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

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