INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XII, December 2025  
Assessing the Role of Climate Variability and its Perceptions on  
Aquaculture growth among stakeholders in Ghana  
George Frimpong Enchill1*, Francis Aforve2, Husein Chaani Dia-ul-haq3. Agyemang Badu4, Buah  
,
Antoinette5, Hilda Kwara2, Frank Amponsah Sarkodie1  
1Department of Environmental Management, University of Energy and Natural Resources- Sunyani,  
Ghana  
2Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies,  
University of Ghana, Legon.  
3Department of Environmental Science, Andhra University, India  
4Department of Environmental Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology,  
Kumasi  
5Department of Environmental Science, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Science- Godollo,  
Hungary  
DOI : https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.1412000123  
Received: 31 December 2025; Accepted: 05 January 2026; Published: 14 January 2026  
ABSTRACT  
This research assesses the role of climate variability in aquaculture development and its growth among  
stakeholders in Ghana's Upper East Region, a dry zone marked by unpredictable precipitation and growing  
climate instability. Conducted within the Kasena Nankana Municipal Area, the study focused on the Tono  
irrigation project's catchment area, which spans approximately 1,674 square kilometres, with 80 percent of the  
area being terrestrial. The investigation utilized descriptive and statistical methods to analyse both secondary  
and primary datasets. Data collection involved questionnaires, interviews, and direct observation to evaluate  
how climate fluctuations impact those engaged in fishing activities, with analysis performed using MS Excel  
and SPSS software. The sample consisted of 150 participants from the Kasena Nankana municipality, comprising  
80 fishing practitioners and 70 food vendors (including fish traders, kenkey vendors, rice sellers, and fried yam  
vendors). Findings indicate that fishing practitioners encounter multiple interrelated challenges, with climatic  
conditions (identified by 42.5% of participants) and economic limitations (noted by 41.3% of participants)  
representing the primary concerns. These challenges are mutually reinforcing - variable climate patterns decrease  
fish yields, subsequently diminishing earnings and restricting capacity for equipment upgrades. The  
interconnected character of these challenges indicates that successful interventions require comprehensive  
approaches addressing multiple dimensions concurrently. Combining climate adaptation measures, economic  
assistance programs, and equipment modernization initiatives would prove more beneficial than tackling  
individual challenges separately.  
Keywords: Aquaculture Growth, Climate Adaptation, Climate Variability, Drought, Fishermen Activities, Food  
Security.  
INTRODUCTION  
Ghana is recognized as one of the most susceptible areas to climate-related challenges, facing repeated drought  
patterns that substantially affect farming output and the economic well-being of rural populations (Akudugu,  
Dittoh, & Mahama, 2012). With conventional rain-dependent farming becoming increasingly unpredictable due  
to changing climate patterns, fish farming has been identified as a viable alternative means of livelihood that  
could enhance both nutritional security and income-earning potential for communities in rural areas (Dankwa et  
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al., 2004). Nevertheless, there remains a limited understanding regarding how drought patterns influence the  
growth of aquaculture and the financial consequences of these effects.  
Forecasts related to climate change suggest that droughts will become more frequent and intense across the West  
African Sahel region, encompassing northern Ghana, with anticipated temperature rises of 2-4°C and  
precipitation declines of 10-20% by the year 2050 (IPCC, 2021). These environmental transformations create  
considerable obstacles for water-reliant industries such as fish farming, highlighting the need for thorough  
examination of economic ramifications and adaptation strategies.  
Fish farming expansion has accelerated from the early 2000s onward, bolstered by governmental programs and  
international development initiatives focused on improving nutritional security and rural economic conditions  
(Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, 2021). Despite this progress, the industry's development  
path has experienced substantial disruption from ongoing drought events that influence water access, pond  
maintenance, and comprehensive production operations (Nunoo et al., 2020). Climatic conditions, combined  
with high poverty rates and dependence on subsistence agriculture, make the region particularly vulnerable to  
climate-related shocks. Aquaculture in Ghana has grown steadily over the past two decades, with production  
increasing from 3,800 tons in 2000 to approximately 55,000 tons in 2020 (Food and Agriculture Organization,  
2022).  
