Assessing the Potential for Youth Participation in Ghana’s Aquaculture Sector: A Case Study of Senior High Schools in Sunyani Municipality of Bono Region, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Fish farming has become an important solution to increasing fish demand in Ghana, yet limited studies have examined Senior High School students’ awareness, perceptions, and willingness to engage in aquaculture in Sunyani, Bono Region. Aims: This study assessed Senior High School (SHS) students’ awareness, perceptions, and intentions toward fish farming in the Sunyani Municipality of the Bono Region, Ghana. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Sunyani Municipality in the Bono Region of Ghana, in May 2017. Methodology: A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to randomly select three (3) SHSs from five (5) government SHSs in the municipality. In each selected SHS, a simple random sampling was used to select respondents from different classes. A total of ninety (90) students were selected, comprising 30 students from each school. The sample comprised 47% males and 53% females from various academic programmes, with the majority studying General Arts (49%) and General Science (29%). Results: The results showed that awareness of fish farming was very high (99%), with most students (73%) indicating that they learned about it in school. Among those aware, 62% identified tilapia as the most commonly farmed species. Although students generally had positive perceptions of fish farming and 88% expressed willingness to learn more, only 32% indicated interest in engaging in it as a future livelihood. Statistical analysis confirmed that students’ awareness and knowledge of farmed fish species were significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, the findings reveal a gap between awareness and actual willingness to participate in fish farming. The study highlights the need for targeted educational and awareness programs in secondary schools to promote practical engagement and encourage youth participation in aquaculture for socio-economic development in Ghana.