Abstract:
This study analyzes the socio-economic factors that influence
people’s decision to become fishermen in the central region of Ghana. Using a
well structured interview schedule, a random sample of 98 people from Elmina in
the central region of Ghana was selected for the study. Results from the
descriptive statistics analysis of respondents identified fishing as a family
business, minimum skills requirement and ready market for fish demand as
factors that motivated majority of the people into fishing. Lack of storage
facilities, access to credit, lack of government assistance and unpredictable
changes in weather conditions on sea were the main constraints to fishing
activities. Results from the logistic regression model indicated that household
size and access to credit were significant factors that positively influenced
people’s decision to become fishermen. The regression analysis further revealed
that engaging in other income generating activity and being educated
significantly reduces the probability to start fishing business
