LOGIT ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCINGPEOPLE TO BECOME FISHERMEN IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF GHANA

This study analyzes the socio-economic factors that influencepeople’s decision to become fishermen in the central region of Ghana. Using awell structured interview schedule, a random sample of 98 people from Elmina inthe central region of Ghana was selected for the study. Results from thedescriptive statistics analysis of respondents identified fishing as a familybusiness, minimum skills requirement and ready market for fish demand asfactors that motivated majority of the people into fishing. Lack of storagefacilities, access to credit, lack of government assistance and unpredictablechanges in weather conditions on sea were the main constraints to fishingactivities. Results from the logistic regression model indicated that householdsize and access to credit were significant factors that positively influencedpeople’s decision to become fishermen. The regression analysis further revealedthat engaging in other income generating activity and being educatedsignificantly reduces the probability to start fishing business.