However, this growth has been concentrated primarily in the southern and middle belt regions, with northern  
regions like the Upper East contributing minimally to national production. Understanding the barriers to  
aquaculture development in northern Ghana, particularly the role of drought cycles, is crucial for informing  
policy decisions and investment strategies. Despite the potential of aquaculture to contribute to food security  
and economic development in the Upper East Region, the sector remains underdeveloped. Preliminary  
observations suggest that recurrent drought cycles significantly constrain aquaculture development by affecting  
water availability, increasing production costs, and limiting market access. However, a comprehensive economic  
analysis of these impacts is lacking, hindering the development of appropriate adaptation strategies and policy  
interventions.  
Aquaculture in sub-Saharan Africa has experienced rapid growth over the past decade, with production  
increasing by over 300% between 2010 and 2020 (WorldFish, 2021). This growth has been driven by increasing  
demand for fish protein, declining capture fisheries, and government policies promoting aquaculture  
development. However, growth has been uneven across regions, with significant variations in production  
systems, species cultured, and market access. In Ghana specifically, aquaculture development has been supported  
by various government initiatives, including the Ghana Aquaculture Development Action Plan and the Fisheries  
Development Plan (Anane-Taabeah et al., 2016). These policies have focused on promoting tilapia and catfish  
culture, improving seed supply, and enhancing technical capacity. However, implementation has been  
challenging, particularly in northern regions where infrastructure, technical knowledge, and access to inputs  
remain limited.  
Ghana's aquaculture sector has experienced rapid growth since the 1990s, driven by increasing domestic demand  
for fish, declining marine catches, and supportive government policies (Bostock et al., 2010). The sector  
contributes approximately 4% to national fish production and employs over 50,000 people across the value chain  
(FAO, 2020). Major species cultured include tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), catfish (Clarias gariepinus), and  
increasingly, indigenous species adapted to local conditions (Asmah et al., 2019).  
Climate change adaptation through aquaculture has gained attention in northern Ghana as a way to support  
communities experiencing farming difficulties and to provide alternative income sources (Cobbinah et al., 2013).  
In 2018, the government introduced the Aquaculture for Food and Jobs initiative, which focuses on northern  
areas by providing pond infrastructure, training opportunities for farmers, and necessary production inputs  
(Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, 2019). Despite these efforts, aquaculture expansion in  
northern Ghana encounters numerous obstacles, such as water scarcity, insufficient technical expertise, weak  
market connections, and climate vulnerability (Nunoo & Asiedu, 2013). The Upper East Region experiences  
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these difficulties particularly intensely, where basic production methods prevail and output falls short of  
achievable levels (Asmah, 2019).  
Water scarcity impacts aquaculture operations through both direct and indirect mechanisms, affecting water  
resources and quality while also influencing feed availability, market accessibility, and farmer capabilities  
(Kumar et al., 2018). For pond-based fish farming typical in Ghana, insufficient rainfall decreases water  
volumes, increases pollutant concentrations, raises water temperatures, and reduces oxygen levels, resulting in  
fish stress, disease prevalence, and death (Naylor et al., 2021).  
Global evidence reveals substantial financial damages from drought-related aquaculture interruptions. During  
Australia's Millennium Drought spanning 1997 to 2009, freshwater fish production dropped by 30 percent, with  
financial damages surpassing AUD 200 million (Productivity Commission, 2016). In Southeast Asia, drought  
periods have similarly caused production reductions ranging from 20 to 50 percent in impacted areas, with small-  
scale farmers bearing the greatest burden (Belton et al., 2018).  
West Africa confronts considerable climate change pressures, including rising temperatures, altered rainfall  
distributions, and increased extreme weather frequency (Sultan & Gaetani, 2016). The Sahel zone, encompassing  
northern Ghana, shows heightened susceptibility to these shifts, with research indicating more frequent and  
severe dry periods ahead (Sylla et al., 2016). These environmental transformations carry serious consequences  
for farming systems, food availability, and rural livelihoods.  
In West Africa, water scarcity represents more than just weather patterns; it involves interconnected climatic,  
water-related, agricultural, and socioeconomic elements (Naumann et al., 2014). The area experiences extended  
dry periods lasting multiple seasons that generate severe economic and social challenges. Historical records  
indicate that major dry periods during the 1970s, 1980s, and early 2000s resulted in substantial crop losses and  
population movement from rural to urban areas (Nicholson, 2013).  
