Economics of Fish Production in Amansie-west District of Ghana: Implication for Food Security in West Africa
This study analyzed the economics of fish production in Amansie-West District of Ghana, West Africa. Primary data were collected from 45 fish farmers in the district, in April, 2009. We carried out a descriptive analysis of the inputs used and output obtained byfish farmers in the district. The results show that majority (95.6%) of the fish farmers used the earthen pond type, with a mean pond area of 0.17ha. The mean number of fingerlings stocked by the farmers was 9,331.11 and the mean quantity of fish harvested was 771.96Kg. The results show a wide variation among the farmers in the use of inputs and total quantity of fish harvested, which implies that yields of fish in the area are poor and well below potential yields indicated by field trials. The study recommends changes in public policy to improve yields for existing ponds and to identify circumstances where yields can be improved for future ponds. It also recommends a further research to be carried out to estimate the production and cost functions for the fish production technology used by the fish farmers in the district to help reduce the cost of fish production and improve the returns to fish farmers, while helping to increase fish production and promote food security in the country and the West African region.
