Abstract:
This study was undertaken to assess the economic value of croakers (Pseudotolithus spp.) in the fishery of the Central and Western Regions of Ghana. Investigations were conducted from January 2017 to August 2018, involving collection of data from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were obtained from 300 fishermen, 230 fish processors and retailers, 45 wholesalers, 40 middlemen, and 40 consumers using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The data were analysed using SPSS version 22 and Excel 2013. Profitability analysis showed that fish processors were the dominant actors in the value chain with those at Sekondi recording higher profit margins and a Return on Investment (ROI) at year 17. Positive Net Present Values (NPV) were recorded for the fishery, depicting the industry as profitable. Sekondi recorded annual values of $35,154.00 for fishermen, $135,331.53 for processors, $48,170.00 for wholesalers and $69,292.00 for retailers. The ROI also suggested that the industry required between 17 and 30 years for the croaker business to break-even, which is the point at which the volume of sales will result in no net income or net loss on the actors‟ income. A linear regression analysis showed that the croakers contributed more than 55% of the income of fishermen. Some constraints identified in the chain were difficulty in accessing credit, lack of cold storage facilities, and health challenges (among the processors). Opportunities identified within the croaker fishery included; employment, high demand and ready market for the croakers. Enhancement of capacity for operators in the value chain is recommended to address the current issues facing the chain actors, and to provide a chain upgrade.
