Economic Analysis of Small-Scale Aquaculture Enterprise in Ghana; a Case Study of Sunyani Municipality

Abstract

Aims: This study analyses the economic performance and gender distribution of the small-scale aquaculture of Ghana using Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Cash flow as well as gender distribution of the small-scale aquaculture of Ghana.  Study Design: This study is exploratory in its design. The study identified certain relationships and associations. Data was gathered from a sample drawn from a population.  Questionnaire-based interview was designed and administered to the small scale fish farmers in the Sunyani metropolis. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods will be employed for the study. A case study method will also be used due to the fact that it has the benefit of permitting for an intensive collection of data required to fulfil the goals of the research Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Sunyani Municipality in the Brong Ahafo Region of the Republic of Ghana between November 2017 and February 2018. Methodology: The study randomly selected 20 farms out 40 farms and farmers interviewed using questionnaire. A 600 m2 pond was further selected as a model of the small-scale aquaculture and used to perform the economic analysis. Results: The total start-up capital for a 600-meter square pond is estimated at $2693.15. Huge part, 56.9 percent, of the amount goes into fixed investment like pond construction, acquisition of land, and farm buildings. The economic analysis shows a viable industry with an estimated NPV of $605.4484 and IRR of 24.19 percent.    With gender, the study reveals a huge gap in man-woman distribution in the fish farming trade. Majority of the farms surveyed did not females, with the male having 77 against the female with 23%. Conclusion: The study has found a viable aquaculture industry with high profitability that can improve the livelihood of fish farming households.