Gabriel Eshun

Does spatial location matter? Traditional therapy utilisation among the general population in a Ghanaian rural and urban setting

Despite the recognition for rising consumption rate of traditional medicine (TRM) in health and spatio-medical literature in the global scale, the impact of location in traditional therapy use has been explored least in Ghana. This paper analysed the role of spatial variation in TRM use in Kumasi Metropolis and Sekyere South District of Ashanti Region, Ghana. A retrospective cross-sectional and place-based survey was conducted in a representative sample (N=324) selected through systematic random sampling technique. Structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were espoused as the main research instruments. Data were analysed with Pearsons Chi-square and Fishers exact tests from the Predictive Analytics Software (PASW) version 17.0. The study found that over 86% reported TRM use. Whilst majority (59.1%) of the respondents had used TRM two or more times within the last 12 months, biologically-based therapies and energy healing were common forms of TRM accessed. Although, the use of TRM did not vary (p>0.05), knowledge about TRM, modalities of TRM and the sources of TRM differed significantly across geographically demarcated rural and urban splits (p<0.005). The study advances our understanding of the spatial dimensions as regards TRM utilisation.

Poetic world-writing in a pluriversal world: a provocation to the creative (re)turn in geography

We are creative souls. We have therefore embraced with relish the creative (re)turn in geography (Hawkins, 2013; Hawkins & Straughan, 2015; Marston & de Leeuw, 2013). However, in this paper, we want to intervene in debates on this creative (re)turn to question how might creative geographies become more attentive to a pluriversal world perspective (a perspective in which many diverse worlds are valued and belong)? We are particularly interested in approaching this question as active creative agents, using self-produced poetry to consider this provocation. Bristow (2015) and Magrane (2015) have provided accounts of the various uses of poetry in geography, while in previous publications, we have explored the potentials of poetry to express an affective geopolitics (Madge, 2014), as a form of embodied storytelling (Madge, 2016) and as a postcolonial research tool (Eshun & Madge, 2012). In this paper, we want to expand these arguments to explore how poetry might provide further fresh insights for the creative (re)turn in geography, particularly whether it might enable creative geographies become more attentive to a pluriversal world perspective. Our discussion hinges around two poems. The poems were written by Gabriel and they join a growing body of work by geographer-poets (Acker, 2015; Boyd, 2013; Cresswell, 2013, 2014; de Leeuw, 2012). They are spoken word poems, which emanate from an Akan oral tradition, and focus on the aesthetics of rhythm/repetition, praise and storytelling (see Boadi, 1989; Purvis, 2009). The poems use free verse form in terms of variable tempo and line length and are influenced by a rhythmic beat. In poem 1, the rhythm of the poem comes to life through repetition and performance, while the ‘naming’ of key poets of Africa/African descent follows the form of Akan praise poetry. In poem 2, a story is woven about the Harmattan wind, and here, the contours of the English language are expanded through reference to vernacular speech formations.1 As Walcott asserts, ‘The English language is nobody’s special property’: there is the ability to ‘stretch’ English beyond its spatial confines of ‘Englishness’ through the poetic encounter (Ramazani, 2001, pp. 14–17). In this paper, the poems are not included to ‘stand alone’ but rather they are employed as a methodological tool to meaningfully contemplate our provocation. Since the poems are not simply about the self, but are also permeated with wider economic, political and

Ecotourism development in Ghana: A postcolonial analysis

Despite growing research on ecotourism in Ghana, it is unclear to what extent colonial approaches to forestry and wildlife conservation still influence ecotourism in the country. This paper examines ecotourism development in Ghana from a postcolonialist perspective. It is based on a thematic assessment of primary data from in-depth interviews with a range of ecotourism actors. The paper shows that ecotourism in Ghana, much like colonial forestry and wildlife conservation, faces challenges such as the marginalisation of the local community, the use of neo-crisis narratives, a dependence on international forces, and the marginalisation of local ecological knowledge. It argues for a holistic approach to the development of ecotourism as a win–win strategy for sustainable development.

Agrotourism development in Ghana: A study of its prospects and challenges at Adjeikrom Cocoa Tour Facility

Abstract Literature depicts agrotourism as a tool for environmental conservation and rural development. Nonetheless, there is a glaring lacuna in literature concerning agrotourism research from Western Africa. This paper seeks to contribute towards filling this gap in literature. The paper investigates the current situation of agrotourism at Adjeikrom in Ghana, the challenges facing Adjeikrom Cocoa Farm Tour Facility, the opportunities Adjeikrom offers as an agrotourism destination and the role of agrotourism in the socio-economic development of the people of Adjeikrom. Fifty questionnaires were administered to purposively selected residents from Adjeikrom, alongside interviews with the management of the agrotourism facility. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that Adjeikrom Cocoa Farm Tour Facility is bereft with challenges such as inadequate skilled personnel, poor state of the Visitor Centre, incoherent marketing of the destination, inadequate Government support and low record of domestic tourists. The study maintains that the Adjeikrom Cocoa Farm Tour Facility has huge prospects for growth if the aforementioned challenges are addressed.

Community-based ecotourism: Its socio-economic impacts at Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Ghana

Abstract There is a lacuna in literature from Western Africa on how issue of participation influence socio-economic impacts at ecotourism destinations. This paper investigates the socio-economic impacts of ecotourism based on Boabeng- Fiema Monkey Sanctuary in Ghana. The paper is based on primary data generated from Boabeng and Fiema communities. Seventy mainly opened-ended questionnaires were administered face-to-face to purposively selected residents from the two communities, alongside, in-depth interviews with the management of the Sanctuary and focus group with purposively selected individuals from Boabeng and Fiema. The study reveals that the residents of the communities face burgeoning challenges such as shrinking livelihood options, inadequate involvement of community in the ecotourism, poor state of the visitor centre, inadequate government support and poor roads.