Evaluating climate effects on fish farming economically demands examination of various mechanisms through  
which environmental factors influence production operations. Temperature variations impact fish development  
rates, feed utilization efficiency, and disease resistance (Handisyde et al., 2017). Water supply affects pond  
operations, fish population density decisions, and production timing. Severe weather can generate immediate  
losses through fish deaths, facility damage, and market interruptions. Earlier research has applied diverse  
analytical methods to examine climate-aquaculture relationships. Computer modelling has been used to forecast  
future production under alternative climate conditions (Barange et al., 2018). Statistical economic analyses have  
investigated past connections between environmental variables and fish farming output (Froehlich et al., 2018).  
Detailed case examinations have offered a comprehensive understanding of how farmers adjust their practices  
and how policies respond to challenges (Oyinbo et al., 2020).  
Drought affects aquaculture through multiple pathways. Direct impacts include reduced water availability for  
pond filling and water exchange, concentrated pollutants due to reduced dilution, and increased water  
temperatures that stress fish populations (Daw et al., 2009). Indirect impacts include increased feed costs due to  
agricultural drought, reduced market access due to infrastructure limitations, and competing demands for scarce  
water resources. The severity of drought impacts depends on the type of aquaculture system, species cultured,  
and the adaptive capacity of producers. Extensive pond systems that rely on rainfall and seasonal flooding are  
more vulnerable than intensive recirculating systems. Indigenous species with higher temperature tolerance may  
be more resilient than exotic species. Farmers with access to alternative water sources, financial resources, and  
technical knowledge are better positioned to adapt to drought conditions.  
MATERIALS AND METHODS  
Study Area  
The study was conducted in the Kasena Nankana municipal area, located in Ghana's Upper East region, which  
contains the watershed of the Tono irrigation project. This region covers roughly 1,674 square kilometres, where  
80 percent of the land is suitable for cultivation, while the other 20 percent includes forests, water bodies, high-  
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altitude areas, and deteriorated land. Aquaculture in the Upper East Region is mainly small-scale, utilizing  
earthen ponds ranging from 200-2,000 m² in size. Approximately 3,500 farmers across 180 communities depend  
on this sector for income, focusing predominantly on raising Nile tilapia and African catfish for local  
consumption (Regional Directorate of Fisheries, 2022).  
The Kasena Nankana Municipality has two distinct seasons, wet and dry, influenced by two major air masses:  
the North-East Trade winds and the South-Westerly (Tropical Maritime) winds (Aquastat,2005). During the  
harmattan season, the North-East Trade Winds carry dry, dusty air from the Sahara Desert (Gordon 2009). This  
period sees very little rainfall because humidity rarely exceeds 20 percent, and vapor pressure stays below 10mb.  
Daytime temperatures can soar to 42° Celsius, especially in February and March, while nights can cool to 18°  
Celsius (IPCC 2007).  
Between May and October, tropical maritime air masses dominate the area. Rainfall during this period averages  
950mm annually (IPCC 2007). The area's vegetation is classified as Guinea Savannah Woodland, characterized  
by widely spaced short deciduous trees and ground cover consisting of shrubs of varying heights. Notable  
exceptions are the Red Volta Forest Reserve, which supports wildlife populations, and several other forest  
reserves in the municipality, including the Sissile and Asibelika watersheds, along with the Kolgo and Naga  
Forest Reserves (KNMA, 2010).  
Figure 1: Map of Kasena Nankana Municipal  
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Research Design & Sample Population  
The study utilized a mixed-methods research design that integrated quantitative analysis of climate and economic  
data with qualitative evaluation of stakeholder perspectives and adaptive strategies. Population sampling  
involves selecting a representative subset from the entire population, typically employed when testing every  
individual is impractical, and to optimize time and resources during research execution. The study sampled  
approximately 150 participants from the Kasena Nankana municipality, comprising 80 fishermen and 70 food  
vendors (including fish traders, kenkey vendors, rice sellers, and fried yam vendors).  
Data Collection and Analysis  
The research employed three primary data collection methods: questionnaires, interviews, and observational  
techniques. The study targeted fishermen, fish traders, kenkey vendors, fish processors, and fisheries commission  
officials as key respondents.  
