Determinants of Fisher’s Choice of Fishing Activity along the Volta Lake in Yeji, Ghana

M. N. Saagulo,E. H. Alhassan,J. Amikuzuno

doi:10.4314/gjds.v14i2.6

Abstract

The study examined factors that influence people’s decision to engage in the fishery-related activities in Yeji, a major inland fishing town in Ghana. A total of 304 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire. The analysis was done using the Ordered Probit Model and descriptive statistics. The study revealed that fishers in Yeji depend on the small-scale fisheries as their source of livelihood. The Ordered Probit regression analysis showed that the likelihood to engage in the fishery-related activities was significantly influenced by factors such as fishers’ level of education, average daily catch, gear ownership (boat), credit access, fishing experience, income and household size. The study revealed that lack of credit access as affirmed by majority (82%) of the respondents as the major challenge faced in the study areas. It is concluded that the fisheries sub-sector has the potential to boost economic growth, reduce poverty and ensure household food security in Yeji. It is therefore recommended that Ghana government through the Fisheries Commission should put in place sustainable measures and strategies that would ensure availability of fishing nets and boats for rural poor fishers.Key words: Volta Lake, Determinants, Fishing Experience, Likelihood, Ordered Probit Model

Highlights

Small freshwater pelagic fisheries in closed lakes are very important to millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa, supporting livelihoods and ensuring food security (Levison et al, 2012)
The large household size was attributable to the polygamous marriages and the extended family system that is commonly practiced in the study area
This is evident that their livelihoods will likely differ with regards to their status. It will have food security, income and other related implications on one hand, as Mhinte (2000), observed that having a large household size who are not productive usually could result in food insecurity as the labor force decreases

Summary

Introduction

Small freshwater pelagic fisheries in closed lakes are very important to millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa, supporting livelihoods and ensuring food security (Levison et al, 2012). Ghana’s fisheries sector constitutes an important sector in national economic development. It is estimated that the fisheries sector contributes 3% of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 5% of the agriculture GDP (FAO, 2014). The fisheries sector contributes significantly to the national economy in terms of food security, employment, poverty reduction and foreign exchange earnings (BoG, 2008). The fisheries sector plays important roles in providing food and income in many developing countries including Ghana, either as a stand-alone activity or in association with crop production and livestock rearing (Allison, 2001). The potentials of the fishery industry in reducing poverty and ensuring food security in Ghana, has been declining over the years. The challenges identified to be associated with the fishery sector are mostly general, including those of marine and inland capture fisheries

Methods

Results

Conclusion