Alternative Livelihood Strategies of Fishing Families at Moree

Abstract

Fishermen and fishing communities have recognized the limitations of relying solely on fishing as their primary source of income and livelihood. Studies have shed light on the alternative livelihood strategies employed by fishing families to complement their fishing occupation and support their families in Ghana, but they did not provide insights into the range of strategies that fishing families and communities utilize. The purpose of the study was to explore different alternative livelihood strategies for fishing families in Moree. A descriptive study was employed to obtain responses on alternative livelihoods and activities used by the fishing families. A proportionally stratified and simple random sample (lottery method) was used to sample one hundred and fifty-four (154) respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics (such as frequency and percentage) and statistical test including binary logistics were used to analyse the data. Results showed that the alternative livelihood strategies used by the fishing families include borrowing, tailoring, grocery selling and retailing. The most determinant of alternative livelihood strategies of fishing families in Moree was low income. Binary logistics test of all the socio-demographic variables, income level was significant (p= 0.005). Based on these findings, it was recommended that the government should implement programmes that may support fishing families with financial services.