Record-Keeping in Small-scale Aquaculture: Perceptions and Challenges

Abstract

Record-keeping is a critical management tool in aquaculture, but such record-keeping practices among fish farmers in Ghana remain inconsistent. The study aimed to examine the status, perceptions, and challenges of record-keeping. Structured questionnaires were administered to 120 respondents in the northern and southern parts of the Bono region, Ghana. The data obtained were analyzed to determine the importance and challenges of record keeping using the SPSS statistical tool. Results showed that, though fish farmers in both southern (Sr) and northern (Nr) sampling locations had high perception (Mean score > 4.13) about record keeping for profitability, decision-making, and access to financial support, only a few (Nr = 31 %; Sr = 47 %) regularly kept records. Paper notebooks were the dominant format for record keeping among the respondents (Nr = 100 %; Sr = 73 %), while digital methods such as spreadsheets were rarely adopted. Illiteracy (Nr = 50 %; Sr = 60 %) and the time factor (Nr = 30 %; Sr = 30 %) were the key challenges confronting record keeping among fish farmers. Training on record keeping, age, and years of experience were key factors that positively influenced record-keeping behavior among fish farmers in Ghana.  Based on the findings, continuous training by extension officers, awareness and user-friendly digital tools are recommended to strengthen record-keeping practices and promote sustainable aquaculture growth in Ghana.