Questionnaire Method: This served as a primary tool for collecting original data, utilizing both structured and  
unstructured questionnaire formats. Data collection occurred across selected communities, including Navrongo  
central (Tono dam), Pungu, Maayoro, Wuru, Vunania, Kologo, and Navrongo east (Kasanongo) within the  
Kasena Nankana municipality. The research focused on 80 fishermen and 70 food vendors, including fish  
importers/exporters, kenkey sellers, fish mongers, rice vendors, fried yam sellers, and other fish-related business  
operators. A total of 150 questionnaires, each containing 18 straightforward questions, were distributed and  
completed.  
Interview and Observation Method: The study implemented unstructured interviews to gather respondent  
perspectives, with all interviews recorded verbatim for subsequent analysis. Field observations documented  
fishermen's work practices and responsibilities within their operational areas. During interviews, additional  
spontaneous questions emerged to provide deeper insights into specific topics that arose during discussions. Key  
informants included the chief fisherman of the municipality, with a snowball sampling technique used to identify  
additional stakeholders for interviews. The approach incorporated structured, unstructured, and semi-structured  
interview formats, with a predominant use of unstructured interviews to facilitate the spontaneous exploration  
of specific topics in greater depth. Participant observation was also employed, where the researcher's role was  
transparent to participants in the study area.  
The study utilized descriptive and statistical analytical techniques to examine both secondary and primary data  
sources. Primary data collection involved questionnaires, interviews, and observational methods to evaluate how  
climate variability impacts fishing communities and individual fishers. The quantitative data from questionnaires  
were processed using Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Through SPSS,  
the researchers calculated descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and percentage analyses. For  
the qualitative information, descriptive statistical methods were applied to systematically organize and interpret  
the data, with results presented through tabular formats and graphical representations when appropriate.  
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION  
Temperature Range Impacts on Fish Production  
This research investigated the relationship between environmental conditions, specifically temperature and  
seasonal patterns, and fishing productivity through the perspectives of experienced fishermen. The study  
collected local fishermen's views regarding the most favourable conditions for successful catches. Results  
showed fishermen held varying perspectives on temperature preferences. The plurality (40%) advocated for  
temperate conditions, arguing that extremes in either direction were suboptimal for fishing. The remaining  
respondents were nearly evenly divided between those who preferred warmer waters (28.7%) and those  
favouring cooler conditions (31.3%).  
Seasonal preferences demonstrated clearer patterns. The spring-to-early-summer period of April-June emerged  
as the top choice, selected by nearly half the participants (45%). The summer-to-early-fall months of July-  
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September were the second most popular choice at 33.7%. The winter and late fall periods received notably less  
support, with January-March at 11.3% and October-December at just 10%. Fishermen recognised that each  
season presents distinct environmental obstacles, from extreme heat to heavy precipitation, requiring adapted  
approaches and equipment.  
The widespread preference for moderate temperatures indicates that weather extremes may disrupt fish activity  
or complicate fishing logistics. This could stem from effects on fish physiology, food-seeking behaviour, or  
practical operational constraints. The overwhelming preference for the April-September window (totalling  
78.7%) suggests these months provide ideal circumstances, potentially linked to reproductive cycles, consistent  
water temperatures, or more manageable weather for conducting operations. The findings underscore how  
seasoned fishermen rely on environmental patterns for strategic planning, emphasising the value of traditional  
ecological expertise in achieving successful outcomes. Recognition of season-specific challenges, whether heat  
or precipitation, reveals fishermen's sophisticated understanding of the multiple environmental variables that  
impact their profession. These insights could support fishing community resource management, guide seasonal  
regulatory frameworks, and inform climate resilience strategies for local fishing industries. The divergent  
temperature preferences may reflect variations in fishing techniques, targeted fish species, or localised climatic  
conditions across different areas.  
