Sustainability of pond and cage fish farming systems in the Ashanti, Bono, Eastern and Volta regions in Ghana

I used conceptual frameworks of vulnerability (the PAR system by Wisner et al.2014) and food systems adapted from HLPE (2017) and Hasselberg et al. (2020) to assess the sustainability of Ghana's pond and cage fish farming systems. A mixed-method strategy, snowball and non-probability sampling were employed to get primary data by interviewing 16 participants in a semi-structured interview with pond and cage fish farmers, consultants from the Fisheries Commission , researchers, private sector actors and other stakeholders. An online questionnaire followed to reach out to 51 respondents and the target sample population was pond and cage fish farmers or farm managers since only three were interviewed in the initial process. The thesis aims to highlight and discuss sustainable best practices in pond and cage aquaculture developments in Ghana, notably in the study areas (Ashanti, Bono, Eastern and Volta regions). The reason for choosing these areas of study is based on three main criteria: type of fish cultivated, access to a reliable water source, and the number of fish farming activities observed in these areas. I am particularly interested in the interaction between the various actors and stakeholders in the aquaculture value chain (production, processing, distribution and consumption). I also discuss the aquaculture sector's main challenges and highlight possible solutions proposed by the participants and governing bodies in line with adaptive policy frameworks involving the participation of significant stakeholders in the industry. Finally, the study revealed that the primary motivation for engaging in fish farming is for livelihoods at the household level and for economic reasons (job opportunities), which is consistent with global trends. However, the common denominator for all practitioners is to make a profit. There were more pond fish farms than cage farms in the areas studied. The results showed peculiar challenges to cage and pond farming systems as well as common factors such as lack of knowledge about fish diseases, failure to enforce laws, rules and regulations, lack of fish veterinarians, lack of government support and lack of adequate diagnostic centres and research facilities. To answer the question of whether aquaculture is sustainable, I conclude that both pond and cage fish farms have the potential to be sustainable. However, I argue that Aquaculture in Ghana is still too young to talk about sustainability in terms of the time frame. A successful and thriving industry does not necessarily mean a sustainable sector. Pond aquaculture is economically more affordable, contributes to social and community well-being and has less environmental impact than cage fish farming. Cage fish farming mostly produces at a large scale and impacts the national GDP more than pond production. I that pond and cage fish farmers get more organised into associations to influence decisions and have their voices heard. There must be cooperation, collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to ensure that Ghana's aquaculture sector can withstand shocks and secure fish as food for future generations. The Government of Ghana must take action in coordinating the value chain of aquaculture, show leadership, have a budget for aquaculture and invest funds where the need is more to build trust with stakeholders. The public sector must work hand in hand with the private sector to sustain the aquaculture sector in general