FACTORS INFLUENCING SMALL-SCALE INLAND FISHERS' INCOME IN THE PRU DISTRICT, BRONG-AHAFO REGION, GHANA

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the factors influencing open-access, small-scale fresh water fishers' income in Yeji, a major inland fishing port town in Ghana. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to obtain data from 306 randomly sampled fishers. The analysis was done using the Scarbough and Kydd model to estimate marketing margins of fishers; and multiple linear regression analysis to determine the factors influencing fishers' incomes. The study revealed that fish processors received higher margins than fish harvesters and fish traders. The study also showed that Yeji's fishers depend on small-scale fisheries as their major source of livelihood. Factors that significantly influence fishers' income include age, access to the Volta lake as the source of the commodity, fishing experience, ownership of fishing gear, number ofchi'dren in a household and sex of actor. Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that the inland fisheries industry in Yeji has the potential to boost household incomes and contribute significantly to the local economy and poverty reduction. Local authorities and policy makers are encouraged to use this evidence in the design and implementation of development strategies in small-scale fishing communities within the Yeji area.