Table 1: Fishermen's perception of the month range and temperature ranges  
Month Range  
January- March  
April- June  
Frequency  
Percentage  
11.3  
9
36  
27  
8
45.0  
July –September  
October- December  
Total  
33.7  
10.0  
80  
100  
Temperature type  
Lower temperature  
Medium temperature  
Higher temperature  
Total  
25  
31.3  
40  
32  
23  
28.7  
100  
80  
Challenges in Aquaculture Industries by fish farmers  
Fishing communities in the Kasena Nankana municipality confront several interrelated difficulties that  
substantially threaten their economic well-being. Research identified three main issues affecting their fishing  
activities. Economic limitations represented a significant barrier, with 41.3% of participants (33 fishermen)  
pointing to insufficient capital as their chief concern. Many cannot purchase necessary fishing gear and  
implements, which directly restricts their fishing productivity and their capacity to provide adequately for their  
households.  
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Weather-related challenges were reported by the highest proportion of participants, with 42.5% (34 fishermen)  
voicing substantial worries about shifting weather patterns. Unpredictable precipitation and temperature  
variations considerably decrease fish stocks and harvest yields, generating instability in their earnings and  
nutritional security. Inadequate equipment troubled 16.2% of participants (13 fishermen), who described  
working with obsolete or substandard fishing implements. Many depend on simple hook-and-line techniques,  
while others contend with defective equipment, such as damaged boats, constraining their fishing productivity.  
The research determined that nearly every fisherman encountered at least one of these difficulties, suggesting  
pervasive hardships throughout the fishing population.  
These linked challenges generate a recurring pattern where economic constraints hinder equipment  
improvements, poor tools diminish harvest efficiency, and weather effects further reduce already meagre yields,  
consequently endangering the long-term viability of fishing as a livelihood in the area. According to an interview  
with one fisherman at Tono dam, this is what he said: I don’t get enough money from fishing nowadays. I am a  
family man with five children; fish catch has reduced of late if you compare this time to the previous years. I  
don’t get enough money from fishing anymore to take care of my family. I don’t know why. Fish catch has  
reduced. All our equipment and tools for fishing are outmoded. We are pleading with the government and various  
NGOs to come to our aid.  
Perceptions on Fishing Activities by Food Vendors  
The research reveals significant supply chain vulnerabilities affecting fish vendors in the region. Nearly half of  
the women vendors surveyed (45.7%, n=32) reported inadequate fish supplies from fishermen, particularly  
during periods of changing weather conditions. While just over one-third (35.7%) indicated they could obtain  
sufficient stock, a concerning portion (18.6%, n=13) experienced severe shortages, reporting a complete inability  
to purchase fish over the preceding two-month period. This supply instability appears closely tied to the Tono  
Dam, which serves as the primary fish source for the local fishing economy, affecting fishermen, fishmongers,  
and associated vendors alike. The heavy reliance on a single water body makes the fishing industry highly  
vulnerable to environmental fluctuations. Weather changes can affect water levels, fish breeding patterns, and  
fishing conditions, creating cascading effects throughout the supply chain. The two-month shortage reported by  
some vendors suggests potential seasonal variations or environmental stresses that could threaten livelihoods  
and food security in the region.  
Vendor purchasing patterns reflect diverse customer preferences across the region. Half of the surveyed vendors  
(50%, n=35) primarily stock tilapia, making it the dominant fish type in local markets. Salmon accounts for one-  
fifth of vendor inventories (20%, n=14), while red fish and other varieties each represent 10% and 20%,  
respectively. This distribution varies by vendor type: kenkey sellers in Bongo and Kasena Nankana  
municipalities show a strong preference for tilapia, while fish mongers tend to favour salmon for their operations.  
Consumer preferences largely mirror these supply patterns, with tilapia emerging as the clear favorite among  
48.6% of customers a preference particularly pronounced in Navrongo, where tilapia has established itself as the  
trusted, go to fish variety. Salmon attracts approximately one-quarter of customers (25.7%), followed by red fish  
(14.3%) and other fish varieties (11.4%). The strong preference for tilapia in the Upper East Region, especially  
in Navrongo, likely reflects factors such as affordability, cultural familiarity, availability, and taste preferences  
developed over time. The characterization of Navrongo as a "haven for tilapia" suggests both a reliable supply  
and established consumer trust in this fish type. The diversity in fish preferences indicates market segmentation  
opportunities, though vendors must balance inventory diversity against the risk of spoilage and the challenges  
of inconsistent supply from their primary source.  
