Integrated Aquaculture Development Project in the Ahanta West Municipality

Funding Agency: German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)

Funding Period: 2021-2022

This initiative involved the comprehensive creation of decent and sustainable job opportunities for a total of 200 individuals, specifically targeting a diverse demographic that includes 40% youth and 35% women. The focus was on aquaculture producers, who play a crucial role in the integrated aquaculture value chain. By fostering a more inclusive workforce, the project aimed to empower underrepresented groups in the industry, thereby promoting gender equality and youth engagement in a sector that is vital for food security and economic development.

To achieve this goal, a multi-faceted approach was adopted that not only prioritized job creation but also emphasized the enhancement of the business capacity of various stakeholders involved in the aquaculture sector. This included farmers who cultivate aquatic species, cold store operators responsible for maintaining the quality and freshness of the products, processors who transform raw fish into market-ready goods, and marketers who facilitate the distribution and sale of these products to consumers.

Training programs were implemented to develop the necessary skills and knowledge among these groups, focusing on best practices in sustainable aquaculture, effective business management, and innovative marketing strategies. The training aimed to equip participants with the tools they needed to improve productivity, increase profitability, and ensure the sustainability of their operations in the long term.

Moreover, the establishment of a robust integrated aquaculture value chain was essential in linking these different actors and creating synergies that could enhance overall efficiency. By streamlining processes and fostering collaboration among farmers, cold storage facilities, processing plants, and marketing channels, the project aimed to reduce waste, improve product quality, and ultimately provide consumers with better options.

This holistic approach not only aimed to create jobs but also sought to stimulate local economies, enhance food security, and promote sustainable practices within the aquaculture sector. The emphasis on youth and women not only reflects a commitment to social equity but also recognizes the vital contributions these groups can make to the industry, ensuring that the benefits of aquaculture development are widely shared and that the sector thrives in a responsible and inclusive manner.