Baseline socioeconomic studies of New Ningo: 1997 pilot fishing village

Abstract

New Ningo, a fishing community in the Greater Accra Region was the village chosen for the field activities of the FRI/Netherlands Government Artisanal Fish Processing Training Course. Background information gathered showed that the village has got an interesting history and at present the place is not as peaceful as it should be due to problems connected with chieftaincy. The study examined the area characteristics, the social amenities, fish smoking activities and income of fish smokers. The standard of living was found to be satisfactory. Social amenities namely electricity, potable water, schools, markets, good roads were present with the exception of a clinic. Fish smoking is the major occupation of most women but other occupations such as farming, trading and preparation of cooked food for sale are also carried out. The gross margin of ¢40,000 per week is realised by fish smokers provided 4 basketfuls of smoked fish are sold in a week. The money is used for looking after the family and for business. The women play a big role in fish processing, distributions and marketing. The introduction of the Chorkor Smoker to New Ningo would have a positive effect on the income of the women