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Table 2: Vendors' perception on type of fish and how often they buy  
Activity  
Frequency  
Percentage  
Do you often get fish to buy  
Often  
25  
32  
13  
70  
35.7  
45.7  
18.6  
100  
Not often  
Not at all  
Total  
The kind of fish vendors buy  
Tilapia  
Salmon  
Red fish  
Others  
Total  
35  
14  
7
50.0  
20.0  
10.0  
20.0  
100  
14  
70  
Food Vendors' Views on Seasonal Fish Availability  
When food vendors were questioned about optimal fish purchasing periods, their responses reflected distinct  
seasonal patterns. Just under half the vendors (47.1%, n=33) reported April-June as the prime availability  
window, linking this to rainfall increases that elevate dam water levels and improve fishing conditions. Over  
one-third (38.6%, n=27) favoured July-September, citing comparable rainfall advantages. Smaller groups  
selected January-March (8.6%, n=6) and October-December (5.7%, n=4), with the latter connecting higher  
temperatures to enhanced fishing productivity. On pricing dynamics, vendors demonstrated significant  
apprehension about cost escalation. An overwhelming majority (81.4%, n=57) confirmed upward price  
trajectories and voiced considerable worry about this pattern. A minority (18.6%, n=13) observed opposite  
trends, noting that prices decline when heavy rainfall boosts fish supply.  
However, these vendors emphasized that reliable rainfall has become increasingly sporadic, undermining this  
traditional price stabilization mechanism.  
The concentration of responses around April-September (85.7% combined) suggests a shared understanding  
among vendors that mid-year months offer superior fish availability, predominantly tied to rainfall patterns and  
their hydrological effects on fishing grounds. Vendors demonstrate acute awareness of the rainfall-fishing  
productivity relationship, recognizing both direct effects (water levels) and indirect consequences (fishing  
success rates).  
The minority mentioning temperature effects indicates some regional or species-specific variation in  
environmental influences. The pronounced concern among 81.4% of vendors about rising prices suggests this  
isn't merely an observation but a significant business stressor, potentially affecting their profit margins,  
purchasing power, and customer relationships. The acknowledgment that rainfall has become "inconsistent"  
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points to vendors experiencing broader climate disruption, which undermines the traditional seasonal  
predictability they've historically relied upon for business planning.  
The combination of rising prices and inconsistent supply creates double pressure on vendors, as they face higher  
procurement costs while losing the reliability of seasonal price fluctuations that previously allowed for strategic  
purchasing.  
This squeeze likely reduces profit margins and increases business risk. The vendors' observations about  
inconsistent rainfall align with documented climate change effects in many regions. Their lived experience  
provides ground level evidence of how environmental shifts translate into economic consequences for informal  
sector workers. That 81.4% report rising prices despite seasonal availability suggests vendors have limited  
bargaining power; they're price-takers rather than price-setters. This vulnerability is compounded when  
environmental unpredictability disrupts their ability to anticipate and plan for supply fluctuations. As women  
vendors in what appears to be an informal economy context, these respondents represent a particularly vulnerable  
economic group. Their detailed environmental knowledge demonstrates expertise, yet their concern about  
pricing suggests this knowledge alone cannot buffer them against larger market and environmental forces. While  
vendors clearly understand the environmental drivers of fish availability, their expressed worry indicates limited  
capacity to adapt to changing conditions. They recognize problems, but may lack resources or alternatives to  
mitigate impacts on their livelihoods. The findings suggest that supporting these vendors requires addressing  
both immediate economic pressures (price volatility, access to credit) and longer-term environmental challenges  
(climate adaptation, sustainable fisheries management).  
Analysis and Interpretation of Temperature and Fish Catch Relationship  
The Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.655 demonstrates a moderately strong inverse relationship between  
maximum temperature and fish catch. This negative correlation suggests that as maximum temperatures rise,  
fish catch quantities tend to decline. The strength of this relationship (|r| > 0.50) indicates that temperature is a  
meaningful predictor of fish catch variability, though other factors likely also contribute to catch outcomes.  
However, there appears to be an error in reporting the significance level as 1.000. Significance values (p-values)  
range from 0 to 1, where values below 0.05 typically indicate statistical significance. A p-value of 1.000 would  
actually suggest no statistical significance, contradicting the claim of a strong relationship. This may be a  
reporting error that should be verified with the original statistical output. The linear regression model (Y = α +  
βX) quantifies how maximum annual temperature (X) predicts annual fish catch (Y). The negative regression  
coefficient (β) confirms the inverse relationship: higher temperatures correspond to lower catch volumes.  
