, Ca–HCO₃, and Mg–HCO₃. Evaporation and anthropogenic activities, particularly agriculture, were found to be the main sources of groundwater contamination. Water quality assessment revealed that several parameters, including turbidity, EC, Ca²⁺, F⁻, NO₃⁻, As, Cd, faecal coliforms (FC), and total coliforms (TC), exceeded the WHO recommended limits. The Water Quality Index (WQI) indicated that 1.82% and 2.38% of groundwater samples were unsuitable for drinking during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Health risk assessment identified non-carcinogenic risks associated with NO₃⁻, F⁻, As, and Cd, while carcinogenic risks from As and Cd were notably higher among children. Groundwater suitability for irrigation varied spatially and seasonally, with the southeastern parts of the district exhibiting higher mineralization and generally poorer water quality. In conclusion, the study highlights significant challenges in ensuring groundwater safety for both domestic and agricultural uses. The findings underscore the urgent need for continuous monitoring, improved groundwater management, and the implementation of mitigation measures to safeguard public health and promote sustainable water use in the Tolon District. Description: DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE ENGINEERING

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z NIYONKURU, P. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4519 2025-11-24T11:19:05Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION METHOD AND SOIL AMENDMENT PRACTICES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS) IN NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA Authors: NIYONKURU, P. Abstract: Achieving equitable, sustainable and healthy food systems is essential to meeting global development goals. Improving the agricultural industry is one of the best strategies for eradicating extreme poverty. The main objective of this research was to assess the effects of irrigation methods and soil amendment practices on the yield and growth of okra in Northern Region of Ghana. The experiment was started on 16th May to 01st July 2024 at the West African Centre for Water, Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture, University for Development Studies (WACWISA - UDS) Experimental Field in Nyankpala. A 2 x 4 factorial experimental set up in a split-plot design with three (3) replications was used. Supplementary irrigation (SI) by drip irrigation system and rainfed agriculture were the main plots, whereas soil amendment practices (Cow dung, NPK, combination of Cow dung + NPK and zero Cow dung + NPK) were sub-plots. The field area was 8 m × 10.2 m. Results showed that the soil pH, EC, phosphorus and nitrogen decreased after all treatments were administered. The interaction of Cc0NPK*S had the best plant growth parameters, including leaf area index (mean was 2.33), plant height (65.1 cm); stem girth (1.97 cm), number of leaves per plant (28.67) and chlorophyll (55.4) content. The best yield was in the interactions, CcNPK*S (41.4 kg/ha) and Cc0NPK*S (39.9 kg/ha). The interaction of CcNPK*R (42.48 kg/m3) had the highest crop water productivity, thereby making more productive use of water. The supplementary irrigation method had the best-performing leaf area index, plant height, stem girth, number of leaves per plant, chlorophyll content and yield. However, the rainfed method of irrigation used water more productively. The best yield (30.85 t/ha), growth parameters, and crop water productivity (30.89 Kg/m3) were obtained from the CcNPK*R soil amendment practice. This practice is recommended for farmers to improve their yield while using water more efficiently. Description: AWARD OF A MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE ENGINEERING

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z BABA, Z. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4495 2025-10-31T11:38:37Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A PROTOTYPE POWER TILLER INCORPORATED WITH SPRAY GUN IRRIGATION SYSTEM Authors: BABA, Z. Abstract: A relatively low-cost power tiller with a portable irrigation system was designed and simulated using AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor software and manufactured with locally available materials and components. Its main components include a frame, a CG 125 motorcycle engine, a mouldboard plough, a water pump, two caged wheels, and a reel. The performance of the tilling unit and irrigation system was evaluated on a 14 m by 19 m plot of land. Microsoft Excel was used to analyse the data collected, especially in the calculation of averages and plotting graphs of the PPTISGIS performance parameters. AutoCAD2022 and Autodesk Inventor 2023 were used for modelling and simulation. The parameters measured were speed of operation, wheel revolutions, width and depth of furrow and time. The operating speeds recorded were 0.278 m/s, 0.556 m/s, and 0.833 m/s and the fuel consumption was found to be 25.75 L/ha. The percentage of wheel slip was directly proportional to speeds ranging from 5.03% at 0.278 m/s to 13.04% at 0.833 m/s, giving an average of 9.57%. The theoretical and effective field capacities were 0.889 ha/h and 0.7 ha/h respectively, resulting in a field efficiency of 78.74%. Using a sprinkler with a 6 mm diameter nozzle (circular) for the irrigation system, the pressure was 2.5 bar, pump speed was 1700 rpm, discharge rate was found to be 1.125 L/s, with an application rate of 4.42 mm/h. The coefficient of uniformity was calculated as 76.93%, which fell within the acceptable range of 60% to 90%. The cost-benefit analysis indicated that if the power tiller works for 100 days per year at a discount rate of 28.99%, the benefits to be generated over the period would be enough to offset the initial investment and related costs. Generally, the performance of the developed power tiller with an irrigation system is satisfactory and recommended for use by smallholder farmers. Key words: pressure, performance, sprinkler, tilling, uniformity Description: AWARD OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE ENGINEERING

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z ALHASSAN, I. M. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4397 2025-03-10T09:48:04Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: APPLICATION OF WATER EVALUATION AND PLANNING (WEAP) MODEL TO ASSESS WATER DEMANDS IN RESERVOIRS: A CASE STUDY OF GOLINGA IRRIGATION SCHEME, TOLON Authors: ALHASSAN, I. M. Abstract: This work focused on water demand and supply analysis of the water availability on the Golinga dam in the Northern Region of Ghana. Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model was used for predictions of current and future water supply needs in the study area. The study utilized the WEAP model that integrated spatial, climate, and bathymetric information to characterize the study area. The results from the model revealed that water demand for the reference and Reduction in Reservoir Volume (RRV) scenarios were the same and projected to be 9.43×103 m3. Water demand for High Population Growth (HPG), Increase in Irrigable Areas (IIA), increase in per capita water demand, and combination of scenarios (HPG+IIA+RRV) were 9.83×103 m3, 13.43×103 m3, 10.5×103 m3,13.83×103 m3, respectively. The unmet demand for reference and Reduction in Reservoir Volume (RRV), High Population Growth (HPG), Increase in Irrigable Areas, increase in per capita water demand, and combination of scenarios (HPG+IIA+RRV) were 6.38×103 m3 6.65×105 m3, 9.91×103 m3, 7.11×103 m3, 10.18×103 m3. Based on the model output, irrigation demand is expected to compete with domestic demand in future, as a result of expansion of agricultural lands. Also, observation of land use shows the potential decrease of water resources within the catchment. Therefore, there is the need for strategic water management planning and management of the Golinga water reservoir. Description: MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE ENGINEERING

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z