The availability of inputs in the development and sustainability of aquaculture production in Ghana: A case study of farmers in Asuogyaman and Lower Manya Districts.

Abstract

Aquaculture in the sub-Sahara Africa will grow by 8.3 percent from its current 1.2 percent over the next 20 years. The growth trend will lead to high demand for inputs for fish production, especially fishmeal and fish oil, and can threaten the sustainability of fish farming in Ghana. There is the need to consider cost of production because of high protein needs of tilapia and other fish species currently being farmed. This study intended to investigate the cost and availability of inputs for sustainable aquaculture in Ghana. Content validated questionnaire and an interview guide were used to conduct the survey within six selected Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), in the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions. In all, sixty four (64) fish farmers, ten (10) feed mills, forty (40) animal productions input suppliers and ten (10) fingerling producers were interviewed. Pearson’s correlation was used to analyse the relationship between variables.The results of the study showed that age, sex, level of education of fish farmers had a positive effect on production. Fish farmers do not have access to all the inputs required for production. Input supply is erratic, expensive and unavailable. Feed millers do not have the required capacity to produce floating fish feed locally.The study recommends that animal production input suppliers and feed millers should be equipped with the necessary resources to boost their capacity to produce and supply fish feeds locally. Also, more certified hatcheries should be set up to produce high quality fingerlings for fish farmers.