Assessment of premix fuel governance in the marine small-scale fisheries sector and implications on the livelihoods of fishers in ghana

Abstract

Premix fuel is subsidised and central to the fishing operations of small-scale marine and inland fishermen in Ghana. However, its distribution and access among fishermen have always been fraught with challenges such as hoarding, and politicization thus, it is unclear if premix supply by the government correlates with fish landings. Primary data was collected through systematic random sampling of 1,151 artisanal fisherfolk in four communities namely Axim, Abandze, Kedzikope and Old Ningo using structured interviews. Secondary data was also collected from National Petroleum Authority and Fisheries Scientific Survey Division on the quantity of premix supply and fish catch by small-scale fishermen in Ghana. Thematic, descriptive, trend, regression and correlation analysis were conducted to achieve the results of the study. However, 32% of the fish catch variations is as a result of the supply of premix fuel and the total number of canoes in Ghana. In addition, there is no significant relationship between premix fuel supply, number of canoes and the quantitity of fish catch in Ghana. In addition there is a significant relationship between expenses made on premix fuel and the income generated from the sales of fish catch per trip but the relationship is very moderate (R square =18.1%; r = 0.43; p value < 0.05). It is recommended that, there should be a sequential reduction in the supply of premix in order not to jeopardise the livelihoods of fishers thus depoliticising the local distribution system to ensure equity in the coastal communities.Premix subsidisation funds should be re-channeled into other social intervention initiatives such as education of the youth in coastal communities, providing insurance for fishers at their old age, and alternative livelihood interventions.