Aims and objectives
Located in the town of Nyankpala, northern Ghana is a one of kind collection containing unique plant species found in the country. These dry herbarium specimens were collected by botanists including Rose Innes et al. (1948) between the years 1900 and 1957. EAP1425 aimed to digitise this pre-independence herbarium, create a database and make the material accessible for academics and researchers worldwide.
Outcomes
EAP1425 salvaged 4,093 (100%) plant specimens for digitisation in the RAW format. Out of the 4,093 specimens, 3,853 (94%) were intact and could be identified by botanists. 240 physical specimens had deteriorated (around 6% of the collection) and were not recommended by the botanists for further processing. With parts missing, these specimens were not appropriate for identification, classification and posting in the public domain. Description and complete botanical information were provided for the remaining 3,853 specimens. These 3,853 specimens were then digitized in the RAW format followed by conversion into the TIFF format. Listing and metadata were then created on all 3,853 specimens.
This project helped establish a databank of 3,853 plant specimens, facilitating their identification for future research work on forages. This databank will also be useful for botanists and should encourage further study into the medicinal plants of Ghana. As the majority of the population in Ghana is dependent on plant medicine, the need to identify and document these medicinal herbs is significant. The combined effect of research on livestock, forage and medicinal plants could potentially increase livestock productivity, address climate change issues and develop new herbal medicines.
The physical materials are currently housed in the Nyankpala Station of the Research Institute, with the electronic copies deposited with the British Library. Basic preservation measures were taken to extend the lifespan of the materials.
Over 25 professionals were involved in various roles in the project implementation. Most were staff from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Animal Research Institute (CSIR-ARI), the University for Development Studies, the Information Services Division, Cape Coast Technical University, Kofi Annan Peacekeeping and Training Centre and the Public Records and Archives Administration Department (PRAAD), Tamale. Ownership of project equipment purchased with the grant has been transferred to the CSIR-ARI for the benefit of its library and other staff of the Institute.
