PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF ALL-MALE TILAPIA FARMING IN SEKYERE SOUTH AND BOSOMTWE DISTRICTS OF ASHANTI REGION

Abstract

All-male tilapia production is an emerging market in Ghana and a potential source of employment for the people. Despite the increase in livestock and poultry industries, the problem of protein deficiency continues unabated. The contribution of the fishing industry to solving the protein deficiency problem is important. Using data from eighty randomly sampled fish farmers in the Ashanti Region, the profitability of all-male tilapia farming was assessed and the determinants of all-male tilapia output examined. Gross margin analysis and production functions were estimated. Comparing costs and returns, a gross margin of GH¢ 5,797.56 and profit of GH¢ 2,282.17 were realized per annum. The rate of return on investment of 1.86 implies that for each Ghana cedi invested in this enterprise, a return of GH¢ 1.86 was obtained. Regression analysis revealed that all-male tilapia output was significantly determined by feeding, cost of fingerlings, pond size, sex and experience in fish farming. It is concluded that all-male tilapia production is economically rewarding and capable of creating employment, augmenting income and improving living standards of people. Government participation in all-male tilapia farming can boost the quantity of fish available for consumption in the country.