ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF GHANA AND THEIR EFFECT ON HEALTH AND NUTRITION

PRESENTED BY GROUP ONE

GROUP MEMBERS
MARIAM BABA ABDULAHI RITA ABRAFI SARFO- ASANTE RAYMOND LARWEH ASARE MAXWELL GEOFFERY CN/0681/08 CN/0788/08

CONTENT OF PRESENTATION
INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES JUSTIFICATION METHODOLOGY DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS CONCLUSION RECOMMENDATION REFERENCES

INTRODUCTION
The ecology of a particular area is the main determinant of the type of farming as well as the food produced in that area. The nutritional status of a community is therefore influenced largely by the food produced and consumed. Thus, the amount of the various foods available to persons of different age groups will depend on such environmental conditions like soil, climate as well as the cultural influences on those people

OBECTIVES
At the end of this session audience would know: The meaning of ecology, health and nutrition. The ecological zones in Ghana and their respective features . The effects of ecological activities on health and nutrition. The associations of these zones with the health and nutrition of the people.

JUSTIFICATION
The difference in the standard of living among people in the diverse geographical locations in Ghana denotes that the ecological zones of Ghana has an influence on the wellbeing of the Ghanaian citizen.

METHODOLOGY

oLITERATURE REVIEW oGROUP DISCUSSION

DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS

ECOLOGY:the study of the interrelationships of organisms with their environment and each other. NUTRITION: the science of nourishing the body properly. HEALTH: It is the complete mental, social and physical well- being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.

An ecological zone is a stretch of land with peculiar characteristics that influence the lives of people inhabiting it. These characteristics are broadly classified as; rainfall pattern Flora and fauna distribution crop and animal production potentials

ECOLOGICAL ZONES IN GHANA

Ghana is divided into six specific ecological zones, but there are three main belts namely: NORTHERN BELT ( Guinea and Sudan savanna) MIDDLE BELT (Transitional zone, Semi deciduous and Tropical rain forest) COASTAL BELT ( Coastal savanna)

NORTHERN BELT
This belt covers the Upper west, Upper East, Northern region, and some parts of Brong Ahafo. The northern belt covers 48% of the nations land area. The zone has only one cropping season in the exception of the southern parts. The sector has a hot and dry climate with short drought resistant trees and an extensive grassland. Crops : maize, rice, yam, potatoes ,millet, sorghum, legumes etc. Animals: cattle, sheep, goat and poultry.

 Consumption of cereals is predominant among people of this zone. However, most farmers sell more and consume the surplus of what remains. The consumption of protein is poor, the greater proportion of livestock are sold as well. Fruits rife in this belt include sheanut, mango, etc.

EFFECTS ON NUTRITION AND HEALTH

Transitional food insecurity Dehydration and hyperthermia High incidence of PEM in remote settings Food preservation (Drying) Risk of I.D.D. Anemia Climatic problems due to bush burning

MIDDLE BELT
The zone forms 36% of the total surface area of Ghana. It covers Ashanti, Eastern, Western , Brong Ahafo and Volta regions. The zone has two raining seasons. Humid climate and dense vegetation. However there is a mixed forest and savanna vegetation in the transitional area.

Crops: cassava, plantain, cocoyam, yam, maize, banana, pineapple etc and some cash crops such as cocoa, coffee, rubber, cola etc. Animals: poultry and game in small holdings among households.

EFFECT ON NUTRITION AND HEALTH

Diet variety increasing nutritional status. Food availability throughout the year. Breeding grounds for malaria Cash crops earns them income for a healthy living.

COASTAL BELT
o It covers the Ho- Keta plains, Accra plains, south most strip from Winneba to Cape Coast and some parts of Western region (Takoradi- Axim). This forms about 16% of the total surface area of Ghana. Sparse grassland and trees with shrubs and mangroves. o Crops: cassava, plantain, rice, coconut, maize, vegetables. o Animal: poultry and fish. o The consumption of fruits is marginal

EFFECT ON NUTRITION AND HEALTH

o Lower risk of iodine deficiency disorders. o Access to high protein foods. o Saline vapour from the ocean makes roofings and metals susceptible to rusting.

CONCLUSION
The nature and characteristics of the various ecological zones of Ghana determines the kind of foods(quantity and quality) produced. This eventually influences the nutritional status and health of the people. Mans activities poses threat to the environment.