Sustainable Development of Aquaculture on the Volta Lake. A case study of the Asuogyaman District in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Abstract

Aquaculture in Ghana has been in existence for over 50years. However, it has been less productive despite its high potential for commercial and other scales of production. The Volta Lake presents a huge available resource for the success of cage aquaculture in the country. The cage system of production was introduced in 2001 according to Kasam (2014). This system of aquaculture production even though few numerically happen to be the most efficient production system as compared to the other production systems in the country. It therefore provides the nation with the best option to meet the current demand deficit in fish supply domestically. This reason calls for the need to develop aquaculture on the Volta Lake on a sustainable basis. Data was obtained with the help of a questionnaire based interview from the case study area. This was done in order to know constraints that still plague the development of aquaculture on the Volta Lake. The data collected was analysed with the help of content analysis as described by Liamputtong (2009). Outcome showed that some constraints still existed even though there is a functioning aquaculture strategic framework. The Aquaculture Strategic Framework-Ghana is a set of measures and strategies meant to provide solutions to constraints being experienced by the sector. Results from the field work were compared to the current framework and it was analysed using the SWOT analysis. This was done in order to know to which extent the framework was contributing to the success of aquaculture on the Volta Lake and how it can be improved. It was concluded that in order to transform weaknesses into strengths and avoid threats there is the need for; 1. National policy for aquaculture to be approved in order to enhance the effectiveness of the strategic framework. 2. Inclusion of an implementation plan to the framework during the review process to improve upon the effectiveness of the strategic interventions. 3. National stakeholders to give fisheries and aquaculture priority rather than “politicising” it. 4. Funds to be invested in the sector to support the effectiveness of the framework strategies. 5. To extend aquaculture education to levels lower than the tertiary. 6. A close communication between government institutions and the aquaculture associations. A SWOT analysis was also used to determine the prospects for the further development of aquaculture on the Volta Lake. It was concluded from the analysis that, there was the need to; 1. Have more fish farmers with aquaculture education and training. 2. Have adequate aquaculture extension officials with access to logistics to operate. 3. Strengthen environmental laws that checks feed administration to fishes, aquaculture activities around the lake and also controlling fish escapes in order to protect the water body and the ecosystem. 4. Monitor the importation of tilapia into the country in order to protect local enterprises. 5. Short term subsidies for input materials and also flexible loans in order to encourage more prospective fish farmers to get into fish farming on the Volta Lake.