Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Abstract

The study was aimed at assessing the profitability and constraints faced by fish farmers in the southern sector of Ghana. Four regions in the southern sector were selected, namely, Greater Accra, Volta, Western and Ashanti region. A standardized structured questionnaire were distributed among 320 respondents. A multiple linear regression analytical tool was employed to estimate the factors which affect profitability of fish farming while the Net Farm Income (NFI) analytical tool was used to analyse the cost and returns of fish farming. The weighted average formula was used together with the Kendall�s Coefficient of Concordance to analyse the constraints of fish farming. The data was analysed using SPSS (version 24) and STATA (version 14) software. Results from the study showed that farm ownership, educational level, access to market, FBO membership, and extension service significantly affect the profits of fish farming. However, the age, gender, form of sale of fish and type of market were not significant in influencing profit. The mean total cost, revenue and profit of GH� 6293.37, GH� 12859.44 and GH� 6566.07 were obtained respectively. The return on investment was 104.33%. The constraints analysis showed that, high cost of inputs and lack of clear government policies and incentives were the most pressing constraints faced. Aquaculture in the southern sector of Ghana is a profitable business venture, but it is normally on a small scale, and hence the need for commercialization. Aquaculture can greatly contribute to the total reduction in the short falls of demand and supply of fish products in the country and be a potential source of animal protein, income generation and employment. More extension officers should be deployed to the southern sector to educate fish farmers on the best fish farming practices. Government should build processing factories to facilitate fish storage, processing and marketing. Recent Publications 1. Odei Kwuame, D. (2015). Sustainable Development of Aquaculture on the Volta Lake- A case study of the Asuogyaman District in the Eastern Region of Ghana. University of Tromso on Urban Localities. 131 Ghana: Ghana Statistical Service 2. Ghana Statistical Service (2013). 2010 Population and Housing Census: NationalAnalytical Report. http://www. statsghana.gov.gh/docfiles/2010phc/National_Analytical_Report.pdf 3. Cobbina, R. (2010). Aquaculture in Ghana: Economic Perspectives of Ghanaian Aquaculture for Policy Development. Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Fisheries Commission. United Nations University 4. Asmah, R. (2008). Development potential and financial viability of fish farming in Ghana. Bsc(Hons) Chemistry, M.Sc Ecologcal Marine Management. Institute of Aquaculture. University of Stirling 5. FishLore.com (2007). Tropical Fish Tank Care & Aquarium Maintenance. In: Tropical Fish. Information. [Online] Available at: www.fishlore.com/maintenance.htm 6. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (2000). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2000. Rome, Italy.

Biography

Amoah Sylvester is an Mphil Agribusiness II student and a Junior Research Scientist in the department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana. I had my Bsc. Degree in Agriculture with Agribusiness major. I am an expert in drafting proposals for academic research, data entry and analysis. My experience coupled with hard work gave me the opportunity to work with International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Accra-Ghana of which I have been able to learn new econometric tools for data analysis and research.
Email:samoah003@st.ug.edu.gh