This mathematical relationship provides a predictive tool for estimating how temperature changes might impact  
future fish catches. The observed negative relationship aligns with established ecological principles. Elevated  
water temperatures trigger multiple physiological stressors in fish populations. Accelerated metabolism increases  
energy demands, requiring more food intake while simultaneously depleting oxygen levels in warmer water.  
This creates a metabolic squeeze where fish expend more energy but have reduced capacity to meet those needs.  
These stresses can lead to increased mortality, reduced reproductive success, and behavioural changes such as  
migration to cooler waters all of which minimize local fish availability for capture. For fishing communities,  
rising temperatures present a significant challenge. Weakened fish populations become harder to locate and  
catch, potentially reducing both catch efficiency and economic viability for fishermen. This finding highlights  
the vulnerability of fishing-dependent livelihoods to climate change, underscoring the need for adaptive  
management strategies.  
Table 3 Correlation for the relationship between maximum temperature and fish catch.  
Fish  
Maximum Temperature  
-0.655  
Fish  
1.000  
Pearson  
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Correlation  
Temp -0.655  
1.000  
0 .000  
.
Fish  
Sig.  
tailed)  
(1- Temp 0 .000  
Fish  
76  
76  
76  
76  
N
Temp  
CONCLUSION  
The study found that fishermen encounter multiple interrelated challenges, with weather patterns (42.5%) and  
economic difficulties (41.3%) emerging as the primary concerns among survey participants. These challenges  
create a cycle where unpredictable climate patterns diminish fish yields, subsequently reducing fishermen's  
earnings and their capacity to upgrade their tools and equipment. Because these issues are interconnected,  
solutions need to tackle several problems at once. Combining climate resilience measures, economic assistance  
programs, and equipment upgrade initiatives would prove more beneficial than focusing on individual challenges  
separately. Fishermen hold varying views on the ideal water temperature, without reaching a clear consensus.  
Moderate temperatures (40%) received slightly more favour compared to cooler (31.3%) or warmer (28.7%)  
conditions. This pattern implies that temperate water conditions might offer the most reliable fishing prospects,  
although substantial numbers of fishermen also achieve success in both colder and warmer environments.  
The April-June timeframe (45%) emerged as the most preferred fishing period, with July-September (33.7%)  
ranking second. Combined, these periods, spanning April through September, represent nearly 79% of the  
fishermen's favoured fishing months. This demonstrates that the warmer portion of the year, corresponding to  
spring and summer seasons, offers the most advantageous fishing conditions. The analysis showed that peak  
temperatures have a substantial impact on catch volumes, with elevated temperatures resulting in smaller catches.  
This relationship demonstrates both statistical strength and practical importance for managing fisheries. The  
inverse relationship corresponds with established biological concepts: rising temperatures speed up fish  
metabolism, heightening their nutritional and oxygen requirements while simultaneously creating stress  
conditions that increase death rates and make fish harder to catch. The study proposed several recommendations:  
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture should partner with district and municipal authorities to conduct  
educational workshops for fishermen about climate fluctuations, as many lack sufficient understanding of  
climate-related changes. Additionally, tree-planting initiatives should be promoted near water sources and  
reservoirs in Kasena Nankana Municipal. Increasing tree coverage would create shade and minimize direct  
sunlight exposure on water bodies, thereby lowering water temperatures and potentially enhancing fish  
populations. Lastly, government agencies and non-governmental organizations should provide fishermen in the  
area with modern fishing gear and equipment, as their current tools are deteriorated and outdated, negatively  
impacting their fishing outcomes.  
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT  
I sincerely thank all the fish farmers and other stakeholders who participated in the study and the field assistants  
who supported data collection.  
The author also appreciates the local agricultural officers in the Kasena Nankana Municipal for their guidance  
and cooperation during the research process.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XII, December 2025  
Conflict of Interest Statement  
The author declares that there is no conflict of interest related to this research.  
Funding Statement  
This study was not supported by any external funding. It was undertaken as part of the authors’ academic work.  
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