Abstract

This paper examines the level and determinants of technical efficiency of smallholder fish production in seven of the ten regions of Ghana. We employ the single-stage stochastic frontier approach in this study. Regional location, feed, fingerlings and labour are found to influence technical efficiency positively and significantly. However, formal education, marital status, membership in fish farmer groups and contact with extension services negatively influence inefficiency. Finally, estimates from the study indicate that the average smallholder fish producer in Ghana is 73.88% technically efficient. We recommend a bottom-up participatory approach to policy formulation which involves grassroots participation as well as the inclusion of aquaculture management in the curriculum of schools.

Key words: Smallholder fish production, technical efficiency, stochastic frontier.