Examining the socio-economic characteristics, fishing patterns and challenges of fishermen at James Town in Ghana

Abstract

This study examined the socio-economic characteristics, fishing patterns and challenges of fishers in Ghana using James Town as the study location. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic and socio-economic characteristics, Fishing patterns and characteristics, dynamics of expenditure and catch, Dynamics of distance to fishing grounds/area, catch and selling strategy/mode and practices, investment and financing of fishing activities as well as challenges of fishing from respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as endogenous switching regression model (ESRM) using Stata version 17. The results shows that 4.0 ± 1.07 people are engaged in onshore activities for an average of 9.45 ± 2.19 h. Also, fishers averagely spend 3.09 ± 1.49 days at sea. Respondents who have not accessed loan over the last 12 months are 78 whilst 23 have accessed same. Similarly, 86 out of 101 respondents representing 85.14% have not insured their operations. Also, no transparency in distribution of pre-mix, high cost of equipment, high cost of premix and dumping of waste in the sea by foreign vessels are the major problems faced by fishers. The results also showed that boat size, repairs and maintenances of boats, household size, boat age and position of respondents on boat (captain or otherwise) are the factors that can likely determine the volume of fish catch among fishermen. The study therefore, concluded that socio-economic characteristics and fishing patterns of fishes are highly variable.