Effects of the Closed Fishing Season on the Livelihood of Fisheries Workers: A Case Study of Fisheries Workers in Elmina in the Central Region of Ghana

Moses Kwadzo^1,

¹Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Cite this paper

Moses Kwadzo. Effects of the Closed Fishing Season on the Livelihood of Fisheries Workers: A Case Study of Fisheries Workers in Elmina in the Central Region of Ghana. World Journal of Agricultural Research. 2022; 10(4):102-110. doi: 10.12691/WJAR-10-4-1

Abstract

A closed fishing policy is intended to reduce fish stock. Nevertheless, this type of fishing regulation can pose serious livelihood repercussions for fisheries workers, who are highly dependent on fisheries activities for their livelihood. This study examines the effects of a fishing ban during the closed season and factors likely to influence fisheries workers’ ability to meet basic livelihood needs in Elmina in the Central Region of Ghana. Structured interviews were conducted with 390 respondents involved in various fisheries activities. The results indicate that almost all of the respondents (91.0%) consider fishing and fisheries-related activities to be their main occupation and a major source of income. On average, the survey respondents rated their ability to meet basic livelihood needs at 1.77 on a five-point Likert scale. This rating suggests that the fisheries workers surveyed find it difficult to meet basic needs, such as having access to food and paying hospital and utility bills, during the closed season. Only 45 (11.5%) of the respondents reported meeting basic livelihood needs with ease during the closed season. To survive during the closed season, the respondents employ a number of coping strategies. The results of a binary logistic regression indicate that three factors (alternative livelihood, government assistance, and buying basic needs on credit) make statistically significant contributions to a respondent’s ability to meet basic needs with ease. Having an alternative livelihood was the most important factor in the regression model. While having an alternative livelihood appears to be a promising strategy for addressing the vulnerability of fisheries workers during the closed season, these workers typically lack the knowledge and skills required for ventures such as farming. Agricultural extension services should engage with fisheries workers and assist them in acquiring the necessary skills for supplementary occupation.

Keywords

closed fishing season, livelihood needs, fisheries workers, alternative livelihood, agricultural extension service

Copyright

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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